Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has a fascinating history and vibrant culture. It suffered significant damage during World War II and the cold war, but it has managed to rebuild itself into a cosmopolitan city with a variety of cultures and architectural styles.
You can visit the major tourist attractions in Berlin that serve as reminders of its recent past. Additionally, if you’re planning a trip to Berlin, you can also find information about the best places to stay in the city.
25. Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower, also called the Berliner Fernsehturm, is located near Alexanderplatz. It is the tallest structure in Germany and has an observation deck with great views of the city. The tower was built in the 1960s and is considered an important example of mid-century modern architecture in Germany.
It was also a remarkable engineering achievement at the time. Adjacent to the main observation deck, there is a fancy restaurant where visitors can enjoy a drink or a full meal while taking in the view.
24. Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum, located in Museum Insel in Berlin, is a fascinating place to visit. It is named after the famous Pergamon Altar, which is one of its main highlights. Considered as the most popular art museum in Germany, the Pergamon Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and treasures.
Exploring the museum allows visitors to experience the ancient world firsthand. Some of the notable attractions found in the Pergamon Museum include the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Mschatta Façade from a castle in Jordan, and the Roman Market Gate from Miletus, which dates back to the 2nd century.
23. Alexanderplatz
When you visit Berlin, make sure to check out Alexanderplatz, a bustling public square located in the Mitte district. It serves as a central transportation hub and offers various historic attractions. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Berlin TV Tower standing tall against the city skyline.
Don’t miss the World Clock and Neptune Fountain nearby. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and even a casino in the area. Don’t forget to explore Galeria Kaufhof, one of the busiest shopping destinations within the plaza.
22. Reichstag
The Reichstag is a historic building where the German Parliament meets. It went through a lot of damage due to a fire in 1933 and air raids during the Battle of Berlin in 1945. It is located near the Brandenburg Gate and was only fully repaired after the Berlin Wall was taken down and Germany was reunified.
Some reminders of its difficult past, like graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, were intentionally kept. The building’s design caused controversy at the time because it combined different architectural styles, but now it is admired by many visitors each year.
The top of the building has a glass dome that offers an amazing view of the city, but visitors need to register beforehand to go inside.
21. Victory Column
The Victory Column, also known as the Siegessäule, was constructed near the end of the 19th century to honor Prussia’s military successes. Originally situated in front of the Reichstag, it was relocated to Tiergarten by the Nazi government as part of a significant urban development project.
At the highest point of the column, you will find a beautiful, winged figure symbolizing Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Furthermore, atop the Victory Column, there is an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic city views.
However, it is important to note that there is no elevator available, and if you decide to go up, you will need to climb 285 steps.
20. Tiergarten
The Großer Tiergarten used to be a hunting ground for important people in Brandenburg, but now it is a park in the middle of Berlin. Inside the park is the Berlin Victory Column, which was built to remember a victory by the Prussians. The column is surrounded by a circle of streets.
If you want to visit the column, you can take one of four tunnels underground. Next to the column is Schloss Bellevue, or the Beautiful Palace, where the President of Germany lives. In the southwest corner of the Tiergarten is the Berlin Zoo, which is home to around 14,000 animals.
The zoo has outdoor habitats, which is why it is very popular and well-liked in Europe.
19. Museum Island
Museum Island is a place in Berlin that consists of five museums. It is situated between the Spree River and Kupfergraben. During the Second World War, the old museum buildings were almost completely destroyed, but now they are open for visitors. The Altes Museum is where you can see ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.
The Alte Nationalgalerie has the biggest collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures in Germany. In the Nues Museum, you can find prehistoric pieces and Egyptian art, including the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. The Pergamon Museum is home to Greek and Babylonian antiquities, such as the Ishtar Gate and Pergamon Altar.
Lastly, the Bode Museum displays a wide range of sculptures, collections of coins, and various paintings.
18. Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate is a simple yet powerful way to remember the Jews who died due to Hitler’s plan. It consists of 2,711 slabs arranged in a wave-like pattern across a large area. These slabs vary in height, creating an uneven and disorienting path.
Visitors are free to walk through the peaceful memorial in any direction they choose. Additionally, there is an underground information center where visitors can learn more about the Nazi party’s actions and hear personal stories from those affected.
