Welcome to Berlin, the thriving cultural heart of Germany, renowned for its rich artistic legacy, innovative design, and eclectic neighborhoods. From the historical grandeur of Mitte to the hip and edgy Kreuzberg, the city embraces diversity in every corner. Discover Berlin’s iconic landmarks like the Berlinische Galerie and Museum Island, wander through the cobblestoned alleys of Prenzlauer Berg or immerse yourself in the nightlife of Friedrichshain. Hidden gems like the vibrant East Side Gallery and the avant-garde Kunst-Werke Institute are waiting to be discovered. Alongside these cultural highlights, we have curated a selection of top-rated exceptional hotels that embody Berlin’s unique allure and provide the perfect blend of comfort and style. 

To access our exclusive Berlin Treasure Map, simply click the provided link and register as a member of our magazine. This comprehensive map features all the recommendations from our guide and offers additional tips for top-rated restaurants, cafes, shops, and more. Each location is marked on the map. As a member, you’ll have the ability to view and save the map in your profile, ensuring you have all the best spots at your fingertips for your future adventures.

Art Museums and Centers:

Museum Island, or Museumsinsel, is an extraordinary ensemble of five world-renowned museums located on an island in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte district. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, this cultural epicenter provides a unique journey through time, art, and architecture. The Altes Museum (Old Museum): It displays a collection of classical antiquities, with Greek and Roman art objects spread across two floors. The Neues Museum (New Museum): Home to the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, it includes the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti and artifacts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery): It houses a vast collection of Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist, and early Modernist artwork. To learn more about a specific artwork in The Alte Nationalgalerie, head over to the lecture by Jonathan Hirschfeld in the magazine. The Bode Museum: It boasts an extensive collection of sculptures from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, a numismatic collection, and Byzantine art. The Pergamon Museum: It’s famous for its monumental archaeological reconstructions like the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate with the Processional Way of Babylon.

The Berlinische Galerie is a cherished institution in Berlin, renowned for its captivating exhibits that span modern art, photography, and architecture. Located in the heart of Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, the museum showcases the creative spirit of the city from 1870 to the present day. The collection includes an impressive roster of Berlin-based artists, encapsulating a diverse range of artistic styles from Impressionism and Expressionism to the Dada and New Objectivity movements. Its home in a converted glass warehouse adds an industrial-chic backdrop that perfectly complements the innovative works on display. 

Housed in a historic railway station, the Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart is a leading destination for contemporary art in Berlin. Its collection, including the Friedrich Christian Flick Collection, spans from the mid-20th century to the present day, featuring influential artists like Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol. Known for its dynamic rotating exhibitions and boundary-pushing interactive installations, the Hamburger Bahnhof is more than a museum—it’s an active participant in the evolution of contemporary art.

Housed within a repurposed World War II bunker, the Sammlung Boros (Boros Collection) is a distinctive fixture of Berlin’s contemporary art scene. It showcases a dynamic, privately-owned collection curated by art collectors Christian and Karen Boros. The selection includes works from internationally recognized artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Ai Weiwei, presented in a series of rotating exhibitions. The bunker’s stark, imposing architecture offers a compelling contrast to the cutting-edge art housed within, adding to the immersive experience.

The KW Institute for Contemporary Art is a pivotal platform in Berlin’s cultural landscape, pushing the boundaries of artistic and intellectual dialogue. Housed in a former margarine factory in the vibrant Mitte district, the institute is renowned for its forward-thinking exhibitions, performances, and public programs that explore contemporary societal issues. It’s a space where emerging and established artists alike can engage in experimental artistic practices. With its commitment to fostering creativity and discourse, the KW Institute is a magnet for art enthusiasts and an incubator for groundbreaking artistic thought.

Künstlerhaus Bethanien, located in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted artistic heritage. Born from a 19th-century hospital, it has since transformed into a premier hub for contemporary arts. With its rich architectural history serving as a backdrop, Künstlerhaus Bethanien is lauded for its diverse contemporary art exhibitions, acting as a meeting point for both emerging talents and established artists. Additionally, its esteemed artist residency program attracts artists from around the globe, further cementing its reputation as a nexus for artistic collaboration and innovation. For a deeper dive into its offerings and history, please refer to our in-depth article about Künstlerhaus Bethanien.

