Historic landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Brandenburg Gate | The symbol of Berlin and of German reunification, with the Quadriga above its columns. | Pariser Platz, central Berlin |
| The Reichstag dome | A glass dome above the parliament with a spiral walkway and views over the city. | Free with advance registration; closed for maintenance 19–30 October 2026 |
| The East Side Gallery | The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, with murals along its length. | On the Spree, east of the centre |
| Checkpoint Charlie | The best-known crossing between the two halves of Berlin in the Wall years, with a small museum beside it. | Kreuzberg |
Museum Island and the river
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Museum Island | Five world-class museums on an island in the river, on the World Heritage list; the Pergamon Museum is closed for restoration until 2027. | Central Berlin |
| Berlin Cathedral | A huge dome on the river, with city views from its upper gallery. | Museum Island |
| A boat trip on the Spree | A calm tour past bridges and historic and government buildings. | From central piers |
| The TV Tower | Germany's tallest structure at 368 metres, with a viewing deck at 203 metres. | Alexanderplatz |
Parks, families and shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Tiergarten | A wide park in the heart of the city with paths and lakes for walking and cycling. | Between the Brandenburg Gate and the zoo |
| Berlin Zoo | Germany's oldest zoo, and one of the most varied in the world. | West of the centre |
| KaDeWe | A grand historic department store with floors of international brands and food. | Tauentzien Street |
| Charlottenburg Palace | Berlin's largest palace, with Baroque gardens. | West of the centre |
A day trip: Potsdam
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Sanssouci Palace and gardens | A royal summer palace above terraces and wide gardens, on the World Heritage list. | Potsdam, about half an hour by train |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, and there are direct flights from Jeddah.
- Register in advance for the Reichstag dome on the parliament's website; the visit is free and places are limited.
- Public transport is excellent, and a day ticket saves you a car.
Flights to Berlin
More places nearby
Visa
- Germany visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis 2026: documents, fees and how to apply
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Berlin?
The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag dome, Museum Island and the cathedral, the East Side Gallery, the TV Tower, the zoo and the palaces of Potsdam.
Are there direct flights to Berlin from Saudi Arabia?
Yes, from Jeddah on flynas, and Eurowings adds flights from December 2026.
Is the Reichstag dome free?
Yes, free with advance registration on the German parliament's website.
Is Berlin good for families?
Yes: wide parks, a big zoo, museums and boat trips, and easy public transport.
Planning your trip to Germany? Read Travel to Germany from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.