The Best of Berlin’s Iconic Landmarks
Berlin is a modern metropolis filled with colorful inspiration around every corner. As the Capital of Germany, Berlin has tons of history imbedded into its roots. Despite a turbulent past, the ideals of freedom and creative expression shine through. This is evident in the artistic vision of the graffiti covered streets and insane non-stop nightlife. The city is influenced by a variety of diverse cultures that separate it from more traditional German cities like Munich or Nuremberg. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Berlin!
10. Checkpoint Charlie
Also known as Checkpoint C, this guard stand was the most infamous border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The iconic landmark is free to visit at all times of the day. For more information on the history of Checkpoint Charlie and events that happened there, check out the Black Box exhibit right down the street.
9. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a commemoration to the Jewish citizens who were killed during the Holocaust. The memorial contains over 700 concrete slabs resting on uneven pathways that honors the victims by keeping alive their memory by warning future generations of the atrocities against human rights that occurred. It’s free and close to other famous monuments in Berlin.
8. Postdamer Platz, Central Berlin Plaza
Prior to the Berlin Wall’s destruction in 1989, Postdamer Platz was a desolate wasteland along the border and the widest point of the “Death Strip”. In recent times, the area is a huge plaza that has been developed into a bustling shopping center . Nowadays it is surrounded by a plethora of shops, restaurants, and the Mall of Berlin. It makes for a great place for souvenir shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.
7. Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror is the former headquarters for the Nazi regime, including the Reich Security main office and the Gestapo secret police. This relic has been turned into an outdoor and indoor history museum that will leave a lasting impression. The building is free to visit and includes an audio guide that describes the main exhibitions. Topography of Terror is open daily from 10AM to 8PM and should take between 1 to 2 hours.
6. Berlin Reichstag Building
The Reichstag building is a glass dome topped building that houses the German parliament meetings. The official government edifice can be visited for free with a reservation and rests in the center of the city. Along with a free interactive audio guide, visitors can head to the top of the observation dome for panoramic views of the city. Reserve tickets ahead of time to ensure you get the time you want. Register for your tickets online here.
5. Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial stands as a vestige to the division of East and West Germany and as memorial to those that perished trying to cross this notorious border. After World War 2, Germany was divided amongst the Allies and Communist Russia. The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, splitting the city in two and separating family and friends from each other for almost 30 years. During that time, over 130 East Berliners were murdered attempting to escape to the West on this 160-yard open field between the walls known as the “Death Strip”. Russian soldiers had the area under constant surveillance, along with watch towers, barbed wire, and mines to stop anyone trying to escape from the east. The open air museum has one of the longest remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall.
4. Pergamon Museum
In the heart of the city lies Museum island, one of the most important museum complexes in all of Europe. The island is a UNESCO world heritage site and contains 5 distinct archaeological museums. Each has impressive architecture and historically significant pieces of history within its walls. It would take an extraordinary amount of time to visit all of them, so I would recommend my personal favorite, the Pergamon Museum, for your first visit. It includes full scale reconstructions of archaeological monuments such as the legendary Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon, and the Gate of Miletus from Roman antiquity. The magnitude of the displays are unbelievable and worth seeing. After seeing just a piece of the azure tiled gate in Detroit, I was ecstatic to witness the entire thing in its royal splendor.
3. Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower)
Look up and you won’t be able to miss one of the Berlin’s most iconic monuments from anywhere in the city. Located in the famous Alexander Platz, the Fernsehturm pierces 368 meters into the sky and is the tallest building in Germany. This working television tower even has a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in the city. The observation deck has a capacity of 400 people at a given time, so be sure to purchase tickets beforehand online. We got a combo ticket that included the new virtual reality experience, Berlin Odyssey, which takes you back through time and is totally worth it.
2. Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburger Tor is a neoclassical gate built in the 1700s, and is Berlin’s most significant Landmark. The gate stands as a national symbol to both the division of Germany and the country’s reunification. It is an incredible monument in the heart of the city within close proximity of many other major landmarks including the Tier Garten, Reichstag, and Museuminsel. Stroll along Unter den Linden avenue to find all sorts of great restaurants, souvenir shops, and more. Time your visit for sunset to capture the radiant light of the Sun shining magnificently through the gate.
1. East Side Gallery
East Side Gallery is the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall and the longest open air art gallery in the world. It commemorates the fall of the wall and is adorned with colorful murals by over 100 artists from 21 different countries across the globe. Each piece contains motivational quotes or ideas signifying euphoria, hope, and the liberation from oppressive control. You can also sign up for a free walking tour for a more in-depth and immersive perspective into the wall’s past. The exhibit is free and definitely worth spending some time at to enjoy.
Berlin is an incredible city imbued with lots of history, an exhilarating nightlife, and many of Germany’s most iconic monuments. The grit and multi-cultural style makes it one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Whether you want to party until the sun rises or spend your day sightseeing the best museums & historical sites in the world, Berlin has got you covered. We can’t forget to mention the delicious food scene, so be sure to try some Currywrust or the German Döner. Stay tuned for more adventures to the greatest cities in Germany! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s our Berlin travel vlog for ideas on the best things to experience in the city!
