Berlin is filled with memorials and historical landmarks that capture various aspects of its past. One standout is a series of blocks commemorating the Holocaust. As you walk between them, the ground dips and rises, symbolizing the increasing severity of the Holocaust and its end with the war’s conclusion. Many find it a meaningful and photogenic place.
Another significant monument in Berlin is one that once symbolized the division of Germany but now stands for unity. It was originally built to celebrate the victory over Napoleon. Its chariot carrying the figure of Victory is particularly stunning and makes the visit worthwhile.
The largest castle in Berlin was commissioned by Friedrich II for his wife, Sophie Charlotte, in 1695. It features a beautiful picture gallery, with the most notable piece belonging to Queen Luis. The ballroom, inspired by nature, has green walls, and another area is uniquely decorated with silver walls and ceilings. While photography is not allowed inside, exploring the gardens during summer is delightful. An audio guide can provide more detailed insights during your visit.
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, which started as a horse racing track, was reconstructed for the 1936 Olympics during the early years of the Third Reich. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the Nazi era in Germany. It also served as one of the main stadiums during the 2006 World Cup, alongside Munich’s Allianz Arena.
The longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, measuring 1.3 kilometers, is adorned with 106 paintings by artists from around the world. This makes it the world’s largest outdoor gallery and offers a glimpse into what Berlin looked like before 1989. Walking through this area allows you to appreciate both the art and history.
A great walk through Berlin would start near the Siegessäule and continue through the Tiergarten, Berlin’s large central park. From here, you can reach the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, a must-visit building. Despite its less impressive appearance in photos, the Reichstag holds a rich history. Hitler ordered it burned in 1933, which damaged the dome and interior. This event was used to portray communists as a threat. The building deteriorated during Germany’s division but was restored following reunification to serve as the parliament again. The new glass dome now offers excellent views of Berlin and is free to visit.
Potsdamer Platz is another popular spot in Berlin, where remnants of the Berlin Wall can still be seen. It’s an ideal place for coffee or a movie. The area features a dome that offers protection from the elements and a great view. The place is beautifully lit at night, and during Christmas, it hosts a Weihnachtsmarkt, a festive market where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy mulled wine.
The TV Tower in Berlin, at 368 meters, is the tallest building in Germany and offers fantastic views of the city. It has a small museum at the top and is a great spot to get an overview of Berlin, though it is more expensive than visiting the Reichstag.
Alexanderplatz features a unique world clock showing 24 time zones with rotating planets on top, making it a notable meeting place from the days of East Berlin.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, largely destroyed during World War II, stands as a poignant reminder of the past. Rather than fully restoring it, it was left partially in ruins and later supplemented with modern bells and a contrasting style tower.
Berlin also boasts many museums worth visiting, including the Pergamon Museum, the New Museum, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Jewish Museum, the Old National Gallery, the DDR Museum, the German History Museum, and the Old Museum, among others.