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