Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and art. With its fascinating blend of old and new, Berlin has something to offer every kind of traveller. So, if you’re on a quick tour of the city or simply looking for the things to see in Berlin, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the top things to see and do in Berlin. The selection of the top Berlin attractions was not simple – this city has so much to offer! However, here are some of the top attractions and places to see in Berlin.
1. Reichstag & glass dome
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_building
The Reichstag dome is a glass dome constructed on top of Berlin’s restored Reichstag building. It was built by architect Norman Foster to represent Germany’s reunification. The dome’s unusual appearance has made it a renowned landmark in the city. The Reichstag Dome provides a 360° view of the Berlin skyline. A mirrored cone at the dome’s centre beams sunlight into the structure, allowing visitors to observe how the chamber works. The dome is accessible to the public by climbing two steel spiral ramps resembling a double helix.
2. Brandenburg Gate – Berlin’s signature attraction
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Brandenburg Gate is an iconic symbol of Berlin. The gate, which was built in the 18th century, is a neoclassical monument that once served as the entrance to the city. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit spot in Berlin.
3. Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm) – Berlin’s highest attraction
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The Berlin Television Tower, often known as the Fernsehturm by locals, stands out from the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building and by far the highest tourist attraction in Berlin. Visitors to the tower, which was built in the 1960s, may enjoy a unique 360° perspective over the city.
4. Humboldt Forum – always a great place to visit
Image Source: https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/humboldt-forum/about-the-humboldt-forum/profile/
A new worldwide arena for culture, art, and science has opened in the centre of Berlin, directly opposite Museum Island. It is visible from a distance and covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. Under one roof, over five floors, you will find cutting-edge interactive displays. The world-renowned treasures of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art have been on exhibit here since September 2021.
5. Museum Island (Museumsinsel) – A Historical Place to Visit
Image Source: https://www.visitberlin.de/de/museumsinsel-in-berlin
If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss Museum Island. Located in the heart of the city, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums that house some of the most important art and artefacts in the world.
6. The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre
Image Source: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/berlin-wall-memorial
Another iconic symbol of the city, the Berlin Wall divided the city for almost three decades. While much of the wall has been torn down, there are still some remnants of the wall that can be seen around the city. Check out the East Side Gallery, which features murals and graffiti art on a remaining section of the wall.
7. Checkpoint Charlie
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Checkpoint Charlie was once the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. Today, visitors can learn about its history at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
8. Berlin Zoo
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Zoo
The Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany and one of the most famous in the world. Visitors can see over 18,000 animals, including pandas, elephants, and gorillas.
9. Potsdamer Platz
Image Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potsdamer_Platz
Potsdamer Platz is a bustling square in the heart of Berlin. Visitors can see modern architecture, go shopping, and enjoy restaurants and cafes.
10. East Side Gallery
Image Source: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/east-side-gallery
The East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin Wall that has been turned into an open-air art gallery. Visitors can see over 100 paintings and murals from artists around the world.
11. Charlottenburg Palace and Park
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The park of Charlottenburg Palace is Berlin’s most beautiful baroque garden. A splendid and stately green refuge in the city, it attracts visitors from all over the world.Stretching northwards from Charlottenburg Palace in the western city of Berlin, the garden welcomes visitors with a royal splendour and richness rarely found across the city. Mixing baroque elements with characteristics of the English landscape garden, the popular destination for Berliners and tourists alike is an outstanding example of Prussian garden design with winding paths, picturesque ponds and stunning views made for relaxation and contemplation rather than outdoors pursuits.
12. Gendarmenmarkt
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Gendarmenmarkt is arguably Berlin’s most beautiful square and the site of three impressive buildings: the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral, and the Konzerthaus.The Gendarmenmarkt square is best known for the building trio that frames it: the German the and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus (concert hall). Together, they form one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in Berlin.
13. Jewish Museum Berlin
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The Jewish Museum Berlin was opened in 2001 and is the largest Jewish museum in Europe. On 3,500 square metres of floor space, the museum presents the history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day, with new focuses and new scenography.
14. Grosser Tiergarten and the Victory Column (Siegessäule)
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The Victory Column with Victoria, the Goddess of Victory in the centre of the Tiergarten is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks and a popular tourist spot. Even from afar, the winged sculpture on the Victory Column in the west of the city shines brightly. The monument that was originally erected to commemorate Germany’s victories against other nations has long ago taken on a different meaning in the public imagination. Today, the Victory Column is closely linked to the techno festival Love Parade – every year, the closing rally took place at the feet of the famous monument.
15. The Topography of Terror
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Also known as the Museum of the Gestapo, the Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors) occupies the buildings that were once the central offices and prison of the Secret State Police and the headquarters of Gestapo operations during WWII. The main exhibit focuses on the SS and police during Nazi rule, highlighting the terrible crimes that were committed and giving visitors a sense of the constant state of terror that was everyday life for Europeans under their control.
Berlin is a city that is full of history, culture, and art. With so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, be sure to check out these top landmarks to see and things to do.
Places and Things To Do
