EXPLORING BERLIN, GERMANY
First time in Berlin?
Welcome to Berlin, the city of freedom. Visit all of Berlin’s most famous sights or here are 13 places to explore so you'll hear the secret stories that make the past come to life!
You can also try the HOP-ON-HOP-OFF bus for convenience!
Berlin has a history like no other city. From a proud empire under the Kaisers destroyed by World War One to the capital of progressive culture in the 1920s, Berlin would be turned upside-down after Hitler’s rise to power in 1933. Following the devastation of WWII, the city would be divided by the Allies, only to become the global symbol of the Cold War when it became divided by the Berlin Wall in 1961. Finally, the German capital would become a symbol of hope when in 1989 the Wall came down, allowing Germany to become one country again.
If you interested in arts, there are many Exhibitions in Berlin like the Berlin show that starts from June to November. Check it out.
Visit the great museums & sights and then relax in a café. Look forward to concerts & shows, stroll through the shops and discover with us all the diversity of Berlin.
Check out Berlin's Popular Tours
Here are Berlin beauties that are popular for sightseeing when in Berlin:
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
In Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp just outside Berlin, tens of thousands perished at the hands of the Nazis in conditions of appalling brutality. The camp became a training ground for the SS and the site of the headquarters of the whole concentration camp system. After the Nazis were defeated, the Soviets used Sachsenhausen as a camp for their own political enemies – thousands more were to perish over the next five years.
Is it worth visiting? Sachsenhausen holds immense historical significance as a former Nazi concentration camp. By visiting this memorial site, we can honor the victims and ensure that the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Museum Island
Admission Fee: Museum Island & Panorama Pass € 24 euros, reduced €12
Right in the heart of Berlin, nestled between the Spree River and the Spree Canal, lies the world-famous Museum Island. Every year, millions of visitors come to see the five museums, whose spectrum of collections ranges from prehistory to 19th century art. Not only the collections themselves are worth seeing - the ensemble of historic buildings on Museum Island is among the most beautiful architecture that Berlin has to offer.
Neues Museum
Neues Museum is where you will explore the impressive collection of the world’s most enchanting ancient civilization of Egypt, prehistoric, and classical antiquities. You will see Egypt’s millennia-old evolution, how civilization transformed over time, countless sculptures, impressive artifacts, and death rituals. You’ll come face to face with the exquisite Queen Nefertiti, Egypt’s most famous leading lady and the fascinating Berlin Golden Hat - but there is much more housed in a building which still shows the evidence of WW2 bombing. Her bust is the museum’s prized possession.
Pergamonmuseum
Enter the Pergamonmuseum and wander through the restored facades, mosaics, sculptures, and tiled floors. In the Greek and Roman section, you’ll see the famous Market Gate of Miletus dating back to the Romans. The Pergamonmuseum houses three collections: the Antikensammlung, Vorderasiatisches Museum and the Museum für Islamische Kunst. Unfortunately, it is close to visitors since October 2023 due to renovations and will be open 14 to 20 years later around 2037 to 2043 due to the execution of comprehensive renovation works.
Brandenburg Gate is the first stop for every visitor to Berlin! The city’s most famous iconic landmark offers fascinating insights into the city’s history. Stroll through the Brandenburg Gate, stand above the remains of Hitler’s bunker, and cross the Cold War frontier at Checkpoint Charlie.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic sights in today’s vibrant Berlin. More than just Berlin’s only surviving historical city gate, this site came to symbolize Berlin’s Cold War division into East and West – and, since the fall of the Wall, a reunified Germany. Architecturally, the sandstone Brandenburg Gate also represents one of the earliest and most attractive examples of a neo-classical building in Germany. Following the devastation of WWII, the city would be divided by the Allies, only to become the global symbol of the Cold War when it became divided by the Berlin Wall in 1961. Finally, the German capital would become a symbol of hope when in 1989 the Wall came down, allowing Germany to become one country again.
