Choose from 113 Fun Things to Do in Berlin
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Chamaeleon Theater
The Chameleon (or Chamäleon in German) Theater was once a ballroom dating back to 1906. It is located in the Hackesche Höfe, a historic area of courtyards in Berlin's Mitte district and reopened about 10 years ago as a modern cabaret theater. Artists from around the world perform choreographed shows here, and since they’re generally displays of dancing and body language, there is no need to worry about language barriers.
The Chameleon Theater connects the past of the historic ballroom with the present and future on its stage with its entertaining shows. Performances feature an exciting variety of acrobatics, music, dance, comedy and drama, which is all part of the theater’s goal of enchanting its guests with bold shows from world-renowned performance artists. Each season, the theater changes its colors to fit with the next upcoming show, so the experience is ever-changing.
Practical Info
The Chameleon Theater is located at Rosenthaler Straße 40-41 in Berlin Mitte. The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, it is open from noon to 6 p.m.
Address: Rosenthaler Straße 40 -41, Berlin, Germany
Hours: The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, it is open from noon to 6 p.m.
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 43
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz remains the largest urban square in all of Germany and is a central meeting place in Berlin, located in the Mitte District. At its center is the large railway station (Alexanderplatz) with connections to many subway (U-Bahn), tramway (Strassenbahn), city trains (S-Bahn) and buses.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Address: Alexanderplatz, Berlin 10178, Germany
From $ 13
Bebelplatz
The Bebelplatz is a public square in the central ‘Mitte’ district of Germany’s capital city, Berlin. Today it is best known for being the site where some 20,000 newly banned books were burned by bonfire in 1933 on order of Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, because they conflicted with Nazi ideology. The square is surrounded by notable historical buildings, including the German State Opera (Staatsoper); St. Hedwig’s Cathedral (built in 1747 and modeled after Rome’s Pantheon, it was the first Catholic church built in Germany after the Protestant Reformation); and the former Royal Prussian Library (Alte Bibliothek) which is now part of Humboldt University.
All of the buildings on the Bebelplatz were destroyed in World War II and reconstructed afterward. An easily overlooked monument in the center of the square simply contains a pane of glass, which the visitor can look through to see many rows of empty bookshelves underground. A nearby plaque quotes the 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine with, ‘Where they burn books, at the end they also burn people.’
Practical Info
Be sure to pack your walking shoes, because like many city centers in Germany, the Bebelplatz is a pedestrianonly square. It is located on the south side of Unter den Linden boulevard, a major eastwest thoroughfare that traverses Berlin’s city center. The square also has its own stop on public transit. The underground lines that stop there are the U6 (Französische Str.) and the U2 (Hausvogteiplatz). The bus lines going to Bebelplatz are: 100, 147, 200, N2, N6, and TXL.
Address: Bebelplatz, Berlin 10117, Germany
From $ 29
German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
With over 8,000 square meters of exhibition space devoted to German history, the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum) has been among Berlin’s most popular museums since it opened back in 1987. Since then, the vast permanent collection has grown to over 7,000 items, including rare manuscripts and official documents; fine art and sculptures; military uniforms, weapons and armory; posters and photographic images, and more.
The focal point of a visit is the fascinating permanent exhibition ‘German History in Pictures and Artifacts’ which opened in 2006 and offers a chronological look at German history from the Middle Ages to modern-day. Walking through the two floors of exhibitions, visitors can learn about the evolution of Germany’s borders and language, the First and Second World Wars, the Nazi Regime, the Cold War division of Germany and its later reunification.
Practical Info
The German Historical Museum is located on Unter den Linden in central Berlin and is open daily from 10am-6pm.
Admission is €8.
Address: Unter den Linden 2, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: €8
From $ 23
Friedrichstadt-Palast
Located in the heart of Berlin’s theater district (near Hackescher Markt), Friedrichstadt-Palast is Europe’s largest revue theater. The palace is famous for its glitzy, Vegas-style shows from its high-kicking showgirls, acrobats, 60 person-ballet troupe and high-tech special effects.
There are shows catered to the Gay and Lesbian community, as well as a Young Ensemble for kids. For history buffs, the Friedrichstadt-Palast is the last magnificent building of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
During special events, like film festivals, the theatre turns into a cinema. Some of the most famous performers in the world have also graced the palace’s stages like Josephine Baker and Liza Minnelli.
