No capital city in the world feels quite like Berlin, and perhaps that’s because none has had a century as significant. Here’s a city that was the party capital of the world in the Golden Twenties and was then razed and divided. One half rebounded as an economic powerhouse while the other languished under a regime of oppression and concrete.
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And when the two halves were reunited a quarter of a century ago, Berlin acquired a new identity as a culturally vibrant, disarmingly unkempt, and socially conscious hub of innovation. Moreover, for those seeking picturesque sights, Berlin boasts an abundance, all imbued with the historical significance of the past century.
Let’s explore the
top attractions in Berlin
:
1. Brandenburg Gate
Where Unter den Linden converges with Ebertstraße stands what may be Germany’s most iconic landmark.
For first-time visitors to Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is a must-see, laden with historical significance as an enduring symbol during the destruction of World War II and the subsequent division represented by the Berlin Wall.
This ceremonial monument was commissioned in the late 1790s by the Prussian King Frederick William II, built on the site of one of Berlin’s historic defensive gates.
Atop the structure is the Quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, surrounded by twelve Doric columns that form five passageways.
Recommended tour
:
Discover Berlin Walking Tour
2. Reichstag
Another landmark that encapsulates the tumultuous history of the 20th century in Berlin is the Reichstag, which serves as the meeting place for the German Parliament.
This Neo-Baroque structure, completed in 1894, initially housed the Imperial Diet until it was damaged during a notable fire in 1933. Subsequently, it remained in ruins until after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Following this event, a restoration project led by Norman Foster transformed the Reichstag into a symbol of a unified Germany.
The renovation included a new glass dome from which visitors can overlook the debating chamber and enjoy panoramic views of Berlin, accompanied by an audio guide.
Available activity:
Berlin Reichstag: Rooftop Dinner at the Käfer Restaurant
3. Tiergarten
After exploring the major attractions and museums, the Tiergarten offers a tranquil retreat.
This expansive green space is characterized by dense foliage, meandering along the Landwehr Canal and extending west from the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.
Historically, the Tiergarten served as a hunting ground for the Electors of Brandenburg, later redesigned in the 1830s by the Prussian architect Peter Joseph Lenné.
Within the Tiergarten lies Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the President of Germany.
In addition to providing respite from the urban environment, the Tiergarten is interspersed with monuments, such as the Bismarck memorial, as well as scenic spots like the Luiseninsel and rose garden.
4. Victory Column (Siegessäule)
At the convergence of major roads within the Tiergarten lies another attractive photographic opportunity.
The Victory Column was erected in 1864 following the victory over Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War.
Additionally, it symbolizes further successes during that era, namely victories over Austria and France in 1870-71. Consequently, an 8.3-meter sculpture of Victoria was added atop the column, weighing 35 tons.
Initially located in front of the Reichstag, it was relocated in 1938-39 to its current position at the center of a roundabout, as part of Hitler’s vision to transform Berlin into “World Capital Germania.” For a small fee, visitors can ascend the spiral staircase of 285 steps for a breathtaking view of the Tiergarten and Berlin from 51 meters above ground.
5. Museum Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island on the Spree is home to five illustrious museums.
These include the Altes Museum, Alte National Galerie, Neues Museum, Bode-Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
This area, along with the broader concept of museums serving public enlightenment, is a byproduct of the Enlightenment, with planning initiated in the early 19th century.
These museums also serve to showcase the wealth and refinement of the Prussian royal collections and the achievements resulting from 19th-century victories.
The Altes Museum opened first in 1830, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, who was responsible for various Neoclassical monuments throughout Berlin during that time.
The last to open was the Pergamon Forum in 1930, while the Neues Museum, which initially opened in 1859, was restored and reopened in 2009 following war-related damage.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit several museums, consider the
Museum Pass Berlin: 3-Day Entry to Over 30 Museums
6. Neues Museum
Commissioned in 1855, damaged in 1945, and now revitalized, the Neues Museum was neglected for the entire post-war period.
Finally, following reunification efforts, its trove of ancient artifacts was returned from the Altes Museum to its rightful home in 2009. While galleries for Ancient Rome and Greece are notable, it is the Egyptian exhibits, especially the bust of Queen Nefertiti, that captivate visitors.
