Last updated: May 8, 2023

Berlin might not have the most picture perfect skyline (I mean I think it’s cute, I just pretend the mounds of cranes don’t exist), but I still recommend getting a proper skyline view of the city at some point. Whether you’re a visitor or a Berlin-dweller, there’s something special about looking at this city from a vantage point that makes you (or at the very least me) feel inspired. No matter who you are or what your interests are, there’s something somewhere in this open and diverse city that’ll accept you and celebrate you as you are.

Enough sappiness. Let’s see about those views!

Free Views:

Neukölln Arcaden

Head up to the fifth floor of this mall to find a parking structure. . . and a stunning view of Berlin. Since this spot is in Neukölln facing north you mainly get a view of Neukölln and its neighbor Kreuzberg. Mitte peeks through behind them, easily identified by the TV Tower, or Fernsehturm.

You can prolong your visit by heading to the rooftop bar, Klunkerkranich, that you can enter on that same floor. Keep in mind that there is typically quite a long line (avoid arriving an hour before or after sunset on a clear day if you can) and that there is also a €3 cover charge. It still looks like a lovely place though! When I last visited for the bar, I did not follow my own advice, and subsequently chose not to brave the queue. If you arrive right when it opens (4 to 5PM depending on the day) you should be good to go.

Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 | Neukölln

Flakturm Humboldthain

Three towers were built in Berlin between the years of 1940 and 1942 to defend the city from potential Allied raids. You can take a tour to explore the underground, but the above ground area of this tower was made accessible to the public in the 90’s. The signs direct you to stairs to make your way up, and there is also an inclined path behind the tower that is wheelchair accessible, but I think in order to properly see the view you need to cross stairs at some point.

What I like about this particular outlook is that you get to see a more simple part of Berlin. You won’t get a view of the classics like the TV Tower or Brandenburg Gate, but you will get a view of the rooftops of northern Berlin, and if you look closely you’ll see the surrounding state of Brandenburg which boasts smaller clusters of buildings, lush forest, and a surprising number of windmills. There’s also a cluster of picnic tables at the top if you want to hang around a little longer and enjoy your lunch here.

Hochstraße 5, 13357 | Gesundbrunnen

Reichstag

The Reichstag is Germany’s parliament building. It offers a nice panoramic view of the city’s government district, central monuments, and Tiergarten. Do keep in mind that you do need to make a reservation in advance (at least a week early in peak season) and bring an official ID to visit.

When you arrive you’ll have your ID checked then escorted to an elevator inside that’ll take you to the rooftop and dome area of the capitol building. From here you can pick up an audio guide which I believe are free and operable in about a dozen languages, including English.

Platz der Republik 1 | Mitte

Drachenberg

This hilltop park located on the northern edge of Grunewald forest is home to one of the most tranquil and beautiful spots in the city. After a day of hiking through Grunewald we ended our day at this park and were so glad we did. Here you can get a view of Berlin’s largest forest, the Havel River, and speckled city skyline. The sweeping views really highlight the balance of city and nature that Berlin brings. It’s hard to capture it in a photo, so you’ll have to visit for yourself!

It’s a great alternative to the neighboring Teufelsberg as well, which is €8 per person, but also comes with access to a cool space and street art gallery.

Drachenberg means Kite Mountain in German, and although it’s really more of a hill than a mountain, the kite bit rings true. On a weekend day you’ll see plenty of kites being flown on the hilly space at the top of the park. The park is accessible via stairs or a sloped walkway. It’s steep, but you’ll be up within ten or so minutes. Plus, it’s totally worth it for the view.

14055 Berlin | Grunewald

Affordable Views:

Victory Column | Siegessäule

The Victory Column will set you back €4 per person and requires a bit of endurance, although there are places to take a quick break as you climb the 285 steps to the top. Once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with views of the city’s largest park Tiergarten, as well as Bellevue Palace, the Reichstag, the TV tower, and the neighborhoods of Mitte, Bellevue, Charlottenburg, and Tiergarten.

I’d highly recommend visiting on a cooler summer day or in Autumn before leaves fall because the view looks most stunning when the trees in the park are lushly grown out or when fall foliage is at its peak.

Großer Stern 1 | Tiergarten

Humboldt Forum

The forum is Berlin’s newest landmark. Filled with culture, exhibits, and a wonderful rooftop view of the city.

The great thing about this spot is that you’re right in the center of some of the most well-known monuments in Berlin so you can get a close and personal view of monuments like Berlin’s cathedral and the TV Tower. You also get a nice view of Berlin’s east side neighborhood and some taller buildings. It’s an eccentric mix of medieval, historical, and more modern buildings. The mix of old and new is cool and very Berlin.

Update: Unfortunately the rooftop terrace is no longer free of charge as of March 1, 2023. It’s just €3 per person to enter, but it’s still a bummer! You have to make reservations to visit the rooftop, but same day tickets are typically readily available, especially now that there’s a charge. Enter the courtyard, follow the signs for the Forum, scan your ticket with the attendant, and take the elevator up to the fourth floor.

Schloßplatz 1, 10178 | Mitte