(Updated 4/2023)
In 2015, I had the pleasure of visiting Berlin for the first time and I immediately fell in love with the Tegel airport. It was incredibly easy to continue my journey to the city center using the public transportation. The yellow TXL bus, which departs from just outside the airport, took me swiftly and affordably to the heart of Berlin. I purchased my ticket from the vending machine next to the airport exit and validated it using the machine adjacent to it. The TXL bus stop was conveniently located just 25 meters away. However, it’s worth noting that Berlin has a new airport, the Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, which opened in 2020. Here are some of my travel tips and experiences from Berlin –
BRANDERBURG GATE
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin didn’t really impress me as a tourist attraction, but there were plenty of colorful vendors and entertainers bustling around it.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks and one of Germany’s most important historical sites. Located at the end of Unter den Linden boulevard, it is the city’s most significant symbol.
This classical, detailed, Roman-style gate was constructed in 1791 and was once part of the Berlin Wall, built to protect the city. It was also the main entrance to the city, and behind it stood the royal palace.
The gate’s name comes from the fact that it was located in the Brandenburg region, which was part of the Kingdom of Prussia. Today, the Brandenburg Gate is an essential part of Berlin, and a popular destination for tourists.
The gate has borne witness to many historic events. It was an important symbol during the Nazi era and was often used for ceremonies and parades. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of German reunification. It has also been a crucial location for various events and ceremonies.
Today, the Brandenburg Gate remains a popular destination for tourists. Visiting the gate is free of charge, and the square in front of it is always bustling with life throughout the year.
REICHSTAG BUILDING
The Reichstag Building, located near the Brandenburg Gate, was a free and architecturally impressive attraction that was definitely worth visiting. Security measures were tight around this circular glass-walled building, and visitors had to book a time to visit to the Reichstag. When booking a visit, a photo ID was required.
The Reichstag is the German Parliament building, constructed during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1894. Originally, it was the seat of the German Empire’s parliament, and it was intended to symbolize Germany’s strength and unity. The building suffered severe damage during World War II and was mainly used for storage after the war.
In 1990, Germany was reunified, and the Reichstag building underwent a thorough restoration. In 1999, it was reopened as the seat of the German Parliament. During the restoration, a modern glass dome was added, which is one of its most impressive features.
The Reichstag building is one of Berlin’s most important attractions. Its architecture and history are impressive, and visitors to its interior can learn about the workings of the German Parliament.
The building is crowned by its glass dome, which is open to the public and offers stunning views over Berlin. Visitors can enter the dome by a walking path, and its uppermost section features an observation deck with a panoramic view of the city. The dome is also designed to utilize renewable energy, with a rotating glass elevator inside that harnesses energy from the sun.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
The Holocaust Memorial was located just a short walk away from the aforementioned attractions, and I would highly recommend it to history-minded travelers and photographers alike. The memorial was impressive, but it also evoked a sense of seriousness. I passed by it many times during my stay in Berlin since it was so centrally located in Potsdamer Platz. Across from the Holocaust Memorial was a large and pleasant green park.
The Holocaust Memorial is one of Berlin’s most significant and impressive attractions. It consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in rows on a rectangular area. The slabs are of different sizes and heights, giving the impression of waves or undulations. The memorial is large, covering an area of about 19,000 square meters, and it is meant to honor the Jewish victims who lost their lives in Nazi persecution. Next to the memorial is an information center that deals with the history of the Holocaust. There are exhibitions and information about the events of the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews by the Nazis.
The Holocaust Memorial is a place that evokes strong emotions in all its visitors. Its power comes from its simplicity and its ability to highlight how the horror of the Holocaust affected the whole world. The memorial is also significant because it is designed to demonstrate how easily human rights can be taken away and how important it is to defend them.
TOPOGRAFIE DES TERRORS
Topography of Terror is one of Berlin’s most significant and impressive museums. It is located on the former site of the Gestapo and SS headquarters, where they planned and carried out their atrocities during World War II. The museum’s purpose is to tell the history of these events and remind us of their impact on the present day.
The museum is designed in a modern and minimalist way that emphasizes the influence of the site’s history. It is divided into three parts: “Nazism in Power,” “War of Annihilation,” and “Topography of Terror.” The first part deals with the Nazis’ rise to power and their activities in Germany. The second part covers the Nazis’ military campaigns, especially in Eastern Europe, and the third part tells the history of the area and its subsequent development.
Visitors to the museum can see not only pictures and documents but also physical remnants of the area’s past. For example, part of the museum is built on the ruins of the former SS headquarters, and the adjacent part is elevated so that visitors can see the foundations of the former Gestapo and SS buildings.
