Berlin mini break with tweens/teens

[R00tat00tt00t]

Hi, we’re heading to Berlin for 3 nights in May (DH, me, DC14, DC10). I already have some ideas including: Reichstag dome climb and tour, Brandenburg gate, Checkpoint Charlie & Eastside gallery - may consider walking tour re; Cold War +/- DDR museum etc; holocaust memorial, zoo, Schloss Charlottensburg or Potsdam, interspersed with beer garden, currywurst, coffee + cake, lounging in park (weather permitting).
Any other suggestions for must-see’s, great cafes/restaurants etc? Can be as random as you like… Thanks

That’s pretty much exactly what we did! We also did the needle tower thing which was good. And the spy museum and the Lego place.

We went to the German History museum. However it’s closed at the moment but they have a temporary gallery. I think anyone learning about Germany should take a look. Fantastic building too!

Love Berlin - the river cruises are quite good generally.
Train out to see a bigger stretch of the Berlin wall?
Good museums and Art galleries.

The spy museum and the DDR museum are both great for teens/teens

If you want a break from heavy history tropical islands is a short train ride away

All the things you've mentioned plus a river cruise.

100 % recommend Fat Tyre bike tours it was 4 hours with a lunch stop in a traditional beer garden. So fun & informative. We then went back to the sights we wanted to explore further the following days.

Steel Vintage Bike Cafe near Brandenburg gate.

BEST pancakes & bacon I've ever had. Highlight of the trip 😂

Day trip to Tropical Islands water park.

Loads that's already been mentioned and my dc also loved the miniature version of the city in Little Big City. Also the department store Ka De We with its amazing art deco restaurant on the top floor.

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions here. Tropical Islands could be a good shout if weather poor. 🤞🏼for sunshine though…

Mine loved the spy museum and the TV Tower. Excellent Black Forest gateau in the cafe.

The Tempelhof airport tour is incredibly interesting.
I would also recommend Julius where they manage to make simple ingredients taste like paradise on a plate. My teens were hugely impressed with the pared back atmosphere.
https://juliusberlin.de

I love Markthalle neun in Kreuzberg - trendy vibe, but also great opportunities to try some delicious local food!

Spy museum and the KaDeWe food hall.

Revolving restaurant at night (pricey but worth it) and the olympic stadium (tour was best) in addition to what You've suggested.
Our ww2 /cold war 2 hour guided tour was excellent.

I like the sounds of the Markthalle.

Potsdam is a full day away from town, I don't think I would do it if I am only 3 days in Berlin unless you are a huge Frederick the Great fan.

Schloss Charlottenburg - better choice if you want a castle.

The Zoo - again, nice but I wouldn't necessarily do it if there are things you won't see otherwise.

We did the Reichstag - easy 2 hours. The DDR museum - around 2 hours.

The Bunker museum was recommended to us but we run out of time.

Can you remember which company you used for the tour? I’ve seen one advertised on get your guide.

Thanks for tips re; timings etc.
I know what you mean about the zoo but I thought it might be a bit of light relief for the 10yr old…plus I think they have panda cubs at the moment.

I found Berlin surprisingly spaced out, it's not like London where it's 2 mins on the tube to your next exciting location.

We bought BVG day tickets which cover tram, metro and train for about 10-11 euro. Each one covers 2 kids also (double check that) but if you use the app, you need ID too, if you are asked to show your ticket.

We did 3 nights and teens loved walking tour ( get your guide), DDR museum and spy museum. Mall of Berlin plus just going back to bits we were interested in

Spy Museum is fab. Hire bikes at Tempelhofer Feld, amazing space.
Potsdam is a full day trip, hire bikes at the station if you do do it.
Science Museum is huge and excellent.
Re food, Schnitzelei Mitte needs booking well in advance!

The swing on the top of Park Hotel in Alexanderplatz - exciting and the best view ever!

We did lots of what you've mentioned plus I would add like PP the Templehof old airport. We hired bikes and cycled there and also when there hired electric scooters which was fun.

Spy museum was good.

You need to book the Reichstag well in advance.

We went in the summer and it rained constantly! For a wet day the chocolate making at Ritter Sport was really good. I think it's near the Spy museum.