If you’re planning a trip to Berlin with teenagers in the mix, you’re in luck. The capital of Germany has tons to offer virtually anyone and everyone – including teens. The city is home to a number of sights, attractions, and activities to keep the whole family entertained, from historical monuments and museums to unforgettable meals and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether your teen is interested in history, embraces their adventurous side, or just wants to explore and see what Berlin is all about, you’re guaranteed to have a great time here.
Want to make sure your Berlin itinerary has plenty for your teen to enjoy? Here are some great ways to have fun with teenagers in Berlin:
Soar to the Top of the Berlin TV Tower
Many of Berlin’s best views can be found at the tops of government buildings or churches, accessible by a long climb. But there’s one view you won’t want to miss out on – and that’s the view from the top of the Berlin TV Tower. Topping out at 1,207 feet tall, guests don’t ride to the very top of the building, but you’ll get to see plenty from the observation deck, which sits just over 650 feet high.
You can take the stairs if you want, but you can save yourself the 1000 steps and rocket to the top in a high-tech elevator, which can take you up to the viewing deck in 40 seconds flat. While you’re up there, you can enjoy sweeping views of Berlin below, snap some photos, and grab a bite to eat in the revolving restaurant – always a novel experience!
Explore the City in a Trabant – Or By Bike!
There’s no wrong way to see Berlin. You can take a walking tour of the city – free or paid – or experience the sights and sounds of Berlin by boat tour. However, there are other more exciting ways you can tour the city if you’re on a mission to have a bit of fun.
One option? Traverse the city in a Trabant. These little vintage cars were all the rage in East Germany, and now they’re a hit among tourists who want to cruise around the city and have a blast while they’re at it. These tiny, often brightly-painted cars are a ton of fun. Sign up for a guided tour, or rent one on your own and take it for a spin around town.
Prefer to explore at a slower pace? How about biking? While Berlin isn’t quite Amsterdam in terms of bike-friendliness, it’s relatively bike-friendly and easy to navigate. Berlin offers several different guided bike tours that you can sign up for, or you can rent a bike and set off on your own to see what you’d like. Even if it’s been ages since you’ve hopped on a bike, you may be surprised to find just how much fun you have.
Leap From the Roof of the Park Inn Hotel
That’s right! Berlin’s tallest hotel, the Park Inn Hotel, actually features a base flying adventure from its rooftop. If your teen is an adrenaline junkie, this will definitely get their blood pumping, and they won’t forget the feeling of soaring above the Alexanderplatz at nearly freefall speeds. It’s a quick adventure, but well worth it for fans of adventure.
You’ll be equipped with a helmet that holds a front-facing camera, making this the ultimate selfie experience. For a souvenir, you literally can’t get anywhere else, splurge on a copy of your recording when your flight is over.
Be sure to check the schedule for this as this was at the top of Mikael’s list when we visited Berlin, but they’re closed during the winter months.
Take an Underground Tour
For a totally new perspective of Berlin, sign up for anunderground tour and experience one of the bunkers that protected civilians during WWII bombing raids. You’ll feel like you stepped back into history in this immersive experience, making it an engaging way for teens to get a glimpse of the past. Knowledgeable guides explain the way the shelters were once used and share stories that highlight their importance in saving lives during the war.
Only some tours are offered in English, so you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure you secure a spot on one of them!
Have Fun at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Have you dreamed of seeing your favorite celebrities, political figures, and historic legends in the flesh? You can make it happen at Madame Tussaud’s – well, almost. This museum houses lifelike wax figures designed to replicate the world’s most well-known people, and it’s the perfect spot to snap some photos with stars you’ll likely never see in person.
If you haven’t been to one of the many Madame Tussaud’s museums before, you’re in for a treat. The wax sculptures are truly works of art, and in some cases, they look more like the people they’re trying to replicate than the actual person does. And you’ll find more than just replicas of stars – you can immerse yourself in your favorite movie scenes, have a ball in the interactive football arena, and experience a hologram.
Check Out the Game Science Center
If your teen is into video games, which my teen is, they’ll appreciate stopping by the Game Science Center to experience the cutting edge in video gaming technology. Even if you don’t play video games, you’ll be amazed by the technology available to help players get immersed in virtual worlds and navigate digital puzzles.
Play games on massive touch screens, try your hand at virtual table tennis, experiment with augmented reality, and see if you can control a video game using only your eyes – no hands allowed! This museum is fueled by start-ups and is continually rotating exhibits, so you’ll have to stop by and see what you can do for yourself! You can stay here for quite a few hours trying to master it all like we did.
In Conclusion
Visiting Berlin with teenagers can be a great way to make memories together and build those family bonds before they’re off to college. As long as you take their preferences into consideration when planning your trip and incorporate some teen-friendly activities into the mix, you’ll be guaranteed to have a great time together.
