10 Things You Must Do In Berlin

Berlin is a fantastic city that celebrates creativeness and individualism. However, it was once the powerhouse behind Nazi Germany and later came to represent the height of Cold War Tensions… In other words, it has history oozing out of every street corner. This means that there are a lot of places to see in Berlin. But if you’re tight on time in the city then here’s my list of the things you must do in Berlin:

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1) Visit the Berlin Wall –

Your first port of call when Berlin Sightseeing should be the Berlin Wall. The ‘East Side Gallery’ to be more precise. This is not only the longest remaining section of the wall but also the largest open-air gallery in the world, thanks to the many murals painted on it.

The wall is a reminder of the oppression and hardship East Berliners endured under Soviet control. However, the murals serve as a poignant message; demonstrating to the world that Berlin now celebrates freedom and love, no matter peoples beliefs, race or sexual orientation. 

For both of these reasons, the East Side Gallery is a Berlin must see.

SIDE NOTE: Although very little of the Berlin wall still stands, a row of paved cobblestones traces the route it once took. This provides a respectful nod to history, something which I  came to learn (and appreciate) is repeated throughout the city.

2) View the Brandenburg Gate –  

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most recognisable symbols of Berlin. Built between 1788 and 1791, it was long a key entry point into the city. There’s no doubt that the gate is still an impressive structure and one which was lovingly repaired following WW2.

The Square surrounding the Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz Square) is also notable. Its wide open space draws your eyes to the gate, making the monument all the more awe-inspiring to look at.

This said as the Brandenburg Gate is one of the top Berlin places to visit, I’d suggest going to see it early in the morning as it can get very crowded.

3) Visit Checkpoint Charlie –

From the Brandenburg Gate, It’s easy to walk to Check-Point Charlie. Originally one of only three crossings between West and East Berlin, the check-point became famous as the only gateway where East Germany allowed Allied diplomats, military personnel and foreign tourists to pass into Berlin’s Soviet sector.

Therefore, thanks to its history, many people think a visit to Checkpoint Charlie is a must do in Berlin. Personally, I think the checkpoint has sadly been turned into little more than a photo opportunity for tourists…

This said I have read that the ‘Checkpoint Charlie Museum’ is very interesting. Its exhibitions tell the stories of those who tried to escape over the wall and that of families separated either side of it.

I didn’t have time to visit myself so check out their website. 

4) Walk through the Holocaust Memorial –

Also close to the Brandenburg Gate but further north is the Holocaust Memorial. There’s not much to say on this other than it’s truly touching! The towering grey stones block out the rest of the city as you head deeper into the memorial. For that moment all you can do is remember the innocent lives lost. Its one of the best memorials I’ve ever visited and a must do in Berlin.

Further, I would highly suggest taking the time to step inside the information centre. Here you’ll find a sort of free museum where visual and audible displays tell the stories of Holocaust victims and their families. Walking through the dark rooms, I simply could not comprehend the pain the Jewish community in Europe endured. I was honestly close to tears listening to survivors speak.

In this way, although it’s not a cheery place to visit when people ask what to do in Berlin, the memorial is always high on my list of recommendations.

5) Visit Bebelplatz Square –

Out of all the places to go in Berlin, Bebelplatz square is probably the most overlooked. This Historic square is enclosed by the Kommode Old Library, the architecture of which much reminds me of Oxford Street in London!

Despite the impressive building, the main reason to go to the square is to see an art insulation (called the ‘Library’) by Israeli Artist Micha Ullman.

This famous work of art consists of a Sunken glass plate which provides a view into a room, filled with empty bookshelves. This is supposedly meant to symbolise the 20,000 books which were destroyed in the square on May 10th 1933 during the first of the Nazi infamous ‘book burnings’.

6) Visit a Museum… Or two –

Berlin is home to many impressive and informative museums such as the Neues and the Jewish Museum. However, my personal favourite is the DDR museum. Although small, its packed with interactive displays on the lives of East Berliners. 

Highlights for me include a recreated apartment, featuring all the spy gear the government installed into properties to keep an eye on its citizen (creepy right!) and a full-scale Trabant car.

Visit the Museums website if you want to know more!

7) Gaze at Berlin Cathedral – 

Opposite the DDR Museum, sits another of Berlin attractions: the cities cathedral. The church’s history goes back to the 15th century and although the current cathedral was largely rebuilt following the second world war, its grandeur and beauty are still worth admiring.

8) Tour the Reichstag –

Another of my things to do in Berlin Germany is to visit the Reichstag building, which is home to Germany’s main legislative body. The grand building is topped with a glass dome which offers stunning views over the city. It’s also free to visit!

9) Climb the Television Tower – 

A more modern monument, but still one of the best places to go in Berlin is the Fernsehturm (Television Tower). At 368 meters high, the tower is the tallest ‘building’ in Germany. The observation deck, therefore, provides the best views of Berlin. However, unlike the Reichstag, the tower isn’t free. Tickets cost €19.50 but since only 400 people can be in the sphere at a time I highly suggest booking a spot well in advance online.

10) Look around a Stasi Prison – 

My final thing you must do in Berlin is tour the Hohenschönhausen memorial prison. Used to detain political prisoners during the Cold War, its another of Berlins attractions that provides an insightful look into the cities dark past.

I found the tour of the prison to be humbling and eye-opening to a part of European history we don’t hear much about and would, therefore, suggest it as one of the top things to do in Berlin Germany.

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One thing I learnt about Berlin on my own trip is that its massive! Therefore this list only scratches the surface of what there is to do in the city. None the less, I think if you visit all the mentioned sites, you’ll get to experience the best of Berlin.

Planning a trip to Berlin? Visited any of the above sites yourself? or simply have any thoughts on this post? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below

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