The Best of Berlin: a guide to visiting this iconic city

Driving to Berlin & beyond

Driving to Berlin from the LeShuttle Calais terminal takes around ten and half hours. The most direct route takes you via the A16 towards Dunkirk. In Belgium, join the E40 and then the E17 toward Antwerp. Cross the Stecht River and pass under Antwerp before taking the E313 and E34 toward Eindhoven. In the Netherlands, stay on the A67 until you cross into Germany. Once in Germany, follow the A2, before merging onto the A10, A9, A115 and lastly, the A100. Finally, follow the signs to the city centre.

The A9, a major highway in Germany

Drive to Berlin from London

Depending on where in London you are starting from, driving from London to Berlin takes just over 13 hours. The first leg of your journey takes you onto the A2 coastbound, where you’ll continue onto the M2 and M20 before reaching our Folkestone terminal just 2 hours later. The journey from Folkestone to Calais is a short 35 minutes. Use this time to tuck into snacks and refreshments from our terminal and cuddle your four-legged friends.

Before setting off on your drive to Germany, make sure to familiarise yourself with everything you may need to know about German roads for a smooth journey.

Berlin to…

With so many German and European cities within driving distance, Berlin is a perfect starting point for your road trip.

Places to visit in Berlin

With so much to do, it’s hard to know what to visit in Berlin! We’ve compiled a list of the best places to explore in this iconic city.

Landmarks & attractions

From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Berlin is brimming with remarkable places to visit on your trip!

Berlin Wall Memorial

Stretching along the border strip in Bernauer Strasse, the Berlin Wall Memorial is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history. Constructed in response to the escalating cold war tensions, the Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin, separating families, isolating communities and destroying neighbourhoods. The site offers a poignant glimpse into the once divided city, sharing the history of the wall and the real-life stories of the people impacted by it. The memorial features a large indoor and outdoor exhibition as well as a ghost station exhibition, which reveals the remarkable history of the abandoned stations.

Admission to these exhibitions is free.

The Berlin Wall Memorial, Germany

Berlin cathedral

Crowned with five green, copper domes, Berliner Dom – Berlin Cathedral – is a defining feature in the city’s skyline. Inspired by the Renaissance and Baroque styles, the cathedral church is richly decorated. You’ll find marble columns, gilded ornaments, ornate mosaics, stained glass, statues and art adorning the interior of this building. Downstairs, the Hohenzollern crypt is one of the most important burial sites in Europe, containing nearly one hundred dynastic sarcophagi and burial monuments. Alternatively go upstairs, (up two hundred and seventy steps to be exact!) to reach the observation platform. Here you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Tickets prices can be found on the Berliner Dom website.

Berlin Cathedral, Germany

Brandenburg Gate

Constructed between 1788 and 1791, the Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most important monuments. Inspired by the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, the monument is a striking example of neo-classical design. Looking over Pariser Platz, is the Quadriga, which sits at the top of the building. The symbolic sculpture depicts a chariot drawn by four horses and led by the goddess of victory. The gate has stood witness to much of Germany’s tumultuous history and divided past but has since become a symbol of unity and reunification.

Admission to the site is free.

The Brandenburg Gate, Germany

Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

The tallest structure in Germany, the Berlin TV Tower reaches 368 metres into the city’s skyline. Built under the German Democratic Republic in 1969, the tower was originally a symbol of socialist strength. Today, the tower is an iconic symbol of a united Germany. As the tallest building in Europe open to the general public, the TV Tower allows visitors to ascend to dizzying heights to enjoy a birds eye view of Berlin. Why not dine at the rotating Sphere Restaurant? Located 207 metres up, the restaurant provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city. With an observation deck and a cutting-edge VR experience, the tower is an unforgettable thing to do in Berlin.

Tickets prices and bundle deals can be found on the Berliner Fernsehturm website.

The Berlin TV Tower in the city skyline

Museum Island

In the heart of Berlin, Museum Island sits between Spree River and Spree Canal. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to no less than five museums. The Altes Museum is the oldest of the collection. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of ancient Greek art, Roman artifacts and Etruscan objects. At the Neues Museum you’ll find captivating collections exploring ancient Egypt, prehistory and early history. Art lovers will appreciate the timeless works at the Alte Nationalgalerie. While the Bode Museum is renowned for its coin collection and Byzantine art. Finally, the Pergamon Museum – which is closed for renovations until 2027 – immerses visitors with monumental architectural pieces like the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate.

With a single ticket granting accessing to all five museums, Museum Island is one of the top things to visit in Berlin.

The Altes Museum on Museum Island

Holocaust Memorial

A poignant and powerful place to visit in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial. The striking monument features a field of 2711 undulating concrete steles which can be traversed from any direction. Unlike other memorials, there is no central place of remembrance, and the space is designed to immerse visitors in reflection and personal contemplation. Under the field is an information centre which documents the persecution and extermination of the European Jews. The Room of Dimensions, Room of Names, Room of Sites and Room of Families share the personal histories of the victims.

