Berlin is a city of history. Visit the sites and experience historical buildings, opulent palaces and English gardens along with 20th century architecture and modern museums.

Things To Do In Berlin

Brandenburg Gate

The (1) Brandenburg Gate is one 1 of 14 gates completed in 1792. This historical neoclassical landmark where troops paraded after victorious campaigns, now stands as a symbol of unification.

The last remaining gate, Brandenburg has been extensively renovated. During the war, the chariot and Goddess of Peace that sit atop the gate were destroyed but in 1957, the original molds were discovered and the new pieces were recast. The gate is open to pedestrian traffic only and is within walking distance of the Tiergarten.

Schloss Charlottenburg Palace

The magnificent (2) Schloss Charlottenburg Palace was originally built (1695-1699) as a summer residence for King Friedrich and his wife. By 1790, many additions had been added turning the modest summer home into a sprawling royal palace. A tour of the palace offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of kings. 

Depending on which tour selected, visitors have the opportunity to stroll the 138-foot Golden Gallery, which was the palace’s ballroom, visit the 18th century chapel and Great Oak Gallery. Visitors can also view the portrait gallery and silver treasury. There is also a fine collection of Meissen porcelain on display. Complete the tour by taking a walk in the palace gardens which were begun in 1697.

Gendarmenmarkt square

A must see is (3) Gendarmenmarkt square. The design for the square originated in 1688 and through time, the square has served many purposes. The Koncerthaus (Concert Hall)in the center of the square is flanked by the French and German cathedrals. circa 1800. A good place to rest and relax, cafes and coffee shops are available.

Eastside Gallery

On display at the (4) Eastside Gallery is the 4,318-foot section of the Berlin wall that was preserved when the wall came down in 1989. It has become a landmark featuring the work of more than one hundred graffiti artists. This section of the wall is touted as the International Memorial for Freedom.

Museum Island

Located on (5) Museum Island, situated on the Spree river, are four unique museums each housing an impressive collection of art, sculpture and artefacts. The National Gallery, the most modern structure, is well know for its collection of 20th century painting and sculpture including examples of expressionism and cubism.

The Altes (old museum) has one of the largest collections of 19th century art in Germany. Paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and sculptures by Rodin are part of the collection.

The Pergamon museum is the largest of the group and will take more than a day to complete the tour. The museum comprises five distinct sections which include the Museum of Poplar Art, Islamic Museum, Middle East Museum, Far East museum and a section devoted to Antiquities.

The Bode Museum has a fine exhibit of Byzantine artefacts and relics. The museum, constructed from 1897 to 1904, is an example of neo-Baroque architecture.

Berlin Zoo

The (6) Berlin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Germany. The gardens were designed in 1844 for the royal animal collection of Friedrich William IV and today is home to more than 1,500 species. One of the premier zoos in the world, there are many species to be seen. Gorillas, pandas, great cats and lemurs are just a few of the residents.

Adjacent to the zoo is the equally impressive Aquarium which originally opened in 1913. The 3-storied building has a long history and has been completely renovated. Today the aquarium has new landscape tanks, a modern terrarium and a section devoted to insects. Tickets can be purchased separately for either the zoo or aquarium or a combined ticket for both is available.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

An impressive example of architecture, the (7) Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) has a long history as a place of religion. In 1535, the site was home to a Dominican church. Over the ensuing years, it was also a Lutheran and Calvinist church. During World War II, the church was heavily damaged and not until 1975 were most of the renovations completed. The cathedral is the largest Protestant church in Germany and contains interesting pieces from the past including the original main altar (1850), stained glass, Elector’s tomb (1530) and more than 75 sarcophagi of Prussian royals. Tours of the cathedral and the dome are available.

The Jewish Museum

(8) The Jewish Museum, designed by architect, Daniel Libeskind, is a uniquely designed building incorporating the “feeling” of German-Jewish history into every corner giving the museum a life of its own. The outside walls are covered in zinc while many interior rooms are bare cement denoting emptiness. The Garden of Exile and Emigration is comprised of 49 pillars with olive branches growing from the top of each pillar symbolizing peace and hope.

The Holocaust Tower represents the many victim’s of genocide. The museum has on exhibit numerous paintings, graphics, documents and photographs and has additional paintings on loan from the Israel Museum. Ongoing donations and contributions of memorabilia continue to expand the museum’s journey into the past.

Tiergarten

Once the royal hunting grounds, the (9) Tiergarten today comprises several hundred acres of lush gardens. Redesigned by Peter Joseph Lenné in true English garden style at the beginning of the 19th century, today the gardens retain his vision. A day at the Tiergarten offers a day of relaxation where you can choose to stroll the many paths and avenues, cross picturesque bridges, view the many statues throughout the park, experience the seasonal flowers, have a picnic on the green or even sunbath.

The Reichstag

The (10) Reichstag, completed in 1894, was the official seat of the imperial German parliament. The building burnt down in 1933, under suspicious circumstances, and was rebuilt only to sustain significant damage in 1945. Gutted and rebuilt, again, the Reichstag is now a major attraction. A ramp inside the building encircles the glass structure affording views of the city as well as observation of the Parliament chamber. Come early to avoid a long wait in line. There is a roof-top restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

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