Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in Germany
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Greifenstein Castle
One of the oldest fortresses in Germany, this medieval castle dates back to the 13th century with original owner Rudolf von Greifenstein residing here in 1226. Located in Hesse and declared a national historical landmark in 1995, the dark grey stone castle features numerous courtyards and bastions, as well as torture chambers, towers, catacombs, a baroque church, an underground chapel, herb gardens and a wine cellar. Interestingly, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and today you’ll see sections that are in ruins while other parts are in-tact.
A major highlight of a visit to the Greifenstein Castle is its German Bell Museum, where you can view about 50 beautiful bells, some dating back to the ninth century. Bells have descriptions about how they were produced, and visitors have the chance to create their own music by chiming them. Don’t leave without also having a meal in the onsite restaurant, which is reminiscent of old times with scroll menus, knights providing entertainment and traditional meals you eat with your hands. If you have time, you can explore the hiking trails in the nearby forest.
A major highlight of a visit to the Greifenstein Castle is its German Bell Museum, where you can view about 50 beautiful bells, some dating back to the ninth century. Bells have descriptions about how they were produced, and visitors have the chance to create their own music by chiming them. Don’t leave without also having a meal in the onsite restaurant, which is reminiscent of old times with scroll menus, knights providing entertainment and traditional meals you eat with your hands. If you have time, you can explore the hiking trails in the nearby forest.
Address: Talstrasse 19, Heiligenstadt, Germany
Hours: Open 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adult: 3.50 EUR, Child: 1.50 EUR
From $ 218
Berlin Zoo and Aquarium
Home to the most complete collection of animal species anywhere in the world, the Berlin Zoo and Aquarium celebrates the diversity of the animal kingdom. You’ll find everything from giant pandas to hippos, jellyfish, and gorillas here. Famous residents include Knut the polar bear and Bao Bao the giant panda.
The Basics
Opened in 1844 and located in the Tiergarten in the city center, Berlin Zoo is Germany’s oldest zoological garden and the most visited zoo in Europe. With daily feedings that visitors can watch and naturalistic enclosures, the zoo is designed to provide intimate encounters with animals. For an unforgettable experience, the zoo also offers “meet and greets” with the giraffes, elephants, hippos, tapirs, and meerkats in the company of experienced guides (adults only).
The accompanying aquarium was built in 1913 and is home to black-tip reef sharks, crocodiles penguins, “Nemos” (clownfish), and more. The aquarium also has several tuataras from New Zealand, a rare breed of lizard that has lived on Earth for 200 million years. The zoo is one of the stops on the Berlin hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the zoo and aquarium is via paid ticket—visitors can choose a combined pass or purchase separate tickets for each attraction.
- The zoo and aquarium are wheelchair- accessible, and wheelchairs are available on loan.
- Both the zoo and aquarium have restaurants and cafes.
- Make sure to see the Chinese-inspired entrance gate with twin elephants, a replica of the original gate that was destroyed during World War II.
How to Get There
The zoo is accessible by car, hop-on hop-off bus, public transport, or on foot from nearby areas. The closest metro stop is Zoologischer Garten (S-Bahn and U-Bahn). Paid parking is also available.
When to Get There
The zoo is open from 9am–6pm 365 days a year; last entry is one hour before closing. Seasonal opening times are as follows: January 1–February 25, 9am–4:30pm; March 26–September 23, 9am–6:30pm; and October 29–December 31, 9am–4:30pm.
Take a Stroll in Tiergarten
Like Central Park in New York, Berlin’s Tiergarten is the city’s green heart, where locals come to run, walk, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. With plenty of open lawns shaded by trees, it’s a great spot for a lunchtime picnic or simply somewhere to sit down and rest tired feet in between sightseeing spots.
Address: Budapester Straße 32, Berlin 10787, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Hamburg Dungeon
The Hamburg Dungeon takes visitors on a 90-minute journey through 600 years of Hamburg's dark history. The dungeon has different areas with various themes based on real events in Hamburg's history, as well as two rides and 11 different shows performed in both German and English by live, professional actors. A visit to the Dungeon is a fun yet scary way to experience the things that were left out of the history books.
