Exploring Berlin: Top Sights, Hidden Gems, and Local Experiences
All roads may lead to Rome, but a good number of them also lead to Berlin. German Capital was once a border point of East and West Germany, but with the fall of the Berlin wall, it is now the city that unites Germany.
Known for beautiful architecture, infamous history, and great raves, Berlin is a place to visit.
But it is no easy task to navigate around the city with over 3 million people. That’s where I come in. I will show you the best things to do in the German Capital. Come, travel with me.
1. See the mesmerizing Brandenburg Gate
Perhaps the most famous symbol of German Power throughout history, The Brandenburg Gate still stands strong even after three centuries of its construction.
The gate was constructed as a symbol of peace after the Thirty Year War, but later on served as a triumph monument for the leaders of Germany. It was designed with the inspiration of the Greek Acropolis, and even though it does resemble it, it is still recognizable on its own as the most important building in Berlin.
2. Admire Reichstag building
The Reichstag building, or, in literal translation, The Parliament building, is another marvel of Berlin. The original building dates over a century, but it was destroyed by the Dutch communist party, which was against Hitler’s elections as Chancellor. It was renovated in 1999, and it’s free for the public to visit. It is most known for its huge glass dome, which gives a panoramic view of the city.
3. When in Berlin – Berliner Fernsehturm
Speaking of great views, there is none like the Berlin TV Tower, Berliner Fernsehtrum. But this is not only a Tv tower, but also on top of it there is a restaurant which rotates so you can see the whole of Berlin while enjoying some nice wine and steak.
4. See history in person at The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a wall that divided East and West Germany. The Wall was taken down in 1989, which resulted in the unification of the German lands. While the Wall isn’t there anymore, there are some parts that were left intact for people to see. You can read some interesting messages and writings on the remnants of the Berlin Wall.
5. Sync your heartbeat with the beat of the drums at Berlin Underground Raves
Berlin is known as the Capital of the rave culture. There are numerous indoor and outdoor nightclubs which you can visit and enjoy your evening, but if you are trying to have a night to remember, then you need to go to one of the old bunkers which are nowadays used for raves. Now, when I think of it, you probably won’t remember a thing!
6. Visit the Bode Museum
If you are a sucker for art and history, then this is a place for you. It’s an art history museum in Berlin. It’s located on a small river island, and it is filled with beautiful statues and paintings dating to the Byzantine Empire.
7. Do not miss the Pergamon Museum
If art is not your thing, but rather antiques, then Pergamon Museum is for you. It is known for its wide range of Islamic and Middle Eastern artifacts that date over a millennium.
8. Listen to Opera
The Germans were known for great classical music back in the day, and they hold on to that fact proudly. There are several Opera Houses in Berlin that you can visit and enjoy some Opera if you are a fan. The oldest one is Staatsoper Unter den Linden, which is almost 300 years old, but Deutsche Oper Berlin and Komische Oper Berlin are also great choices.
9. See The Topography of Terror
A Nazi history museum was built on a place where the old Gestapo Headquarters once stood before they were destroyed in the bombings towards the end of WWII. While the buildings were destroyed, the Gestapo basements remained intact and were later uncovered, and the artifacts were placed in a museum. Note this museum is not for everyone as it can provoke some bad emotions, so approach it with care.
10. Relax at Tiergarten
The Lungs of Berlin, as it is popularly known amongst the locals, is Berlin’s largest park where you can relax and enjoy your day among the thick tree branches, breathing on fresh, clean air.
11. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Berlin
The Cathedral of Berlin is a beautiful protestant church but also a tomb for a noble German family. The building is a beautiful sight to see, but what makes it interesting is that it was remodeled five times since its first construction in the late 1400s.
12. Try local beers at Biergarten
Biergarten, or Beer Garden in translation, is a place where food and beers are served. They originated in Bavaria but quickly took over the whole of Germany. They are characterized by wooden tables and benches where people sit next to one another and enjoy a hot meal and a cold beer.
13. Watch great soccer at Olympiastadion Berlin
The Germans are notorious as one of the best soccer leagues in the world. Their clubs are always among the top clubs in Europe and the world. The Olympiastadion Berlin is home to numerous soccer clubs from Berlin, but the most famous one is Hertha Berlin. They play against other German clubs every other week at the Olympiastadion, so if you are a soccer fan, time your vacation accordingly.