This 3,350-year-old sculpture was discovered at Amarna in 1912 and has enchanted audiences ever since.
However, Nefertiti is just one of many exhibits; additional displays feature hieroglyphics, sarcophagi, and two preserved ancient courtyards, one Egyptian and one Greek.
7. Gemäldegalerie
The Gemäldegalerie features masterpieces by Europe’s greatest artists up to the 18th century, showcasing works from names such as Botticelli, Albrecht Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Hans Holbein, Raphael, and Vermeer, among others.
This extensive collection was not amassed by a single family, but was curated by the Prussian Government starting in 1815, providing a cross-section of European art.
Visitors can enjoy 1,250 works of art of the highest caliber, so be prepared to lose track of time under their enchanting spell.
8. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Significant moments from the early days of the Berlin Wall are memorialized at Bernauer Straße, where a memorial now stands.
A preserved section of the wall spans 70 meters, including the Todesstreifen (Death Strip) in between, and a watchtower adjacent to the street.
This segment serves as a permanent memorial honoring those who lost their lives attempting to cross this divide between 1961 and 1989. Across Bernauer Straße lies a visitor center that details the history of the wall, from its inception to its eventual dismantling.
A five-storey observation tower also offers an insightful perspective of the divide.
9. Pergamon Museum
Visiting the Pergamon Museum offers an encounter with monumental ancient artifacts hailing from the Near East, which have been transported to Berlin in fragments and carefully reconstructed.
Among the museum’s treasures is the 2nd-Century Pergamon Altar, which lends the museum its name. This impressive structure features a staircase and portico adorned with a frieze depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
Additional attractions include the vividly colored Ishtar Gate, reconstructed using materials found during excavation, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, the Islamic art of the Umayyad Mshatta Facade from Jordan, and, dating back the furthest, the Mesopotamian Meissner fragment from the Epic of Gilgamesh.
10. Deutsches Historisches Museum
Located within the Zeughaus, one of the grand buildings on Unter den Linden, the German Historical Museum narrates 2,000 years of history.
This extensive display features 7,000 artifacts organized chronologically, with items ranging from significant historical pieces, such as the iconic painting of Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Elder, to everyday life artifacts.
Exhibits include Weimar election posters and 19th-century penny-farthing bicycles, alongside intact American supply drops from the Berlin Blockade, and domestic appliances reflecting GDR life.
11. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Not far from the Brandenburg Gate lies the solemn memorial honoring the victims of the Holocaust, designed by American architect Peter Eisenman.
Set on what once constituted the “death strip of the Berlin Wall,” the site features 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights arranged in a grid over an undulating landscape, producing a wave-like effect.
The blocks are organized into 54 north-south rows and 87 east-west rows.
This memorial invites interaction and contemplation, and beneath it lies an underground gallery, detailing the experiences of Jewish victims through biographies, letters, and personal artifacts.
12. Unter den Linden
Berlin’s oldest and most majestic boulevard stretches east to west from Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate.
This historic route predates Berlin itself, with lime trees planted along Unter den Linden since 1647. However, it was during the 18th century, under Frederick the Great, that the boulevard took on its current grandeur.
Significant structures such as the Zeughaus, State Opera, and Humboldt University were established during this period.
Notable alumni of the university include figures such as Einstein, Marx, Engels, and Hegel.
Many historic landmarks along Unter den Linden were either destroyed or severely damaged during the war, taking until after reunification to be reconstructed or restored.
13. Gendarmenmarkt
Encircled by Charlottenstraße and Markgrafenstraße, this square exudes Baroque grandeur, designed by architect Johann Arnold Nering in the 17th century.
The square’s highlights are the French and German Churches, located at the northern and southern edges of the plaza.
Both churches feature grand porticos topped with elegant domes.
In between stands the imposing Konzerthaus, built in 1821, which is complemented by a statue of the writer Friedrich Schiller.
During December, the square becomes enchanting when the Christmas Market is set up, while in summer, the Classic Open Air concert series takes place.
14. Topography of Terror
Similar to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, the Topography of Terror serves as a sobering reminder for future generations.