Housed in a repurposed brewery in Berlin’s Neukölln district, the KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art is a dynamic platform for the exploration and exhibition of contemporary art. This distinctive institution hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists, spanning a broad spectrum of artistic styles and themes. From thought-provoking installations to immersive multimedia experiences, KINDL offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary artistic discourse. Its unique industrial setting lends an additional layer of atmosphere to the artworks on display, making every visit a memorable experience in Berlin’s burgeoning art scene.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is a poignant cultural landmark, encapsulating two millennia of German-Jewish history. Housed in a strikingly modern building designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the museum conveys the triumphs and tragedies of Jewish life in Germany through a unique blend of architecture, art, and artifacts. Its exhibitions traverse diverse themes from cultural history to contemporary Jewish experiences, offering thoughtful reflections on Jewish identity and heritage. This institution stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit, playing a crucial role in fostering understanding and dialogue within and beyond the Jewish community.

Contemporary art galleries:

Berlin’s contemporary art scene is renowned worldwide, with a rich collection of galleries throughout the city. Contemporary Fine Arts (CFA), one of Berlin’s most influential galleries, was founded in 1992 by Bruno Brunnet and Nicole Hackert. The gallery is currently located at Grolmanstrasse 32/33 in West Berlin, between Savignyplatz and Kurfürstendamm, after having spent years at Kupfergraben near Museum Island. CFA represents a diverse range of contemporary international artists, including Cecily Brown, Raymond Pettibon, Dana Schutz, Georg Baselitz, and Sarah Lucas. The gallery is known for promoting cutting-edge art across various mediums and for launching significant careers in the art world. Galerie Eigen + Art, founded by Gerd Harry “Judy” Lybke in 1983 in Leipzig, is one of Germany’s iconic galleries. It started as an illegal gathering spot in a private loft, showcasing early exhibitions of artists who later became famous. Today, the gallery has branches in Berlin and Leipzig and features contemporary artists in media, film/video, photography, installations, painting, and sculpture, as well as conceptual and performance art​.

Carlier Gebauer is a gallery founded in 1991 and directed by Marie-Blanche Carlier and Ulrich Gebauer. The gallery is located at Markgrafenstrasse 67, in a former industrial building, allowing for the display of large-scale works. The gallery exhibits international artists in sculpture, installation, film, photography, painting, and drawing. It sees itself as an experimental and intellectual space that enables the creation of complex and innovative works. Galerie König was founded in 2002 by Johann König. The gallery is located in the former St. Agnes Church in Kreuzberg, an impressive Brutalist structure designed by architect Werner Düttmann between 1964-1967. In 2015, the gallery moved there after a comprehensive renovation by architect Arno Brandlhuber, winning the Berlin Architecture Prize in 2016 for this project. The gallery focuses on presenting works by young and established international artists, emphasizing interdisciplinary and conceptual approaches. The artists represented by the gallery work in various media, including sculpture, video, sound, painting, printmaking, photography, and performance​. Galerie Neu, founded in 1994 by Alexander Schroeder and Thilo Wermke in Berlin, is one of the city’s important contemporary art galleries. Located in the Mitte district, the gallery initially focused on Berlin’s young and dynamic art scene. Over the years, the gallery has expanded its activities and now represents over 30 international artists in various fields such as sculpture, video, photography, painting, and installation.

Sprüth Magers was founded in 1983 by Monika Sprüth in Cologne. In 2008, the gallery established its Berlin space in a former dance hall in the Mitte district. Sprüth Magers is known for its rigorous curatorial approach and deep commitment to the artists it represents. The gallery works with over 70 artists and estates. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery invests in research and the creation of innovative artist books and catalogues​. C/O Berlin is housed in the historic Amerika Haus in Charlottenburg. The building, designed by architect Bruno Grimmek, was constructed between 1956-1957 and initially served as a cultural and information center of the United States in Berlin, including a cinema, library, and exhibition spaces. Since 2014, Amerika Haus has been home to C/O Berlin, presenting an international exhibition program of photography and visual media. The DAAD Galerie, founded in 1978, is part of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program (Berliner Künstlerprogramm des DAAD). The program began in 1963, funded by the Ford Foundation, and has since become a central institution offering residencies to international artists in the visual arts, literature, music, film, and dance. The program’s goal is to provide artists with a creative and enriching environment that allows them to focus on their artistic activities. The gallery, currently located at Oranienstrasse 161 in Kreuzberg, moved there in 2017 after operating in various locations around the city. The current space allows for solo exhibitions, sound installations, group shows, performances, film screenings, and literary readings. The exhibitions at the gallery are done in collaboration with guest artists and creators, aiming to explore contemporary issues and offer new interpretations of artistic and social topics​.

