City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a dynamic city that blends history, culture and innovation into a landscape set along the Spree and Havel Rivers and the Landwehr Canal. From the echoes of its turbulent past and historic sites to its thriving contemporary art, shopping and culinary scenes, Berlin makes a unique destination for boaters, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to visit from private boat slip rentals.

The Brandenburg Gate

Once a symbol of division during the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate now stands as a powerful symbol of unity and peace. This 18th-century neoclassical monument, located at Pariser Platz, is stunning during the day and when illuminated at night. It’s the only remaining one of 18 gates that were previously located around the city.

Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery

The remnants of the Berlin Wall (it’s the longest continuous section of the wall) serve as a vivid reminder of the city’s divided past. The East Side Gallery, a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the wall, is now the world’s longest open-air gallery. It sits along the Spree River and features more than 100 murals from international artists, including the iconic “Fraternal Kiss.” Rent a bike and ride along the wall to explore various preserved segments and memorials.

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums situated on the banks of the Spree River. The Berlin Cathedral sits prominently among these museums. After gazing at the gorgeous interior, sit outside at the cafe and watch boats glide along the Spree River.

You can buy a day pass to access all five museums, which include:

• Pergamon Museum – famous for the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate
• Altes Museum – classical antiquities
• Neues Museum – home to the bust of Nefertiti
• Alte Nationalgalerie – 19th-century art
• Bode Museum – sculptures and Byzantine art

Tiergarten Park

Are you searching for green space to visit from private boat lifts for rent? Berlin's version of Central Park, Tiergarten Park is a sprawling urban park perfect for walking, cycling or relaxing. In the heart of the park stands the Victory Column (Siegessäule), which features Victoria, the Goddess of Victory. Climb to the top for sweeping city views. Pair a walk through Tiergarten with a picnic or a stop at Café am Neuen See.

Other outdoor activities on the nature side include riverboat cruises and kayaking on the Spree River, canoing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and swimming at Schlachtensee Lake, hiking and bicycling.

Holocaust Memorial 

This haunting and moving Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe), located just south of the Brandenburg Gate, consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights across a city block. Created by architect Peter Eisenman, it's a place for reflection and remembrance. Visit the underground information center for historical background and personal stories.

Hamburger Bahnhof

Located in the Mitte district, Hamburger Bahnhof is one of Berlin’s most renowned contemporary art museums. It’s housed in a striking 19th-century railway station near Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Initially built in the 1840s as a terminal for trains to Hamburg, the station ceased operations in the 1880s and was later transformed into a museum. Today, it’s part of the Nationalgalerie and showcases modern and contemporary art from the 1960s onward.

The museum features works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, Cy Twombly and Anselm Kiefer. Expansive galleries host rotating exhibitions, installations and performances. The historic industrial architecture, vaulted ceilings and spacious halls offers a unique backdrop for bold and large-scale artworks. 

Alexanderplatz & Berlin TV Tower

Once a central square of East Berlin, Alexanderplatz is now a busy commercial hub. The Berlin TV Tower offers a 360-degree view from its observation deck and rotating restaurant. Visit on a clear day or at sunset for stunning views of the Berlin skyline before heading back to a marina, hotel or private boat dock for rent. 

Charlottenburg Palace 

For a taste of Prussian opulence, visit the baroque Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg), which is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Inside, you'll find lavish rooms, royal collections and seasonal classical concerts. It was built in the 17th century and expanded in the 18th century.

Historic Churches 

History and architecture enthusiasts won’t want to miss stepping inside a few of Berlin’s ornate churches. Many of these churches suffered extensive damage during World War II but have been restored to magnificence. Here are a few to add to your list.

• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• The French tower and the German Cathedral in the Gendarmenmarkt public square
• St. Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church)
• St. Thomas Church
• Sophien Church
• Friedrichswerdersche Church