Visiting Berlin | Things to do with the family in 3, 4, 5 days

Berlin is an ideal city for a family trip to Europe. A lovely destination to visit with kids or teenagers. Discover itineraries to visit Berlin in 3, 4, or 5 days, our top 25 best things to do in Berlin as a family, and tasty places to eat. 

Itineraries to Visit Berlin in 3, 4, or 5 Days

In these travel itineraries, there are several places where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city. Choose the ones you like the most. Switch the activities from one day to another to tailor the itinerary to your desires.

Visit Berlin in 3 Days with Family

To learn more about each place or to have other ideas for visits, find out more below in this article with our top 25 best things to do in Berlin with your family.

Half a Day in Berlin

• Visit the Reichstag Building (optional: climb up to the dome)
• See the Brandenburg Gate
• Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (for those over 14)
• Take a break in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park (with kids and toddlers)
• Discover Gendarmenmarkt and Bebelplatz squares

All these places are right in the historical center of Berlin, about a 10-15 minute walk from each other. If you are coming to Berlin with children, taking the tourist buses for a more comprehensive view of the city and walking less (hop-on hop-off bus with commentary for 48 or 72 hours) might be interesting.

One Day in Berlin

• Visit the famous graffiti of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery
• Eat at Markthalle Neun
• Discover Alexanderplatz
• Visit the Fernsehturm (optional: tickets to go up this huge tower for an incredible view of Berlin)
• Visit the DDR Museum of Berlin

Half a Day in Berlin

• Go to Museum Island (optional: visit the superb archaeological museum of Berlin, Pergamon Museum with skip-the-line tickets)
• Visit Berlin Cathedral, the largest church in Berlin (optional: climb up to the dome)

Where to Stay when Visiting Berlin for 3 Days

If you are visiting Berlin for three days and two nights, staying in the Mitte district is ideal. For example, the hotel Château Royal and the aparthotel numa I Nook Rooms & Apartments are ideally well-located for a three-day family trip to Berlin. 

Visit Berlin in 4 Days with Family

Here is what you and your family can do in Berlin on a four-day trip. You can replay the itineraries from the previous days or invert them. For more comfort, take the Berlin WelcomeCard (unlimited public transport depending on the number of days chosen).

Half a Day in Berlin

• Visit the Video Game Museum in Berlin (see tickets and photos)
• Walk in the beautiful park of Friedrichshain (15 min walk from the video game museum) OR visit the flea market held every Sunday at Boxhagener Platz (20 min walk from the video game museum)

One Day in Berlin with Family

• Have fun and learn together at the interactive museum Futurium
• Visit Hackesche Höfe (a complex of picturesque interconnected courtyards)
• Discover Berlin’s street art (optional for teenagers: guided tour on Berlin street art)
• Take a boat trip on the Spree (tickets for the Spree cruise)

Where to Stay for a 4-Day Visit to Berlin

For a 4-day family trip to Berlin, you can choose accommodations in districts other than Mitte. For instance, Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof offers soundproofed and comfortable family rooms.

Visit Berlin in 5 days with family

Here are a few additional ideas for places to visit. Scroll through our top picks to make your selection and learn more about each place.

A day in Berlin with family

• With children: visit the Berlin Zoo or the Berlin Aquarium (see prices)
• With teenagers: visit an unusual place in Berlin Tempelhof Feld

A half day in Berlin

• See Checkpoint Charlie
• Have fun at the Illuseum of Berlin (see reviews and prices) or at Legoland Berlin OR learn at the Berlin Natural History Museum

Where to stay for a 5-day visit to Berlin

If you visit Berlin in 5 days, thus spending 4 nights in Berlin, you can stay in the Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, or Charlottenburg districts. For example, the Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre Ku’damm is well-located for a 5-day family trip to Berlin. 

What to do in Berlin with family?

Here’s our top list of the best things to do with children or teenagers in Berlin. Besides the main must-visit places, there are also more unusual and unique things that children or teenagers will love. Choose and note what interests you the most.

1. See the Brandenburg Gate

Built in 1781, the Brandenburg Gate is simply the symbol of Berlin! This monument has been through several eras of Berlin’s history. For example, it was under the Brandenburg Gate that Napoleon and his Grand Army paraded in 1806 after defeating Prussia. Then, more than 150 years later, this gate was an integral part of the Berlin Wall, which divided the city into two parts for 30 years: East Berlin and West Berlin. It is an essential historical monument to see when visiting Berlin with family.

2. Visit the Reichstag Palace

Another emblematic place in Berlin, the Reichstag Palace now houses the Bundestag, the federal parliament of Germany.

