Today’s post makes me a bit melancholy for the wonderful city of Berlin. Sooner rather than later we need to go back for a visit — but only when it’s summer!


Germany’s capital offers a wealth of activities and sightseeing options, making it the ideal choice for a family vacation. Berlin city breaks fill your trip with immense parks, plenty of museums and city tours that the entire family will enjoy.

 

Explore an island

Berlin Peacock Island

This city has its fair share of beautiful parks and Peacock Island in south-west Berlin is one of the best. Located in the River Havel this island is a nature reserve, home to friendly, free roaming peacocks and the majestic Pfaueninsel Castle, which dates back to 1794. The island’s many forest walkways and picnic areas make for a great day out. Admission is free and the island can be reached by a bus from Wannsee Station and then a ferry ride costing a few Euros to the island.

 

The Potsdamer Platz

berlin-potsdamer-platz

Around 100,000 people visit the Potsdamer Platz public square every day and it’s here you will find a wealth of restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment options. This is the perfect place to spend some time if the weather is a bit rainy and you want to watch a film at one of the 19 cinemas, or check out some of the amazing art exhibitions. Potsdamer Platz is also home to a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre where kids can spend hours enjoying adventure rides and even built their own creations at a model workshop.

 

Take to the water

berlin-river-cruise

Cruises are always fun and a great way to view the city architecture. Take a 1.5 hour cruise down the River Spree to view the historic city centre and the parliament district. During this cruise you will also cross over between West and East Berlin and sail under many of the city’s landmark bridges. A free English speaking tour guide will be on hand to answer any questions during and refreshments/snacks are available on-board. Catch the boat just next to the beautiful royal residence, the Charlottenburg Palace.

 

Summer afternoon in the park

berlin-biking

The Tiergarten is Berlin’s most popular natural attraction and this 600 acre park is a joy on a hot and sunny summer day. This is the city’s largest park and includes lakes for boating and open air cafes. Nude sunbathing is allowed on many of the grassy areas so look out for notifications while exploring the park. Take the time to climb to the top of the 226ft Victory Column to enjoy excellent views over the park area.

 

A city of museums

berlin-museum-island

Berlin is of course a historic city and as such you will find some amazing museums with themes such as art, history, film and technology. There are around 200 museums to explore including the Jewish Museum in Kreuzberg, which tells the history of the European Jews through films and artefacts. The Pergamonmuseum is regarded as one of the world’s most important archaeological museums and holds many collections including 14 rooms of Islamic art. Kids will love the German Museum of Technology that also holds the Spectrum interactive science museum.

If you have some additional time make sure to check out unusual points of interest including a tour of the spooky abandoned theme park just north of Planterwald. This city has more than enough sightseeing and attractions to keep the kids and adults occupied during a weekend or on a longer visit.

 

Images by Michael Fielitz, das_sabrinchen, Tim, (vincent desjardins) and János Balázs used under creative commons license.