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A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Reichstag Berlin

The Reichstag in Berlin stands as a symbol of Germany's socio-political heritage. Built in 1894, the building has weathered the test of time and history, including the devastation of World War II and the Battle of Berlin. Today, you can explore the parliamentary history of Berlin while strolling through the halls of the Reichstag. If that's not enough, you can see panoramic views of Berlin and the Plenary Chamber from the famous Reichstag dome and try the delicious German cuisine at the rooftop restaurant.

Read on to find out all you need to know before planning your visit to the Reichstag building and why it should be at the top of your list of things to do in Berlin.

Reichstag Berlin | Visitor information at a glance

Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • What are the Reichstag Berlin's opening hours?
    The Reichstag is open from 8am to 12am everyday with the exception of December 24th. The last admission is at 9:45pm.
  • Where is the Reichstag Berlin located?
    The Reichstag Berlin is located in the heart of Berlin at Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany.
  • How many visitors does the Reichstag Berlin see per year?
    The Reichstag building welcomes over 3 millions visitors yearly.
  • Is it free to visit the Reichstag?
    Yes, entry into the Reichstag is free, but you do need to make a reservation in advance. We highly recommend joining a Reichstag guided tour, as these tours offer a thorough understanding of the Reichstag's rich history, its fascinating architectural features, intriguing stories, and lesser-known facts that you might not discover on your own.
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Reichstag opening hours

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General opening hours: 8am to 12am
Last admission: 9:45pm
Closed: December 24th (all day), December 31st (4pm onwards with last admission at 2:30pm)
The dome will be closed for maintenance on: 8th - 19th July 2024, 22th - 26th July 2024, 21st - 25th October 2024, and 28th October - 1st November 2024

​More on Reichstag opening hours >

Best time to visit the Reichstag building

  • Weekday vs. weekends: While the Reichstag is open daily, if you’re looking for a serene experience with less hustle and bustle, weekdays are your best bet. A weekday visit allows you to avoid the crowd and stroll through the hallways or take in the view of the city undisturbed and at your own pace. 
  • Best time in the year: While peak season, from April to October, promises pleasant weather, it's also the busiest time of the year. Expect high footfall during the season. Conversely, during the months of November to March, the weather is on the colder side but footfall is fairly less, giving you more room to explore.
  • Best time of the day: If you're looking for clear views of the city, daytime is the best option. If you're looking to capture picturesque shots, sunset hours or twilight provide the best views. However, if you're looking for a smaller crowd, visiting near opening or closing hours would be your best option.

Where is Reichstag located?

Reichstag building address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
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Located in central Berlin, the Reichstag building is in proximity to several landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Tiergarten park. Its central location makes it easily accessible via a variety of transportation.

Closest landmark: Brandenburg Gate (500 m)

Reichstag location

Getting to the Reichstag in Berlin

By public transportation

By bus: Board bus number 100 and board off at Reichstag/Bundestag bus stop. The Reichstag building is just a 3 minutes walk away.

By train: Board the S1 and S26 and get off at Brandenburger Tor station which is located 9 minutes walk away.

By metro: Hop on either U2 (Red Line), U5 (Brown Line), or the U6 (Purple Line) and alight at U Bundestag which is a 4 minutes walk from the Reichstag building.

By car

You can easily reach Reichstag from Alexanderplatz via car. It is located at a distance of 3.6 km, and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

Nearest parking:

Know before you go

There is a central Reichstag building entrance for visitors, which is located on Scheidemannstraße, near the West Portal of the Reichstag Building.

