What is the Museumsinsel?
The Museum Island is a collection of five museums all located on Spree Island in the centre of Berlin: the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. They were originally built between 1830-1930. Berlin Cathedral is also located in the same area.
What is the Museumsinsel like?
It's very convenient - all of the museums are a short walk from each other. The buildings themselves felt a bit dated - the Pergamonmuseum was closed for a major renovation when I visited, which is good as they deserve a bit of modernisation.
Where is the Museumsinsel?
Berlin, Germany
When did we go?
July 2025
How did we get there?
I'd been in Munich for work so I caught the train to Berlin.
Worth noting
The main highlight for me was the bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum - it was impressive. Definitely pick up an audio tour in each of the museums, as they're really useful.
Where was the Museumsinsel located on the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
It was a new entry for 2020.
Does the Museumsinsel deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?
Yes but maybe not so high up.
