First time in Berlin? You’re in for a treat! This is a young and liberal city with so much history and lots of places to visit that you will be surprised. From iconic landmarks to cultural hotspots, here are some must-see attractions to include in your Berlin itinerary:
The Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate is undoubtedly one of Berlin’s major tourist attractions because it also represents unification of the city. This neoclassical arch is located at the northern end of Unter den Linden boulevard and represents triumph of peace. Take the time to research the history of the gate and take a few pictures to prove that you were there.
Museum Island
So if you are an art and history lover, then Museum Island should be on your list. Located on the Spree River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers five exceptional museums: The Pergamon Museum , Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Altes Museum. There are various and distinct Museums namely the Egyption , Classical and Art Museums, with the Egyption museum containing Egyption relics, the Classical having sculpture-icons and the Art with master pieces.
Checkpoint Charlie
Go back to history and visit one of the most famous checkpoints of the divided city that once was East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie. This site may be remembered for helping segregate the city during earlier periods of its history. You can hear here about some of the dramatic and unputdownable stories which took place here or just take a photo with the “You are leaving the American sector” sign.
The Berlin Wall
Any Berlin tour will provide the opportunity to see the still-existing fragments of the famous Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery painted on the wall consists of numerous attractive pictures and also political concepts. Get acquainted with the Berlin Wall Memorial if you want to get a better understanding of what happened and how it affected Berlin.
Holocaust Memorial
Visit the site of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and pay your respect to the victims of holocaust. This moral-consideration raising memorial is a sloping maze of 2,711 concrete blocks of different heights. When you are strolling through the stone blocks maze take a few moments and honour the victims of the tragedy.
Tiergarten
Take a break from the urban rush and visit Tiergarten, which is actually, the largest and the most visited park in Berlin. Just go for a walk or ride and/or take a bicycle to watch the greens and the sparkling Lakes, and trek up the verdant pathways. Remember when you are in the park to check on the famous Victory Column for great city views.
The Reichstag Building
Visit the Reichstag Building, the home of the German Parliament and wonder at the design of the facility. You can visit its site through a guided tour to get to understand its history and then ascend to a circular glass platform that offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. To avoid long queues, you should ensure that you book for this tour in advance.
Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz is a fascinating district which integrates into a successful cultural, entertainment and business area a new Berlin. Take an architectural wonder of today’s world, watch a movie at the massive IMAX theatre, or go shopping in a crowded mall in the vicinity. The Sony Center complex represents rather audacious construction, which both visually and energetically positively distinguishes itself among the competition.
Kurfürstendamm
Shopaholics, rejoice! Kurfürstendamm or shortened as Ku’damm is the largest shopping street in Berlin. There are cheap clothes to expensive designer clothes, nightclubs, supermarket cinema complexes and theaters. Stroll away from shopping, and pass by the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – an exquisite example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, however, designed before the Second World War and completely ruined by bombs, but, fortunately, preserved today as a memorial.
East Side Gallery
End you trip in Berlin with the best travel destinations; East Side Gallery which is the world largest open air gallery. This part of the once divided Berlin is full of more than a hundred paintings which represent the joining hands of artists from four corners of the world. You have a right to surrender to the tempting charm of strong and bright graphic creations that tell a lot of about Berlin’s past and present.
In conclusion
Tourism in Berlin is well-endorsed with several sites which are rich in history, culture and an outstanding beauty. From the lovers of history and architecture, those, who enjoy art or just the mood of the city – all of these places and spots will take you directly to the soul of Berlin. It is also advisable to check the following and plan a visit accordingly: Each park has different opening hours, you may also find it beneficial to purchase attraction tickets online.
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