4 Sep 2025, 09:03 by Emma Heasman
Berlin is a fantastic destination and it's easy to see why it's Voyager's third most in-demand city for school groups. The German capital is full of history, culture and opportunities to practise the German language, and the best part is you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience it.
The city offers many free attractions that will not only keep students engaged but also bring their German, History or Art studies to life. From iconic landmarks to must-see monuments, here are the best free attractions in Berlin that are a must-have for your itinerary!
Stretching for 1.3 kilometres, the East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall and has been transformed into an open-air art gallery. Covered in over 100 colourful murals painted by international artists, it stands as a powerful symbol of joy over the end of Germany’s division.
Fun fact: East Side Gallery is the longest open-air gallery in the world
Price: Free
You can’t visit Berlin without stopping by the Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. The Brandenburg Gate has witnessed some of the most significant moments in German history. Once a symbol of division during the Cold War, it now stands for peace and unity. The Gate is a must-see for school groups and provides a memorable stop while exploring the city.
Photo op: A group photo in front of the gate is the perfect keepsake to remember your trip
Price: Free
Located in the heart of Berlin is one of the city’s most thought-provoking landmarks. Comprising 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, the memorial invites visitors to walk through and reflect on the scale of the Holocaust. Just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, the memorial provides an important space for school groups to pause, reflect, and deepen their understanding of German history.
Price: Free
Standing tall in the middle of Tiergarten Park, the Victory Column towers above its surroundings as a symbol of victory and unity. Groups can make the short walk from Brandenburg Gate and take in the impressive scale of the column and the golden statue of the goddess of victory at the top, offering a perfect photo opportunity!
Fun fact: In 2008, this was where Barack Obama gave a speech in the year before he was elected President of the United States
Price: Free to admire, optional concession tickets 1,50€ each to climb the column
The Berlin Wall Memorial offers a moving insight into the city’s division during the Cold War. Preserved sections of the Wall, a watchtower, and exhibitions help visitors understand the impact on everyday life in Berlin up until 1989, and the struggles faced by those living on either side.
Don't miss: Walk up the five-story observation tower to view the former border
Price: Free
Based on the former SS central command site, the Topography of Terror is both an indoor and outdoor museum documenting the horrors of the Nazi regime. Exhibitions, photographs, and preserved sections of the original buildings illustrate the period of Nazi rule during WWII.
Price: Admission and guided tours are free for school groups
The Reichstag building is not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of Germany’s democracy. Visitors can explore the impressive glass dome, designed to reflect transparency in government and how far it has come since its darker days throughout the 20th century. Free guided tours are available for school groups, offering a fascinating opportunity to learn about the country’s political history and the workings of the German parliament.
Top tip: School groups must book online a month in advance.
Price: General admission is free
The Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) was the Berlin Wall’s border crossing for passengers travelling between East and West Berlin; today it serves as a museum documenting those separations. Exhibits showcase the personal stories of those who crossed the border and the challenges faced by families divided by the Wall.
Fact: The Palace of Tears got its name because of families saying goodbye here, often for the last time, when crossing between East and West Berlin
Price: Free
Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to world-renowned museums. From ancient artifacts to classical and modern art, the island offers a unique chance for school groups to explore Berlin’s rich cultural and historical heritage in one central location.
Top tip: Allow plenty of time to visit the multiple museums and exhibits on the island to maximise your experience
Price: Free admission to permanent collections for under 18s
Surrounding Berlin’s largest palace, the Charlottenburg gardens are a beautiful example of baroque landscape design. The grounds include formal lawns, tree-lined pathways, and a picturesque lake, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the city. For school groups, the gardens provide a relaxing outdoor space to regroup after a busy day of exploring.
Top tip: The gardens are an ideal rest stop for your group during a busy day. Relax and take in the peaceful surroundings
Price: Free
Our German experts will create an itinerary tailored to your group and designed to meet your learning objectives. Check out our cross-curricular school trip to Berlin, or explore our full range of school trips to Germany, including our German residential centre, Hellenthal, where students develop their language skills through activities with our native German Betreuers and visit local cultural excursions.
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