There are shows catered to the Gay and Lesbian community, as well as a Young Ensemble for kids. For history buffs, the Friedrichstadt-Palast is the last magnificent building of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
During special events, like film festivals, the theatre turns into a cinema. Some of the most famous performers in the world have also graced the palace’s stages like Josephine Baker and Liza Minnelli.
Address: Friedrichstrasse 107, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Box Office: 10am-6:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is an interactive aquarium with more than 5,000 underwater creatures and 37 displays. Ride an elevator through the AquaDom—a massive free-standing fish tank holding 264,172 gallons (1 million liters) of saltwater—and see animals such as giant Pacific octopus, manta rays, and sharks in the aquarium’s exhibits.
The Basics
Visit Sea Life Berlin with skip-the-line tickets to save time, and see a feeding-time demonstration at the massive AquaDom tank. You can also stop by the aquarium on a hop-on, hop-off city tour or experience Berlin’s top kid-friendly destinations with a combo ticket to Sea Life Berlin along with Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Little Big City, and the Berlin Dungeon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is a must-see for families with kids.
- Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring the aquarium.
- A number of restaurants and coffee shops can be found near the aquarium.
How to Get There
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is located in Berlin Mitte, the city’s central borough, and is easy to reach by public transit. The U-Bahn (lines 2, 5, and 8) and S-Bahn both stop at nearby Alexanderplatz station, and many buses and trams are convenient to the aquarium. The attraction’s central location makes it a good jumping-off point for visiting popular sites such as the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Alexanderplatz, and Museum Island (Museumsinsel).
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily and you can visit year-round. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday or opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit. If you would like to watch animal feeding demonstrations, check the schedule prior to your visit.
Exhibits at Sea Life Berlin
Stop by the Octopus Garden to see the giant Pacific octopus along with related species such as cuttlefish and nautilus. At the Interactive Rockpool, you can learn about animals that live in rocky coastal areas and touch creatures such as sea stars and crabs. In the Atlantic Ocean exhibit, watch sharks swim among schools of wreckfish and eagle rays.
Address: Spandauer Strasse 3, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
German-Russian Museum
The German-Russian Museum sits on the exact location where the German Army gave its unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, ending World War II. It serves as a memorial to the war between German and Russian forces, complimenting the Museum of the Allies, which focuses on the victorious western allies. The German-Russian Museum also documents pre-war history, the Cold War, and the relations between the USSR, East Germany and West Germany, covering the time in history between 1917 and 1990.
The museum was opened in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the German surrender. It was opened as a joint effort between Germany and Russia to remember the war and teach visitors about it. Items in the permanent exhibition include texts, photographs, films, and audio recordings. Special temporary exhibits provide an opportunity to dig deeper into specific topics relating to the history of the war and the German-Soviet relationships.
Practical Info
The German-Russian Museum is located at Zwieseler Strasse 4.
Address: Zwieseler Strasse 4, Berlin 10318, Germany
From $ 114
Deutscher Dom
The Deutscher Dom, or German Cathedral in English, was built in the early 1700s in Berlin and was originally known as the Neue Kirche, or New Church. The church was badly damaged during World War II and was slowly rebuilt in the 80s and 90s. Today it is a museum and no longer holds religious services. The permanent exhibition on display is called "Wege - Irrwege - Umwege" which roughly translates to “Paths - Meanderings - Detours” and explains the historical development of the liberal parliamentary system in Germany.
The museum focuses on periods of history when the foundations were laid for political order in the Federal Republic of Germany. The exhibits are on five floors and include displays, documents, photographs, and time lines. These exhibits provide visitors with an detailed look at the parliamentary decision making process as well as the functions and methods of the representative bodies. By visiting this museum, visitors will gain insight into the work done by the German political parties.
Practical Info
The Deutscher Dom is located at Gendarmenmarkt 1. To get there take the U2 to Hausvogteiplatz or Stadtmitte, or the U6 to Stadtmitte. Opening hours are October to April: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 10am to 6pm; May to September: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Admission is free.
