12 places to see in Berlin

Berlin is an excellent destination to visit all year round. This city of contrasts attracts tourists worldwide, interested in discovering the new and fashionable Berlin, as well as its historical side. Known as an extremely safe city, Berlin has become over the years a center for great food, amazing cultural events and an exciting nightlife.

Here is a list of 12 of the most interesting places I’ve seen during the three occasions I visited Berlin:

1. Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower

Alexanderplatz is a busy large square, where Berlin’s Christmas market takes place during December. This is where you’ll find Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm), that gives you the highest view over Berlin. Originally a symbol of the Soviets’ superiority over the west, the TV Tower is now one of the most popular places to go in Berlin.

2. The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburg Tor)

The most recognizable landmark in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate was originally built as a symbol of peace in the XVIIIth century, but eventually came to represent the division of East Berlin and West Berlin. It stands at the head of the Pariser Platz - a large, popular square in the heart of Berlin. 

3. The German Parliament (Reichstag)

The Reichstag building (https://www.bundestag.de/en/) is the seat of the German parliament (the German Bundestag). On top of the building you'll find a modern glass dome that offers a 360° view over Berlin. If you want to visit the Reichstag, remember to book an online appointment in advance. 

4. The Holocaust Memorial

2,711 grey concrete slabs of different sizes form this unusual memorial to the Jews who were killed throughout Europe. This extremely haunting monument is in an open space area that is located right next to the Brandenburg Gate. 

5. Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

The Berlin Cathedral dates back to 1415. Located on Museum Island (an UNESCO Heritage Site), Berlin’s largest church dominates the surroundings. Visitors can tour the Cathedral and climb the 267 steps to the top of the dome for a beautiful view of Berlin.

6. Pergamon Museum 

Pergamon Museum (https://www.museumsinsel-berlin.de/en/buildings/pergamonmuseum/) is one of the most famous museums in Germany. Named after the Pergamon Altar, the museum includes artifacts from Iran, Egypt and Asia Minor. Located in Museum Island, this museum houses monumental buildings from ancient times. Do not miss the most important exhibits: the Professional Way of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate and the Market Gate of Miletus.

7. Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum)

The Jewish Museum hosts a collection dedicated to the tragic history of Judaism in Germany. Opened in 2001, the Jewish Museum (https://www.jmberlin.de/en) is housed in a stunning building, designed by Daniel Libeskind.

8. Berlinische Galerie

The Berlinische Galerie (https://berlinischegalerie.de/en/) collects art created in Berlin from 1870 to present days. Founded in 1975, this museum opened its own building in 2004 in a 4,600 sqm converted industrial building close to the Jewish Museum. If you are fan of contemporary art, this is the place to visit while in Berlin.

9. German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum)

The Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) (https://www.dhm.de/) is Germany’s national historical museum. Founded on 28 October 1987 on the occasion of the 750th anniversary celebration of Berlin, this museum now comprises about 900,000 objects. More than 7000 of these objects are part of the Permanent Exhibition in the Zeughaus - “German History from the Middle Ages to the Fall of the Berlin Wall”. 

10. The DDR Museum

When Berlin was divided, the eastern side became known as the DDR or Deutsche Demokratische Republik. The DDR Museum (https://www.ddr-museum.de/en) is dedicated to describing life in the DDR and recreates the atmosphere of East Germany through 200,000 exhibits and information panels. You will even find a replica of a DDR flat and even a Trabant.

11. Postadamer Platz

One of the busiest squares in Berlin, Potsdamer Platz attracts up to 100,000 visitors a day. The glass skyscrapers and the large square filled with shops and restaurants make Potsdamer Platz the most striking example of the urban renewal that turned Berlin into the so-called "New Berlin”. The prestigious Berlin International Film Festival is held here in February every year since 2000. Do not miss Sony Center, with its amazing dome. 

12. The East Side Gallery

If you like street art, you definitely must see the East Side Gallery, a 1316 meters long stretch of remnants of Berlin Wall covered in graffiti. After the wall fell in 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries came to work on this section, using the wall as a backdrop for their political commentaries, making it the largest open-air gallery in in the world. 

There to eat and stay in Berlin

For accommodation, head to Hotel Indigo Berlin – Ku’damm (https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/berlin/beriw/hoteldetail), a stylish choice near the Zoo Garden.

In terms of food, Berlin has a large variety of restaurants to choose from:

• For tasty burgers, go to Burgermeister Schlesisches Tor (https://burger-meister.de/).

• For a nice breakfast, head to Roamers ( https://www.roamers.cc/).

• If you are looking for a juicy steak, Blockhouse restaurant (https://www.block-house.de/restaurant/am-alexanderplatz/ ) is the place to be.

• For a tradition German lunch or dinner, pay a visit to the famous Maximilians Restaurant (https://www.maximilians-berlin.de/en.html), in the heart of Berlin.