Last Updated on: 18th March 2023, 11:06 pm
Berlin is a world-class city with an important history, art, and architecture to explore. It’s also one of the best cities in the world for street art, and the opportunities for street photography are endless.
After spending a month in the city, here are my favorite recommendations for the most Instagrammable places in Berlin, including some off-the-path Berlin photo spots.
When you’re in the city, I’m sure you’ll find even more incredible Berlin photography locations to add to your own list.
My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023
These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.
Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing
Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.
Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.
For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.
For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.
Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.
For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.
Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).
For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.
The Most Instagrammable Places in Berlin
In no particular order…
The Brandenburg Gate
One of the most significant historic sites in the country, it’s also the starting point for many Berlin tours. It’s almost impossible to imagine a first-time visitor to the city not seeing the gate.
Location: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Sansoucci
Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin Synagogue
Mont Raw Restaurant
Pergamon Museum
Oberbaum Bridge
East Side Gallery
Berlin Cathedral
Berliner Fernsehturm
Victory Column
Tempelhof
Friedrichshain
Checkpoint Charlie
Kreuzberg
Train Stations
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Gendarmenmarkt
Ampelmann
House of Small Wonder
Berlin Instagram Tips & Etiquette
Berlin is lovely and easy to photograph, but here are some general tips for getting the best Berlin Instagram shots.
- Plan for the season: Berlin has four distinct seasons. My personal favorite is autumn when you can see the red and orange ivy cover the buildings. Whatever time of year you go, make sure you plan your attire accordingly. I have recommendations on what to pack for Germany, including what to wear in the winter.
- Get out and explore the Neighborhoods:
- Be Mindful of the History:
- Don’t Break the Rules: German’s love of rules is a stereotype that gets exaggerated, but I would not break the rules here. If a site says no photography inside, then skip it. There’s more than enough beautiful places to photograph in Berlin without offending your city hosts. If you love street photography, note that Germans may find this more intrusive than in your home country. I went ahead and photographed people (trying to be as discrete as possible), but know this is something that locals might find rude.
Where to Stay in Berlin
If you’re looking for somewhere cute and chic to stay in Berlin, these are my recs for the most Intstagrammable Berlin hotels and hostels for every budget.
Here is a general range of what is meant by each budget category:
- Budget: A room in a hostel, usually $20-25 USD per night for a dorm bed or under $50 for a double.
- Mid-range: Around $60-90
- Luxury: Around $100 per night or more
Budget: For a great budget-friendly hostel right on Lake Herthasee, check out Jugendgästehaus St.-Michaels-Heim. Located in the former Mendelssohn Palace, you can use it as a base to explore the beautiful Grunewald District. Check pricing, reviews, and availability here.
Mid-Range: For an affordable, yet luxurious stay in Dresden, I recommend the four-star Hotel Artushof. It’s located in a beautiful old building that looks almost like a miniature palace. The rooms have been renovated with modern luxuries but retain some old world charm like fireplaces in select rooms. There’s also a delicious steakhouse on site. Check pricing, reviews, and availability here.
Luxury: Dresden is packed with beautiful luxury hotels, but for a beautiful location I recommend Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais, a five-star hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant. Located right next to the Old Town, the setting couldn’t be more lovely. The rooms are a mix of traditional and modern, with stunning views. You can also enjoy the on-site spa and saunas. Check pricing, reviews, and availability here.
5 Things to Bring with You to Berlin
I have an entire post on exactly what to pack for Germany, but here are five things you absolutely need to have with you in your suitcase.
- The Lonely Planet Germany guidebook for your trip. I’ve been looking for a hard copy here since I don’t like getting stuff delivered to me in Bulgaria, and I can’t find one. Definitely get your guidebook ahead of time.
- An Unlocked Cell Phone so that you can use a German sim card to navigate the city.
- Melatonin if you’ll be traveling transatlantic and your sleep schedule will be disrupted.
- Universal Outlet Adapters if your appliances are from North America or the UK or any part of the world that uses outlets different than continental Europe.
- Travel Insurance Policy information, because things happen on the road. I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance when in cities like Berlin where there are pickpockets that target tourists.
I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities. Even in the cities, though, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen.
Berlin Travel Resources
- Germany Packing List
- 21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips & Advice
- Berlin Souvenir & Shopping Guide
- The Best Day Trips from Berlin
- Exploring Wartime Berlin (Podcast Episode)
- 10 Reasons to Travel Germany in Autumn
- How to Get from Berlin to Dresden on the Cheap & Hassle-Free
- How to Get from Dresden to Berlin
Do You have any spots to add to the list of the most Instagrammable places in Berlin? Leave any more Berlin photo spot recommendations in the comments below!
Pin This Guide to Berlin Photography Locations for Your Trip to Berlin