Address: Gendarmenmarkt 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: October to April: Tue-Sun and public holidays 10am-6pm; May to September:Tue-Sun and public holidays 10am-7pm
From $ 45
Glienicke Bridge
Glienicke Bridge is located in the southwestern corner of the Berlin region and crosses the Havel River, which connects Glienicke Lake and Jungfernsee Lake. When you cross the bridge from east to west, you leave the Berlin region and enter the surrounding region of Brandenburg. The first bridge built here was in the mid 1600s, and it has been replaced several times since then. After World War II, the East German government named it the Bridge of Unity because the border between East Germany and West Berlin ran through the center of the bridge.
It is also known as the Bridge of Spies because during the Cold War, this was where the Soviets and the Americans exchanged spies who had been captured. The bridge was once again open to the public once the Wall came down in 1989. It has been used in the filming of commercials, television shows, and movies, including the 2015 movie Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Practical Info
The road that runs on Glienicke Bridge is Königstrasse. To get to the bridge, take bus 316 to the Glienicke Lake stop.
Address: Glienicke Bridge, Berlin 14467, Germany
From $ 20
Gendarmenmarkt
Located in the Mitte district, the Gendarmenmarkt has gone through a few name changes. After being used from 1736 to 1782 by the military for sentry duty and housing their horses, it was known as the Gendarmenmarkt. After being damaged in the war, the square was renamed “Platz der Akademie” in 1950 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Academy of Science. In 1991, it got its original name back.
The Gendarmenmarkt is arguably Berlin’s most magnificent square. It is best known for the triple architectural force composed of the German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall). The ‘domes’ refer to the domed tower structures erected in 1785 by architect Carl von Gontard were mainly intended to add stature and grandeur to the two buildings.
Some of the most high-end restaurants, businesses and hotels are located around the Gendarmenmarkt, especially around the streets of Charlottenstrasse.
Gendarmenmarkt is home to the grandest of the Christmas markets you will find in Berlin around the holiday season. There is also an ice rink available. Admission for the Christmas markets here is 1 Euro. The market stays open for Christmas Eve and the days after Christmas. You can even spend New Year’s Eve here, and enjoy a festive gala with various bands, fireworks, and a waltz dance after midnight.
The Gendarmenmarkt is arguably Berlin’s most magnificent square. It is best known for the triple architectural force composed of the German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall). The ‘domes’ refer to the domed tower structures erected in 1785 by architect Carl von Gontard were mainly intended to add stature and grandeur to the two buildings.
Some of the most high-end restaurants, businesses and hotels are located around the Gendarmenmarkt, especially around the streets of Charlottenstrasse.
Gendarmenmarkt is home to the grandest of the Christmas markets you will find in Berlin around the holiday season. There is also an ice rink available. Admission for the Christmas markets here is 1 Euro. The market stays open for Christmas Eve and the days after Christmas. You can even spend New Year’s Eve here, and enjoy a festive gala with various bands, fireworks, and a waltz dance after midnight.
Address: Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Always Accesible
From $ 23
Bode Museum
As one of five museums on Museum Island, the Bode Museum, formerly the Kaiser- Friedrich Museum, houses three separate collections of sculptures and treasures: the Museum of Byzantine Art (art from the West-Roman and Byzantine Empires from the 3rd to the 15th century), the sculpture collection (sculptures from the Early Middle Ages to the late 18th century), and the Numismatic Collection (coin cabinet). The cabinet is complemented by a gallery specifically for children. The museum, which opened in 1904 was renovated in 2006.
The Bode Museum’s architecture is impressive. In order to achieve the appearance of a building rising from water the architect arranged the three-winged building around several interior courtyards so that the exterior facades immediately bordered the banks of the river Spree. A dominating dome and two opulent staircases give the building the appearance of being stately. Seen from the water, the museum gives the impression of a gigantic ship above the waterline.
In the summer, the shore on the other side is a popular place for people to meet each other and hang out.
The Bode Museum’s architecture is impressive. In order to achieve the appearance of a building rising from water the architect arranged the three-winged building around several interior courtyards so that the exterior facades immediately bordered the banks of the river Spree. A dominating dome and two opulent staircases give the building the appearance of being stately. Seen from the water, the museum gives the impression of a gigantic ship above the waterline.
In the summer, the shore on the other side is a popular place for people to meet each other and hang out.
