Berlin is not a city of soaring skyscrapers like New York or a city of seven hills like Lisbon. Instead, Berlin is a sprawling, flat metropolis where the best views are often about finding the right perspective. It is a city defined by its silhouette: the needle of the TV Tower, the grand dome of the Cathedral, and the lush, green expanse of the Tiergarten.
To truly understand Berlin, you need to see it from above. Whether it's watching the sun set behind the Brandenburg Gate from a rooftop bar or catching the morning mist over the Spree from a hidden park hill, these viewpoints tell the story of a city that constantly reinvented itself. Here is our curated guide to the best views in Berlin.
Quick Overview: Best Berlin Viewpoints
- 1. TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
- 2. Reichstag Dome
- 3. Panoramapunkt
- 4. Victory Column
- 5. Klunkerkranich
- 6. Teufelsberg
- 7. Victory Park (Viktoriapark)
- 8. Park Inn Rooftop
- 9. Monkey Bar
9 Best Views in Berlin
1. The TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
The TV Tower is the ultimate symbol of Berlin. Standing at 368 meters, it is the tallest structure in Germany. From its observation deck, you get a 360-degree view that, on clear days, stretches for 40 kilometers.
Why it’s special: It feels like floating over the city. You can see the urban plan of East and West Berlin merging into one unified hive. The rotating restaurant above the deck adds a classic touch of 1960s socialist futurism.
2. The Reichstag Dome
The glass dome of the Reichstag building, designed by Norman Foster, is not just a viewpoint—it is a symbol of transparency in democracy. As you walk up the spiral ramp, you look down into the plenary hall and out over the government district.
Why it’s special: You are standing directly above the German Parliament. The view of the Brandenburg Gate from here is one of the most intimate and prestigious in the city.
3. Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz
Located atop the Kollhoff Tower, Panoramapunkt offers an open-air terrace with a direct view of the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower. It’s often less crowded than the TV Tower and offers a better perspective of the urban architecture.
Why it’s special: This is my favorite spot for Berlin skyline views. Since it’s an open-air deck, there is no glass reflection, making it the perfect spot for pro photographers.
4. The Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Standing in the center of the Tiergarten, the Victory Column requires a climb of 285 narrow steps, but the reward is the greenest view in Berlin. You are level with the tops of the trees, looking down the grand avenues of the city.
Why it’s special: It provides a sense of the scale of Berlin’s green space. Looking down the "Street of June 17th" toward the Brandenburg Gate is iconic.
5. Klunkerkranich
Hidden on the top floor of a shopping center parking garage in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is a quirky, upcycled rooftop garden and bar. It serves as a playground for the local creative scene.
Why it’s special: The vibe here is unbeatable. It’s rustic, wooden, and full of plants. Watching the sun set over the red rooftops of Neukölln while listening to live DJs is a quintessential contemporary Berlin experience.
6. Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain)
An artificial hill made of WWII rubble, now home to a former US Cold War listening station. The dilapidated radar domes are covered in world-class graffiti and offer a hauntingly beautiful view of the Grunewald forest and the distant city center.
Why it’s special: It’s raw, historical, and deeply atmospheric. It’s one of the few Berlin viewpoints where you feel the weight of 20th-century history while enjoying a 360-degree panorama.
7. Viktoriapark (Kreuzberg)
Viktoriapark is home to the highest natural point in the city (the Kreuzberg). At the top sits a Prussian National Monument, but the real star is the view down the artificial waterfall toward Großbeerenstraße.
Why it’s special: It’s the perfect place for a romantic evening. The way the street lights align with the hill provides a beautiful, symmetrical urban view.
8. Park Inn Rooftop Terrace
Located directly opposite the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz, this hotel rooftop offers the best view *of* the TV Tower itself. You are high up, watching the sun hit the silver sphere as it dominates the city skyline.
Why it’s special: If you want a photo that says "I’m in Berlin," this is the spot. There is also a base-jumping station here for the truly brave!
9. Monkey Bar (25hours Hotel)
Located on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, this bar offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Berlin Zoo and the Kurfürstendamm.
Why it’s special: You can literally watch monkeys and elephants while sipping a Negroni. The view of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at night is stunning.
Best Views in Berlin by Category
Free Viewpoints
- Reichstag Dome: Must be booked weeks in advance.
- Viktoriapark: No booking, great for picnics.
- Modersohnbrücke: A bridge in Friedrichshain famous for its sunset view over the tracks.
Sunset & Sunrise Spots
For sunrise, head to Oberbaumbrücke—the bridge is facing the right way to catch the sun coming up over the river. For sunset, Tempelhofer Feld or Klunkerkranich are unbeatable.
Romantic Views
Book a table at Solar or Monkey Bar. High-altitude cocktails and twinkling city lights are a proven romantic formula.
Tips for Photographing Berlin’s Views
Berlin’s light is very seasonal. In the winter, the sun is low and soft, but the days are very short. In the summer, you have until 10 PM to shoot, but the midday sun can be harsh. Use a wide-angle lens for the TV Tower and a tripod for long exposures from the bridges.
Conclusion
Berlin is a city that requires you to step back and look up. From the gritty rooftops of Neukölln to the sleek steel of the TV Tower, every viewpoint offers a different chapter of the city's story. Whether you're seeking a romantic sunset or a quiet moment of reflection over the Tiergarten, these scenic sights will ensure you see Berlin from its best possible angles. So grab your camera, book your tickets, and get ready to fall in love with the best views in Berlin.