From its historic structure to the land of museums, this is a must-visit!
The capital and largest city of Germany, Berlin, is the melting pot of business,
technology, parties, and artistic expression. Due to its temperate season, the city comprises forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals, and many lakes, of which the largest lake is Muggelsee.
The city also boasts of modern history, diverse cultures, and a bustling city with people. It is a city that has something for everyone. So, here is a list of things to do on your next trip to Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate
This is an 18th-century neoclassical monument is one of the famous landmarks of Germany. This historical event was the monumental entry to Unter den Linden, which led directly to the royal City Palace of the Prussian monarchs. But now, the historic gate stands as a symbol of unity and peace for Berlin and the nation.
The design of the sandstone monument, inspired by the Propylaea in Athens’ Acropolis, is 26 meters tall. While the view of the Brandenburg Gate is great in the daylight, and in the evening, it is a treat to the eyes, for it is brightly lit up.
The Museum Island
Not just one, but Berlin boasts a whole complex of museums. One of the most important and visited sights, Museum Island, was built from 1830 to 1930 by order of the Prussian Kings, involving a team of five architects.
It comprises the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte National Galerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. The Island located in the middle of the Spree River is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
This historic wall commemorates the division of Berlin by the Berlin Wall and the deaths that occurred there. It is located on Bernauer Strasse at the corner of Ackerstrasse and also includes a Chapel of Reconciliation, the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, a 60-meter section of the former border, and a window of remembrance.
However, at the present moment, only a small stretch remains, which includes a 1.4-kilometer stretch that is preserved as part of the Berlin Wall Memorial.
The Reichstag
A historic building, it houses the lower house of Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag. It was opened in 1894 and was functional until 1933, after which it was damaged due to fire.
The building was partially revived in the 1960s, but full restoration took place after German reunification in 1990. It then underwent remodeling by architect Norman Foster, was completed in 1999, and once again became functional for the German parliament.
A few other places to visit are the Berliner Dom, free walking tours, Tiergarten Park, Charlottenburg Palace, and a WWII bunker.