Address: Am Kupfergraben 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Open Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 10am - 6pm; Thu 10am - 8pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Adult: 10 EUR, Discounted: 5 EUR
From $ 23
Gleis 17, Grunewald
Track 17 (Gleis 17 in German) at the Grunewald S-Bahn station in Berlin is a memorial site that honors the Jewish citizens who were deported by Deutsche Reichsbahn during the Nazi era. Deutsche Reichsbahn was the company that preceeded Deutsche Bahn, the current national railway company. Over 50,000 Jews from Berlin and surrounding areas were deported from Track 17 at the Grunewald station between 1941 and 1945, destined for various concentration camps east of Germany.
For years after the war, the railway companies in East and West Germany avoided the topic of the deportation their predecessors had been involved with. But research easily showed that without the Deutsche Reichsbahn, the mass deportation would not have been possible. When the two companies merged after the reunification of Germany, Deutsche Bahn set up the memorial site in 1998 to commemorate the victims.
The memorial is made up of 186 cast steel bars embedded in the gravel along the track, all referring to the number of transports that left Berlin. Inscribed on them are the dates of the transports, the number of deportees and the train's route. There are also sculptures, plaques and trees that were brought in from Auschwitz to honor the victims. Trains no longer run from this memorial track.
Practical Info
To reach the Track 17 memorial, take the S-bahn line S7 to the Grunewald station. On Friday and Saturday nights, the S5 line replaces the S7 line.
Address: Gleis 17, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 45
Currywurst Museum
Few foods are more iconic than the German fast food sausage dish, Currywurst. Steamed, then fried pork sausage is seasoned with spicy curry ketchup, then served up with a side of crisp and golden French fries. And while this regional dish can be found on just about any street corner in Berlin, it’s the Currywurst Museum located in this eclectic city that really tells the story of this popular treat.
Travelers can wander through galleries dedicated to this fine food and learn about its inception back in the 1940s, as well as how this local dish was made famous in movies, television, music and pop culture. The interactive nature of Currywurst Museum means visitors can taste, touch and smell just about everything. And of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample these spicy dogs, too.
Practical Info
The Currywurst Museum is located near Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. It is accessible via the U-Bahn, bus and S-Bahn. It is open from 10 a.m. until 6p.m. daily. Tickets are 11 euro for adults and 8.5 euro for students and seniors.
Address: Schützenstraße 70, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission: 11 euro for adults; 8.5 euro for students and seniors
From $ 16
Altes Museum
The Altes Museum, or Old Museum, is the oldest structure on Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Museum Island. The neoclassical building was built in 1830 to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, and today its 18 Ionic columns welcome visitors to experience its collection, featuring artifacts from the ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan eras.
The Basics
In addition to its stunning classical antiquities—including the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy—the Altes Museum is one of Berlin’s finest pieces of architecture and is highlighted on many tours of the city center. If you want to dive deep into the art history of the city, book a private tour to learn more about the fascinating works of the Altes Museum and the other buildings on Museum Island. To get a comprehensive overview of Berlin’s cultural heritage, you can purchase the Museum Pass Berlin, which includes admission to more than 30 exhibitions and museums. Alternatively, a 2- or 3-day Berlin Pass gets you into the Altes Museum and more than 50 other city attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Altes Museum is a must-visit for lovers of ancient art and art history.
- There is a free cloakroom for storing personal items as well as those not permitted in the museum, including large bags and backpacks, tripods, and umbrellas.
- Visitors under the age of 18 receive free admission.
- The museum is suitable for those with hearing loss or impairment, learning disabilities, and limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Altes Museum is located in Berlin Mitte on Museum Island. There is no parking available so take the S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt, or tram M1 or 12 to Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben.
When to Get There
The Altes Museum is open from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and until 8pm on Thursday (when there are fewer visitors); check the website for holiday hours. It is advised to visit the museum outside of the summer months when Berlin is less crowded.
A German Monument That Stood the Test of Time
In the 1800s King Friedrich Wilhelm IV commissioned the Altes Museum to house some of Germany’s most beautiful and ancient art and artifacts. Upon completion, he designated the northern part of Spree Island—known today as Museum Island (Museumsinsel) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to house even more pieces from around the world. Despite the bombings of World War II and the harsh communist government during the Cold War, most of the buildings survived and subsequently lovingly repaired to reflect Germany’s passion for preserving art and history.
