After finishing my first Erasmus training course in Germany, I had one free day in Berlin before my flight back home. Just one day to explore such a big city felt impossible — but I still managed to see the highlights and enjoy little moments in between. If you’re planning a short trip, a long layover, or just want to make the most of one day in Berlin, here’s exactly what I did and what I recommend.

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 Morning – Drop Your Bags & Start at Alexanderplatz

My day started early in Alexanderplatz, one of the busiest squares in Berlin. If you’re arriving with luggage (like I did), the first thing you should do is drop your bag. There are lockers at major train stations like Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Alexanderplatz itself — easy, cheap, and will save you from dragging a suitcase around all day.

I booked luggage storage and It made my trip so much easier. I personally recommend Bounce Luggage Storage. I used it more than once and i believe it is one of the best reliable luggage storage apps.

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 Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

From Alexanderplatz, it’s just a short walk to the Berlin Cathedral. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is breathtaking with its massive dome and riverside location. I walked around the Lustgarten park in front of it, enjoyed the view, and took a moment to just breathe in the city vibes.

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 Alte Nationalgalerie & Museum Island

Right next to the cathedral is Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of Berlin’s most important museums. With only one day, I couldn’t see everything, but I chose the Alte Nationalgalerie — perfect if you love 19th-century art, Romanticism, and Impressionism.

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Break by the River Spree

After the museum, I walked towards the East Side Gallery, but before that, I stopped by the river. There are small spots along the Spree where you can sit, relax, and watch boats passing by. For me, this was one of the best parts — just enjoying the quiet in such a big, busy city.

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 East Side Gallery & Berlin Wall

Of course, a visit to Berlin isn’t complete without seeing the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the wall, now covered with murals and street art. It’s both beautiful and emotional — walking along it made me reflect on history and how the city has transformed.

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 Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

I ended my day at the Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. The square around it is lively, with street performers, tourists, and locals passing by. Standing there felt like the perfect way to close my Berlin experience before heading to the airport.

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 Getting Around Berlin in One Day

Berlin has various public transport systems— U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses. I used Google Maps for routes, and it worked perfectly.

Validate your ticket before boarding! 

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One day in Berlin is not enough to see it all — but it’s enough to get a taste of the city’s history, culture, and energy. From Alexanderplatz to Brandenburg Gate, I felt like I walked through layers of time in just a few hours. If you only have hours like me, I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own perfect day.

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