Berlin Things To See

Berlin is Germany’s vibrant capital, a unique and extraordinary city that is known for its rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks. It is the largest city in the country, home to over 3.5 million people and full of exciting attractions. From its famous museums to its edgy underground scene, Berlin has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ve compiled a list of the top things to see and do in Berlin.

History of Berlin

Berlin has a long and storied history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally inhabited by the Slavic people, it was conquered by the Germanic Teutonic Knights in 1237 and became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg. By the 17th century, it had become an important center for trade, culture, and science. In 1701, it became the capital of the Prussian Empire under King Frederick I and went on to become an important cultural center in Europe.

In the 19th century, the city was transformed into a modern metropolis with the construction of its famous boulevards and parks. During this time, many famous landmarks and museums were built, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag, and the Pergamon Museum. After World War II, Berlin was divided into West Berlin and East Berlin, with the Berlin Wall separating them. The wall eventually fell in 1989 and Berlin was reunited. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Popular Things to See in Berlin

Berlin is full of iconic landmarks, fascinating museums, and beautiful parks that visitors can explore. Here are some of the top things to see in Berlin:

The Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1791, it was once the entrance gate to the city. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace and unity in Germany. Visitors can explore the gate and its surrounding parks for great photo opportunities.

The Reichstag

The Reichstag is Berlin’s iconic government building. Built in 1894, it was used by the Prussian government until 1933 when it was severely damaged in a fire. It was reconstructed after World War II and today serves as the German Parliament building. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture and take an audio tour of its history.

Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial is a powerful reminder of the city’s tumultuous past. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, it is made up of a section of the original wall along with an observation platform. Visitors can learn about the history of the wall and its impact on the city.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was once one of the most famous Cold War crossings between East and West Berlin. Today, all that remains is a replica guard house and a museum dedicated to its history. Visitors can explore this iconic site for a firsthand look into Berlin’s past.

Museum Island

Museum Island is an UNESCO World Heritage site located on an island in the River Spree. It is home to five world-famous museums: The Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie. Visitors can explore these incredible museums to learn more about Berlin’s culture and history.

Popular Activities in Berlin

Berlin is known for its vibrant nightlife and underground culture. Here are some of the top activities for visitors to enjoy in the city:

Explore Street Art & Underground Clubs

Berlin is known for its vibrant street art scene and underground clubs. Visitors can explore Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln to discover some of the best street art in Europe. They can also visit famous underground clubs like Berghain and Watergate to experience Berlin’s world-famous nightlife scene.

Sample Local Cuisine & Beer

Berlin has a vibrant food scene with many unique restaurants serving up traditional dishes like Currywurst and Schnitzel. Visitors can also sample some of Germany’s famous beer such as Pilsner, Kölsch or Weissbier at one of Berlin’s many beer gardens or breweries.

Visit Parks & Gardens

Berlin has many beautiful parks and gardens for visitors to explore. Tiergarten is one of the city’s most popular parks with miles of trails for walking, cycling, and picnicking. The Botanical Garden is another great spot for nature lovers, with over 22,000 species of plants from around the world.

Popular Tours in Berlin

Berlin is full of exciting tours that visitors can book to get an insider look into the city’s culture and history. Here are two popular tours that visitors can book:

Berlin City Tour by Bicycle

Discover the city’s many sights on a four-hour bicycle tour. This tour will take visitors past some of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island, and more! Along with visiting famous attractions, this tour will also take visitors through lesser-known neighborhoods so they can get an authentic look at life in Berlin.
Book your Berlin City Tour by Bicycle here.

Berlin Third Reich Tour

Learn about Berlin’s dark history on this two-hour walking tour. This tour will take visitors through some of Berlin’s most infamous sites from Nazi Germany including Hitler’s bunker, The Holocaust Memorial site, and more! This tour will also offer insights into how World War II changed Berlin forever and how it became what it is today.
Book your Berlin Third Reich Tour here.

With these popular tours, visitors can get a unique insight into Berlin’s past, present, and future while exploring some of its most famous sights along the way!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Berlin. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant nightlife scene, there’s plenty to explore in this unique city! Be sure to take advantage of some of these popular tours so you can get an insider look into what makes Berlin so special!