Address: Am Lustgarten, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
DDR Museum
The official name of East Germany was first Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), or German Democratic Republic. The DDR Museum in Berlin is an interactive site where visitors can see what life in East Germany was like when the country was split into East and West regions. Rather than simply having exhibits to view and signs to read like most museums, DDR Museum exhibits often require visitors to push buttons, open doors or drawers and pull levers to get information and the full experience.
In this museum, visitors can get a glimpse of what it was like to be under surveillance in a bugged room. Artifacts, such as old clothing, a typewriter and a landmine from the border, are also on display. Other exhibits include one where you can listen to prisoner interrogations and another where you can drive an old Trabi car.
Many people who once lived in East Germany now bring their children and grandchildren to the DDR Museum to show them what life was like just a few decades ago. However, as one of the most popular museums in Berlin, it also attracts tourists from around the world who come to visit the German capital and journey back in time to explore its recent history.
Practical Info
The DDR Museum is located at Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1 on the river Spree. It is directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Saturday when it is open until 10 p.m.
Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, Berlin 10178, Germany
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-10pm
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 11
Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain is the eastern side of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, though the two areas were only joined together in 2001 and are still referred to separately. Friedrichshain was one of the most badly damaged areas of Berlin during World War II due to the large amount of industry located there, which was targeted by the bombings. After the war once the city was divided, the border between East and West ran in between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, leaving Friedrichshain in East Berlin.
After the wall came down, Friedrichshain was an attractive place to live because of the low rents and abundance of empty apartments. Today it remains a popular neighborhood to live in, though prices have been going up over the past few years. Friedrichshain has many restaurants, bars and clubs, as well as theaters and parks. The Ostbahnhof (East Train Station) is also located in Friedrichshain.
One of the most famous sights in Friedrichshain is the East Side Gallery. It is the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, and it is now covered in artwork that speaks of politics, discrimination, world peace, and other thought-provoking topics. Most of Karl-Marx-Allee is also in Friedrichshain.
Along Karl-Marx-Allee you'll find Frankfurter Tor, two landmark towers that were built in the 1950s when the street was called Stalinallee. The Oberbaum Bridge, which crosses the River Spree, connects Friedrichshain with Kreuzberg.
Address: Berlin, Germany
From $ 14
Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse runs north to south through the center of Berlin, while during the Cold War, the Berlin Wall cut through this street. The Friedrichstrasse S-bahn and U-bahn station was on the East, but trains from the West were still able to stop there so passengers could transfer lines. However, they could not leave the station without proper paperwork.
Today the street is a major shopping and residential area. However, due to its history, it is also a popular tourist spot. Photography exhibits at the Friedrichstrasse station show the stages of the station's history from 1961 when the wall went up to 1989 when it came down. At the Berlin Wall History Mile information board at the Friedrichstrasse border crossing, you can learn about Oct. 27, 1961, when Allied and Soviet tanks conflicted over the right to unrestricted movement in both parts of Berlin for the Allied forces.
You can also visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. There is an outdoor photo gallery that tells stories of failed and successful escape attempts, the changes of the checkpoint over time and the significance and symbolism of Checkpoint Charlie. There's also an overview of memorial sites, remaining sections of the wall and relevant museums.
Practical Info
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is located at Friedrichstrasse 43–45. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. To see outdoor exhibits at the station, take the U6 to Friedrichstrasse.
Address: Friedrichstrasse, Berlin, Germany
From $ 16
German Museum of Technology
The German Museum of Technology in Berlin provides an in-depth look at Germany's technical history through its 25,000 square meters (over 269,000 square feet) of floor space with exhibits about technology on land, on water and in the air. Topics include traffic, communications, production and energy technology, as well as inland and high sea navigation, space and aeronautics. Many of the exhibits in the museum are interactive and hands-on experiences.
The museum has an extensive rail transport section that starts with the steam train and works its way through the first electric trains all the way to present-day German high speed rail. One of the biggest exhibits at the museum is in the "From Ballooning to the Berlin Airlift" display, which shows roughly 200 years of developments and events in German aerospace history. Another section teaches visitors about the technology of ships and their effects throughout history.