17. Potsdamer Platz
In this lively part of Berlin, you can find art, entertainment, and shopping. After the war, the square was completely destroyed but has been rebuilt into a modern plaza with landmark towers and a shopping arcade.
It symbolizes the reconnection of the two halves of Berlin, bringing together the residents of both sides in a brand-new area of the city. In the center of the square, there is a replica of Germany’s first traffic light, surrounded by sleek office buildings.
The DaimlerChrysler Atrium showcases different art exhibits, while the Sony Centre offers a Cinema Complex and Film Museum, a shopping mall, and a 3D IMAX theater.
16. DDR Museum
The DDR Museum is situated in the main area where the government used to be in East Germany. It focuses on the history of the DDR, which is the Deutsche Demokratische Republik. When you go there, you can get a glimpse of how life was for people in the former East Germany.
You can explore the apartments they lived in, try on popular clothes from that time, and even see the hidden listening devices that were used to spy on citizens. The exhibits are available in both English and German.
15. Hackesche Hoefe
The Hackesche Höfe is a complex located in the Scheunenviertel, at the far end of Oranienburger Strasse. It consists of eight interconnected courtyards. The architect Kurt Berndt designed and built it, while the Art Nouveau façade was created by August Endell. Like other Berlin courtyard buildings, it was used for offices, shops, and flats.
During World War II, the buildings suffered partial damage, and they were neglected during Germany’s partition. However, after reunification in 1993, the complex underwent extensive restoration and now looks better than ever. Inside the Höfe, there are various cafes, restaurants, and shops that attract both locals and visitors.
As you explore the courtyards and encounter different vendors, you will experience the unique character of this place.
14. Memorial Church
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is located at the center of Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. It was originally built by Kaiser Wilhelm II between 1891 and 1895. Unfortunately, during World War II, the church was destroyed by a bomb, leaving only the damaged west tower standing.
However, in 1961, a new church was built around the remains of the old church, consisting of four buildings. This modern structure, made of concrete and glass, provides an interesting contrast to the old church’s neo-Romanesque style.
If you visit, you will find photographs of the original church and some of its mosaics inside the surviving west tower.
13. Berlin Cathedral
Berlin has a lot of beautiful churches to explore, but the Berlin Cathedral stands out as the biggest and most remarkable. It was constructed in the early 1900s to showcase Germany’s imperial power. The cathedral, made of brick and designed in the neo-Renaissance style, sits in the Mitte district on Museum Island.
Inside, you’ll find a massive organ that the cathedral takes great pride in, as it is still played during religious ceremonies. If you decide to visit, you can also climb to the top of the dome and admire the panoramic views of Berlin after exploring the interior.
12. Unter den Linden
Unter den Linden, a picturesque street in Berlin, is a significant road that runs from east to west. It is adorned with beautiful linden trees, which were originally planted in the 1600s and are now well-maintained by the city. As time passed, the boulevard was expanded, and it now spans from Museum Island to the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
Although it suffered extensive damage during the war, Unter den Linden has been restored to its former glory. Nowadays, it is a popular destination for tourists, offering various architectural wonders and attractions such as the German Historical Museum, the Staatsoper, Altes Palais, and the Palace Bridge.
11. Oberbaum Bridge
The Oberbaumbrücke, also known as the Oberbaum Bridge, is a two-story structure that crosses the Spree River. It connects the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts, symbolically uniting the former East Germany and the West. Besides its historical significance, the bridge is visually stunning.
It is a popular spot for photography and serves as a symbol of unity in Berlin, which was previously divided. While you can walk across the bridge, the most scenic views are found along the Spree River on either side.
10. Treptower Park
Treptower Park is a popular attraction located south of central Berlin, right next to the river Spree. If you have an interest in World War II history, visiting this park is a must when in Berlin.
Not only does it have a large military cemetery, but it is also home to an enormous Soviet War Memorial that was constructed in 1949 to honor the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin. Throughout the park, there are several plates that commemorate specific battles.
Apart from its historical significance, Treptower Park offers an enjoyable experience with its well-maintained pedestrian pathways where you can take leisurely walks, the option to rent a rowboat for some time on the water, or even grab a drink at the park’s biergarten.
9. Check Point Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is a well-known and meaningful crossing point of the Berlin Wall. It was named by the Western Allies and had a sign that ominously warned people that they were leaving the American Sector. This crossing point was only for members of the Allied forces and foreigners.
