What to do in 1 hour in… Berlin?

During a business trip, between two meetings, before hitting the road again or jumping on a plane at Tegel, you might luckily have a spare hour. Take advantage of it to discover some facets of the German capital, its lifestyle, its architecture… Our recommendations for a successful express visit.

Take to the heights with the Fernsehturm

Take in the entire city from 368 meters at the top of the Berlin TV tower, the tallest monument in Germany. Located in the Mitte district, right in the heart of the city, you can also wander through its small streets with shops and very hipster restaurants.

Tip: Book your skip-the-line ticket one or two hours in advance on the official site.

Berlin street food calling

You will have no trouble grabbing a quick bite in Berlin for a very reasonable price.

The two specialties of the street food scene in the German capital fit so well with its borderline spirit that they are absolutely unmissable:

The Berlin Döner sandwich, with Turkish influences, is incomparable. The taste of its tender meat and varied vegetables (special mention to the Dürüm variant) will satisfy you for a very modest amount. Purists agree: the best can be found on Donaustraße, in the Neukölln district.

The currywurst, the second food institution of Berlin, is more typically German: this dish of sausages with a spicy sauce is eaten standing, often right on the street. The street vendors at Alexanderplatz know how to delight your taste buds.

For quirky souvenirs, trust Ampelmann

The symbols of Berlin? The bear, its TV tower, but not only: its Ampelmann, literally “light-man,” are present on all Berlin traffic lights and are a remnant of the signaling from the time of East Germany, with their characteristic shape and hat.

Take a tour of the Flagship store dedicated to them, just steps from the Brandenburg Gate, you won’t leave empty-handed! Ampelmann Flagship Store, Unter den Linden 35, 10117 Berlin.