A Luxury Guide to Berlin: Best Hotels, Must-See Sights & Top Restaurants

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by André Koester, Luxury Travel Advisor

Updated in March 2025

Shawna Huffman Owen and I have been friends for years, and we love mixing business with pleasure, traveling to explore new destinations for our clients. This past winter, we spent four nights in Berlin and absolutely loved it—despite locals repeatedly telling us we had come at the worst time of year.

Even in the frigid temperatures, Berlin was fascinating, dynamic, and endlessly engaging. I can only imagine how magical the city feels when beer gardens are open and the breezes from the River Spree fill the air.

I hadn’t been to Berlin since 1990, just months after the Berlin Wall came down. Other than its iconic landmarks, the city was nearly unrecognizable to me. Today, Berlin offers something for everyone—world-class art, rich history, luxury hotels, and a thriving dining scene.

Here are our top recommendations for a long weekend in Berlin.

Where to Stay: Best Luxury Hotels in Berlin

Hotel de Rome

  • The most luxurious and elegant hotel in Berlin

  • Ideal for both couples and families

  • Fantastic central location, walking distance to key sights

Das Stue

  • Chic boutique hotel housed in the former Danish Embassy

  • Tranquil setting near the Tiergarten

  • Not within walking distance of most restaurants and shopping

Soho House Berlin

  • Trendy, lively atmosphere in a great neighborhood

  • Fantastic scene, but the service can be inconsistent

Must-See Sights in Berlin

Reichstag (German Parliament Building)

  • Norman Foster’s glass dome offers spectacular city views

  • Tip: Reserve breakfast or lunch at Kafer Dachgarten to skip the lines (advance booking required)

Jewish Museum

  • Haunting and powerful, designed to leave much to the imagination

  • A deeply moving exploration of Jewish history in Germany

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

  • A vast, sobering installation of concrete slabs in the heart of Berlin

  • A must-visit site for historical reflection

Berlin Wall Memorial & East Side Gallery

  • The best places to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall

  • Features vivid murals and powerful artistic expressions

Potsdam (Half-Day Trip from Berlin)

  • Often referred to as "Germany’s Versailles"

  • A charming escape filled with palaces, gardens, and rich history

Best Art Museums & Galleries in Berlin

Boros Gallery

  • Contemporary art museum housed in a former war bunker

  • By appointment only—worth visiting as much for the architecture as for the art

Museum Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • A complex of five incredible museums, showcasing art and artifacts from around the world

  • Includes the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, and Altes Museum

Top Restaurants & Best Places to Eat in Berlin

Grill Royal

  • A chic, well-known steakhouse

  • Located on the banks of the River Spree

Katz Orange

  • Cozy, casual, and delicious

  • Located in a converted church in Mitte

Crackers

  • Sleek, modern restaurant with a dramatic interior

  • Hidden entrance—walk through an industrial hallway and the kitchen to reach the dining room

Tausend Cantina

  • Moody, intimate dining spot tucked under a bridge in Mitte

  • The menu blends Mexican, Japanese, and Italian influences

Final Thoughts on Berlin

Berlin is a city in constant evolution, seamlessly blending its storied past with a dynamic present. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, vibrant art scene, or cutting-edge dining, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating metropolis.

Plan your visit now—Berlin awaits.

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