The guardhouse that used to be at Checkpoint Charlie can now be seen at the Allied Museum in Berlin-Zehlendorf. The current crossing has a replica of a U.S. Army guardhouse and cobblestones to mark where the border used to be.
If you want to learn more about escape attempts and see the original Checkpoint sign, you should visit the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie.
8. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a significant section of the Berlin Wall that remains today. It is known as a symbol of freedom and features paintings created by artists worldwide. These artworks were created starting in 1990 and capture the time of transformation after the Berlin Wall’s collapse, while also conveying a sense of optimism for the future.
Over time, some parts of the wall have been relocated to accommodate construction, and unfortunately, certain sections have suffered damage from erosion and vandalism.
7. Gendarmenmarkt
The Gendarmenmarkt is a large public square in Berlin that has been around since the 17th century. Even though some historic buildings were destroyed in World War II, some important landmarks still stand.
When you visit the Gendarmenmarkt, you can see the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom, also known as the French Cathedral, which was built by the Huguenots in the early 18th century. There is also the Konzerthaus, which has been beautifully rebuilt and is where the Berlin Orchestra performs.
In the winter, the Christmas markets at the square are a big attraction.
6. Berlin Wall Memorial
When you’re in Berlin, there are various ways to experience the Berlin Wall. If places like Checkpoint Charlie seem too focused on tourists, you can visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, which is called Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer in German. This memorial honors the many people who lost their lives while attempting to cross the wall.
Additionally, you can explore the adjacent documentation center on Bernauer Straße, which offers more exhibits and information, although most of it is in German. From the viewing platform, you can catch a glimpse of the area that used to separate East and West Berlin.
5. Kurfurstendamm
Kurfürstendamm, also known as Ku’damm, was created as Germany’s version of the famous Champs-Elysees in Paris. It is a wide road with beautiful buildings and trees on both sides. This area used to be the center of West Berlin and remains the city’s most popular shopping boulevard.
Tauentzienstraße and Fasanenstraße, the neighboring streets, have many malls and luxurious flagship stores. One must visit KaDeWe, short for Kaufhaus des Westens, which is the largest department store in Europe. It has a vast selection of items, ranging from fancy footwear to fresh groceries.
4. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was constructed in the late 1700s and is now the only remaining city gate in Berlin. It can be found in the western part of the city and serves as the entrance to Unter den Linden. During the division of Germany, the gate was used as one of the crossings through the Berlin Wall.
People protested at this location, and it also became a place for celebration when the wall fell in 1989. The gate suffered significant damage during World War II, but it was extensively restored in the early 2000s.
Today, it stands fully renewed and serves as a symbol not only of the region’s turbulent history but also of the reunification of East and West Berlin.
3. Topography of Terror
In Berlin, there is a museum called the Topography of Terror that is located where the SS Reich Main Security Office used to be. The museum has both indoor and outdoor sections and it is near the Berlin Wall. They have uncovered prison cells that used to be there and they show the terrible things that happened during the time of the Nazis.
The museum also teaches about the Jewish ghettos in Berlin, the Nuremberg Trials where the criminals were held accountable, and there is a memorial for all the people who died because of the Nazis. Visiting the Topography of Terror can be emotionally difficult, but it is an important place to learn about history.
2. German Historical Museum
If you’re interested in learning about Germany’s history, the German Historical Museum, also known as the Deutsches Historisches Museum, is a fantastic place to visit. It covers the past two thousand years of German history and presents the exhibits in a clear and enjoyable manner.
The museum is found in two buildings next to each other: the Armory, or Zeughaus, which has a more traditional look, and the Exhibition Ball designed by I.M. Pei, which is more modern. You can explore various items such as World War II posters, 19th-century maps, and contemporary sculptures created by German artists.
1. Charlottenburg Palace
If you enjoy visiting palaces, make sure to visit the Charlottenburg Palace. It is the biggest palace in Germany and can be found in Berlin’s City West district. The palace was built in the late 17th century, and the surrounding community of Charlottenburg developed around it.
In the Baroque architectural style, the palace has stunning gardens and outdoor sculptures, and it is now accessible to the public. Inside, you can explore restored rooms that showcase the lavish rococo style of Frederick the Great’s apartments. Additionally, there are collections of porcelain, crown jewels, and royal silver on display.