Berlin Tourist Cards

If you want to make the most of everything Berlin has to offer at a very reasonable price, keep reading because you'll definitely be interested in the Berlin Pass.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

Berlin Tourist Cards

Berlin skyline | ©Fabian Schneidereit

When sightseeing in Berlin, it would be ideal to have all the time and money in the world to enjoy everything the city has to offer, but since that's not always the case, there is a way to save time and money: the Berlin Pass.

What is the Berlin Pass?

Bode Museum| ©Reiseuhu
Bode Museum| ©Reiseuhu

The Berlin Pass is a tourist pass designed so that visitors to Berlin can see the city's main attractions with a range of benefits, saving time and money. For a fixed price, you can:

  • Enter more than 50 museums and monuments in Berlin for free without waiting in line
  • Get discounts at selected restaurants and shops
  • Take a cruise on the river that runs through the city
  • Enjoy a tour on the tourist bus
  • Get a color city guide to plan your trip
  • Use the city's public transportation for free if you select this option

Day passes

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between the two-day Berlin Pass and the three-day Berlin Pass, and for a little extra, you can add free use of public transport in the city covering zones A, B, and C to either pass.

How the Berlin Pass works

Old National Gallery| ©Antonio Campoy
Old National Gallery| ©Antonio Campoy

All tourist passes work in the same way: they are activated on first use and you then have a certain amount of time to enjoy the benefits by showing the pass at the entrance to museums and monuments. Once you arrive at the tourist attraction, look out for the main entrance, as there is usually a special entrance for pass holders so you can skip the queues.

You can buy the Berlin Pass in Berlin, but you can also easily purchase it online and choose to pick it up at an authorized location in Berlin or have it sent to your home address. Once you purchase it, you have two years to activate it, so you don't have to worry about changes or cancellations to your travel plans. When you purchase the Berlin Pass online, you can ask any questions you may have by email when making your reservation.

Prices by duration of use

  • 2 days: $99
  • 3 days: $119
  • 2 days + transport: $115
  • 3 days + transportation: $145

Special rates

Children under the age of six do not need the Berlin Pass to use public transport and to access most of the city's museums and monuments free of charge, provided they are accompanied by an adult. There is a special pass for children aged 6 to 14 that includes the same as the adult pass and is available at a reduced price.

Ana's Traveler Tip

Calculate the distance from your accommodation to the places of interest you plan to visit to see if it is worth adding the transport option to your Berlin Pass.

What attractions and experiences are included in the Berlin Pass?

Checkpoint Charlie, Wall Museum| ©Michael Fousert
Checkpoint Charlie, Wall Museum| ©Michael Fousert

Now you know what the Berlin Pass is, how it works, how to buy it, and what its advantages are. Now I'll tell you about the most interesting part: what free admission to museums and monuments it includes and what experiences you can enjoy while it's valid, also free of charge.

Wall Museum

Located at Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous of the Berlin Wall border crossings, it is dedicated to the history of the wall that divided the city of Berlin in two and to the years of the Cold War. An ideal option for gaining an in-depth understanding of how this historical period affected the inhabitants of the German capital and how it has influenced the city today.

Pergamon Museum

The most visited museum on the famous Museum Island, one of the most important museum complexes in Europe. It houses Islamic and Middle Eastern art, with highlights including the Pergamon frieze and the Market Gate of Miletus. However, the museum is currently closed for renovation and will not reopen for several years.

Ascent to Berlin Cathedral

One of the best places to enjoy views of the city while visiting one of its most recognizable buildings.

Old National Gallery

Techniques such as classicism, romanticism, impressionism, and modernism are mixed in this renowned gallery.

Bode Museum

Also located on Museum Island, it houses Byzantine art and is a favorite destination for treasure hunters.

Madame Tussauds

This is one of the best wax museums in Europe, and the quality and quantity of its figures make it well worth a visit. It can also be a fun family outing.

Sightseeing bus tour with unlimited stops

This is one of the main advantages of the Berlin Pass. On a day of your choice, you can take a tour of Berlin on a tourist bus with panoramic views and commentary on board. This tour also includes free stops, meaning you can hop on and off the bus at any stop you like, using it as a means of transport to make your sightseeing in the city easier.

River cruise

If you travel to Berlin in summer (in winter the low temperatures do not allow it), you will also have access to a one-hour cruise on the River Spree. I recommend taking advantage of this opportunity; there are different schedules and it is an ideal occasion to enjoy the views of the city without rushing or stress.

Bicycle tour of Berlin

During your visit to Berlin, especially in good weather, you will see hundreds of people getting around by bike. This is a very common means of transport in the city and is also an original and comfortable way to take a guided tour of the main points of interest.

Jewish Museum

You'll recognize it by the architectural complex on the surface, and it's a must-see on any visit to Berlin. Set aside at least two hours to see it, as inside there are many testimonies and contextual elements that will help you immerse yourself in a dark period of German history.