Situated on Niederkirchnerstraße, this site was once home to the Gestapo and SS headquarters, two names imperatively linked to one of Europe’s most harrowing historical periods.
Following World War II, the headquarters suffered bombing damage and was subsequently demolished, leaving ruins along the wall’s path.
An open-air exhibition now occupies the site of these excavated headquarters, illustrating life in Berlin during the Third Reich, detailing the roles of the SS and Gestapo, their notable figures, and the events they orchestrated.
15. Fernsehturm
Constructed adjacent to Alexanderplatz in the late 1960s, the Fernsehturm (Television Tower) was intended as a striking symbol of communist authority in East Berlin.
Now the second tallest structure in the European Union, it is as much a landmark for Berlin as the Reichstag or the Brandenburg Gate.
The Fernsehturm is the highest structure in Europe accessible to the public, and if you plan ahead, the 40-second ascent to the viewing platform, situated 200 meters above ground, is highly recommended.
From this elevation, you can observe even the smallest details using a telescope, and there is a revolving restaurant that requires reservations for dining.
Suggested activity
:
Skip-the-Line Berlin TV Tower with VIP Dinner
16. Jewish Museum Berlin
Situated on Lindenstraße, this museum addresses the significant topic of Jewish history in Germany, having opened in 2001 within an acclaimed deconstructivist building designed by Daniel Libeskind.
The building’s layout resembles a lightning bolt and has been likened to a fragmented Star of David.
As you navigate its zigzagging corridors, you’ll encounter voids of 20 meters in height that embody interrupted histories and the profound sense of loss engendered by the Holocaust.
The permanent exhibition chronicles the journey of Jews in Germany, beginning with the communities along the Rhine in medieval times.
The narrative progresses through the hope and achievements of Jewish emancipation in the 18th and 19th centuries, ultimately culminating in the tragedies of National Socialism and its aftermath.
An alternative axis leads visitors to the Garden of Exile, while another pathway directs to the Holocaust Tower, a hollow 24-meter structure.
17. DDR Museum
Interestingly, “Ostalgie,” or nostalgia for the German Democratic Republic, has emerged among some individuals in the former East Germany.
The DDR Museum, inaugurated across from the Berlin Cathedral in 2006, serves as a comprehensive repository documenting the German Democratic Republic, highlighting its merits, shortcomings, and the often eccentric facets of life.
Among its numerous exhibits, visitors can explore the decor and furnishings of a typical East German “plattenbau” apartment and experience a simulated drive in a Trabant.
Comprising 27 themed spaces, the museum showcases memorabilia from the Free German Youth (FDJ), audio recordings of East German music, an imitation classroom, and also delves into the notorious Stasi and their surveillance practices.
18. Berlin Cathedral
Technically not a cathedral, as it has never served as the bishop’s seat, this church on Museum Island remains Berlin’s most significant Protestant place of worship.
It is the fourth church erected at this locale next to the Spree, with its history tracing back to 1451. The current incarnation, completed in 1904, showcases a splendid Historicist style. The Berlin Cathedral suffered damage during World War II when the dome’s lantern was destroyed, yet the structure withstood collapse and has since become a symbol of resilience for Berlin.
Restoration efforts began in the 1970s and continued until 1993. Entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted with an array of goldwork, mosaics, and sculptures, along with an intricate mosaic crafted from marble and onyx by architect Friedrich August Stüler.
Beneath the church lies the Hohenzollern Crypt, which serves as the burial place for members of the House of Hohenzollern, the lineage responsible for producing Prussian kings and German emperors.
19. Alexanderplatz
As the largest square in Germany and a bustling transport center, Alexanderplatz stands as one of the most vibrant and thrilling areas in Berlin.
Originally a parade ground, Alexanderplatz evolved into the premier shopping district at the onset of the 20th century.
During World War II, it was almost completely destroyed, and its current appearance is a result of redevelopment efforts initiated by the GDR during the 1960s.
This area was also notable for its role in public gatherings, including the peaceful protests leading to the fall of the wall in 1989. In recent years, transformations have been rapid, and developments such as the Alexa Mall have reinstated Alexanderplatz as a vital shopping and entertainment hub.