At the museum, visitors can also learn about the invention of the first computer, the development of communications technology, writing and printing technology, film and photography technology and much more. There is a historical brewery as well as a restaurant and a museum gift shop on site.
Practical Info
The German Museum of Technology is located at Trebbiner Straße 9 in Berlin. To get to it, take the U1 or U2 to the Gleisdreieck U-bahn station. The museum is open 9am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10am to 6pm on weekends. Admission costs 6 euros.
Address: Trebbiner Straße 9, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: 6 euros
From $ 27
East Side Gallery
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the East Side Gallery was the result of what remained. It is longest segment of the Berlin Wall that is still standing and the world’s largest open-air gallery, showcasing over 100 murals over 1.3 kilometres along the Mühlenstrasse, which is parallel to the River Spree. Artist interpretations are a mix of optimistic and political statements.
Some of the more famous and most photographed images on the wall include a boxy East German Trabant car that appears to burst through the wall called “Test the Best” by Birgit Kinder; and “The Mortal Kiss,” a fraternal communist kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German boss Erich Honecker.
Many of the images became weathered from taggers and tourists adding their own graffiti to their favorite pictures on the wall. In 2009, forty of these works of art were restored.
Sections of the wall continued to be removed for purposes like the O2 World Arena to have its own boat landing and more recently, to provide access to a planned luxury apartment complex overlooking the Spree River, despite protests.
This is a great place for a bike ride or a walk.
Some of the more famous and most photographed images on the wall include a boxy East German Trabant car that appears to burst through the wall called “Test the Best” by Birgit Kinder; and “The Mortal Kiss,” a fraternal communist kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German boss Erich Honecker.
Many of the images became weathered from taggers and tourists adding their own graffiti to their favorite pictures on the wall. In 2009, forty of these works of art were restored.
Sections of the wall continued to be removed for purposes like the O2 World Arena to have its own boat landing and more recently, to provide access to a planned luxury apartment complex overlooking the Spree River, despite protests.
This is a great place for a bike ride or a walk.
Address: Mulenstrasse, Berlin 10243, Germany
Hours: Always open.
Admission: Free self-Guided Tours, Guided tours 10 person minimum 15 EUR
From $ 16
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
The grand gateway to Unter den Linden Boulevard and Tiergarten Park, the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Built by Prussian kings, this monumental gate stood strong through World War I and the Cold War, becoming a symbol of reunified Germany and a poignant reminder of Berlin’s tragedies and triumphs.
The Basics
No Berlin tour is complete without a glimpse of the Brandenburg Gate. Whether you choose to explore Berlin on a walking tour, on a bike tour, by Segway, or in a Trabant vintage car, you’ll surely stop to snap a photo by this iconic landmark. There are tours to suit all preferences—small-group and private tours that offer a more personalized experience; Berlin Wall and Third Reich tours that offer a greater insight into Berlin’s history; and hop-on hop-off bus tours for those who want to discover Berlin at their own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The tourist information center at the Brandenburg Gate has free Wi-Fi.
- The Brandenburg Gate and many surrounding attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Brandenburg Gate is located on the historic square of Pariser Platz in West Berlin, at the western end of Unter den Linden Boulevard and bordering the eastern entrance to Tiergarten Park. The closest subway station is Brandenburger Tor. Monuments such as the Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building are within easy walking distance.
When to Get There
As one of the most popular Berlin attractions, the Brandenburg Gate is often surrounded by crowds, especially during the busy months of July and August. Visit after dark to see the monument lit up by dramatic spotlights, or stop by in the early morning to avoid the crush of tourists or grab a rare photograph of the gate without crowds. The Brandenburg Gate is also an important part of annual events such as the October Berlin Lights Festival, Berlin’s holiday illuminations, and the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Historic Importance of the Brandenburg Gate
Built in 1791 in a neoclassical style, the Brandenburg Gate is the last of Berlin’s original city gates. Originally commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II, the monument took center stage years later during the Cold War, when it was located in an exclusion zone on the Soviet side and inaccessible to residents of both East and West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was heralded as a symbol of unified Berlin, with huge crowds gathering to celebrate its monumental reopening.
Address: Am Pariser Platz, Berlin 10117, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 16