Admission is free.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Gendarmenmarkt

One of the most impressive squares in Berlin, the Gendarmenmarkt is best known for the historic buildings that border it. Framed by the German cathedral, the French cathedral and the famous Konzerhaus concert hall, the square is nothing short of stunning. The architectural beauty of the surrounding buildings provides the perfect backdrop to the open air concerts and magical Christmas markets that are held in the square.

It is still a mystery why around 3,000 stones were erected at Carnac

The Konzerthaus and French Cathedral that border the Gendarmenmarkt

Parks & outdoor spaces

A visit to Berlin would be incomplete without exploring the city’s lush green spaces

Spreepark

A former amusement park, Spreepark is being transformed into a public space which combines art, culture and nature while paying homage to the park‘s unique history. While you won’t find the life-sized dinosaur statues or children’s rides that once filled this park, the famous ferris wheel that towered over a water basin will be returning with some eco-friendly enhancements. Works are still underway but spaces are beginning to open to the public. In March 2024, the Eierhäuschen building was opened, offering visitors access to the site restaurant, beer garden, exhibition and residence rooms. 

Charlottenburg Palace Gardens

The Charlottenburg Palace Gardens are an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Originally designed in the late 17th century in the Baroque style,  the elegantly landscaped gardens have since evolved to include elements of English garden design and modern amenities, such as a children’s playground. Today, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the winding paths, relax by peaceful ponds, and picnic under lush canopies.

Entrance is free. If you are driving to Berlin, there are also paid parking spaces available.

Gardens of the world

Take a trip around the world – from Berlin. Gardens of the World showcase the diversity of global gardening styles through eleven themed gardens which transport visitors from country to country and immerse them in various religious traditions. Wander through the tranquil ‘Ma-Dang’ pavilions in the Korean garden, marvel at the intricate Moroccan tiles in the Oriental-Islamic garden and admire the antique marble sculptures in the Italian garden. With an open-air arena, several playgrounds, restaurants, snack bars, a maze and a nature bobsled run, the park has something for everyone. You can even ride the 1.5 km cable car to the attraction! With six glass-bottomed carriages – your view could be truly spectacular.

Tickets prices can be found on the Gärten der Welt website.

Gardens of the World, Germany

Food & drink

After a full day of exploring Berlin’s best spots, you will be hungry for the city’s culinary delights – and it doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for classic German dishes or international flavours, local beers or artisanal coffees, Berlin has something for every palette. 

For a taste of authentic Berlin cuisine, ‘Lebensmittel in Mitte’ is the place to go. With traditional dishes like schnitzel and schweinebraten with Knödel (pork and dumplings) on the menu, the restaurant serves no-fuss, classic German cooking. For international flavours, Maison Umami is renowned for its Asian menu while Baba Angora is known for its Turkish delights. Head to Hofbräuhaus to enjoy a beer in a traditional Bavarian beer hall or pop to Silo for a cosy coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Shopping

If a little bit of retail therapy is what you need, a visit to Berlin will satisfy your cravings! At Kurfürstendamm, you’ll find a range of department stores and high-street favourites as well as designer and high-end boutiques. Berlin’s largest department store, KaDeWe is up the street as well as the Bikini Berlin shopping centre. If hunting for bargains, vintage finds and hidden treasures is more your style, Berlin’s flea markets should be at the top of your list. Check out the colourful flea market at Marheinekeplatz or the idyllic market over on Kranoldplatz for art, antiques, books, clothes and more.

Dinan to Ploumanac'h

Also known as the 'Pink Granate Coast', Ploumanac'h is a wonderful place for exploring Brittany's natural habitat. Having driven one and a half hours from Dinan, you'll probably want to spend some time exploring the rose-coloured coastline here, its beaches make it great for families with children, and fans of water sports. The ocean has shaped the pink rocks into almost ethereal formations, which get their hue from a high potassium content. A walk along the coast will lead you to Perros-Guirec, where you can enjoy shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Seasonal events & festivals

With an exciting lineup of seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, it’s hard to say when the best time is to visit Berlin! In spring, the streets come alive at the Carnival of Cultures, while in the summer, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of folk festivals, outdoor performances and open-air events. In the winter, the city dazzles with the Festival of Lights, festive Christmas markets and the spectacular New Year’s Eve party at Brandenburg Gate.

Ploumanac'h to Roscoff

Roscoff is a charming destination just over an hour's drive from Ploumanac’h. 16th century houses line the port and are all carefully decorated with flowers. The surrounding farmlands produce an array of vegetables, and the area is known for its fishing industry.

Roscoff has a fantastic selection of campsites, some of which have their own pools and waterslides that are great for kids in the summer. If you have a couple of hours spare, take a 15-minute boat trip to the nearby island of Batz.

Nightlife & entertainment

Berlin has a vibrant nightlife. With an assortment of high-energy clubs and no official closing time, you really can dance the night away. For those looking for a more relaxed evening, Berlin has an array of laid-back jazz lounges, cinemas, shows and musicals to explore.