Topography of Terror is also a very interactive museum. Visitors are encouraged to critically examine and analyze the crimes committed by the Nazis in the past. The exhibitions provide a lot of information.
A visit to Topography of Terror museum is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on the visitor. It offers a personal and profound perspective on Nazi-era Germany. The museum is also a good example of how the German people have dealt with and remembered their past.
Topography of Terror is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in German history and human rights. The museum is also a good place to start a conversation about how we can learn from the past and avoid similar events from happening again in the future. However, it is not a cheerful museum visit, ir you’re looking for a stress-free holiday.
BERLIN MUSEUM ISLAND
Museum Island in Berlin is a significant museum area located in the center of Berlin. It consists of five different museums, each dedicated to different cultures, art, and history. Museum Island is an excellent place for anyone interested in art, culture, and history.
The buildings of Museum Island are beautiful and historical, located on an island surrounded by the Spree River. This makes the area charming and suitable for walking tours.
The museums on Museum Island are as follows:
- The Pergamon Museum: The Pergamon Museum is one of the most popular museums on Museum Island. It specializes in ancient art and includes objects from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East. The museum’s most famous attraction is the Pergamon Altar, which is a former Greek temple.
- The Bode Museum: The Bode Museum contains various artworks and architectural samples from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. The museum also has a large collection of Byzantine art.
- The Neues Museum: The Neues Museum, also known as the New Museum, focuses on ancient Egypt and ancient Greece. It includes, among other things, the famous statue of Nefertiti.
- The Berlin National Museum: The Berlin National Museum is the largest of the museums on Museum Island and includes a vast collection of art, culture, and history from different eras.
- The Kaiserpalast Museum: The Kaiserpalast Museum is the smallest of the museums on Museum Island. It is dedicated to German art from the 19th century.
Museum Island is a popular destination in Berlin because there is so much to see. The area is vast, and exploring the museums can take several days. The museums are open every day, and admission fees vary. Visitors can buy one-day tickets or longer-term tickets and start their museum tour from any museum.
I visited the Pergamon Museum on Museum Island, which I had read many positive reviews about beforehand. However, for me, the museum was a bit disappointing, as I felt it only offered new experiences for someone unfamiliar with the East. This was my experience back in 2015.
On the other hand, the Neues Museum on Museum Island provided a rather interesting and comprehensive exhibition of human history. A visit to this museum would be inspiring and recommended even without the famous head of Nefertiti, which, by the way, was not allowed not be photographed.
Had read a lot of positive reviews about Pergamon museum and because of that I felt a little disappointed after seeing the exhibition inside the museum. I would myself recommend that museum only to people unfamiliar with the East. Otherwise the museum did not have much new or exciting to see, at least in 2015. Especially if you’ve travelled in India
Whereas the Neues Museum in the Berlin Museum Island offered a very interesting and comprehensive view to the past of the humankind. The exhibition was in a way amazing and inspiring. It would be worth visiting there even without the famous Nefertiti, which you were not allowed to photograph.
MUSEUM OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The Museum of Musical Instruments was a great choice for music lovers, and I found myself enjoying it especially during Berlin’s hot weather. The temperature and humidity there were adjusted to suit even instruments built in the 1700s. The almost haircomb-sized violins also provided some humour for museum visitors.
The Museum of Musical Instruments was not located on the Museum Island but in the Tiergarten district, near Potsdamer Platz. It showcased a wide collection of different instruments from all over the world, including classical European instruments, folk instruments, rock music instruments, and many others.
The museum has a collection of over 3,500 objects, including instruments and other music-related items from different periods and countries. Some of the collection’s highlights include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s pianos and Antonio Stradivari’s violins.
The exhibitions in the Museum of Musical Instruments offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of different instruments at different times and in different parts of the world. The museum also offers the opportunity to listen to and play various instruments.
The museum also regularly organizes concerts and other music events, where visitors can enjoy music and learn more about different instruments and music styles. The museum is open daily, and the admission fee is reasonable.
CHECKPOINT CHARLIE
Checkpoint Charlie, on the other hand, offered a small piece of history that had been commercialized very well for today’s needs. The place was used to take selfies with the historical “American soldiers.” It was worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in photography. In addition, there was an old-fashioned American McDonald’s in the adjacent building where you could enjoy a hamburger with a touch of history.
Checkpoint Charlie used to be a well-known checkpoint during the time of the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin. It was located at the intersection of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, one of the only places where the border line could be crossed on foot or by vehicle. Checkpoint Charlie was an important symbol of Berlin’s division and the conflict of the Cold War era.
