A Guide to Berlin: 5+1 Best Places You Must Visit
In 2023, more than 4 million tourists visited Germany’s capital, Berlin. And it’s no surprise, as Berlin has a lot to offer. From historical landmarks and museums to the famous Berlin nightclubs. Read on to find out which places you absolutely cannot miss during your visit.
East Side Gallery
As the name suggests, the East Side Gallery is an outdoor gallery. But not just any gallery—it is located at the site of the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. Today, you can find numerous works of art and graffiti there, reflecting the period of the city’s division.
Originally, however, the Berlin Wall was built to separate West and East Germany. Its main purpose was to stop people who were constantly fleeing from East Germany. It was a massive concrete wall, 165 kilometers long, built in 1961.
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
We’ll stay with World War II a little longer because we recommend visiting the Jewish Memorial, a monument commemorating the victims of the Holocaust during World War II.
The memorial was created in 2005 and consists of 2,711 concrete blocks that together give the impression of a labyrinth. The labyrinth is meant to symbolize the chaos and loss of humanity that characterized the Holocaust.
- Berlin Story Bunker
If you have claustrophobia, it’s better to skip this place in Berlin. It’s a museum located in a former air raid shelter from World War II and also the place where Adolf Hitler died. In the museum, you’ll learn all about Berlin’s history, including its role during World War II, the period of the city’s division, and other significant historical events that shaped modern Berlin.
- Gardens of the World
If you want to visit a garden, or rather a park, in Berlin, we definitely recommend the Gardens of the World. By visiting this park, you’ll have the opportunity to see what gardens look like in different parts of the world. Here, you’ll find, for example, typical Chinese, Japanese, and even Korean gardens.
The gardens cover more than 43 hectares and are an ideal place for a walk and a break from visiting historical landmarks.
- Gendarmenmarkt
Gendarmenmarkt is a historic square best known for the three significant historical buildings that surround it:
- The French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) is a Baroque church built in the 18th century. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the French Huguenots who settled in Berlin.
- The German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom) was originally also a Baroque church, but like the French Cathedral, it has been turned into a museum of German democracy.
- The Concert Hall (Konzerthaus Berlin): A neoclassical building that serves as a venue for various musical performances.
- Berlin at Night
If you think Berlin is a fascinating city during the day, just wait until you experience Berlin at night. Which places are worth visiting in the evening?
Brandenburg Gate
This gigantic historical monument is one of the most visited attractions in Berlin. So, the ideal way to avoid the crowds of tourists is to visit the gate after sunset. Not only will there be fewer people, but the gate will be beautifully illuminated in the evening, highlighting its architectural details and creating an impressive atmosphere.
Berliner Dom
You can also take a nighttime stroll around the Berlin Cathedral, whose illuminated domes create a beautiful nighttime scenery.
Nightclubs in Berlin
Berlin is also known for its wild nightlife and famous clubs. Here are some of the top nightclubs in Berlin:
- Berghain: One of the most renowned techno clubs in the world.
- Watergate: A two-story club that offers not only great music but also panoramic views of the River Spree.
Berlin You Must Experience
Berlin is a city you need to experience firsthand, and one day will definitely not be enough. Berlin has something for everyone, from historical landmarks that bring key moments in history closer to you to modern cultural treasures.