The significance of attractions like this helps break the barrier of fear, knowing they carry a despicable history. Memories of Nazi Germany isn't something we should forget. We must learn about the horrors of the past to compel us to make better decisions.
Then again, Berlin is more than that. Sure, it played a vital role during those years, but there are other reasons why it deserves a visit from travelers from around the globe. Its people have worked so hard to paint a new picture for their beloved city as an ideal tourism paradise in Europe.
If you could only use one word to describe Berlin, it’d be unique. You have its distinctive recent history – the last city to fall during World War II, the subsequent division down the middle by the Berlin Wall, then the breaking down of that wall to mark the end of the Soviet Union.
But since the unification of East and West Berlin, this city has become one of the most interesting, alternative and open in all of Europe – people are free to be as different as they want to be, which makes for an inimitable holiday experience. Go to Berlin if you enjoy the alternative side of life, you are interested in 20th century history, you like to party party.
Berlin is beautiful and vibrant. It is hard to imagine today's Berlin if you look at how Berlin looked in 1945. Berlin is constantly ranked better for its quality of living compared to other European capitals like London and Paris. It is also much safer. Berlin has an amazing transportation system that helps you get to any part of the city hassle-free.
A dramatic turn of events shaped Berlin for many years especially the Berlin wall which was erected to make the escape of East Berliners from Soviet-regulated East German State difficult. Today the fragments of the wall are nothing more than concrete but still the sight and history is enough to attract visitors by thousands every day.
Berlin, without a doubt for something it is known as the world capital of techno. The city is a destination that satisfies the appetite of any traveler but its playful offer is an incentive of great weight. Apart from electronic music venues, if you know where to look, you will find booths of any style and secret parties where you can enter if you go hand in hand with a local. There are websites to help you.
Berlin is a wonderful place for solo travelers because it’s a big city. There are lots of things to do in Berlin, see, eat, watch, smell…Anything. And the best part? The city is very social. People are always up to something - whether it’s a bar, concert, club, restaurant - there’s never a shortage of things to become a part of.
And that's what we're here to highlight the best attractions in Berlin and the activities you can do when you're in the city.
1. Pergamon Museum
The Pergamonmuseum is among other famous museums in the world that has a vast collection of impressive works of art from ancient times. But what it is most known for is the Pergamon Altar, a tableau of Zeus and Pergamon built on a white stone. It's where they got the name for the museum.
The real treat here is that the museum's architecture is an art itself as it was intricately designed so much that it would grab your attention. Besides, it's an instant trip to the distant past. These walls, gates, and pillars erected 2000 years ago, making the museum even more special.
Walking right through the Pergamon Museum is like walking into the wonders of the Ancient World. Being close to treasures that represent our rich history is a delight. Exploring the ancient parts of Iran, Asia Minor, Egypt, and parts of Caucasus.
Be sure to explore all rooms around the museum to give you that ancient world feels.
2. Gendarmenmarkt
One of Berlin's famous landmarks is the Gendarmenmarkt, which is a public square sandwiched in the middle of three famous buildings— the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral, and the German Cathedral. It used to be a marching ground for soldiers, but now, it has become a public park for locals and tourists who want to get together with friends or listen to classical music at the Konzerthaus.
The Christmas Markets in Germany is also popular among visitors during the holidays where you can eat and be merry!
And since you're already in the city center, might as well spend some time learning about the country's history by joining a walking tour along with the site where Hitler planned what we consider now to be one of the darkest times of our age.
Everything that you need to know about the Nazi Dictatorship, you can learn here. Just be prepared to take it all in as the events of the gloomy past were sickening and painful to hear, let alone see the sites where it happened.
3. Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous Berlin landmarks. This neoclassical structure is a symbol of division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It's the longest-standing historical gate in Germany. A trip to Berlin without a photo on this historical site is like you didn't go to the city.
Brandenburg Gate was then a symbol of division. Ever since the Germans ceased what could be the most atrocious battles in the history of the world, it has become a sign of peace and unity among its people, making it a more significant part of Berlin.