Reichstag Building
The roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag Building can be visited by members of the public, and offer spectacular views of the parliamentary and government
The Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany is an iconic parliamentary building that has come to symbolize the country's democratic governance. Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the building has undergone significant renovations and restorations over the years, including a major renovation in the 1990s after the reunification of Germany. One of the most distinctive features of the Reichstag building is its glass dome, which was added during the renovation in the 1990s. The dome not only serves as a symbol of transparency in government but also offers visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the city. The Reichstag building has played a pivotal role in Germany's history, witnessing major events such as the burning of the Reichstag in 1933, which Adolf Hitler used as a pretext to consolidate power and establish his totalitarian regime. The building was heavily damaged during World War II but was restored and reopened in the 1990s as the seat of the German parliament. Today, the Reichstag building continues to serve as the meeting place of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, attend parliamentary sessions, and learn about the country's political history.
Overall, the Reichstag building stands as a testament to Germany's commitment to democracy and transparency, and it remains a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the country's political landscape.
Nowadays, the Reichstag functions as the seat of the German federal parliament. The original Reichstag building was designed in 1884 by architect Paul Wallot. In 1894 the building opened as the Reichstag of the German Empire. After 1918 it became the parliament of the Weimar Republic. Great views of the city, excellent audio talk, and interesting architecture and it's free.
To reserve, go to Online registration for a visit to the Reichstag building
Opening hours is daily from 8 AM till midnight; last admission at 10 PM
Berlin TV Tower
Admission Fee: Adults from € 21.50, students from € 17.20, children from € 11.50, free for children aged 0-3
What would Berlin be without the TV Tower? Standing tall on Alexanderplatz, it is not only the tallest structure in Germany but also the city's iconic landmark. Every day, numerous visitors take a speedy elevator ride up to the tower sphere to enjoy a wonderful view of the entire city. The best thing: you don't even have to move to enjoy a panoramic view because the observation deck rotates once around itself within an hour.
The TV Tower on Alexanderplatz is Berlin's most prominent landmark and the tallest building in Germany. Its steel sphere contains an observation platform and a gourmet restaurant.
Opening Hours 10:00 until 22:00
Accessibility: The TV Tower is not barrier-free. For safety reasons, people with limited mobility do not have access to the TV Tower. A barrier-free viewing point is located at the Panorama Point at Potsdamer Platz.
Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in the middle of Berlin is Germany's central Holocaust memorial, a place of remembrance and commemoration for murdered Jews of Europe.
The Holocaust Memorial consists of an undulating field of 2711 concrete steles, which can be passed through from all sides. While walking between the columns of different heights and the labyrinthine corridors, visitors may experience a brief moment of disorientation, which should open up space for discussion. Beneath the memorial is the Information Centre, which documents the crimes of the Nazi era in themed rooms.
A place of contemplation, a place of remembrance and warning. Close to the Brandenburg Gate in the heart of Berlin you will find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM - 7 PM except for December holidays. There's free tours on Saturdays in English. To learn more go to their website.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a physical and ideological barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was constructed by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to prevent the defection of citizens to the West. The wall stood as a symbol of the Cold War and the divide between communism and democracy. The Berlin Wall was heavily guarded and fortified with watchtowers, barbed wire, and armed guards. It separated families, friends, and communities, creating a stark division between the two halves of the city.
Over the years, many attempted to escape over, under, or through the wall, with some successful and others tragically losing their lives in the process. The wall was a constant reminder of the restrictions and limitations imposed by the East German government on its citizens. On November 9, 1989, after months of peaceful protests, the wall was finally torn down, leading to the reunification of East and West Germany. The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity in Berlin and beyond. Today, fragments of the Berlin Wall serve as a reminder of the city's tumultuous past and the resilience of its people.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. At the height of the Berlin Crisis in 1961, American and Soviet tanks faced each other here. The former border crossing Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most important and most visited sights in Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most highly rated and world-famous landmarks in the world, so you should absolutely make time to see it. Even though the Wall has long since disappeared and the turnpikes and watchtowers of Checkpoint Charlie have been replaced by replicas, the interest in the former border crossing remains high. The Wall Museum is also located in the immediate vicinity.
It's on the must-see list for many visitors to Berlin, and it should be on yours, too. Since this is a very touristy locations in the city, be prepared for crowds.
Gendarmenmarkt
The Gendarmenmarkt square is best known for the building trio that frames it: the German the and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus (concert hall). Together, they form one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in Berlin. The eventful history of the Gendarmenmarkt can be traced back all the way to the 17th century. Each historical phase has left its architectural traces.