Despite changes, elements of GDR architecture remain, most notably in the striking silhouette of the Fernsehturm.
20. Checkpoint Charlie
The intersection of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße marks the location of the historical border crossing between East and West Berlin.
This very site nearly became the focal point of a crisis in 1961, when American and Soviet tanks faced off for six days at the end of October.
Later, in 1962, Peter Fechter, a teenager attempting to cross from East to West, was shot and killed here.
The name derives from the phonetic alphabet, with Charlie representing the letter C, as Checkpoint Charlie was the third such border crossing established by the Allies in the city.
Today, the guardhouse and sandbags that occupy the center of the street present a popular photographic opportunity.
21. Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)
Linked to the era of the Berlin Wall, this hall at Friedrichstraße Station serves as the only westbound border crossing accessible by train, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn connections.
West Berliners taking short trips to the East would return home from this point, and the name “Tränenpalast” (Palace of Tears) derives from the emotional farewells that often occurred here.
The old terminal houses an exhibition that presents firsthand accounts from individuals who traversed the border between 1962 and 1990, detailing the stringent security protocols and customs checks.
Visitors can view numerous original artifacts that serve as reminders of this critical historical period, with original signs and instructional panels preserved intact.
22. Treptower Park
A short ride on the S-Bahn takes you to Treptower Park, located adjacent to the Spree in southeastern Berlin.
The park is at its most picturesque during summer, offering opportunities for leisurely walks along the riverside or enjoying a boat cruise on the Spree.
Established in 1884, the park was designed in the English landscape style and encompasses 84 hectares of serene lawns, wooded areas, and rose gardens.
Immediately after World War II, a grand memorial and cemetery were constructed to honor the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Berlin.
This site remains East Germany’s principal war memorial and features a large ensemble of sculptures, including a central area flanked by 16 stone sarcophagi, one for each of the Soviet republics.
Leading to a 12-meter-tall statue of a Soviet soldier holding a German child and standing over a smashed swastika, this area powerfully conveys a message of peace.
23. Gedächtniskirche
The original Kaiser Wilhelm Church, constructed in the 1890s, was designed in the Neo-Romanesque style.
This church formed part of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s extensive construction project aimed at countering the rising labor movement and was named in tribute to his grandfather.
Severely damaged during a bombing raid in 1943, the church’s fate sparked significant debate post-war, contemplating whether to demolish it or restore it.
Ultimately, architect Egon Eiermann designed a modern replacement adjacent to the old ruins.
This new structure features over 20,000 blue-stained glass panels and was consecrated in 1961. The surviving damaged tower of the old church now serves as a memorial, housing an anti-war exhibition with a crucifix constructed from nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed by the Nazis in 1940.
24. Olympic Stadium
Few sporting venues can claim as much historical significance as Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
The Nazis recognized the 1936 Olympics as a propaganda opportunity, commissioning Werner March to design a monumental stadium intended to capture global attention.
The finished product was a technical marvel, serving as the venue where Jesse Owens won four gold medals, thereby undermining notions of Aryan superiority.
In subsequent years, a vast steel roof was added, weighing 3,500 tons, and the seating capacity was reduced from 100,000 to 74,475. Visitors can take guided tours during the week or experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Bundesliga match when Hertha BSC plays its home games in the stadium from August to May.
25. Berlin Philharmonie
The Berlin Philharmoniker is frequently ranked among the world’s top symphony orchestras.
For enthusiasts of classical music, attending a performance at the Philharmoniker represents a lifelong aspiration.
The concert hall, distinguished by its tent-like roof, opened in 1963 on the southern edge of the Tiergarten. Originally surrounded by wasteland created by the wall, it now forms an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape as part of the Kulturforum complex.
An interesting tidbit is that firearms were employed during construction to test the acoustics in the early 1960s.
With performances regularly scheduled, visitors can either attend a show or enjoy a free chamber music concert every Tuesday at 13:00 in the foyer.
26. Deutsches Technikmuseum
The Deutsches Technikmuseum offers a comprehensive exploration of transportation and industry throughout history.
