Berlin, the capital of Germany has lots to offer for your next European city break. With a flight time of under 2 hours, it’s a great way to start exploring again and getting to know the future of travel after Covid.
The capital is located in North East Germany with the River Spree running through it. Berlin is the largest city in Germany with many districts offering different characteristics and things to see. It is best to plan your trip well if you have a limited time to explore.
The city has lots to offer no matter what the reason is for your visit. Many people visit to explore the deep history of Germany, Europe and the city itself. However, you can also find amazing shopping, delicious food, bars, clubs and sports.
After spending five full days in Berlin, I’ve put together a list of places that I would recommend you add to your MUST see list whilst in Berlin.
Museum Island, Spree Island
In the centre of the city, the district of Mitte is home to Museum Island. This unique set of buildings are home to several museums and is a UNESCO heritage site.
There are five museums that were built under Prussian Germany and they’re worth visiting to look at them alone. You can choose to visit the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum and the Old Gallery.
I recommend a whole day for these, especially if you choose to do all five. However they are very large and there is a lot to take in so pick one or two if you just want to spend a morning or afternoon there.
My top picks would have to be the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum (old Museum). The Pergamon Museum is home to over 2,600 years of history dating back to Babylon as well as the stand out, most amazing piece of history I have ever seen, the market gate of Miletus.
You can pay individually with each one costing no more than 15 euros each or you can buy a Berlin Pass to visit all five over three days.
Brandenburg Gate
This is probably the most famous landmark in the city. It is the only city gate left in the capital. It was built in 1788 and is part of the new Neo Classical architecture of the time.
This structure is a symbol for both the division of Germany and its unification and attracts lots of people throughout the day. Directly in front of the gate is Platz der Republik a public park you can stroll around and enjoy a picnic if it’s nice weather.
Reichstag Building
Directly through the gate is the government Reichstag Building built in 1884. This building has always been home to the Government of Germany and to this day remains one of the most iconic places to visit.
This is the place where decisions were made that affected the rest of Europe’s history. The building had a fire in 1933 and now you can see both contemporary architecture and old in one building. The building has seen its fair share of change and now is powered by 100% renewable energy. It has had plenty of architectural influence over the years, making it a great place to visit.
You can visit the Reichstag and it has an impressive rooftop restaurant. You have to book VERY far in advance and provide personal information due to it being an official government building but it is well worth the visit.
Memorial to the Jews of Europe
A stone’s throw from both the gate and Reichstag is the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.
The memorial opened in 2005 and has won awards for its architecture. It’s a place to reflect, and remind yourself of the suffering. I found the place very emotional and a MUST visit place on your journey across the city. You do not need to book a tour however, you can visit the rooms they have available and learn more about the history.
Berlin Wall
As you head away from the city centre and head east you will find the remains of the Berlin Wall. The remnants of the wall is now home to the East Side Gallery, the largest open air gallery in the world. Free for all to visit, it can get very busy. The wall is 1.3 kilometres long and has art from talented artists from 21 countries painted on it. You will find some iconic pieces of art here from 1990.
The wall and gallery are located to the east of the city as we know it today and in the district of Friedrichshain and I would recommend a walk to the Oberbaum Bridge to cross over to the District of Kreuzberg.
Once known as the poorest area of Germany during the war, this is now a buzzing arts scene which is full of nightclubs.
These are the top five recommended things to do in Berlin. However the history of the country and indeed this capital goes on for a very long time and has been well preserved.
These five places are the just a few of the most amazing places to visit and ones that if not explored, you would definitely regret.
This brilliant guest post about Berlin comes courtesy of Gemma from Gemma’s Little World. Head over to her blog for lots more travel inspiration.
