Must-See Germany: Iconic Experiences in Berlin and Frankfurt
Hankering after a quick escape to somewhere new? Berlin and Frankfurt will fit the bill beautifully, offering bucket-list experiences around every corner.
Aer Lingus flies directly to Berlin and Frankfurt from Dublin, making it easy to plan a focused trip to either city — without stretching yourself too thin. If you’re coming from the US, the added ease of preclearing customs on the way home is a welcome bonus.
If time is tight, keep it simple. Choose the experiences that matter, move at your own pace, and follow the rhythm of these two fascinating cities. Let’s look at our top highlights.
Berlin: Stand beneath the Brandenburg Gate at first light
If you arrive on an early flight to Berlin, you’re in luck: the city is at its gentlest first thing in the day. The Brandenburg Gate, usually surrounded by movement and noise, will be peaceful and drenched in morning light.
Solo travellers can take it in quietly, couples often linger, and families will find it refreshingly easy — no queues, no rush, just space to take in the extraordinary history surrounding you.
From there, you can head over to the East Side Gallery, which stretches along the river and houses a surviving section of the Berlin Wall. Now covered in murals from more than 100 artists, it’s a small but vivid reminder of how the city was once divided. Don’t forget to stop by Checkpoint Charlie, a popular place for photographs next to a booth, sandbags, and American flag.
Berlin: Watch the city unfold from Teufelsberg
Direct flights from Dublin to Germany make it easy to save time in the sky that you can use on the ground to see a little more of the country. If you’ve got kids with you or you’re craving a little wide-open space, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice in Berlin.
Tempelhofer Feld feels like a piece of Berlin’s personality made visible. A former airport turned public park, it still has wide open runways in place.
You can cycle, walk, or simply sit and enjoy a coffee or takeaway currywurst. During the busiest seasons, there’s a beer garden, cafeteria, and snack stations, so you won’t go hungry. The space is particularly good for families, but just as appealing if you’re travelling solo and want to spend time chilling in nature.
A little further out, on the edge of the Grunewald forest, Teufelsberg rises above the trees — a man-made hill built from the rubble of World War II, topped by the remains of a Cold War listening station.
It’s a bit of a climb to reach it, but that’s part of the experience. At the top, you’ll find vast views across Berlin, including its oldest monuments and newest skyscrapers.
Frankfurt: See the sights from the Main at sunset
An incredible mix of old and new architecture, Frankfurt is best seen from the river. A boat trip along the Main in the evening is an easy way to take in the skyline, especially as the light fades. It’s relaxed, unhurried, and a welcome pause in the middle of a busy trip.
You’ll see acres of shiny skyscrapers — the city is one of Europe’s busiest business hubs — but also still-standing echoes of the past. Römerberg is a particular must-see, with its square of timber-framed buildings, carefully restored but still full of life.
Hop off and head to a local tavern for an authentic German supper in Sachsenhausen. Order a glass of Apfelwein and settle in at a long table. It’s easy-going, welcoming, and suits just about everyone, from hungry families to curious couples and adventurous solo travellers.
Frankfurt: Take the train out to explore the Rhineland
One of Frankfurt’s best qualities is how quickly it connects you to somewhere completely different.
Within an hour, you can be along the Rhine, exploring vineyards, castles, and quietly traditional towns and villages.
If you’ve time for just one stop along the Rhine, make it Rüdesheim am Rhein. It’s about an hour from Frankfurt by train, and it manages to feel like the version of the Rhine people imagine before they arrive — vineyards climbing steep hills, half-timbered houses, and boats drifting steadily along the river.
You can take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument for sweeping views across the valley, wander the narrow lanes of the old town, or simply sit with a glass of local Riesling and watch the afternoon pass. It’s easy, compact, and quietly memorable without needing much planning — exactly what you want on a short trip.
Plan your trip to Germany today
If you’re short on time, Germany is a great place to spend a quick weekend or a brief midweek break. Berlin brings history and atmosphere. Frankfurt adds contrast and an easy escape into the country. Between them, you’ll find more than enough to fill a short trip, and plenty of reasons to come back.
Aer Lingus connections through Dublin make travelling to Germany a breeze, whether you’re coming from the US or elsewhere in Europe. Explore our direct flights to Frankfurt and Berlin and start planning that bucket-list trip now.