Children will be delighted by the collection of heavy-duty vehicles, including steam and diesel locomotives, as well as an expansive aviation hall featuring a V-1 bomb, Arado Ar 96, Stuka divebomber wreckage, Lancaster, Messerschmitt Bf 110, and Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor.
In addition to showcasing various industrial processes, the museum actively demonstrates how products are made through live exhibits such as paper production and typesetting.
Furthermore, kids can participate in hands-on activities at the Science Centre, where interactive experiments help clarify concepts such as electricity, light, and magnetism.
27. Charlottenburg Palace
Located a short distance west on the S-Bahn, Charlottenburg Palace, the summer residence of the imperial Hohenzollern family, is the largest and most opulent palace in Berlin.
Often referred to as Berlin’s counterpart to Versailles, the palace was initially constructed in 1695 and expanded over the subsequent century according to the tastes of its occupants.
Similar to Versailles, Charlottenburg could easily occupy a full day’s visit due to the numerous attractions within the palace and its various outbuildings, which host numerous museums.
The Baroque Old Palace features an exquisite porcelain cabinet, opulent tableware, royal silver collection, and the crown jewels.
The Rococo New Wing contains the state apartments of Frederick the Great, while the Hohenzollern mausoleum serves as the burial site for members of this illustrious family.
The lovely Belvedere outside displays Berlin porcelain, while the old palace theatre features a museum dedicated to prehistory.
28. Kaufhaus des Westens
Commonly known as KaDeWe, Kaufhaus des Westens stands out as an unparalleled department store.
This extensive eight-storey establishment is the most prominent shopping destination in Germany and the second-largest department store in Europe.
For those with a penchant for luxury, the first three floors are dedicated to high-end fashion for both men and women, while the “Luxury Boulevard” on the ground level resembles a miniature Fifth Avenue.
For everyday shoppers, the highlight is the vast “Delicatessen” food hall on the sixth floor, where countless bakers and confectioners create a wide array of specialty foods.
Above this lies the winter garden, home to KaDeWe’s 1,000-seat self-service restaurant.
29. Museum für Naturkunde
Visitors can meet the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world in the central hall of Berlin’s Natural History Museum.
Standing at 13.27 meters tall, this sauropod would have weighed approximately 55 tons during its lifetime.
Most of the materials are from a single specimen discovered in Tanzania during the early 20th century.
Tristan the T-Rex and the groundbreaking archaeopteryx fossil (the bridge between reptiles and birds) are also standout features of the museum.
However, the museum offers much more, including 4,500 mineral specimens in the Hall of Minerals, a stuffed dodo, and exhibits shining a light on the theory of evolution.
30. Mauerpark Market
Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg serves as the backdrop for a memorable shopping experience.
This market is best enjoyed during summer, reminiscent of a lively music festival.
Among the stalls, musicians perform for intimate audiences, while street food vendors offer eclectic international cuisine.
Most stallholders are locals selling items they no longer require, yet there are also experienced vendors offering antiques, collectibles, and handcrafted items.
At 15:00, all eyes turn to the amphitheater for a spirited communal karaoke session, open for anyone who doesn’t mind performing before a large audience!
31. Alte Nationalgalerie
Upon the passing of wealthy banker and art patron Joachim Heinrich Wilhelm Wagener in 1861, he bequeathed his extensive collection of 262 paintings to Prussia.
This collection laid the groundwork for the Nationalgalerie, which began construction of a dedicated venue within two years.
Friedrich August Stüler conceived a Neoclassical temple that includes eclecticist elements.
The museum exclusively presents 19th-century art, encompassing the Romantic works of Caspar David Friedrich and his contemporaries, Impressionism, and notable pieces by Renoir and Monet, all the way to early Modernism represented by Max Liebermann and Adolph von Menzel.
32. Konzerthaus Berlin
This grand concert hall situated on Gendarmenmarkt has a rich history, originally operating as a theater.
Previously known as the Königliches Schauspielhaus and later the Preußisches Staatstheater, it hosted many prominent actors of the 19th century.
Following wartime destruction, the structure remained in ruins until it was restored as a concert hall and venue for the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (now referred to as the Konzerthausorchester Berlin). Given the esteemed acoustics, securing a seat for performances is highly recommended, as the venue consistently garners high ratings.
