Berlin is a big city and many visitors are looking for ways to get a great bird’s eye view of the city. There are many options and cheap ways to see the Berlin skyline depending on your budget and sightseeing expectations to be on top of the clouds. For many Berliners and visitors a visit to the TV tower and the 360’ restaurant at Alexanderplatz is a must, for others, e.g. a family of 4, the admission fee might just be a bit out of reach. Free Tours by Foot has some alternative suggestions on where to get a nice (over)-view of Berlin. Free Tours by Foot also offers pay-what-you-like walking tours that complement your view from the top with a great experience on the ground.
Sign up for a Reichstags dome visit.
(Platz der Republik 1)
This free and popular visit of the Reichstag dome requires some prior planning and registration. More information can be found on our last blog on Visiting the Reichstag Dome.
Climb up the Berlin Victory Column
(Großer Stern)
For €3 and some sweat climbing up the spiral staircase, visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Berlin in the middle of the Tiergarten. The column with its golden angel endearingly called “Golden Lizzy” originally stood right opposite of the Reichstags building and was relocated in 1939 to its current location at the Großer Stern, the 5 point roundabout, as part of redesign vision of Albert Speer. The column is open daily to visitors 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take the elevator up the Kolhoff Tower
(Potsdamer Platz 1)
Located were the Berlin Wall once stood, the Kolhoff Tower/Panoramapunkt allows you to see Berlin right from the top of the Potsdamer Platz. The platform on the 24th and 25th floor is open daily 10 am to 8 pm (Last entry at 7:30 pm). There is also a panorama café shop upstairs. Take the entrance at Potsdamer Strasse right opposite of the DB-Tower. Admission is €6.50.
Visit the Berlin Dome/Cathedral
(Am Lustgarten)
For €7 (reduced €4) you can visit the museum, the crypt and get a great city view from the dome walkway when visiting the Berlin Dome. This spectacular cathedral is a favorite photo opportunity for Berlin visitors from the inside and outside. Visitors are welcome Mon-Sat 9 am – 8 pm, Sun 12-8pm. You may have to check in advance whether there are concerts going on that evening, which might close the dome early for visitors.
Take a deep breath of the famous Berlin air and enjoy the views!