Gripping storytelling, special effects and rides bring the history to life in a way that will make you laugh and scream. Start your tour with the Elevator of Horror before exploring the Library of Dark History where shadowy figures tell the stories in the books. Experience the Hamburg fire of 1842, try to find your way out of the Labyrinth of the Lost, and see if you can survive the torture chamber. Encounter pirates and ghosts along the way, plus much more terror. The Hamburg Dungeon occasionally has special events for certain holidays, like Halloween and Christmas.
Practical Info
The Hamburg Dungeon is located at Kehrwieder 2 in Hamburg's Speicherstadt. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm daily, except in July and August when they are open until 7pm. Tickets are 23.95 euros at the door, but discounts are available for booking ahead online.
Address: Kehrwieder 2, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: 10am to 6pm daily; until 7 p.m. in July-Aug
Admission: 23.95 euros
From $ 12
Hackescher Markt
Berlin's Hackescher Markt is a lively, open-air plaza by day and a portal to the city's bustling club scene by night. Luckily, its central Mitte District location makes it easy to visit twice. The square encompasses the area outside the beautiful, red-brick Hackescher Markt Station, where farmers' markets, bars, restaurants, and cafes spill out into the car-free courtyard and make for a popular hang-out in summer. Souvenir shops, high fashion retail stores, and eccentric, alternative outfitters mark the surrounding area as a shopping hotspot year-round, so grab a currywurst to-go and take off to explore the neighborhood.
Rebuilt after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the now artsy and energetic Scheunenviertel neighborhood brings hip residences, music venues, art galleries, boutiques, and nightclubs to Mitte. Head north for the art galleries on Augustraße or east for shopping along Rosenthalerstraße—and don't miss Berlin's famous courtyards, the Hackesche Höfe, just in front of the square.
Many walking tours depart from Hackescher Markt Station, but not all spend time in the square. To get the most out of your visit, choose a tour that explores Berlin's modern history or Mitte District—or give yourself enough time before your tour to explore the area on your own.
Practical Info
The Hackescher Markt shopping area begins outside the S-Bahn station, Hackescher Markt, located in Mitte. The area is framed by Dircksenstraße in the south and Torstraße in the north. It adjoins Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in the east and Oranienburger Straße in the west.
You can enter the Hackesche Höfe, a labyrinth of eight courtyards, through Rosenthalerstraße 40’s main arched entrance.
Address: 10178 Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
From $ 24
English Garden (Englischer Garten)
One of the largest urban parks in the world, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is Munich’s most popular green space, boasting over 48 miles (78 kilometers) of walking and cycling trails. It offers plenty to explore, including a Japanese teahouse, a boating lake, and traditional beer gardens.
The Basics
A sightseeing tour of Munich isn’t complete without a trip to the idyllic English Garden. Explore the gardens via a guided walking, bike or Segway tour, or as part of a hop-on hop-off Munich tour. Highlights within the park include paddleboat rental at Kleinhesseloher Lake and great views from the Greek temple of Monopteros.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking, biking, or taking part in outdoor activities.
- Most of the park’s walking trails are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The English Garden is located just north of Munich's Old Town; it takes around 20 minutes to walk to the southern entrance from Marienplatz. To get there by public transport, ride the tram to Paradiesstrasse or Tivolistrasse, or take the U-bahn to Universitat, Giselastrasse, or Munchner Freiheit.
When to Get There
The park is open year round, and while it can get busy on summer afternoons, it’s big enough that you’ll always be able to find a quiet spot. Head there during summer to watch the famous urban surfers along the River Eisbach and enjoy various open-air events and activities, or plan your trip during the cooler months of spring and autumn, which are ideal for walkers and runners.
Eating and Drinking in the English Garden
Once you’ve finished exploring, stop to admire the views from the Japanese Tea House or have a beer and enjoy the traditional brass bands at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese tower) Biergarten, one of Munich’s largest beer gardens. Alternatively, tuck into bratwurst and beer at Osterwald or Hirschau beer gardens, or head to the Seehaus (Lake House), where you can drink beer overlooking the lake.
Address: Between Prinzregenten Street and Freimann, Germany
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Commissioned by Chancellor Angela Merkel and opened in 2006, Berlin’s central railway station was built atop the former East German station as a symbol of a reunited Germany. The five-story work of glass and steel serves up to 350,000 passengers per day and is one of the most well-connected train stations in the country.