33. Berlin Zoo
The Berlin Zoo, enveloped in woodland on the southwestern edge of the Tiergarten, is the most visited animal attraction in Europe.
With over 1,500 species, it boasts the largest variety of wildlife globally, skillfully balancing ethical treatment of animals with appealing exhibits.
All the major big cats, along with chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gorillas, can be found here; notably, Fatou has held the title of the world’s oldest gorilla, reaching 60 years of age as of 2017.
Despite limited space at the city center, the inhabitants are housed in humane enclosures that closely imitate their natural habitats.
The zoo actively participates in breeding programs for rhinos, gaurs, and various rare deer and pig species. In 2017, a pair of giant pandas arrived on a breeding loan and are housed in a spacious glass habitat.
34. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz, located at the southeastern edge of the Tiergarten, remained a desolate no-man’s-land divided by the Berlin Wall from the conclusion of World War II until the 1990s.
This contrasts sharply with its lively history during the 1920s, when the square served as the thriving heart of the city, akin to Times Square, famous for its transport links, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
Post-wall development transformed the area into a bustling business district, reminiscent of La Défense or Canary Wharf, providing a modern framework for a reunited Berlin.
Only a quarter-century after the fall of the wall, Potsdamer Platz is now a sophisticated center for commerce, where the remains of Daimler’s Haus-Huth, the only structure to survive the wartime devastation, serves as a free museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
35. Sony Center
Among the standout features of the new Potsdamer Platz, the Sony Center is an architectural marvel that emerged during the 1990s, designed by Helmut Jahn and Peter Walker.
This dynamic complex comprises a plaza enveloped by striking glass towers, sheltered by a tent-like canopy that creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Surrounding the area are various shops, hotels, museums, cinemas, an IMAX theater, restaurants, and office spaces.
Visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi in the plaza, and children may be particularly interested in a Legoland Discovery Centre, an indoor theme park based on the beloved building toy.
36. East Side Gallery
The starting point for a walk along the longest preserved section of the Berlin Wall is Warschauer Straße station.
Each segment has been artistically adorned, resulting in the world’s longest outdoor gallery.
Some murals have become iconic, while others are continually being refreshed and updated.
The artwork is frequently bold and colorful, inviting contemplation.
Notably, a famous image illustrates GDR leader Erich Honecker sharing a kiss with Leonid Brezhnev, Secretary General of the Communist Party. This mural was created by Dimitri Vrubel in 1990 and restored by the artist in 2009 as part of an effort to maintain the integrity of these famed images against erosion and vandalism.
37. Museum of Film and Television
The Deutsche Kinemathek is Germany’s film and television archive, which opened its museum in 2006. For enthusiasts of classic Weimar-era silent films like Nosferatu and Metropolis, this museum presents an in-depth perspective on the era’s contributions to the horror and sci-fi genres.
Exhibits feature vintage posters, costumes, set sketches, photographs, and original props.
A significant focus of the exhibition is on Marlene Dietrich, with artifacts from her early success in The Blue Angel, alongside personal belongings.
The television exhibit is equally compelling, featuring archival footage capturing significant events of the 20th century, like the fall of the Berlin Wall or West Germany’s victory at the World Cup in 1954.
38. Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg offers a glimpse into the rapid transformation Berlin has undergone since reunification, as it remains a former East German neighborhood.
This residential area largely escaped wartime destruction, permitting its notable five-story Neoclassical apartment buildings to persist, albeit falling into disrepair on the eastern side of the border.
Post-reunification, these apartments and their courtyards became the realm of squatters, whose revolutionary ideals have been gradually melded with contemporary developments over the last twenty-five years.
Today, it has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood features leafy streets, artistic boutiques, hookah bars, and innovative dining establishments.
39. Botanischer Garten
With over 22,000 plant species, Berlin’s 43-hectare Botanical Garden provides a sanctuary for horticulturists, gardeners, as well as anyone seeking tranquility.
