Berlin is a multimillion-dollar European city, which will be interesting for curious tourists to see the remarkable places. The metropolis is actively developing, renovating and annually attracting a huge flow of guests from different countries. During its existence, the city had to endure many shocks that influenced its appearance. Each era has left behind sights in Berlin, with photos and descriptions of which we suggest you familiarize yourself with in this article.
Berlin Wall
Its length of 160 km divided the city into two parts for almost three decades. The three-meter-high structure symbolized the separation of country, city and people, preventing residents of the communist eastern part of Berlin from visiting the capitalist western side of the city. In 1989, the wall was destroyed, but during the existence of the strict regime, thousands of people were killed seeking to see a "better" life.
Today the wall is almost destroyed, and the remaining 1200 meters of the structure are decorated with graffiti by artists from different countries.
Brandenburg Gate
Another of the most famous sights of Berlin, the photo and name of which is included in every guidebook and history textbook. The gate is the business card of the city. Prussian regiments marched through them in 1871, marking the founding of the German Empire. Almost six decades later, in 1933, after the torchlight procession of the Nazis through the Brandenburg Gate, the establishment of the Millennium Reich was proclaimed. The Brandenburg Gate divided the country into two parts: the West and the East.
Reichstag
The main attractions of Berlin are the Reichstag building built in 1894. The structure was repeatedly destroyed, in 1933 it survived a serious fire, and in 1945 it was almost destroyed, but as a result of several reconstructions it was returned to its original appearance.
On the roof of the Reichstag there is a glass dome with a unique observation deck, where tourists are allowed to climb to admire the beauty of Berlin. However, before visiting it, you should register on the site.
Museum Island
The complex on the Spree River unites five museums; to visit them, you will need to walk along a pedestrian bridge. The first building of the museum was built in 1830. It displays ancient statues, weapons, ancient jewelry. Then they opened the New Museum with ancient Greek exhibits, and then the Bode Museum, which displays Byzantine art, the works of sculptors from Italy and Germany of the Middle Ages. The Old National Gallery showcases Impressionist works, while the Pergamon Museum is dedicated to Islam.
Berlin Cathedral
When noticing the main attractions of Berlin, be sure to pay attention to this temple on the Museum Island. The Baroque cathedral impresses with its majestic and memorable façade and equally striking interior. There are many columns, stucco moldings, stained-glass windows, and biblical paintings in the temple. Its construction lasted 11 years and was completed in 1905. There is an observation deck under the dome of the building, revealing a magnificent city panorama.
The cathedral belongs to the largest Protestant ones in the country.
Charlottenburg
The palace was donated by King Frederick I to his wife. Previously it was called Litzenburg, but after the death of the king's wife it was renamed.
The royal residence, built at the end of the 17th century, is distinguished by the Baroque style. A park with a classic Anglo-French landscape is laid out in front of the building. Want to visit interesting places in Berlin? Travel to Charlottenburg.
Bellevue Palace
German President in Tiergarten Park. During the era of the German Empire, it belonged to one of the princes and served as a summer residence. After the fall of the monarchy, the palace was taken over by the state.
Bellevue is open at certain hours once a week. To learn more about the architecture and history of the country, also visit other castles located near the city.
Alexanderplatz
Or Alex Square has the shape of a regular rectangle, and it got its name thanks to Alexander I, the Russian tsar who visited the city.
The pedestrian square is surrounded by streets where significant sights of the city of Berlin are located. There is a fountain in the middle of Alexanderplatz, near which local youth often make appointments.
TV tower
Construction with observation deck and revolving restaurant. The tower was built in 1969. Its configuration resembles the Ostankino TV tower, after which it was the tallest building in Europe. Today the Berlin Tower has moved to the fifth position, but this did not affect its popularity at all.
Red town hall
Building in the center of Berlin, which houses the city senate and the mayor's office. The bombing of the city in 1945 caused great damage to the town hall, and it was restored for a long period.
The Red City Hall has three halls: Column, Armorial, Bolshoi, gallery and several other small rooms. It is noteworthy that the Column Hall can be rented for private receptions.
Egyptian Museum
Among the sights of Berlin, we also note this museum, which houses a huge collection of works of ancient Egyptian art. The most famous of these is the bust of Nefertiti, discovered by German archaeologists in 1900. A considerable part of the museum exhibits were lost during the war, but the bust was hidden and preserved.
Köpenick Palace
Built on the site of an ancient citadel. Initially, it was small in size and served as a hunting castle. Two centuries later, the building was expanded and a park was planted around it. Today, the palace houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. In summer, musical events take place on the site in front of the mansion.
Tropical Island Water Park
Located 70 km from the capital. It is the largest on the planet. In the water park, the air temperature does not drop below 25 degrees throughout the year. Its territory is divided into themed zones with flowers and plants from Bali, Congo and other tropical countries and islands.
A variety of water attractions and other entertainments will surprise every guest of the water park. They have their own website (www.tropical-islands.de), where you can find out the cost of tickets and the opening hours.
Berlin Opera
She hosted celebrities from all over the world on her stage. Fyodor Chaliapin himself performed on its stage. The opera house has existed since 1742 and is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the country. Opera lovers will certainly not have to think about where to go in Berlin.
Ka-De-Ve store
It was built a hundred years ago and has six floors. The department store sells only high-quality items of different categories. Ka De Ve always has first-class service, which is why it is popular with Berliners and tourists alike.
Potsdamer Platz
In the pre-war period it was a popular holiday destination for local residents. As a result of heavy bombing, the parade ground was completely destroyed and was left without a single historical building. Now it is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, where the offices of various corporations are located.