Checkpoint Charlie was a major tourist attraction in Berlin for decades after the wall was dismantled. A museum was also built on the site, which showcases the history of the Berlin Wall, its impact on the city, and the international attention it garnered.
The museum has a wide collection of photographs, objects, and documents related to the Berlin Wall and the Checkpoint Charlie checkpoint. The museum also has many exhibitions that showcase the post-wall era and its impact on international politics.
Although Checkpoint Charlie is no longer in use as a checkpoint, its history is still an important part of Berlin’s history and the Cold War era. It can be a fascinating place for anyone interested in historical events and their impact on the city and world politics.
BERLIN ZOO
Berlin Zoo offered easy access to jungle tunnels where visitors could get up close with apes, giraffes, elephants, and other animals, all just a short taxi ride away from the city center with a backdrop of skyscrapers. The zoo is an excellent destination, especially for families traveling with young children, and public transportation runs near by it.
The Berlin Zoo is one of Europe’s largest and most popular zoos. It was founded in 1844 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. As the zoo has been around for over 175 years, it has seen many significant events and changes in Berlin. The zoo’s grounds also include several historical buildings that have been preserved over the years.
The Berlin Zoo is home to over 20,000 animals representing more than 1,500 different species. The zoo’s main attractions are its large mammals, such as elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, and bears. The zoo also features marine life, reptiles, birds, and exotic animals like kangaroos and camels.
The zoo is open year-round and offers a variety of events and programs for the whole family, including animal feedings, shows, and guided tours.
FERNSEHTURM AND PANORAMAPUNKT
Panoramapunkt is located on Potsdamer Platz in the city center of Berlin. It is an observation deck over 100 meters high and offers stunning views over the entire city.
Panoramapunkt was completed in 1999 and has quickly become one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions. The observation deck is accessible by elevator, and at the top, there is a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over Berlin.
The Panoramapunkt area also includes a museum that showcases the history of Berlin and its significance in German and European history. The museum features many exhibitions and artifacts related to Berlin’s history, including photographs, videos, and artifacts.
Panoramapunkt is open year-round, and it offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy stunning views over Berlin throughout the year. There are also restaurants and cafes on-site that serve local specialties and drinks. You can also enjoy coffee or tea at the top of Panoramapunkt.
Fernsehturm, also known as the Berlin TV Tower, is a tall TV tower located in the center of Berlin’s Alexanderplatz. The tower is about 368 meters high and is one of Europe’s tallest buildings.
Fernsehturm was completed in 1969 and was originally built for the use of the East German government. Today, the tower is open to the public, and its top features an observation deck with stunning panoramic views in all directions of the surrounding city. The observation deck is about 203 meters high, and the views are particularly beautiful at night when Berlin is illuminated.
Fernsehturm has also a rotating restaurant located at about 207 meters high. The restaurant revolves around the tower approximately every hour, providing visitors with a unique experience of dining while enjoying the beautiful views.
Because Fernsehturm is a highly popular tourist destination in Berlin, the queues can be long. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance or on-site. Fernsehturm is open every day, and admission fees vary depending on the type of ticket.
Berlin Wall
In addition to the Reichstag building, Berlin’s TV Tower (Fernsehturm) and Panoramapunkt both offer excellent views over the city. The Reichstag building also provides a free tour of the surrounding buildings. The Panoramapunkt viewing platform is located in Potsdamer Platz, and just next to it is the Sony Center, which offers a lot of things to see for movie lovers, as well as restaurants and a couple of museums. On a sunny evening, the Sony Center’s architecture is already a reason to visit.
For great shopping opportunities for souvenirs, the large department store KaDeWe is for example a good choice, and at the Art Market near Museum Island, you can find fascinating unique finds at wallet-friendly prices.
The Berlin Mall in Potsdamer Platz is a large and chic department store for brand lovers, while at the East Side Mall, located near the East Side Gallery, organic product enthusiasts can find their own paradise.
And is it worth walking all the way to the famous East Side Gallery, which is not located right in the center? The answer is yes, especially if the weather is sunny, as along the way you can also observe how the landscapes and buildings change their style. And although pieces of the Berlin Wall are scattered throughout Berlin, the East Side Gallery offers a long stretch of wall decorated with graffiti and other murals. And when you walk far enough along the wall, you will find that famous kiss, of which the Berlin Wall is so famous of.
VIDEO OF SIGHTSEEING BERLIN
The accompanying video showcases the top attractions of Berlin. It is filmed by me and the video features 10 essential sights of Berlin and provides an overview of the city’s clean and stylish city center. It has been filmed and edited to give viewers a comprehensive and engaging tour of the city’s top landmarks.
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