There is no better place to experience democracy than in Berlin. The city offers a wealth of exhibitions and activities on the subject, as well as the opportunity to participate in live public sessions all year round by appointment. You can also take guided tours of the Reichstag and government buildings, and admire the city and the government district from the glass dome of the Reichstag.
The two banks of the Spree, which were once separated by the Berlin Wall, are now connected by the so-called Band des Bundes. Large glass fronts bear witness to the openness and transparency of German democracy. Here, we show you where you can experience democracy here and in other places in Berlin.
Tip 1: Look out over Berlin from the Reichstag dome
The 23-high glass dome of the Reichstag is a must-see for any visitor to Berlin. Around one million people visit the dome every year, and it offers unparalleled views of the city. An audio guide provides detailed explanations of what you can see as you make your way along the spiral to the top of the dome. Once at the top, you can take a look into the plenary chamber through the huge glass funnel. The construction of 360 mirrors inside the funnel is impressive, reflecting the sunlight and providing pleasant daylight in the plenary chamber.
When: By appointment
Where: Reichstag, Platz der Republik 1, Mitte
Tip 2: Book a guided tour of the German Bundestag
During a guided tour of the Reichstag building, you will gain an insight into the development of parliamentarianism in Germany and learn exciting facts about the history of the building. Guided tours of the building take place daily and are recommended for young people aged 15 and over. For younger visitors, special family tours explain the tasks, workings and composition of parliament as well as the history and architecture of the Reichstag building in a child-friendly way. On weekends and public holidays, guided art and architecture tours of the Reichstag Building, Paul Löbe House and Jakob Kaiser House are available. Afterwards, you can visit the Reichstag dome.
You can also register for a visit to a plenary session or for lectures in the visitors' gallery of the plenary chamber.
When: Guided tours are only available during non-session times and require prior written registration.
Where: Reichstag, Platz der Republik 1, Mitte
Tip 3: Discover art and democracy in the government district
The Band of the Federation symbolically connects the formerly divided Berlin. Stroll across the bridge between Paul Löbe House and Marie Elisabeth Lüders House and watch the MPs at work. Enjoy the sunshine on the large open staircase, watch the ships passing by or dance the tango on the terrace in front of the MPs' canteen in summer. Through the glass façade, you can even watch the representatives eating. Incidentally, a public café is now also in the planning stages. Afterwards, you can stroll along the Spree to Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the Federal President since 1994.
Tip 4: Discover art in the government quarter and Dani Karavan's Grundgesetz 49
If you walk along the Spree promenade, you will see 19 large panes of glass facing the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus, on which the Israeli artist Dani Karavan has engraved the 19 articles of the German Grundgesetz. Through these first 19 articles of the German Grundgesetz, you can see the House of Parliamentary Groups, where the aim is to ensure that these are upheld in our democracy. You can find out more about Dani Karavan's Grundgesetz 1949 and other public works of art simply take a walk through the government district in our podcast episode on the transparency of democracy.
When: anytime
Where: Grundgesetz 49, Reichstagsufer 4, Mitte
Tip 5: Try your hand at being a Member of Parliament
How exactly does democracy work? You can find the answer to this question in the "Parliamentary History Exhibition of the German Bundestag" at Deutscher Dom (German Cathedra)l. The journey through the history of parliamentarianism spans four floors and provides insights into history from 1848 to the present day. Key topics include parliamentarianism in the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi state and sham parliamentarianism in the GDR, as well as the political new beginning after 1945. On the top floor, you can watch a different film on the topic every day. You can also register for various guided tours and workshops free of charge.
Tip: If you would like to try your hand at being a member of the Bundestag, we recommend the role-playing game "Plenary Session" in the German Cathedral. There is a special room for this, modelled on the original plenary hall in the Reichstag building.
Registration for guided tours and projects: historischeausstellung [at] bundestag.de or by telephone on 030/227-30432 and 030/227-30431
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May to September 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Where: Deutscher Dom, Gendarmenmarkt 1, Mitte
Tip 6: Experience Europe at the European House
Just a few steps away from the Brandenburg Gate, the exhibition EXPERIENCE EUROPE invites you on a virtual journey through the European Union. Interactive media stations provide interesting facts about European politics and citizen participation in 24 languages. One highlight is the 360° cinema, which immerses visitors in a plenary session of the European Parliament. In addition, groups can take part in exciting role-playing games that simulate European decision-making processes.