Anyone visiting Berlin's famous Gendarmenmarkt won't know where to look first. The twin buildings of the German Cathedral and the French Cathedral both emerged from relatively plain churches built on the market square around 1705. in order to make the Gendarmenmarkt even more attractive and, above all, more representative, two identical towers based on plans by Carl von Gontard were added next to the churches between 1780 and 1785. The designation "cathedral" may cause slight confusion here because it exclusively refers to the architectural form of the domed buildings, not to the churches themselves.
Fernsehturm
With its height to 368 metres (1,207 ft) (including antenna) it is the tallest structure in Germany, and the third-tallest structure in the European Union. “A visit to the TV Tower is like a time travel through Berlin's history. A breathtaking view and interesting information about the city make it an unforgettable experience. Online tickets make admission a breeze.”
The Berlin TV Tower, or Fernsehturm, has a rich history rooted in Cold War-era Germany. Constructed between 1965 and 1969 in East Berlin, it was intended to symbolize the strength and technological prowess of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
Visitors can take in the views from the 666-foot-high (203-meter-high) observation deck, grab a drink at Berlin's highest bar, or book a table at the revolving Sphere restaurant. A visit to the tower is included on many sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Berlin. Originally built as an antenna for the East German television network, the Television Tower is one of Berlin's most iconic sights. Lifts take visitors to the observation deck 203 metres up the tower, or to the revolving restaurant on the floor above.
Although the Prussian and German aristocrats have long gone, Potsdam’s rich history is still proudly displayed throughout the green city. The heart of the city is still its Old Market Square, dominated by the 19th century St. Nicholas' Church at one end, and 18th century City Hall at the other. The nearby Dutch Quarter is unique in Central Europe, with about 150 red-brick houses built the traditional Dutch style. The city’s crown jewel is the extensive Sanssouci Park and Palace, built by Frederick the Great. Often referred to as “Dreamland”, this Rococo masterpiece was styled after Versailles, complete with a sculpture garden, fountains, and a beautiful terraced vineyard. The park itself has lots to discover and explore beautiful gazebos, temples, churches, a large windmill, and even some “Roman ruins” can be explored.
Potsdam is the capital and largest city of the German state of Brandenburg. It is part of the Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. The Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, which cover about 500 hectares of parkland and encompass 150 buildings dating from 1730 to 1916, were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1990.
Potsdam, south-west of Berlin, lay just outside West Berlin after the construction of the Berlin Wall. The walling off of West Berlin not only isolated Potsdam from West Berlin, but also doubled commuting times to East Berlin.
Wittenberg
Founded around 1180, Wittenberg was an important trade center for hundreds of years. After Wittenberg University was established in 1502, the city began to attract free-thinkers such as Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the castle door, an event that gave birth to the German Reformation. Today, as its name suggests, the city is all about Martin Luther. The so-called ‘Luther House’, a 16th-century monastery where Martin Luther and his family lived, is now UNESCO-listed and houses the world’s largest museum on Reformation history, exhibiting everything from Luther's Living Room, to a Lutheran Bible from 1534. The Renaissance-style home of Luther’s friend and collaborator Philipp Melanchthon gives an intimate look into the life of the famous theologian. Both men are entombed in the beautiful 15th century Castle Church, while pilgrims flock to the 16th century St. Mary’s town church to see where Luther preached.
Dresden
Viewed from the Elbe, Dresden's skyline is dominated by the spires, domes, and towers of the city’s stately buildings. This picturesque view makes it difficult to imagine the horrors of the firestorm that engulfed Dresden when close to four tons of bombs were dropped on it. Although many of the buildings were destroyed, their treasures had been hidden away during the war, meaning they can be viewed today in the rebuilt city, which now stands as a tribute to peace and reconciliation. Modern-day Dresden is lush and green, rich in culture, art, and history and is a paradise for culture vultures who can explore the museums and palaces while architecture buffs can marvel at the variety of architecture on display. Dresden is not always remembered in the same way as the London Blitz or even Stalingrad, but the city that rose like a phoenix from the ashes deserves to be commemorated, regardless if such devastation was justified or not.
Although there are more sightseeing to do in Berlin, it is best to enjoy the day for a few of these popular sites. If you have more time, then explore more. It's always a good thing to enjoy your vacation and enjoy a good time in each popular places that many have come to see.
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