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Berlin Things To Do
As the cultural hub of modern Germany, Berlin presents much to discover and do, with attractions reflecting the grandeur of its Prussian past to the unique role it played during the 20th century. Acclaimed by many habituated travelers as a treasure trove of art, architecture and culture, Berlin can supply for the most diverse tastes during the day and certainly offer enough highbrow entertainment to fully justify indulging in the city's nightlife later.
The Brandenburg Gate is the city's most photographed landmark, being as Berlin's answer to the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Over 200 years old, it is administered to play a role in much of the city's history, making it a "must see" for culture loving visitors. Originally built among 1789-91 by Carl Gotthard Langhans, who modeled it on the Propylaeum in Athens, its first principal addition came following the defeat of Napoleon, when an iron cross was mounted on the four horse chariot on its top. During the Cold War it stood alone, towering over the Berlin Wall. Nevertheless, following the collapse of the wall it is had been reinvigorated again to represent the newly unified Germany. The modern Pariser Platz has been built around the gate, flanked with imposing buildings and symbolically blending the city's two halves.
Checkpoint Charlie is also a famous destination between foreign tourists, including the privately owned museum detailing the history of the Berlin Wall. Those inspired by their visit should observe out the East-Side-Gallery, standing as a monument to peace and unity. Following the collapse of the wall, artists from across the world arrived to adorn the 1.3 kilometre wall by the Muhlenstrasse, with the colorful and political pictures now preserved as a monument to the city's past.
The Reichstag Building, situated opportunely close to the Brandenburg Gate, also ranks between Berlin's "must sees". The original building was badly damaged by fire in 1933, but the new structure was exposed following the Cold War, conclude with an 800 tone cupola of glass and steel, boasting a rooftop restaurant which is particularly popular with foreign tourists.
With over 170 museums, Berlin's collections comprehend more than its own dramatic history.
Inviting about 850,000 visitors a year, the Pergamon Museum is by far the most famous museum in Berlin, housing three collections – the antiquity collection, museum of the near east and museum of Islamic art – to cater for a diverse range of tastes. The Old National Gallery, which re-opened in 2001, is also a general attraction, followed by the New National Gallery, exposed in 1968. The Berlin National History Museum is also credited with housing one of the best natural history collections in the world. Travellers should take note, nevertheless, that most museums are shut on Mondays and while there are exceptions, visitors should always double check before making plans.
As with several cities, an unplanned ramble between the city's streets and back roads can also throw up some interesting surprises and is a good way to observe someone the kookier sights, bars and cafes that might not make it into many guide books.
Berlin is waiting for you, and sure this city worth your visit, you will not be disappointed.
If you plan to visit Berlin, bear in mind these little things listed below:
- Berlin Zoo (Berliner Tiergarten) is Europe's biggest Zoo, and got very popular once again through the birth of Knut, a polar bear cube. Knut became a media star, and was very beloved.
- East Side Gallery. These are nothing more than graffiti paintings on the remaining of the Berlin Wall (Berlinermauer), made by artists from 21 countries. It is a liberation cry!
- The paintings Gallery (Gemaeldegallerie). Situated in Potsdamer Platz, it gives the world's Rembrandt's biggest collection.
- Potsdamer Platz. watch it, is a wonderful square. Take some shots, and think a little on its photo from 1945, after the fall of Berlin!
- Checkpoint Charlie. Here you could pass officially from the East to the West Berlin during the cold war. Unofficially, you could climb the wall anywhere, to expose to loss your life. You could experience by yourself crossing the border, but today there is no danger anymore. You can also hear a lot of escape stories (some of them ended dramatically).
- Reichstag, the symbol of democratic parliamentary power, which was rebuilt after the war, having a glass dome. From that dome, any visitor can watch the Parliament working.
- Schloss Charlottenburg. A magnificent baroque Prussian royal palace. City biggest palace. Rebuild after the WWII.
- Jewish Museum. The jews live in Germany since 2000 years. With the exception of the Adolf Hitler regime, the relations were peaceful. Visiting the museum, you will understand that the Germans are not Jewish killers…not anymore.
- Berlin hinterland, consisting on forests, lakes and beaches. There is a long tradition about swimming naked, so you must be very careful.
- Pergammon Museum, one of the world's best history museums. One of the most prominent pieces is the rebuilt Ishtar Gate from the ancient Babylon.
- Berlin Radisson Hotel, with the world's largest aquarium. Presuming you are in Berlin for a short time. You are an admirer of marine life, or you simply are very fond of it. You should to go to the Radisson Hotel and take the elevator. It is a glass elevator, moving inside another glass cylinder, which is actually the aquarium. It is really quiet and peaceful in that elevator, you will be impressed. It is the world's biggest aquarium, where many marine plants and animals found their natural habitat. Some professional divers clean every day.
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