This monument has made history on numerous occasions. For example, the Reichstag fire, and especially its exploitation, enabled Hitler to come to power in 1933. It was also at this palace that the Red Army raised the USSR flag during the capture of Berlin on April 30, 1945, just days before the official end of World War II.

It is possible to go up to the roof and dome of the Reichstag Palace (there is lots of climbing at the end). The view is magnificent! It’s an interesting visit to do in Berlin with teenagers. For more info, visit the Reichstag Palace.

3. Go to Museum Island

If you are in Berlin with family, visit Museum Island! You will discover magnificent architecture. The Museum Island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Five major prestigious Berlin museums are located on this island. If you appreciate art and history, do not hesitate to add a visit to one of these museums to your travel itinerary. The prices are accessible (click on the museum’s name for more details), and the visit is delightful.

• Pergamon Museum: treasures of the ancient world!
• Old National Gallery of Berlin (Alte Nationalgalerie): 19th-century painting collections (classicism, romanticism, impressionism, modern art).
• New Museum of Berlin (Neues Museum): focused on ancient Egypt.
• Old Museum of Berlin (Altes Museum): the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities collections.
• Bode Museum: a beautiful museum dedicated to Byzantine art!

4. Discover the impressive Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral, or Berliner Dom in German, is on Museum Island. It is the largest church in Berlin. You can visit the interior of this church and its royal crypt and even climb up its impressive dome. You can buy tickets directly on-site if you want to visit it. It is a must-do in Berlin, whether you’re visiting for 3, 4, or 5 days.

5. Visit the Mitte district of Berlin

The Mitte district of Berlin is the central district of Berlin, corresponding to its historical center. Moreover, it’s an excellent area to stay in when visiting Berlin with family. Here, you will be close to many of Berlin’s must-see places. As you walk through the center of Berlin, don’t miss these two historical squares: 

• Bebelplatz (a 16-minute walk from Brandenburg Gate, and 7 minutes from Berliner Dom)
• Gendarmenmarkt (a 16-minute walk from Brandenburg Gate, and also from Berliner Dom)

6. See the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

This Holocaust Memorial is a labyrinth consisting of 2,711 different-sized concrete blocks. Walking between the blocks leaves one feeling oppressed and smothered. It is a place of silence and reflection, serving as a reminder of the horrors of the Nazi regime. Below ground is the memorial museum. Entrance to the museum is free, but audio guides are for a fee. The museum visit is not recommended for children and young teenagers. The memorial is only a 4-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate.

7. Walk in Berlin’s Tiergarten park

Tiergarten Park is located opposite the Brandenburg Gate. When visiting Berlin with the family in the summer, this place is perfect for a break in the shade and to relax. It’s also a great place to visit in autumn for its beautiful colors. 

8. See the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 and was 45 km long. It divided Berlin into East Berlin and West Berlin. It is one of the symbols of the Cold War. Even though the wall no longer stands since 1989, one can still find several places in Berlin with the remains of this wall, which marked the city’s history. For example, you can visit East Side Gallery or Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer.

The East Side Gallery is one of the most well-known parts. It is a graffiti project with over 100 artists, including the famous kiss of friendship between Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev. On the other hand, visiting the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer is more emotional and historic.

9. Eat at Markthalle Neun

Markthalle Neun is a covered Berlin market hall with food stalls and street food stands. The atmosphere is excellent. Kids and teenagers will love it (and so will the adults). It’s a nice place to visit with your family in Berlin! The market is a 20-minute walk from the East Side Gallery. 

10. Visit the Computer Games Museum in Berlin with kids or teenagers

This is an absolute must-do if you’re visiting Berlin with your family! The Computer Games Museum in Berlin (Computerspielemuseum) is a fun place for the whole family. Revisit the games of your childhood with your children. A true journey through the world of video game history awaits you! If you are interested in this visit, learn more here: reviews, photos, and tickets for the Computer Games Museum in Berlin.

11. Climb up the Fernsehturm Tower

The Fernsehturm Tower is an iconic landmark in Berlin. This impressive tower stands 368 meters tall and is one of the most visited places in Berlin. Its observation deck offers a fantastic 360-degree view of the city. Book tickets in advance to avoid waiting at the ticket counters: see the prices to climb the Berlin Tower. Come here for a great family time! 

12. Visit the DDR Museum in Berlin with your family

The DDR Museum is just a stone’s throw away from Berlin Cathedral and the Fernsehturm Tower, so it’s easily reachable on foot when exploring Berlin’s historical center. This interactive museum is fascinating for learning about the lives of the inhabitants of East Germany. For example, you can see typical apartments of the era, everyday objects, and even the salary scale. This is a great visit to do in Berlin with your family!

13. Walk on Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is one of the most famous squares in Berlin. During the Cold War, this square was one of the showcases of East Germany. The socialist architecture of the time can still be seen. This is a must-visit place if you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Berlin with your family. Furthermore, the neighborhood near Alexanderplatz is among the best places to stay in Berlin with your family. 