When: daily 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Europäisches Haus (European House), Unter den Linden 78, Mitte
Tip 8: Visit the democracy exhibition in the Futurium
Did you know that the idea of democracy is already 2000 years old? The exhibition "Democracy - You can choose the future" at Futurium shows what has changed since then and how democracy can succeed in the future. You can try out for yourself how democracy works in various simulations. Comics draw visionary drafts of democratic societies. And in short videos you can see possible solutions for the future. In the lab, you can experience the opportunities and risks that new technologies can have for democracy. For example, the "Smile to Vote" voting booth uses AI to determine which party you will vote for based on a quick glance into the camera. Is this fiction or soon-to-be reality? Decide for yourself.
When: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesday).
Where: Futurium, Alexanderufer 2, Mitte.
More about the Futurium
Tip 9: Invitation to a state visit
Every year in summer, the federal government and the ministries in Berlin invite people to visit the state for a weekend. Hundreds of thousands of visitors usually take the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the Federal Government. You can visit the Federal Chancellery, the Press and Information Office and the federal ministries. There's a shuttle bus that will take you from building to building. You can meet politicians, learn more about their everyday lives and find out about current issues. You'll even might meet Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who'll probably be happy to answer your questions during an on-stage discussion.
When: 20 & 21 June 2026
Where: Government district and various locations in Berlin
Tip 10: Tracing Democracy in Berlin
As well as the government district and the Reichstag, there are lots of other places in Berlin where you can see democracy in action, including major sights like Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate, Nikolaikircheand the Zionskirche. These are places where democratic movements can meet and rally.
But it's not just about history. The German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum), the Humboldt Forum and the district museums regularly invite visitors to engage in open discourse. And for almost 175 years, regular commemorations have been held at the Friedhof der Märzgefallenen (Cemetery of the March Fallen) in honour of the men and women who once risked their lives to demand freedom and human rights. A new special exhibition will open on Democracy History Day on 18 March 2026.
When: Depending on the event
Where: All over the city
Tip: Discover even more places of democracy with our ABOUT BERLIN app. You can download the digital city guide for free here:
ABOUT BERLIN | There are many stories to tell.
Tip 11: Watch open-air films at the Stasi headquarters. Campus for Democracy
A historic site of transformation: the former headquarters of the GDR Ministry of State Security, once a symbol of oppression, has been reborn as the "Campus for Democracy." Here, you can explore captivating insights into the SED dictatorship and uncover fascinating details about the Peaceful Revolution.
Tip: Each year in August films exploring the history of the GDR, state security, resistance, and the process of coming to terms with the past will be screened in the inner courtyard of the former Stasi headquarters.
What makes this special: After each screening, you’ll have the chance to engage in discussions with filmmakers, experts, and eyewitnesses. In addition to the Campus Kino film series, you can also look forward to a exhibitions and guided tours that complement the evening’s theme.
When: August 2026
Where: Stasi Headquarters. Campus für Democracy, Ruschestraße 103, Lichtenberg
Tip 11: Visit Berlin's famous Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
Under the motto "Experience democracy", the Rote Rathaus (Red Town Hall) will be opening its doors on 21 June. June - and you are cordially invited! Explore the most famous landmark in Berlin, immerse yourself in its 155-year history and find out exactly what the individual departments do in speed dating with the employees of the Senate Chancellery. In addition to many other participation and discussion formats, a colourful programme with lots of music and culinary delights awaits you in the Ratshöfe. Bring topics that move you and find out how decisions are made in Berlin. This is democracy - be part of it!
Tip: Regardless of the open day, you can usually visit the representative rooms of the Red Town Hall from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, as work is carried out here every day, the Red Town Hall may be temporarily closed for security reasons.
When: the date has not yet been confirmed, but it is usually in June, all day
Where: Rotes Rathaus, Rathausstraße 15, Berlin-Mitte
