Exploring Berlin: Activities Near The Airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located 16.8 miles from the city centre, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do in the surrounding area. The airport itself has plenty to keep you entertained, including a range of artworks, a Room of Silence for meditation and prayer, an observation deck, and a variety of shopping and dining options. If you fancy stretching your legs, the village of Schönefeld, Landschaftspark Glienicke, Eddies Gemüsedöner, and Skypoint Schönfeld are all less than half an hour away. Alternatively, the city centre is just 50 minutes away by train, and from there, you can visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Explore the city centre

Berlin's city centre is a great place to start your exploration of the German capital. Located just 16.7 miles from Brandenburg Airport, the city centre is easily accessible by taxi, train or bus. Here are some must-see spots and things to do during your layover in Berlin:

• Alexanderplatz – This bustling square is the heart of Berlin's shopping district. From here, you can walk to the famous Unter den Linden street and take in the TV tower, the Berliner Dom, and the Humboldt University, among other historic buildings.
• Brandenburg Gate – This iconic 18th-century monument is Berlin's most famous landmark and a great spot for photo opportunities.
• Reichstag – Just a short walk from Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag is the historic German parliament building. Admire its impressive architecture and don't miss the fantastic views of Unter den Linden Street from its glass dome.
• Museum Island – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is a cultural hub in the city centre. Home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, and the Altes Nationalgalerie, it's a great place to explore ancient artifacts and art.
• Holocaust Memorial – The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is an important and moving reminder of the Holocaust.
• Unter den Linden – Stroll along this famous street and take in the historic buildings and vibrant cafes and galleries.
• East Side Gallery – Located a little further afield, the East Side Gallery is a must-see. This 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall is a vibrant, open-air gallery, with murals painted by artists representing freedom and change.

With efficient public transportation, you can easily get around the city centre and explore these sights at your own pace. So, whether you're a history buff or a foodie, Berlin's city centre has something for everyone!

Visit Museum Island

Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most renowned museum complexes in the world. It is located in central Berlin, close to the heart of the city, and sits on the Spree River. The island is home to five prestigious museums featuring important archaeological and art collections.

The Pergamon Museum is an archaeological museum and the most visited of the five. It displays one collection from the Classical Antiquities, one related to the Ancient Near East, and an Islamic art area. The Bode Museum, which reopened in 2006, houses an interesting and unusual collection of statues, coins, and Byzantine art. The Altes Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses a beautiful collection of classic antiques. The Alte Nationalgalerie, or Old National Gallery, is a 19th-century art museum housed in a striking neoclassical building. Finally, the Neues Museum has received several architecture prizes and its collection is astonishing.

You can reach Museum Island by train, bus, taxi, car, or town car from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The train is the quickest way to get there, taking around 25 minutes, and tickets cost $2-$9. The bus takes around 40 minutes and costs $4-$6.

See the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin. It is the longest open-air gallery in the world, with 1.3 kilometres of art along the eastern bank of the Spree River in the Friedrichshain district. This section of the Berlin Wall features paintings by artists from 21 countries, who came together to celebrate Germany's reunification and remind the world of the terrible events that took place at the Wall.

How to Get There

The East Side Gallery is easily accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Ostbahnhof train station, which you can reach by S-Bahn, and S&U Warschauer Str, which you can reach by S-Bahn, U-Bahn lines U1 and U3, and the M10 and M13 trams.

Opening Hours

The East Side Gallery is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. However, it is best enjoyed during daylight hours, and the early morning is the perfect time to beat the crowds.

There is plenty to discover on either side of the East Side Gallery. Opposite the gallery is the Uber Arena, a venue for sports and music events. On the Oberbaumbrücke, two giant hands play a game of rock-paper-scissors, representing the two districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg that the bridge connects. You can also take a leisurely boat trip along the Spree, starting from the banks of the river.

Tours

Public overview tours are held regularly and last around one hour. These are free of charge for schoolchildren and do not require registration. You can also book a guided tour for a small group, with different thematic focuses available.

Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour

If you're looking for a convenient way to explore the German capital during your layover, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great option. These tours offer a flexible and informative way to see Berlin's top attractions. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time:

Finding a Tour

You can choose from various companies offering hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Berlin, such as City Sightseeing Berlin and Big Bus Tours. These tours typically operate daily and provide informative commentary in multiple languages.

Tickets and Routes

When purchasing tickets, you'll usually select a specific date for your tour, and if you opt for a multi-day ticket, you'll need to use it across consecutive days. Both City Sightseeing Berlin and Big Bus Tours offer flexible tickets with options for 24 or 48 hours.

The tours cover different routes, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests. For example, the Red Route might cover landmarks like the Reichstag and Museum Island, while the Blue Route might focus on former East Berlin, including the East Side Gallery and TV Tower.

Tour Experience

The buses operate at regular intervals, typically every 20 to 30 minutes, making it easy to plan your day. You can hop off at any of the stops to explore an attraction in more depth and then hop back on the next bus to continue your tour.

Most companies provide free earphones for audio commentary during the tour, available in multiple languages. Additionally, some companies offer free Wi-Fi on their buses, so you can stay connected and use their mobile apps to track your bus's location and get more information about the sights.

Practical Tips

• Download the company's mobile app to access additional features, such as live bus tracking and tour information.
• Bring your own headphones if possible, as the provided earphones may not always be in the best condition.
• If you're travelling with a pet, well-behaved dogs are usually allowed on the lower deck of the bus.
• Be mindful of potential strikes or schedule changes affecting public transportation to and from the airport.

So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to explore Berlin during your layover, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is an excellent choice. With informative commentary, flexible tickets, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, you'll be able to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

Shop and dine in the airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has plenty of shopping and dining options for travellers to enjoy.

Terminal 1

The central Market Place in Terminal 1, located directly behind security control, is home to around 25 different shops. Here, you can find an extensive selection of perfume, cosmetics, spirits, confectionery, clothing, and more. There is also a Food Court located on the second floor of the terminal, where you can enjoy a range of culinary delights from different cultures. Additionally, REWE and Kamps are open 24/7 in Terminal 1's public area.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the Zeitgeist VIP Service offers luxury and comfort, including access to lounges where you can relax, work, and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 also boasts a wide range of shopping and dining options, most of which are located directly behind security control. Here, you can explore various shops and restaurants, as well as indulge in local cuisine, international dishes, coffee, or drinks.

Other Amenities

In addition to shopping and dining, Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers other amenities to make your layover more enjoyable. Both terminals provide free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and entertained during your wait. Terminal 1 also features cultural attractions, including artwork by famous artists, an observation deck, and a Room of Silence for meditation and prayer.

Frequently asked questions