Berlin for free

One of the best places to learn about German history in Berlin is at the Reichstag building, the seat of the German parliament. Admission to the roof terrace and glass dome atop the building with an accompanying audio guide is free — but prospective visitors must register online well ahead of time. Designed by Norman Foster, the iconic dome offers visitors stunning views at the heart of the city.

It can be tricky to get your bearings in a sprawling metropolis like Berlin. So why not go on a walking tour? Better yet — a free one! Berlin has several. See classic sites like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, go on an alternative tour of the city's street art or even just tour one of Berlin's distinct neighborhoods, called "Kieze" — the choice is yours! Just remember your walking shoes!

Whether you're yearning to belt out your favorite karaoke song in front of scores of cheering strangers or you're simply in the mood for a good show, there's never a dull moment at Mauerpark. Every Sunday afternoon from spring through fall, tourists and locals alike gather to cheer on the courageous few who step onto the stage to sing. Do you have what it takes to become Berlin's next pop idol?

Take a musical break with Berlin's world-class orchestra: Every Tuesday at 1 pm (between September and June), the Berlin Philharmonic hosts free lunchtime concerts in an intimate and relaxed setting. The foyer of the Berliner Philharmonie can only fit 1,500 visitors — so embrace that German punctuality and get there early!

If you're looking for a free panoramic view of Berlin, head to the trendy Kreuzberg district and climb to the highest natural point in the center of the city: the 66-meter-high (216 ft) summit of Viktoria Park. From the top, you have great panoramic views of the city. If you come in the summer, you can also watch the deceptively natural-looking artificial waterfall cascade down the hill.

Berlin's Nazi Documentation Center has been the capital's most visited memorial for years, drawing 1.3 visitors in 2018. On the former grounds of the Gestapo (secret state police) and the SS, the most important authorities of Nazi terror, visitors can learn about the Nazi Party's rise to political power and the extent of the atrocities committed by the Nazis throughout Europe. Admission is free.

A historic military parade ground and former airport is now home to a different sort of traffic: families having a barbeque, outdoor yoga classes, dog-walkers and joggers, skaters, community gardeners, bird watchers, and occasionally, even herds of sheep. In 2010, the city of Berlin reclaimed this vast 386-hectare (954-acre) space for public use. Tip: It's a great place to watch the sunset.

This contemporary art museum, housed in a former railway terminal, is a treasure trove of mid-twentieth century masterpieces. From Andy Warhol's iconic portrait of Mao Zedong to works by Gerhard Richter and Marcel Duchamp, the museum hosts a world-class art collection. Just make sure to plan ahead: There's free admission on every first Thursday of the month, from 4-8 pm.

Berlin is a musical city with numerous concert and opera stages. But if you’re discouraged by admission price there’s still hope! Why not swing by one of Berlin’s many jazz clubs for a spontaneous night out? You can listen or join in free of charge at the "b-flat" in Mitte (Wednesdays), at the "A-Trane" in Charlottenburg (Saturdays) or at the "Zig-Zag" in Schöneberg (once a month).

There's a new and futuristic face in the German capital. On September 5, 2019, Futurium opened its doors to the public — admission is free! Part exhibition, part lab and part forum, the museum asks the question: How do we want to live in the future? Visitors can learn about future technologies, artificial intelligence, food from a laboratory, new building materials for architecture and more.