If you’re planning on visiting this bustling German capital soon but have no idea where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Visitors will find that there’s hardly a dull moment in Berlin, as the diversity of the sights here has many tourists returning every year.
Berlin is known to many as the City of Contrasts, as on the one hand, it boasts marvellous sites and world-class galleries, whilst on the other, it is home to much in the way of grit and ruins.
With newer and more contemporary buildings, it may seem at first that Berlin has forgotten about its catastrophic past. But that’s far from the truth! After the fall of the wall, the people of Berlin tirelessly worked to build a European cultural hub! Whilst this provides visitors with a refreshing city experience, Berlin still has its very own way of reminding you of the past.
If you’re planning on visiting soon, here are six of the best things we recommend you don’t miss!
Visit The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall is a must-visit! What’s left of the wall acts as a superb open-air museum. With a range of things to do around the city, visitors will find that the city does an awesome job of reviving history in a setting filled with remarkably constructed contemporary buildings. Be sure to visit the East Side Gallery where you’ll find the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. It really is a breathtaking sight as artists have transformed this part of the wall into an open-air gallery.
Visit Tiergarten
If you need a quick break away from the hustle and bustle of the city, make your way to Berlin’s famous Tiergarten park. Not only is this place a hot spot for tourists, but it also attracts many locals looking for the perfect lunch break. Whatever the season, Tiergarten park is a splendid place to admire nature at its best. Located right in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to stroll along tree-lined paths whilst admiring some of the city’s best sites.
Visit The Reichstag Dome
The Reichstag – home of the German Parliament – has been through a great deal of abuse in its former days, yet today, the ground surrounding it has transformed into a sunbathing hotspot. The dome is its iconic feature as it provides 360° city views. Visit for free and take advantage of the free audio guide to learn more about the city and its history.
Visit Brandenburg Gate
An iconic landmark in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Constructed in the late 18th century, the gate was the city’s first Greek revival building. Inspired by the Acropolis entrance in Athens, the gate stands at a staggering height of 26 metres!
Visit The Museum Island
The Museum Island is a fantastic place for history buffs or for those of us interested in architecture. Here you’ll find a complex of five museums, all of which boast UNESCO status! What’s more, the museums are also home to a great range of Islamic Art as well as relics from Egypt, Africa and India. While the museums all have their very own admissions prices, you can still wander around the island and marvel at the museums for free!
Explore The City With Free Walking Tours
To explore the city at a much slower pace, we recommend taking advantage of the many free walking tours. Focusing on specific districts and iconic sites, the tours are a wonderful way to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide. Whilst the tours are free, tips are welcome if you found the experience enjoyable.
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
