The capital of Germany and the most populous city in the European Union, Berlin is known for its diversity and rich history. A popular destination for people visiting Germany with a variety of things to do, Berlin has something to offer everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about the must-see places in Berlin.
How to get around Berlin
Berlin is a massive city and is 9 times bigger than Paris. Although, this is not evident since Berlin has comparatively fewer inhabitants and is vast. The public transport in the city is well-connected and consists of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams. The ticket to access these different public transport networks is the same and can be bought from ticket machines in the subway stations. Tickets can also be purchased online through the BVG app. Berlin is divided into fare zones with varying ticket prices and more information about it can be found here
.
If using public transport to travel around the city is your go-to choice, make sure to check out the Berlin WelcomeCard
. It functions similarly to a public transport pass and you also get up to 50 percent discount at many popular sights in Berlin.
Walking around the city is another option, however, it might take a long time to get from one part of Berlin to another. Instead, it is convenient to walk within a smaller cluster of attractions found in the city. Driving around the city could also be considered but prepare yourself for the rush hour traffic like in any other European capital.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is currently the city’s main airport and is located 18 km south of the city center. To get to the city center from Berlin Brandenburg Airport you can take the train found at the lower levels of the airport. Since the airport lies in the outermost zone, the ticket can be purchased as a one-time journey from the airport to the city center or by combining it with a travel pass for traveling within the city and a one-time extension ticket for moving from the outer zone to the inner one.
Top attractions in Berlin
Brandenburg Gate
It would not be too wrong to call it the face of Berlin. An iconic monument of the 18th century that has witnessed a lot of history unfold before it. The gate was commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II in 1791 and consists of 5 passageways. Built with neoclassical architecture, it is now considered a symbol of unity and peace. A must-see attraction for anyone visiting Berlin.
Reichstag
A historic government building that houses the German parliament. It has a large glass dome on its rooftop that allows visitors to enter for free but only with prior registration. It is not always easy to get free slots and registration sometimes needs to be done a month in advance. An alternative would be to reserve a spot at the restaurant on the rooftop, Käfer Dachgarten, that also includes a tour of the Reichstag. Allows visitors to get a panoramic view of the city and also witness parliamentary proceedings below.
Potsdamer Platz
The square in the center of Berlin is renowned as a hub of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. In contrast, with the presence of the Berlin Wall during the cold war, it was physically divided in two and lifeless. It signifies the new Berlin and what was once a wasteland is now a bustling area of activity.
Holocaust Memorial
Also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe it is dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It is a place of contemplation and reminder of the troubled past. It consists of 2711 concrete slabs of different heights on a wave-shaped field that can be passed through from all sides. Opened in 2005, the Holocaust memorial is a walking work of art and is free to visit without any entry fee.
Tiergarten
A massive park spreading 210 hectares close to the city center and opposite the Holocaust memorial. Transformed from royal hunting grounds into a park by Freidrich III in the late 17th century. It is considered the city’s green lung with forested grounds and lush greenery. Definitely worth a stroll to take a quick breather from the city’s bustle.
Checkpoint Charlie
A popular remnant of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the well-known crossing point between East and West Berlin. A military checkpoint formerly controlled by the Americans, it also witnessed numerous escape attempts from East Berlin. Today, it is a popular photo spot with sandbags, a flag, signage, and a replica of the checkpoint booth.
Topography of Terror
One of the most frequently visited museums in Berlin it documents the terror and persecution of the Nazi regime. It is located on the site which previously served as the Gestapo headquarters and security office of the Reich. The past horrors are depicted through photos, film, and recordings and 15 information stations on the site. The museum is free for visitors and consists of both indoor and outdoor exhibitions where a part of the Berlin wall is still preserved.
Alexanderplatz
The biggest square in Berlin and is considered one of the liveliest places in the city. It is an important transport hub located in Berlin’s eastern center. Formerly used as a military parade ground and marketplace for farmers. It is a popular spot among tourists due to its modern commercial nature and also a famous filming location (Jason Bourne 👀).
TV Tower
Also known as Ferneshturm Berlin, it is the tallest structure in Germany at 368 meters. Constructed in the late 1960s, this iconic landmark today symbolizes the city. Apart from the broadcasting stations, it consists of a viewing tower with an observation deck including a bar and a rotating restaurant at a height of roughly 200 meters. Although tickets are not cheap, it offers a comprehensive view of Berlin. Booking the tickets in advance and online
are recommended to avoid long queues.
Museum Island
A UNESCO world heritage site consisting of a collection of 5 museums and the recently opened James Simon Gallery. Museum island is home to Altes Museum (Old Museum), Neues Museum (New Museum), Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum. These museums offer varied collections and are definitely worth seeing. If you plan on visiting more museums throughout the city, then surely consider buying the museum pass through which you can freely access 30 museums over 3 days.
Berlin Cathedral
Also known as Berliner Dom in German, it is a German Evangelical church and dynastic tomb on the Museum island. Built with Baroque architecture, the impressive building comprises a dome that is certainly an eye-catcher. A visit inside the cathedral is worth it due to its stunning interiors and also offers a panoramic view of the city after climbing up to the dome. The cathedral has a long history dating back to the 15th century and has undergone several renovations since then.
East Side Gallery
The famous open-air gallery on the longest surviving section of the Berlin wall along the Spree river. It is 1.3 km long and was painted by several artists from around the globe after the reunification symbolizing the newfound hope. Some of the popular works are Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss, Birgit Kinder’s Trabant breaking through the wall, and Detour to Japanese sector by Thomas Klingenstein. Being one of the most pictured destinations and the longest open-air gallery in the world, it gets busy in no time.
Charlottenburg Palace
Also known as Schloss Charlottenburg, it is a Baroque palace located in the eastern part of the city. Constructed in the 17th century, Charlottenburg palace
was the summer palace of Prussian queen Sophie Charlotte. After her passing, the palace and the surrounding area were named after her. It is the largest palace in the city and boasts of the rococo ballroom known as the Golden Gallery, Porcelain cabinet, and Silver vault offering an impressive collection of gold, silver, glass, and porcelain displays. The palace also has a huge park with baroque gardens and some of its highlights are the mausoleum, Neuer Pavilion, and the Belvedere tea house.
Conclusion
So these are some of the best places to visit in Berlin. There certainly is plenty of things to do in the German capital. Not surprising that Berlin is known to have more museums than the average number of rainy days a year.
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