Address: Scheidemannstraße, 10557 Berlin, Germany
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Girl enjoying audio guide tour in Paris near Arc de Triomphe.
  • You can grab an audio guide on your visit to the Reichstag dome. The guides are available in twelve different languages: English, French, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and German.
  • These user-friendly guides are available on the roof terrace and provide all the information about the Reichstag Building, its surroundings, the German Bundestag, parliamentary work, and the sights you'll see during your 230-meter journey up and down the dome.
  • There are special versions of the audio guide for kids and the visually impaired (in German), as well as a simplified German version and a video guide for deaf visitors. Just a heads-up, though—the audio guide won't be available if the dome is closed.
Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • Information desks: Multiple information desks are located throughout the Reichstag building, where friendly staff are available to assist you with queries or concerns.
  • Information material: Feel free to grab any informational brochures about the German Bundestag available in the entrance area near the West Portal and at the cloakrooms on the visitors' level of the Reichstag Building.
  • Restrooms: There are restrooms at the rooftop level, including facilities for people with disabilities.
  • Elevators and ramps: Reichstag is wheelchair and pram/stroller-friendly, as ramps and elevators are present throughout the building.
  • Wheelchair rentals: Wheelchairs are available on rent to be used inside the building.
  • Lost & found: If you misplace an item during your Reichstag building visit, you can report it to the Lost & Found team at the Help Desk.
Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • You are required to make a prior reservation before visiting Reichstag Berlin.
  • Carry a valid ID or passport (original only) to gain entry into the Reichstag.
  • Luggage and large bags are not allowed within the premises. There are no cloakrooms so prepare accordingly.
  • Bags, coats, and other items are subjected to X-ray examination upon arrival.
  • Pets aren't permitted within the premises. However, in the case of service animals, it's prudent to check with the Bundestag authorities.
  • You must follow the instructions of the Bundestag staff at all times.
  • Weapons and hazardous items are prohibited inside the German parliament building.
Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • People with disabilities can enter the Reichstag Building via the entrance below and to the right of the West Portal (West C).
  • Wheelchairs on loan are available at the venue. The exhibitions are also accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • People with hearing impairment can be assisted via induction loops during plenary debates in the visitor's galleries.
  • For individuals with visual impairments, braille labels and audio notifications are present in elevators. Additionally, a tactile guide to the Reichstag Building, plenary chamber and Reichstag dome, as well as the parliamentary and government district is available.
Reichstag | Plan Your Visit

Käfer (the rooftop restaurant): Enjoy a scrumptious German meal at this rooftop restaurant inside Reichstag while also taking in a wonderful view of the city skyline. The restaurant runs from 9am to 5pm and 7pm to 12am.

Other restaurants near Reichstag include:

Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • Bring valid documentation: You'll need to bring a valid passport with you to enter the building.
  • Dress appropriately: Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as you may be walking outside to access the rooftop terrace.
  • Arrive early: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled entry time to allow time for security checks.
  • Take a guided tour: Consider taking a Reichstag guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Reichstag.
  • Check out the Reichstag dome: Make sure to visit the impressive glass dome, which offers 360-degree views of Berlin.
  • Visit at sunset: Sunset is a popular time to visit Reichstag, as you can see the city transition from day to night.
Reichstag | Plan Your Visit
  • The Brandenburg Gate: Located right beside the Bundestag, the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic neoclassical structures dating back to the 18th century.
  • Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: This site is a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights arranged in a grid-like pattern. Visitors are called to walk through the monument to reflect and remember those who lost their lives.
  • Berliner Dom: Also known as Berlin Cathedral, it is a stunning 19th-century church located on Museum Island in Berlin. You can climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city or explore the ornate interior and its impressive pipe organ.
  • Berlin Wall Memorial: Situated in Bernauer Strasse, this preserved section of the Berlin Wall and its accompanying documentation center tells the story of the division of Berlin and the impact it had on the city and its residents.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Reichstag

Definitely! The Reichstag is steeped in history and boasts stunning architecture. It is home to the German Parliament (Bundestag) and offers a fascinating mix of historical context, political significance, and breathtaking 360 degree views of Berlin. One of the main attractions is the Reichstag dome designed by Sir Norman Foster. It symbolizes government transparency and offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.