Are you planning to visit the capital city of Germany and wondering about the best way to pack in as many attractions as possible? From museums to memorials, there is so much to see and do that you may feel a little overwhelmed about where to begin. Luckily, we’ve made a list for all wonderers with the ‘must-see’ Berlin landmarks that should be on your travel itinerary.
Memorial of the Berlin Wall
Is anyone up for a history lesson? What once used to be 4 meters high and over 155 km long wall, now is just about a mile-long stretch of the former divide between East and West Germany. Here you will find loads of enlightening information about what life was like for people living beyond both sides of the wall. This memorial, with the preserved grounds behind it, is a reminder of what once divided the city before it was torn down in 1989.
Address: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin
East Side Gallery
Continuing the history lesson with the East Side Gallery. Immediately after the wall came down, 118 artists from more than 20 countries started painting on what was left of it, turning it into the longest open-air gallery. East Side Gallery is a heritage-protected landmark that marks over 3 million visitors annually.
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie
This is one of the most iconic of all Berlin landmarks. Following World War II and the division of Germany, Checkpoint Charlie became the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin. The guard house with the replica of the original border sign is part of the Checkpoint Charlie Museum which is a fascinating tourist attraction featuring numerous displays and artifacts, like an original homemade air balloon used in a successful escape. This landmark has been featured in multiple spy novels and thrillers, including James Bond.
Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was part of the Berlin Wall and served as the country’s separation, a symbol of a divided nation, but once the wall came down, the gate represented reunification in Germany, a symbol of unity, peace, and hope. Visiting the Brandenburg Gate during sunset or at night is a special treat and without a doubt one of the top free things to do in Berlin.
Address: Pariser Platz, 10117, Berlin
Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
A remarkable testament to the people of Germany and their commitment to never turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the past. The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks arranged in an asymmetrical grid pattern. Below the memorial is the information center that keeps the letters, diaries, and photographs of Holocaust victims. In addition to being educational and meaningful, this Holocaust Memorial is also quite somber and saddening.
Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin
The Rebuilt Reichstag
The Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) was built in 1894 and served as the home of the German Empire’s Imperial Diet until it burned in 1933. It was not used again until after the reunification of Germany, at which point it underwent a 10-year reconstruction and finally became the home of the German Parliament in 1999. The highlight of this landmark is the Kuppel, made of glass, offering breathtaking views of the city. The entrance is ticketed, and it’s recommended to book the tickets in advance.
Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin
Museum Island
One of the city’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites is Museum Island. This island is home to many of the city’s oldest and most important museums sandwiched between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben. Five architects designed the impressive architectural ensemble in the heart of the city, each of the five museums is an individual building that blends in harmoniously with the overall picture of the island, making it the most outstanding museum complex in Europe.
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin
Berlin Zoo
If you are looking for some fun and exciting day trips, you should visit the Berlin Zoo, whether you are traveling with kids or not, it has something for everyone. Since it was first opened in 1844, the Zoo has become one of the biggest zoos in Europe, with over 20.000 animals from more than 1000 different species.
There are many different exhibits at this Berlin landmark, including an aquarium, seal show, dolphin show, sea lion show, flamingo pond, and many more. You can check their website to find out more details about special kids’ programs, feeding schedules as well as unique animal experiences.
Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is one of the city’s largest and most popular public squares. It was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1960s. Today it is a pedestrian zone with many shops, hotels, restaurants, and more. Located within walking distance of one another are some of Berlin’s best-known attractions. The square is the home to the World Time Clock, a continually rotating installation that shows the time around the globe. During the holiday season, you can enjoy the many Christmas markets of Alexanderplatz.
Address: 10178 Berlin
Berliner Fernsehturm: Berlin’s Television Tower
Despite its age, Europe’s third tallest freestanding structure has attracted over 60 million visitors, tourists are drawn to this landmark because of the spectacular views over Berlin. The 368-meter-tall tower can be picked out from every corner of the city. I promise you do not want to miss the observation desk on your visit and the 207-meter-high revolving restaurant, it will be an experience of a lifetime.
Address: Panoramastraße 1 A, 10178 Berlin
Victory Column
Literally translated as the “Large Animal Garden,” Berlin’s Grosser Tiergarten is a major tourist attraction, but the most famous of all monuments in the park is a 70-meter-tall structure that is crowned by 8.3 meters high and a 35-ton golden statue of Victoria, the goddess of victory, to honor the successful battles of the German empire. The 285 steps up to the viewing platform are worth it for the breathtaking panorama, plus you can also see the damage a bullet caused during World War II.