The garden, located in the residential area of Dahlem, relocated from the city center between 1897 and 1910. During this time, the most significant of the park’s 15 greenhouses, the Große Tropenhaus (Great Tropical House), was constructed in an elegant Art Nouveau style.
This humid interior maintains a constant temperature of 30°C throughout the year, nurturing a giant bamboo.
Visitors can wander through a 14-hectare arboretum, centered around the picturesque “Arbour of Roses.”
Furthermore, the Botanical Museum offers a plethora of plant-related trivia and displays, including the Prussian royal specimen collection.
40. Stasi Museum
The Stasi Museum at the former headquarters of the State Security Service of the GDR confronts yet another challenging period in Berlin’s history. Housed in Haus 1 of the Ministry for State Security, this museum occupies a suitably oppressive structure in Lichtenberg, situated far east of the city center.
The extensive scale of surveillance conducted by the Stasi on the citizens of the GDR, alongside its efforts to infiltrate the west, are thoroughly documented.
Those intrigued by espionage will find a wealth of delight in the miniature cameras, listening devices, and covert weaponry, with thorough explanations regarding the Stasi’s organizational structure and recruitment practices.
Ascending to the upper floors reveals a rather compelling experience, as the offices remain untouched since 1989. Visitors can examine the desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and safes that once belonged to Erich Mielke, known as “The Master of Fear.”
41. Bode Museum
Concluding our exploration of Museum Island, the Bode Museum, situated at the northern tip, was named after its first curator and opened within a Neo-Renaissance palace in 1904. This museum specializes in classical sculpture, Byzantine art, Renaissance painting, liturgical art, and a substantial numismatic collection.
The Italian Renaissance halls are particularly accessible for first-time visitors, teeming with frescoes and sculptural works from artists like Donatello.
The museum also showcases Byzantine art from the 3rd to the 15th centuries, featuring carvings, mosaics, and painted icons from Greece, the Balkans, Italy, Turkey, and Russia.
As for the coin collection, it features only 4,000 pieces out of a total reserve of 500,000, which was originally amassed by the Brandenburg Electors in the 16th century.
42. Kurfürstendamm
Stretching westward from the Gedächtniskirche, Kurfürstendamm exemplifies an upscale shopping boulevard inspired by Parisian style, initiated by Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s.
Luxurious boutiques and flagship stores of international brands line the avenue, framed by four rows of plane trees. Adjacent to the Gedächtniskirche stands the Europa-Center, Berlin’s oldest shopping mall, set beneath a rectangular 1960s skyscraper that is now a protected monument.
The Golden Twenties transformed Kurfürstendamm into the city’s premier entertainment district, with venues like “Theater und die Komödie am Kurfürstendamm” representing that vibrant era.
Café Kranzler recalls the pre-war days when it was a favored haunt for the intellectual and creative elite of bohemian Berlin.
43. Hackesche Höfe
Opening onto Hackescher Markt, a series of eight interconnected Art Nouveau courtyards, designed by architect August Endel at the turn of the 20th century, awaits exploration.
Between Rosenthaler Straße and Sophienstraße exist numerous bars, clubs, theaters, shops, and cinemas, organized according to their occupants: entertainment venues typically occupy Courtyards I and II, which operate around the clock, while quieter businesses and residential areas further back are secured at night.
Post-World War II, Hackesche Höfe suffered neglect on the GDR side, but enduring heritage status prevented demolition.
After restoration in the 1990s, the courtyards, adorned with beautiful Jugendstil motifs, became a vibrant testament to a reunited Berlin.
44. Museum Berggruen
In 1996, Heinz Berggruen, a Jewish native Berliner, gifted his remarkable modern art collection to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation for a nominal fee.
This act of goodwill served as reconciliation after he was forced to flee Berlin in 1933. After leaving at the age of 18, he became a prominent art patron, developing close relationships with Picasso and Frida Kahlo during his exile.
Picasso and Paul Klee are the celebrated stars of his collection, represented by over 200 pieces.
Additional renowned artists, such as Seurat, van Gogh, Braque, Cézanne, Matisse, and Giacometti, also feature prominently, with Giacometti’s monumental “Large Standing Woman III” greeting visitors at the entrance.
45. Kreuzberg
