Berlin Things To Do

Architecture

The re-unification of Germany and the fall of the wall gave Berlin a unique opportunity to rebuild the centre of the city. The result is a fascinating mix of contemporary architectural styles found in Potsdamer Platz, Leipziger Platz, Friedrichstraße and Pariser Platz. Visit exciting projects like the new train station, the new Reichstag and the work in progress on Museum Island. As well as modern masterpieces, Berlin features a host of fascinating 19th and 20th century architecture that reflects the city’s history.

Brandenburg Gate

Constructed in the late 18th century for the Prussian King Frederick William II, the gate offered a monumental entrance to the former royal palace, and being of huge historical significance, has become a symbol of peace and unity for the city. Standing between East and West Germany, the gate formed part of the Berlin Wall, and represents the turbulence of the country like nothing else, understandably attracting hordes of visitors each day.

Checkpoint Charlie

The most popular visitor attraction connected to the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the infamous border crossing of the Berlin Wall between east and west, and is now a museum detailing the events of the time. As well as art and exhibits, there is a replica hut here, and a line of cobblestones following where the wall once stood, with the exhibition offering a fascinating insight into the social and political history of the time.

The Holocaust Memorial

Close to the Brandenburg Gate, the memorial is a unique and sensitive portrayal of the Holocaust. Offering a profound experience for all who sees it, it is comprised of thousands of smooth grey stone slabs, all slightly different, which creates a memorial both powerful unsettling. Below the stones lies an underground museum, where victims names are projected onto bare walls, and accompanying film and audio depict these darkest days of European history.

Reichstag

This Parliamentary building was left to decay during the Nazi and communist eras, and endured a colourful and turbulent history. Today, Reichstag has been given a new lease of life, and is now held up as a symbol of modern German reunification. Boasting intriguing architecture (it was reconstructed by British architect Norman Foster) it also now houses an exhibition space that visitors can browse around, as well as view parliamentary debate from the upper gallery.

Potsdamer Platz

The most important square in the city, Potsdamer Platz was left in ruins after World War II, and has been revived to its former glory since the fall of the wall. Home to gleaming skyscrapers, entertainment centres and bustling shopping arcades, it represents true urban renewal, and boasts a real sense of community and local colour for locals and tourists alike.

Tacheles Gallery

Tacheles Gallery is a living art community, where 50 prominent artists live and work, producing painting and sculpture from every day objects. Housed in a turn of the century building with an unforgettable Gaudi-esque facade, covered in graffiti and pop-art, the gallery is a unique art cooperation, where you can view the one-of-a-kind artwork, have a drink or watch an art house film.

The East Side Gallery

The largest open-air gallery in the world, the East Side Gallery was a spontaneous creating, borne of the toppling of the Berlin Wall. Artists began decorating the wall with their own work, and the result is an amazing display of modern art from every corner of the world, filled with political satire, graffiti, surrealism and bohemian imagery.

The Tiergarten

Berlin's largest municipal park, the Tiergarten is a huge playground for locals, and encompasses shady woods, lush meadows and sparkling ponds - ideal for leisurely relaxing and sports, and a quiet retreat from busy city life. Dotted with historic landmarks, the park is also home to a zoo, and is famous for its English rose gardens.

Topography of Terror

This evocative museum serves to highlight the reign of terror brought on by the Nazis in wartime Germany, and was a collaboration between East and West German authorities when the city was still divided. Housed in a modern glass and steel visitors centre, the exhibition chronicles the atrocities performed by the Gestapo from 1933 until their fall in 1945, and offers a chilling yet fascinating insight into life in Berlin through the years.

Beer Gardens & Cafes

Berlin beer gardens are a superb way to cool down in the summer. You will find beer gardens in the city and out in the suburbs too, and long communal tables are a good way to mix with the locals. Try famous beer like Berliner Weisse, Weissbier and Hefeweizen. Berlin is particularly well stocked with waterfront cafes, floating bar restaurants and pavement cafes. Berlin nightlife is fascinatingly diverse, with a strong “alternative” music scene

Christmas Markets

The city boasts as many as 60 different Christmas Markets, each with a distinct character, and all offering a wealth of festive attractions. The largest is at Gedernmarkt, where fairy lights dazzle, wandering minstrels mingle with shoppers and Santa's magical grotto beckons, whilst markets at Charlottenburg Palace, Brandenberg Gate and the Opera House offer equally vibrant stalls with festive produce, local handicrafts and a huge selection of gourmet food.