14. Discovering the unusual Berlin: street art and inner courtyards

The city of Berlin is known for its underground side. If you wish to visit Berlin with teenagers, you can take the opportunity to discover the famous inner courtyards or Berlin’s street art. Among the places not to be missed are Hackesche Höfe. It is a super trendy place filled with small streets, shops, inner courtyards, and street art (for example, Haus Schwarzenberg at Rosenthaler Straße, 39). 

15. Visit the Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain neighborhoods

It is interesting to discover other neighborhoods of Berlin in addition to the central Mitte district. For example: Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, or Schoeneberg. The Kreuzberg district is known for its Turkish market. 

16. Have fun at the interactive museum Futurium

You’re going to love visiting this museum! It features interactive exhibitions on current issues such as climate, food, and housing. It’s a nice place to visit in Berlin with the family during a four-day trip or more.

17. See Checkpoint Charlie

Although this place is often mentioned among the must-dos in Berlin, in reality, it’s not really one. Checkpoint Charlie was one of the border crossings between West Berlin and East Berlin. This place has gradually become far too touristy without necessarily adding something more than other Cold War-related sites.

Next to Checkpoint Charlie is the Wall Museum, a paid museum that, unfortunately, does not receive any more positive reviews than Checkpoint Charlie. So it’s a place to see, but not a must-do if you’re visiting Berlin for 3 or 4 days.

18. Take a boat tour on the Spree river

A boat cruise allows you to discover another face of Berlin. Sail the waters of the Spree on a boat to see Berlin from a whole new angle! It’s a fun activity in Berlin for families with children or teens. Find out more here: book tickets for the Spree cruise.

19. Visit the Berlin Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the finest museums in Berlin. In addition to the beautiful collections, the museum building is stunning. Children will love this visit (dinosaur skeletons, various minerals).

20. Visit an unusual place in Berlin: Tempelhof Feld

If you want to discover unusual Berlin, this is the place to go! Tempelhof Feld is a place off the beaten track. This former international Berlin-Tempelhof airport can be visited and has been transformed into a green space where you can spend an excellent time with your family. You can even visit the hangar, terminals, and planes on certain days. You can add this visit to your itinerary if you stay in Berlin for 5 days or more.

21. Visit the Berlin Zoo with family

The Berlin Zoo is the oldest and most visited zoo in Germany. It houses the largest number of animal species. The living spaces for the animals are quite spacious. The visit is delightful and worth it! You can get a ticket that also includes a visit to the aquarium.

22. Have fun at the Illuseum of Berlin

Another thing to do in Berlin with the family, with children or teenagers! This museum of optical illusions is a place where you will have fun together. The location is perfect: right in the center of Berlin. Plan an hour for a visit (find out more: photos, tickets, and reviews).

23. Visit Legoland in Berlin with the children

If you’re wondering how to spend a fun time with the family in Berlin, come to Legoland! It’s a perfect activity for those who love Lego. The wait can sometimes be long, so book tickets beforehand to save time. Legoland in Berlin is a 15-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate.

24. Walk in the parks of Berlin

Berlin is a city with many parks. Among the most interesting are Treptow, Mauerpark, or Friedrichshain. These are pleasant places to take a break and rest. 

25. Marvel at the beautiful plants in the Berlin Botanical Garden

The Berlin Botanical Garden holds over 22,000 plant varieties! It is a peaceful and pleasant place to visit with children in Berlin. However, as the botanical garden is located outside the historical center, this visit is to be done if you stay more than 5 days in Berlin.

Good places to eat in Berlin

If you visit Berlin with your family for 3, 4, or 5 days, bookmark these places to eat to make your trip even more enjoyable!

For kebabs (a must-eat in Berlin), you have Mustafa Demir’s Gemüse Kebap, Döner Inn, Sirin Döner, and Döner Kebab Restaurant TERAS Berlin.

Among the good German cuisine restaurants, there are: Schnitzelei Mitte and POTS.

Tips for visiting Berlin with your family

Here are some tips for a great family trip to Berlin.

• Do not underestimate the distances in Berlin (even in the historical center), and use public transportation whenever possible. 
• For a first 3 or 4-day trip to Berlin, prefer to stay in the Mitte district.
• Get the Berlin WelcomeCard (unlimited public transport depending on the number of days chosen)

This article offers our selection of the best accommodations for visiting Berlin with your family: Where to stay in Berlin.

And there you have it! A beautiful family trip to Berlin awaits you, for sure! Berlin is a vast city with a rich past that is not only limited to the 20th century. So do not hesitate to discover other facets of this essential city of Europe.