To be able to stand in front of the gate is an achievement in itself, especially if you know full well the terrible events that came with it. It's a joy to be witnessing the freedom of a once chained country.
They converted an old indoor airplane hanger. It can accommodate up to 6,000 people. It’s located just south of Berlin, in Brandenburg. It provides the option of tropical weather to the ordinarily freezing region of Europe. As someone who basically lives in the tropics, they may not realize that they are also missing the worst part of that adventure: bugs.
It’s very much designed like a giant theme park too with lots of special buildings and walkways. They also have an indoor nightclub that looks pretty sweet.
Brandenburg surrounds this vibrant Berlin metropolis with vegetation and nature. It is the Tuscany of the north, with the Uckermark district and is a little Venice of rivers and canals that go through the Spree Forest and a Prussian Arcadia with Potsdam, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
4. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a striking reminder of the horrors of the past. It still carries with it the memory of the war through its broken spire and tower. Despite it being irreparable, it remains to be standing even after all these years. The hallowed halls of the church can shield you from the city's noise, giving you enough time to take a moment for yourself to be quiet and be more aware of the voice inside you.
Once you step in, you might forget that you are still in the middle of a busy city. Because it was damaged heavily during World War II, it made it more fascinating and 100x more beautiful, given that it survived the worst injuries of the past.
5. Berliner Fernsehturm
Of course, what's a trip to Berlin without getting a panoramic view of the city? The Television Tower offers a 360-degree view of the whole of Berlin. Impressive skyline and blinding lights from towering heights—to view the city from a different perspective is an excellent way to end this trip.
Staying in the middle of the city with easy access to different attractions and restaurants is one thing. But to see the entirety of Berlin means a different level of high— something that makes you appreciate the amount of strength every German had to endure to be where they are right now.
Besides, the Television Tower is the third tallest freestanding structure in Europe. That alone is enough reason for you to visit it.
6. Spandau
The Berlin Spandau station offers connection to the metro and commuter network of Berlin. But who needs cars in Spandau? The old town and the citadel are within walking distance. In addition, you can get to any part of Spandau with the many buses that stop at both Spandau stops, at the train station and at the town hall.
The old town of Spandau is one of the highlights of this neighborhood. Here you can see different architectural styles that are characteristic of different times. Enjoy the tranquility in Reformationsplatz with the St. Nikolai Church, which invites you to enter with its many banks and a small dream park. A few steps further on, you will find the Gothic House, one of the most important medieval monuments in Berlin.
Go from Gothic to Renaissance. In Spandau you can do it in just a couple of minutes. The Citadel, with the Juliusturm tower, is the district's reference point. Completely surrounded by water, it completes the picturesque landscape created by the Havel. Explore the terrain and escape from routine. See medieval fairs in the modern metropolis.
In the Havel plain, Spandau also has rural paradises created by water, meadows, forest and countryside, very close to the urban area and the historic area.
7. Holocaust Memorial Museum
The non uniform blocks symbolizing graves through which the museum is entered offer a subtle context to the space. The blocks grow in size as you pass through them making the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia grow as you reach the entrance. The museum is experienced through an audio-guide using microphones that narrates the incidents of the Holocaust, personalizing stories from the victims of Auschwitz.
The use of lighting is done excellently to simulate depression, hope, pain and joy in the spaces. Visitors are left teary eyed and full of emotions as they leave the space with deep sympathies and connection with the victims of Holocaust.
8. Sanssouci Palace
A big surprise is also the palace and Sanssouci park in Potsdam. The Sanssouci palace was the summer residence of Frederick II the Great, King of Prussia. The Sanssouci Palace is known as the Prussian Versailles, although it is much prettier than Versailles. The New Palace, houses an art gallery, a Chinese house, the house of the Dragon that houses a cafeteria cum restaurant, the Charlottenhof Palace and the Orangerie.