How Difficult Is It to Visit the Reichstag in Berlin? 🏛️

The Reichstag Building (German Parliament) is free to visit, but getting in isn't that easy! If you show up without a reservation, you might be lucky enough to get a time slot later the same day, but most people end up waiting a day or two—or sometimes don’t get in at all. So, it’s highly recommended to book online in advance. I learned this the hard way after being turned away on my first try and had to book online afterward. 🍀 How far in advance should you book? Based on my experience, over a month ahead. I booked on March 3rd and had several options: just visiting the glass dome (Dome), a guided tour of the building (offered in English and other European languages), or even attending a parliamentary session. You pick two different dates and time slots, then wait for confirmation. I opted for the Dome + Guided Tour, and the earliest available date was April 10th. On March 3rd, I received the first email asking for a list of attendees, which I had to submit within 24 hours. After submitting the details, I got a second email confirming the booking receipt, but the time was still pending. Finally, on March 7th, I received the third email confirming my visit for April 10th. They also warned that the appointment might be canceled due to last-minute scheduling changes on their end. 🍀 What’s the entry experience like? In one word: frustrating. There are two entrances—one for dome-only visitors and one for guided tours—but there's no signage outside. Like many others, we ended up queuing twice because of the confusion. First, a staff member checked our reservation against a printed list and handed us a paper with a handwritten number. Then, after getting inside, we went through a passport check and security screening (understandable since it’s a parliament building). After security, another staff member gave us a badge with a letter, and we were told to wait outside. Once a group had gathered, we were escorted inside by another staff member. There, a guide split us into groups based on our badges and finally, the tour began—after what felt like a lot of waiting! 🍀 Was it worth all the hassle? Yes, it was. You’ll hear about the building’s war-torn history, sit in the parliament’s visitors’ seats to learn about politics, and of course, the dome itself is stunning! The steel and glass structure offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Berlin as you walk along the spiraling pathway. 📌 Tips: Arrive at least 30 minutes early at the service area outside the Reichstag. 📌 Reminder: Don’t forget your passport or ID! #Berlin #Reichstag