Street and Public Art:

The East Side Gallery is the world’s largest open-air gallery, located along a 1.3-kilometer section of the Berlin Wall in the Friedrichshain district. The gallery features over 100 murals created by artists from 21 countries. It was inaugurated on September 28, 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, transforming the once grim border into a colorful canvas of artistic expression. Popular works include Dmitri Vrubel’s “Fraternal Kiss” and Birgit Kinder’s “Trabant breaking through the Wall.”

Teufelsberg is an artificial hill in the Grunewald forest in Berlin, constructed from the debris of World War II. The site includes the remains of a radar station used for listening and espionage during the Cold War by the NSA and GCHQ. Today, it has become a hub for street art and alternative tourism. Teufelsberg has transformed into an open-air museum for street art, featuring over 400 works that are added monthly by international artists. The site attracts many visitors who come to admire the artworks and enjoy the panoramic views of Berlin.

The Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art was established in 2017 and is located at Bülowstrasse 7 in the Schöneberg district. The museum was designed by the GRAFT architecture firm, with the goal of making the history of the global urban art movement accessible to the public. Under the motto “Connect. Create. Care.” the museum sees itself not only as an exhibition space but also as a neighborhood project that encourages the exchange of ideas between artists and Berlin residents. The museum presents rotating exhibitions from its unique collection and hosts the Martha Cooper Library, dedicated to the renowned photographer who documented urban art worldwide. The Martha Cooper Library was opened to the public in November 2021 and is available to visitors by appointment. In addition to exhibitions, the museum organizes interactive workshops and guided tours. The museum’s galleries are constantly changing, reflecting the nature of urban art, and the building itself becomes a continually evolving piece of art.

Urban Spree is a multidisciplinary cultural venue located in the Friedrichshain district of Berlin, spanning an area of 1,700 square meters. The complex is dedicated to urban culture and includes an art gallery, a performance space, a street art shop, and a large beer garden. The Urban Spree Gallery, housed in a sprawling industrial complex, features rotating exhibitions each month. The Urban Spree Bookshop and Art Store offers a selection of street art books, graffiti, and photography. The shop also includes numerous prints made by local and international street artists, as well as zines and self-published books. The performance space in the complex focuses on diverse programs, including live performances by musicians across various genres, from psychedelia and rock to electronic music. The beer garden is a popular meeting spot in the summer, offering a selection of local and international beers and street food. The venue also hosts unique events such as the “Urban Spree Summer Sessions,” featuring top street musicians from Berlin on weekends. The Wall is a prominent artist wall measuring 15 meters in length and 8 meters in height, facing Warschauer Street, one of Berlin’s busiest roads. Artists such as Above, Klone, Zevs, and 1UP Crew have painted on the wall in the past. Urban Spree hosts numerous festivals and events like the Pictoplasma Festival, Krake Festival, ComicInvasionBerlin, and Amaze Festival, promoting urban culture and providing a platform for creativity and art of all kinds.

Design and Architecture:

The Bauhaus Archive Museum of Design is an important institution dedicated to researching and presenting the history and impact of the Bauhaus School, considered one of the most influential schools of architecture, design, and art in the 20th century. The museum is housed in a unique building designed by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and constructed between 1976-1979, with modifications by architects Alexander Cvijanović and Hans Bandel based on Gropius’ original plans. The museum holds the world’s largest collection documenting the history and influence of the Bauhaus movement. This collection includes artworks, documents, and literature related to the school, as well as furniture, architecture, sculpture, ceramics, and graphic design. Additionally, the museum features a library with over 26,000 books, journals, catalogues, and documents. The museum offers rotating exhibitions and educational programs that provide insights into the innovative philosophies of the Bauhaus and its significant role in shaping modern and contemporary art and design. Currently, the museum is undergoing renovation and technical upgrades, and during this period, the collection is displayed at a temporary location at Knesebeckstrasse 1-2 in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. The renovation also includes an extension with a modern design by architect Volker Staab, who won the competition to design the new museum.

The Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum) was founded in 1868. It is the oldest museum of its kind in Germany and houses an extensive collection that spans the history of decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum is located at the Kulturforum in Berlin and showcases a wide variety of objects, including religious artifacts, furniture, clothing, jewelry, glassware, silverware, ceramics, and Renaissance majolica. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum offers rotating exhibitions that highlight the history of European design and emphasize the importance of decorative arts in shaping European culture and art. The museum is also known for its fashion collection, which includes garments from the 18th century to the present, featuring creations by famous designers such as Jeanne Paquin, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Jean Dessès. The museum provides numerous educational activities, including workshops, guided tours, and educational programs for adults, children, and families, as well as for schools and kindergartens. Currently, the museum is undergoing a renovation and technical upgrade, which includes an expansion with a modern design by architect Volker Staab.

The Werkbund Archive – Museum of Things (Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge) is a museum dedicated to industrial design of the 20th and 21st centuries. The core of the museum is the archive of the Deutscher Werkbund, a German association of artists, architects, industrialists, and designers founded in 1907. The museum was established in 1973 and reopened at its current location in 2007. It’s aim is to create new insights into the history and influence of the Deutscher Werkbund. The museum’s collection includes over 40,000 documents and objects, most of which date back to the 20th century. The collection showcases the impact of industrial design on modern society, blending everyday items with high-quality design pieces. The museum features the works of Deutscher Werkbund artists alongside contemporary design objects. The museum offers rotating exhibitions and educational programs such as workshops and guided tours.

The Buchstaben Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and study of typography. Founded in May 2005 by Barbara Dechant and Anja Schulze, the museum is a non-profit organization aimed at restoring and showcasing signs and fonts from public spaces in Berlin and around the world. The museum features an extensive collection of over 1,000 examples of fonts, logos, and signs. From illuminated advertising signs to humble shop nameplates, each exhibit tells a fascinating story of font design evolution, craftsmanship, and changes in the urban landscape. By focusing on these often-overlooked aspects, the Buchstaben Museum offers visitors an intriguing perspective on the role of typography in shaping our environment and culture. Notable items include the “Titania” sign from the Steglitzer cinema and the oldest neon sign in Berlin from the 1920s. The museum offers guided tours, educational workshops, and special events, encouraging visitors to learn about the history, techniques, and stories behind each sign and letter.

Quartier Schützenstraße, located in Mitte district, is a unique modern architectural district known for its blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The project was designed by Italian architect Aldo Rossi, with construction completing in 1998. This project significantly contributed to the redevelopment of Berlin following German reunification, aiming to revitalize an area that had been desolate due to the Berlin Wall and World War II. Rossi’s design respects Berlin’s historic urban structure by mirroring the site’s division into smaller plots, each with facades in different colors. The complex includes four inner courtyards, one of which is octagonal, providing diverse and interesting communal spaces for residents and visitors. Rossi’s use of color and form brings creativity and vibrancy to an area that was previously dreary.

Design Concept Stores:

Berlin is known for its vibrant creative scene and is home to a number of design concept stores and venues that offer an eclectic mix of products, experiences, and events. Here are a few notable ones: The Store – A concept store located within the Soho House Berlin that combines retail, food, art, and performance in a unique setting. Bikini Berlin – This is not just a shopping mall, but a concept mall with a selection of innovative and often changing pop-up stores, boutiques, and eateries. Andreas Murkudis – A concept store offering a curated selection of fashion, furniture, and homewares from a wide range of designers. The store is known for its minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on design. Voo Store – Located in Kreuzberg, this store offers a blend of fashion, art and design items, and is also home to Companion Coffee. Bauhaus Archive Museum Shop – While the Bauhaus Archive Museum itself is a mecca for design enthusiasts, its museum shop is also noteworthy. It offers Bauhaus-inspired items, from homewares to books to accessories. Studio183 is a dynamic concept store and gallery that showcases emerging designers and artists, offering a curated selection of fashion, accessories, art, and design items while also hosting exhibitions and events to foster artistic and cultural exchange.

Vintage Delight:

Berlin is known for its vibrant vintage shopping scene and flea markets, offering a wide array of unique designs and fashion finds. Made in Berlin: Situated in Mitte, Made in Berlin is a popular destination for vintage and second-hand clothing, including designer labels and unique finds. Sing Blackbird: Nestled in Friedrichshain, Sing Blackbird is known for its curated collection of vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, showcasing a mix of retro and contemporary styles. Picknweight Vintage: Located in Neukölln, Picknweight is a vintage store with a twist—shoppers can find and weigh their items, paying per kilogram. Vintage Galore: Located in Prenzlauer Berg, Vintage Galore offers a carefully curated collection of mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Humana Kaufhaus is a well-known second-hand department store in Berlin that offers an extensive range of vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories, and household items. With multiple locations across the city, Humana Kaufhaus is a popular destination for thrifty shoppers looking for unique and affordable fashion finds. Nowkoelln Flea Market is a vibrant marketplace that opens every Sunday, offering an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, unique finds, handmade crafts, and delicious food from a diverse range of vendors. Mauerpark is a lively and popular flea market that takes place every Sunday. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, visitors can explore a vast array of stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and a variety of unique items.

Beyond:

Situated in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, Kunstraum Kreuzberg serves as a dynamic platform for contemporary art and culture. This public art space champions the exploration of socially relevant and critical themes, actively fostering dialogue and interaction within the art community. Hosting a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, Kunstraum Kreuzberg engages with artists and cultural practitioners who operate at the intersection of art, politics, and society. Its innovative programming and commitment to cultural discourse make it a key contributor to Berlin’s thriving art scene.

Architect Peter Eisenman’s Holocaust Memorial, officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is an evocative and powerful landmark in Berlin. Spanning nearly 20,000 square meters, this monumental installation comprises 2,711 concrete stelae, varying in height and arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. Designed to create a sense of unease and disorientation, Eisenman’s design symbolizes the inexplicable and systematic nature of the Holocaust. Visitors can walk through the unevenly set stelae, experiencing a wave of emotions from sorrow to reflection, as the monument offers no central focal point, encouraging personal interpretation. Beneath the field of stelae, there is an underground Place of Information, which holds the names of approximately 3 million Jewish Holocaust victims, providing historical context and personal stories. 

The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre is a historically significant site in Berlin that commemorates the division of the city during the Cold War era. Located along Bernauer Strasse, the memorial stands as a reminder of the tragic impact of the Berlin Wall on the lives of people on both sides. The memorial consists of several elements, including a preserved section of the original wall, a documentation center, and an outdoor exhibition. Visitors can explore the memorial grounds, gaining insight into the Wall’s history through informative displays, personal stories, and audiovisual presentations. The memorial’s centerpiece is a striking viewing platform that allows visitors to see the preserved border strip, complete with watchtowers and a reconstructed section of the wall. 

The Victory Column (Siegessäule) is an iconic monument located in the heart of the city. This impressive structure stands in the middle of the vast Tiergarten park and serves as a symbol of victory and unity. Designed by Heinrich Strack and completed in 1873, the column commemorates Prussia’s military victories in the wars of unification against Denmark, Austria, and France. The monument features a golden statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, perched atop a Corinthian column. Initially, the column stood at Königsplatz (now Platz der Republik) and was moved to its current location at Hitler’s behest in 1939, with a fourth section added, raising its height to 67 meters. The base is covered in polished red granite, and the column itself is made of sandstone, adorned with golden cannons taken from Prussia’s enemies. The statue atop the column, designed by Friedrich Drake, depicts Victoria holding a laurel wreath in one hand and a standard with the Iron Cross in the other, with an eagle, a symbol of Prussia, on her helmet. The column survived World War II almost unscathed and was renovated in the 1980s. Today, the Victory Column is a significant heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase of 285 steps to reach the observation deck, offering stunning panoramic views of Berlin.

The Oberbaumbrücke is a double-deck bridge that crosses Berlin’s River Spree and is considered one of the city’s landmarks. It links Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, two districts that were divided by the Berlin Wall, and has become a symbol of Berlin’s unity. The bridge, designed in a captivating neo-Gothic style, features two regal, red brick towers that recall the look of a traditional city gate, making it not only a functional structure but also a grand, artistic statement. Its intricate, arched windows and spires, drawing from medieval European influences, give the bridge an almost castle-like appearance. On its lower deck, it accommodates road and pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries the metro line U1.