Which are the most popular attractions to visit in Berlin?

Berlin is full of attractions and things to see and do – it isn’t hard to understand why this is one of the world’s most popular cities to visit. The abundance of tourist hotspots is partly due to the city’s divided history and all the changes it has undergone during the past decades. From royal Prussian palaces to contemporary modern landmarks, there is a wealth of fascinating attractions to discover. Here is a guide to the 12 top highlights in Berlin:

1. Museum Island

The Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, is situated in the River Spree and is home to 5 internationally renowned museums. The island itself has offered a unique combination of cultural and historic experiences since the 1830s, when all of the museums were built in Neoclassical style. Highlights of the Museum Island include Alte Nationalgalerie (picture gallery of classic 19th-century works), the Pergamon Museum (the world’s largest collection of Ancient Greek and Middle Eastern art), Neues Museum (featuring classic collections from Ancient Egypt), Altes Museum (with its Ancient Greek and Roman artifacts) and Bode Museum (boasting a number of priceless sculptures).

2. Brandenburg Gate

The iconic Brandenburg Gate is the city’s most famous landmark. Located at the western end of Unter den Linden, Berlin’s grand boulevard, it was built between 1788 and 1791 as a symbol of peace, although its large Corinthian columns also reflect the city’s past Prussian imperial grandeur. The gate is guarded by the Quadriga of Victory – an ornate chariot driven by the goddess of victory – which was restored to its original position after World War II. Visitors can admire its majestic beauty up close.

3. Reichstag building and Dome

The Reichstag building and dome are two top-rate attractions that visitors can explore when they come to Berlin. The building was originally built in 1894, with a distinctive glass and steel dome built on in the 20th century. It has served as Germany’s parliament building since 1999, and was restored after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Visitors can access the inside, where they can spend time admiring modern art installations or just soaking up the ambience. In addition, there is an observation platform located inside the dome from where visitors can enjoy stunning views of Berlin from up high.

4. Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to stop East Germans crossing into West Berlin, during the height of the Cold War. The wall was demolished in 1989, shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain, leaving only small pieces standing today. Despite its dark history, visitors can still walk along its original paths, with some sections housing colourful graffiti displaying messages of freedom. Tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the Wall’s significance within German history.

5. Charlottenburg Palace

Also known as Charlottesburg Palace, this grand baroque palace is located at Spreebogen Park in Berlin. This former residence of the Prussian Kings was designed by Johann Arnold Nering in the mid-17th century, and it is home to some fine staterooms, royal apartments, and ornate gardens. For those interested in fine arts, there are also over 400 sculptures located throughout the palace grounds.

6. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Built as a memorial for the Holocaust victims during World War II, this somber attraction attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Consisting of 2,711 granite blocks arranged in a precise grid pattern, it is spread out across 19000 square metres of land close to the Brandenburg Gate. In addition to the stone blocks, visitors can also explore an underground museum which explains more about Jewish persecution during WWII.

7. Berlin Cathedral Church

This magnificent Baroque style cathedral remains one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions today. Situated on Museum Island, visitors can admire its splendid façade, towering cupolas and grand interiors free of charge; although they do charge a small fee if visitors wish to access certain areas within the church grounds.

8. Zoologischer Garten

The Zoologischer Garten (Berlin zoo) is home to more than 17000 animals from across the globe – making it one of Europe’s largest zoos. With a wealth of animal-filled enclosures and aquariums, friendly elephants and daring sea lions, there’s plenty here for even the most ardent wildlife lovers to explore. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants offering refreshments for tired travelers who need an energy boost for their journey ahead.

9. Checkpoint Charlie

What was once an infamous Cold War border crossing between East and West Berlin is now mainly a souvenir shop with just a few remaining guard houses nearby in Friedrichstrasse. Nowadays Checkpoint Charlie attracts vast amounts of tourists taking pictures and looking for souvenirs – those seriously interested in learning more about its history can Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum next door which details the story behind this iconic site – featuring old photos and videos and personal accounts from former border guards who used to work here during the Cold War era.

10. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km long section of original Berlin Wall that runs along Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district along what was once the border between East and West Berlin. It is decorated with paintings by more than 100 international artists and is one of Berlin’s main tourist attractions today. This disused stretch has now been turned into a calm oasis filled with murals echoing themes of freedom, peace, love and hope – making it a poignant reminder of what once divided Germany and its people for almost three decades during the Cold War period (1961-1989).

11. Potsdamer Platz

As one of Germany’s most iconic public squares, Potsdamer Platz offers something for everyone, no matter what time of year you visit. The square is surrounded by a mix of new and old architectural styles, with active bars and restaurants plus artsy galleries thrown in too – making it a fun place to spend time wandering around and taking in all that this culturally astounding area has to offer. Concerts, exhibitions and other events also take place here throughout the year – check the official website for more info.

12. Tiergarten Park

200 hectares of lush green grounds are bursting with wildlife for visitors to explore – animals such as roe deer wander amongst swans, terrapins and ducks in this picturesque paradise located at one end of Stylerstrasse in Berlin’s city centre. In addition, you’ll find plenty to enjoy including walking trails meandering through lush woodland, sporting facilities such as tennis courts, ponds and bike rental spots too – making this a great place to spend some time away from hustle and bustle city life when you need some relaxation time – or an adventure! In conclusion, Berlin has so much to offer visitors – from royal palaces to modern landmarks, galleries to parks – there are plenty of wonderful places to explore here that contribute to this vibrant city’s rich culture. Whatever you choose to do when you visit Berlin, we hope you have an amazing time spent enjoying all this historic destination has to offer!