Berlin places of interest

Berlin has it all - whether you seek culture, architecture, nightlife, history or the outdoors. Days can be relaxing or on the other extreme, action packed. Below we recommend just eight must see places and things to do:

The Reichstag

The parliamentary building is probably the most symbolic building of Berlin. Erected in 1884 – 94 it represented the might of the German Reich, an act of arson destroyed the building in 1933 but the return of the German parliament to Berlin saw it brought back to life during the years 1994 – 1999 and transformed into one of the most modern parliamentary buildings in the world.

A glass cupola sits proudly on top of the Reichstag where visitors can enjoy spectacular 360 degree views across Berlin.

Other attractions in the vicinity include The Pienary Hall, Portico “Dem deutschen” Volke, The memorials by Dieter Appelt and to the victims of the wall, and the Platz der Republik.

Brandenburg Gate

Since its erection in 1791 the Brandenburg Gate has been at the epicenter of Berlin history. A Prussian symbol of triumph, the scene of Napoleons removal of the quadriga and witness to the falling of the Berlin Wall. The Brandenburg gate acts as the custodian of Berlin’s history and is also the entrance to Berlins most impressive street Unter den Linden.

Whilst there check out:

• The Hotel Adlon
• DG bank
• Haus Liebermann
• The Plias am Pariser Platz
• Eugen Gut-mann-Haus
• Akademie der Kuenste
• The Amercian and French embassies

Kurfürstendamm

A much admired strolling and shopping district offering an array of shopping, restaurants, cafes and breathtaking architecture. If you can summon up the energy the best way to see all the attractions is on foot.

Not to be missed are:

• Breitscheidtplatz
• The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächnis-Kirche
• The Europa Centre
• Fasanstrasse
• Ku-damm-Eck
• Neues Kranzler-Eck
• Lehiner Platz
• Galerie Brusberg
• Iduna-Haus
• The story of Berlin

Bebelplatz - The empty library

Whilst Bebelplatz itself has yet to achieve the lofty ambitions of Frederich the Great, the empty library is well worth a visit. It represents a solemn memorial to the infamous Buchverbrennung (book burning) instigated by Goebbels in 1933. The Nazis burned about 20,000 books that did not match Nazi ideology. The memorial is simple and striking with an empty library set into the ground under a pane of glass.

Checkpoint Charlie

The old gateway from East to West does not resemble its old status but visitors can view a section of the Berlin Wall, pause for a commemorative photograph and visit the informative museum. The museum of the wall provides a fascinating insight into the role of Checkpoint Charlie and the ingenious methods of smuggling people over the border. The Topography museum is an outdoor exhibition detailing the terrible crimes of the old SS and Gestapo.

Potsdamer Platz

The hub of the nightlife in the 1920’s, Potzdamer Platz has been restored as a vibrant centre within Berlin. Impressive buildings such as the Sony Centre and the DaimlerChrysler Quartier, flank the Platz, making it a city within a city. The Potsdamer Arkaden offers a choice of 130 shops, restaurants and boutiques. The nightlife includes Berlin’s largest theatre stage, the cinemaxx and Casino.

Tiergarten

Landscaped meadows, gardens and woodlands right in the heart of Berlin. Escape form the hustle and bustle and enjoy a stroll or cycle through Berlins most popular park. Tiergarten also hosts the Berlin Zoo – Europes largest.

Unter den Linden

Painstakingly restored architecture, lime trees blossoming and originally a royal bridal path, Unter den Linden showcases what is best about Berlin. Various museums, The State opera house and historic buildings that line the street make this a perfect stroll.

Watch out for Berlins oldest university, Fredrick the Great statue and the Russian embassy.

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