Gendarmenmarkt
A beautiful square in Berlin, on the territory of which the capital's attractions are located: the Concert Hall and two cathedrals. There are prestigious restaurants and other catering establishments on the parade ground.
Since the 18th century, various fairs, concerts, exhibitions and performances have been held on the square.
Olympic Stadium
It was first erected in 1916 for the Summer Olympics. 20 years later, for the next Olympic Games, the stadium was rebuilt, and the roof was given a classic antique shape.
In 1960, the stadium was restored and football matches began to be held. In 2006, Olimpiyskiy was modernized and a stretch roof was installed, which allowed fans to enjoy matches in any weather.
Berlin Zoo
The question of what to visit in Berlin will certainly not worry fauna lovers, since the largest zoo on the planet is open here. The well-groomed territory of the zoo with an area of 35 hectares is home to 13,000 species of animals.
Kaiser Wilhelm Church
What to see in Berlin? Tourists who are keen on history and architecture will be interested to see the temple, the construction of which was dedicated to the first German Kaiser. The height of the church tower was 113 m, but in wartime it was almost destroyed, leaving without the upper part. With the resumption of peace, local residents decided not to restore it completely, but to make it a monument warning of the dire consequences of the war.
Botanical Garden
When visiting the best places in Berlin, take a look at this garden. It was founded in 1679 and is one of the oldest in Europe. More than 22 thousand plants grow on a spacious territory with a beautiful design, there is a pond, paths and benches installed. The garden has 15 rooms representing certain climatic zones, so its guests will not be bored at all.
Trepov park
A memorial complex worth visiting for tourists. 7 thousand soldiers are buried on its territory, who gave their lives for the peaceful future of people.
The park was opened in 1949, and it became the largest monument erected in honor of the victory abroad.
An alley of birches has been planted in Trepov Park, symbolic gates and a sculpture of a warrior with a child in his arms have been installed.
Column of Victory
Monument in Berlin with articles of the goddess of victory Victoria at the top, erected in honor of the victories of Germany in various military companies.
The sculpture is located in the Tirgaten area, has a second name "Golden Elsa". Now the attraction is under state protection.
Climbing 285 steps, tourists get to the observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the area.
Grunwald forest
Located in the metropolitan suburb. Walking through the forest park will be pleasant for lovers of peace, tranquility and clean air. It is distinguished by its well-groomed and abundant green spaces. The park has many picturesque artificial reservoirs, paths for cycling and walking.
New Synagogue
What can you see in Berlin? This is a Jewish temple that has hosted parishioners since the mid-19th century. In 1940, the Wehrmacht decided to close the synagogue and use it as warehouses. During the war, the building was significantly damaged, but was restored in the united Germany.
Checkpoint Charlie
An unusual place in Berlin on Friedrichstrasse, symbolizing the intransigence of the USSR and America. On this street, after the partition of Germany, a military checkpoint was established, and during the Berlin crisis from 1958 to 1962, a tank confrontation was organized.
Madame Tussauds museum
Museum of Wax Sculptures with branches in many cities and Berlin as well. Figures of world celebrities are displayed in nine museum rooms: Merlin Monroe, members of the Beatles, Brad Pitt and other famous personalities. What else is interesting in the capital? Of course Madame Tussauds.
Church of St. Nicholas
The oldest in the capital. It opened in the 18th century and ceased operations in 1938. As a result of military bombing, only the outer walls of the temple survived.
After restoration works in 1981, the building serves as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.
Hamburg station
It took passengers until the end of the 19th century. Then the building was no longer used for its intended purpose, and after the restructuring work, the Museum of Transport was placed in it. Now it houses the Museum of Modern Art, where art exhibitions are constantly held, and many cultural events are held. A bookstore, restaurant, etc. are open on the territory.
Tegel Palace
Built in 1558 on the shores of a beautiful lake. At different times, representatives of the German elite lived here. At first, Tegel was not distinguished by anything remarkable, but in 1766 it was acquired by the Humboldt family and breathed new life, rebuilding it according to the laws of classicism.
Tegel Palace is located on the territory of a rich park complex and consists of four parts, united by small towers, and its interior is richly decorated.
Molecular man
All tourists already know about this sculpture on the Spree River, but we decided to add it to our list of interesting places. The symbol of the American sculptor's work is friendliness. Indeed, a person is made up of molecules and we must all stick together as a whole. Three masculine figures meet at one point and hold on to each other. The location was not chosen by chance, it is the intersection of three city districts: Treptow, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
Some technical characteristics:
- Height 29.8 meters
- Weighs about 44 tons
- Built in 1999
- Made of aluminum.
Berlin sightseeing on the map
Where to eat deliciously in the city?
Now let's take a look at the best restaurants in Berlin, where you should definitely sit in the evening in a cozy atmosphere. We have selected all the establishments based on reviews of tourists and ratings.
- The first step in Germany is to taste delicious beer. We recommend doing this in Hackethals on Pflugstrasse 11. An ideal place for a dinner and a gastronomic trip to the world of national cuisine.
- For lovers of the Italian direction, we advise La gondola Due on Beerenstr 57. A place for a family dinner in a rather cozy atmosphere and with a fascinating serving of food.
- Institution Maison umami at Schlesische 5 we recommend first of all to those who like something unusual. The restaurant is decorated in black colors, but the dishes are quite interesting in taste.
- A very atmospheric place for a romantic dinner - Clubrestaurant am Wannsee on Scabell street 10-11.
- You can sit at home and taste delicious meat of various fries in the restaurant Die Eselin von A. on Schloßstrasse 61. Locals love the place, book a table in advance by phone: +49 30 2141284.
- Ristorante A Mano on Strausberger Platz 2. Has been ranked as good and tasty family lunch or dinner for a year. Especially worth noting is the service, the low check, and the Italian direction.