Sometimes the best trips are the quick ones, the kind where you pack light, pick a season, and make the most of every hour. That was our plan when we decided to escape to Berlin for a long weekend, with a full day in Potsdam included. It was easy, budget-friendly, and surprisingly calm for such a big city.

This is how we did it, and how you can do it too.

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Day 1 — Arriving Early and Letting Berlin Wake Up Around Us

We left Amsterdam at 7:30 p.m. on the overnight FlixBus. I’ve learned over the years how to choose good seats on the bus map, and this time we had plenty of space and slept almost the whole night. By the time we arrived at Alexanderplatz at 7:00 a.m., we felt rested enough to enjoy the full day ahead.

Alexanderplatz at that hour felt a little confusing. The morning light wasn't fully there yet, the area was quiet, and both of us felt a bit disoriented. It reminded us of Bijlmer in Amsterdam, not the most charming first impression, and we weren’t sure where to go. But early city arrivals are like that: the good parts reveal themselves slowly.

We walked toward The Social Hub, one of the few places open early where you can sit with a pastry and coffee while the rest of Berlin wakes up. It’s bright, warm, and gives you a comfortable start to the day if you arrive before cafés open at 9:00.

From there, the whole trip shifted when we reached Monbijoupark. The trees were glowing with autumn colours, the paths were quiet, and everything looked peaceful. We spent time photographing little details, enjoying the seasonal mood, and just letting ourselves arrive. It was one of those unexpected, soft travel moments that stay with you.

Our hotel, Meininger Humboldthaus in Mitte, was perfectly located next to the S-Bahn, which made every connection simple. After leaving our backpacks in storage and freshening up, we walked along Unter den Linden all the way to the Brandenburg Gate. Sometimes wandering without a plan is the best way to learn the shape of a city.

Before noon, we stopped at Exclusive Coffee for hot chocolate, coffee, and bagels, a great pause before our tour. At 12:00, we joined the Rude Bastards and their Politically Incorrect Berlin Tour, which took us around several landmarks and gave us a fun, lively introduction to Berlin. It was light, engaging, and exactly what we needed for a first day. Of course, I need to give you an alternative in case you prefer a more traditional walking tour, which you can find on Get Your Guide.

By the time the tour ended, we had already walked a lot, so we returned to the hotel for a short rest before heading out again. Our evening plan was the Christmas Garden, one of Berlin’s seasonal light festivals. We walked through illuminated installations, took videos more than photos, and ate a little something inside. It was enough for dinner, and a peaceful way to end the day.

Day 2 — A Full, Beautiful Day in Potsdam

We started early again, taking the S-Bahn to Potsdam and arriving just in time for breakfast at Buena Vida Coffee Roasters. It’s a bright, welcoming café close to the station, perfect before visiting the palaces.

Before telling you more about Postdam, let me mention something about the transport tickets in Berlin. Please, download the BVG app, it makes your life so easy. For Potsdam, for example, the best option is to buy the 2-hour ticket for the ABC area. Just purchase it in advance, and add the time it should be valid from. So easy. If you have any questions about this, just ask :).

At 10:00, we entered the Sanssouci Palace, one of the highlights of the trip. Visiting right when it opens is the best choice, calmer, softer light, and more time to wander the gardens after. We walked through the vineyard terraces and past the fountains, enjoying the peaceful November air.

For lunch we went to Zur Historischen Mühle, a cozy restaurant not far from the park. After that, we continued to the New Palace, a grand Baroque building filled with impressive rooms and a completely different energy from Sanssouci. Both palaces tell the story of Frederick II, but each shows a different side of his life. To this second palace, you need to enter with a guide. In my case, I had assigned a guide in German, which, in case that happens to you, is worth downloading the Sanssouci app before, so you have an audioguide for all the palaces. I chose the kids' tour, which, surprisingly, was not only so much fun, but it kept your attention the whole time, like a scavenger hunt inside each room.

We left the palace right at sunset and went directly to Tierpark Berlin to see the Weihnachten im Tierpark light festival. It’s spacious, atmospheric, and beautifully organized for an evening walk. But, here I must confess we found it too similar to the Christmas Garden, and we couldn't help ourselves compare both of them. For us, the best option this season is the Christmas Garden at the Botanical Garden, so if your time is limited, choose this one.

After the visit, we ended the day with Vietnamese food at Nampan before heading back to the hotel.

It was one of those long days where everything flows, and you fall asleep happy.

Day 3 — A Slow Morning Before Heading Home

For our last morning, we wanted something simple. We walked to Factory Girl for breakfast, then crossed the river for a quiet visit to the Bode Museum. The entire area around Museum Island is lovely in the morning, calm, elegant, and easy to photograph.

After a final walk through Mitte, we collected our backpacks and took the 2:00 p.m. FlixBus back to Amsterdam, arriving just before midnight. The perfect loop for a short, complete escape.

Why This Trip Works So Well

Berlin is a city that gives you space. It’s big, but not overwhelming. Busy, but not chaotic. There’s history, architecture, parks, and cafés, and in November, a beautiful mix of autumn and early winter light.

Potsdam adds something different: elegance, gardens, palaces, and a slower rhythm. It balances Berlin perfectly.

Traveling with an overnight bus made the trip longer without taking extra days off. Waking up in Berlin, having a full day, and being able to return the same way kept it simple and accessible.

If you plan it well, you can see a lot without rushing, and still have time to enjoy the small things: a park in autumn, a cozy café, a street full of lights.

If you’re looking for a quick trip from Amsterdam or anywhere nearby, Berlin is a beautiful option. We left with tired feet, happy hearts, and already talking about when we’ll return.

Until next time, Berlin.

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam