TISSOT x NBA Special: A 24-Hour Berlin City Guide
As NBA excitement arrives in Berlin on January 15, we explore the city through a specially curated 24-hour guide.
When the calendar turns to January 15, 2026, the heart of European basketball beats in Berlin. The historic matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies is more than just a game—it’s a major cultural event woven into the fabric of the city itself. Against Berlin’s gray yet charismatic winter backdrop, this 24-hour guide for basketball fans is designed to capture the spirit of time from the moment you land.
Time plays a central role in this journey. With TISSOT—the official timekeeper of the NBA—we incorporate Berlin’s watchmaking heritage and modern boutiques into our route. Because just like in basketball, every second matters in Berlin.
Starting at Berlin Brandenburg Airport and ending on the parquet floor of the Uber Arena, this 24-hour adventure is crafted for those who want to manage every moment with the precision of a basketball game. Along the way, we’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the East Side Gallery, explore the city’s gastronomic scene from currywurst to global cuisine, and trace a route that connects TISSOT’s philosophy of precision engineering with Berlin’s historic watchmaking tradition—from luxury boutiques on Friedrichstraße to the mysterious world of antique timepieces.
We’ll soak up the atmosphere at NBA House before the game and celebrate late into Berlin’s endless nightlife afterward. From touchdown to takeoff, this guide offers a seamless city experience where every moment interlocks like the gears of a Swiss watch.
Starting Point: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) & Entry to the City
08:45
Landing at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on the morning of January 15 is the perfect moment to synchronize with the city. Inside Terminal 1, the Hour Passion boutique is your first stop to explore TISSOT’s latest collections. For any NBA fan, timing is everything—and this boutique sets the tone for a journey that begins with Swiss precision.
09:30
The fastest way to reach the city center is via the “FEX” (Airport Express) trains. In approximately 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, where the city’s modern and historic silhouettes come together.
Morning: Berlin’s Symbols & the Art of Watchmaking
10:15
Start the day with a classic Berlin breakfast in the Mitte district at places like Distrikt Coffee or House of Small Wonder. If time is tight, grab one of Berlin’s famous Brezels and begin exploring on foot.
11:30
Your first stop is the city’s most iconic landmark: the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). Within walking distance, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe offers a powerful architectural narrative of the city’s somber history.
12:30
Next, head to Friedrichstraße—the heart of luxury and timepieces. Why include watch boutiques in a city guide? Because Berlin has long valued precision engineering and craftsmanship, particularly since the Prussian era. The millisecond-driven pace of the NBA aligns perfectly with this watchmaking heritage.
14:00
Located on Friedrichstraße and conveniently close to the Uber Arena, Juwelier Nayis is a must-visit for watch and jewelry enthusiasts. A family-run establishment with deep roots, it offers an impressive selection of TISSOT watches. Afterwards, antique lovers should make their way to Antik Center Berlin (near Potsdamer Straße)—a true treasure trove where you’ll lose track of time among winding wall clocks and rare pocket watches that have witnessed Berlin’s past.
Afternoon: Basketball Culture & NBA House
15:00
For lunch, head to Kreuzberg to try Berlin’s legendary currywurst at Curry 36, one of the city’s most iconic spots. If you’re looking for variety, Markthalle Neun brings together street food from around the world under one roof.
16:00
After lunch, make your way to Uber Platz, right next to the Uber Arena. On game day, the NBA House transforms the area into a full-scale fan festival with interactive games, meet-and-greets, and official NBA merchandise. The homecoming of German stars Franz and Moritz Wagner with the Orlando Magic adds an extra layer of electricity to the atmosphere.
Evening: The Big Moment – Uber Arena
Around 18:30, the energy around the Uber Arena reaches its peak. For a pre-game drink, Gallery Rooftop Bar is an excellent choice, offering elevated views of the East Side Gallery—the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall.
When the clock strikes 20:00, the moment arrives as TISSOT chronometers set the game in motion. As the Orlando Magic face the Memphis Grizzlies, Berlin becomes not just a European capital, but the epicenter of global basketball. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and acoustics, the Uber Arena delivers an unforgettable experience—whether you’re watching Ja Morant soar for a dunk or the Wagner brothers sink clutch three-pointers.
Night: Celebrations & Berlin-Style Nightlife
23:00
Instead of winding down after the game, dive straight into Berlin’s nightlife. Simon-Dach-Straße, just across from the Uber Arena, is packed with bars and restaurants perfect for keeping the night going. For a more alternative vibe, cross the Oberbaumbrücke over the Spree River and explore the lively streets of Kreuzberg.
01:30
Before calling it a night, try another Berlin classic: Döner Kebab. Plenty of high-quality spots stay open late, making it the perfect finale to an energy-packed day.
The Next Morning: Farewell & Departure
07:40 – January 16
Before heading to the airport, take a short morning walk around Museum Island. If time allows, photographing the majestic dome of the Berliner Dom is a beautiful way to close your Berlin experience.
10:00
Plan to take the S-Bahn or Airport Express back to BER at least 2.5 hours before your flight. After passport control, browse the airport boutiques one last time—you might even choose to immortalize your Berlin adventure with a new TISSOT timepiece.
This 24-hour guide blends Berlin’s deep history, the modern thrill of the NBA, and the craftsmanship of watchmaking into a single narrative. In Berlin, every second tells a story—and yours begins with the opening tip-off on the evening of January 15.