Stasi Museum

Dedicated to German espionage and the different historical moments in which it played a fundamental role in the development of the war and the future of the country.

Photography Museum

This museum analyzes different themes through photography, featuring both the most renowned figures in the genre and contemporary photographers.

German Historical Museum

More than 8,000 objects of different types tell the story of different periods of German history in this interesting museum. A must-see for history lovers.

Legoland

A paradise for children and a curious and fun visit for adults. In this complex dedicated to Lego, you can disconnect from the stress of the city for a few hours.

Walking tours of the city

This is something you should never miss when visiting any city. Having an expert guide accompany you on a walking tour not only means discovering interesting corners of the city that you would not otherwise visit, but also learning important facts and historical details that will help you appreciate everything you see during your trip even more.

Ana's Traveler Tip

Many museums in Berlin are closed on Mondays, so keep this in mind before activating your Berlin Pass.

Is it worth buying the Berlin Pass?

Berlin Cathedral| ©Wendelin Jacober
Berlin Cathedral| ©Wendelin Jacober

Before deciding to buy this or any other tourist card, my advice will always be the same: plan your trip and do the math. A tourist pass is an excellent option for saving money and time, but you need to do a little planning to get the most out of it.

Yes, when

  • You plan to visit the city at a fast pace during the time the Berlin Pass is active and see two or three museums and monuments per day.
  • You are going to use public transportation regularly, either because your hotel is far from the center or because you don't plan on walking.
  • You are visiting the city during peak season on a weekend and want to save time waiting.
  • You are interested in experiences such as a cruise or a sightseeing bus tour.

No, when

  • The museums you want to visit are closed on one of the days your card is valid.
  • You can access the museums or monuments with any type of special discount (for groups, age, profession, etc.).
  • You only want to visit two or three museums during your visit and the individual cost of the tickets does not cover the cost of the card.

Regardless of what you choose, remember that Berlin is not just museums and monuments; there are neighborhoods and green spaces to explore on foot, as well as places of interest that do not require an entrance fee. Set aside at least one day of your trip to walk around Berlin at your own pace, without rushing or worrying about schedules.

Difference between the Berlin Pass and the Berlin Welcome Card

Cruise on the River Spree| ©Dennis Jarvis
Cruise on the River Spree| ©Dennis Jarvis

If you've done your sums and come to the conclusion that the Berlin Pass isn't right for you, before ruling out a tourist pass altogether, you can also check out the terms and conditions of the Berlin Welcome Card. This is another option that can also save you money during your visit to the German capital, and I've written everything you need to know about the card here: Berlin Welcome Card

The main difference between the Berlin Welcome Card and the Berlin Pass is that the former is more focused on free public transportation (included in all versions) than on admission to museums and monuments. With the standard version, you can access the city's main attractions at a discount, but not for free. On the other hand, while the Berlin Pass is valid for two or three days, the Berlin Welcome Pass can also be used for 4, 5, or 6 days.

None of these Berlin tourist passes are currently available on the Hellotickets website, but you can check out the other activities that may interest you on your getaway to the German capital. As a suggestion, don't miss some of the city's best museums or climb the famous Berlin TV Tower.

Book tickets for the Berlin TV Tower

If you are interested in purchasing the Berlin Pass, you may also be interested in

Charlottenburg Palace| ©Dmitry Makeev
Charlottenburg Palace| ©Dmitry Makeev

There is one visit that is not included in the Berlin Pass but, if you have time, is well worth doing during your trip to the German capital: a tour of Charlottenburg Palace.

This 18th-century palace is the most important in the German capital and, in addition to its sumptuous interior decoration, it has impressive gardens that are open to the public free of charge. The visit is ideal for getting away from the stress of central Berlin, is easily accessible by public transport, and won't take more than a morning.

In addition, Charlottenburg Palace also offers premium experiences such as a classical music concert by the Berlin Resident Orchestra or an elegant three-course dinner in its winter garden. If you're interested in learning more about this experience, you can visit this article about Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin Tickets and Tours.

Book a guided tour of Berlin

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the Berlin Pass worth it?

    Yes, as long as you plan to visit several attractions in the city. Make a list of the prices of these attractions separately and you will see how much you would save with the Berlin Pass.

  • What does the Berlin Pass include?

    It includes free admission to more than 50 museums and monuments without waiting in line, discounts at shops and restaurants, a river cruise, a tourist bus ticket, a city guide, and access to public transportation.

  • What are the highlights of the Berlin Pass?

    Berlin Cathedral, the Wall Museum, the Old National Gallery, and the Jewish Museum, among many others.

  • How much does the Berlin Pass cost?

    It depends on the number of days you book it for and whether you want public transportation included. In general, you can get it from around 93 Euros.