The Basics
Spend any time at all in Berlin, and chances are you’ll find yourself at the travel hub of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Due to the history of the old station, it features on many Cold War–themed city tours, and it’s a stop on nearly every Berlin hop-on hop-off tour, most of which also cruise by the Berlin Wall and Tränenpalast. You can also admire the architecture from the outside on a Berlin Segway tour along the riverfront or on a guided sightseeing cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hauptbahnhof is a must-see for first-time visitors and architecture buffs.
- Lockers are available in the train station parking lot, just outside the main building.
- Visitors get 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi service.
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is connected by high-speed rail to major cities throughout Europe and is a stop on S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. The station is about a five-minute walk from Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate.
When to Get There
Berlin’s central station is open daily from early in the morning until late at night. To best appreciate the architecture of the structure (and for the best photos), plan to visit during the day when light is shining down through the arched glass roof.
Architectural Inspiration of Berlin Hauptbahnhof
German architectural firm Gerkan, Marg and Partners was tasked with designing Berlin Hauptbahnhof in 1993. The designers took inspiration from the existing lines of railway track, translating them onto the large glass roof.
Address: Europaplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
From $ 25
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
The imposing Berlin Cathedral dominates the eastern end of Unter den Linden and Museum Island. With its three copper-roofed domes and richly decorated interior with gilded decorations, Berliner Dom (as it’s called in German) is one of the few landmark buildings in the area that was not destroyed in World War II.
The Basics
Berlin Cathedral was finished in 1905, although there has been a church on this site since the 1500s. At the time of construction, the neo-Renaissance structure was considered the Protestant equivalent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and was the parish church of the Prussian royal family—some of whom are interred in the Hohenzollern crypt under the church. The interior is highly decorative, with carved walls, gilt edges, and large-scale paintings; one of the cathedral’s most famous works is the marble and onyx altar by Friedrich August Stüler. Many visitors come to marvel at the enormous domed ceiling, which you can climb for panoramic views of the area. There is also an on-site museum that details the church’s construction.
Many guided bus and walking tours of the city visit the cathedral, sightseeing cruises pass by its facade, and hop-on hop-off tours stop here. Entry is via paid ticket, which is covered by a Berlin Pass. Self-guided audio tours are available, and 20-minute guided tours are included with the entry fee; special organ tours and demonstrations are for an additional fee.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Cathedral is a must-visit for religious architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors to the city.
- Look for the American-made elevator, installed at the wish of Kaiser Wilhelm II when the cathedral was built.
- The church is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Berlin Cathedral is located on Museum Island in the Mitte district. The nearest S-Bahn station is Hackescher Markt.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily for visits and guided tours. Visitors are not permitted to enter during church services unless they are attending the service.
Unter den Linden
A stroll along the tree-lined Unter den Linden is a must for first-time visitors to Berlin. The shady boulevard draws locals and travelers alike to its cafés and restaurants, and in the evening the illuminated trees create a romantic atmosphere. Many of the city’s top attractions and monuments, including the State Opera House and German Historical Museum, are found here.
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Address: Am Lustgarten, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Checkpoint Charlie
Once one of three Berlin Wall border points, bridging the divide between the Allied-occupied West Berlin and Soviet-occupied East Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most important Cold War sites in Berlin. Today, a recreated guard house marks the site where numerous confrontations, escape attempts, and protests took place, and the adjoining Checkpoint Charlie Museum is a moving tribute to those who risked their lives to escape from East Germany and bring about the fall of the wall.
The Basics
Most sightseeing city tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours of Berlin make a stop at Checkpoint Charlie, while walking tours, bike tours, and Segway tours offer a more unique way to visit the landmark. For historical context, be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Mauermuseum), or combine it with a tour of other historic war sites, such as the Wall Memorial, the East Side Gallery, or the Allied Museum, where the original Checkpoint Charlie border crossing is on display.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Souvenir passport stamps and photos at Checkpoint Charlie are available for an extra fee.
- Just south of Checkpoint Charlie is the Black Box Cold War exhibit and Outdoor Checkpoint Charlie Gallery.
- The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is mostly wheelchair accessible, although some exhibits may be off-limits.
How to Get There
Checkpoint Charlie is located on Friedrichstrasse in East Berlin, just east of Potsdamer Platz. The closest U-Bahn stations are Kochstrasse and Stadtmitte, but it’s also possible to walk there from many nearby sights—the Brandenburg Gate is about a 20-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The sight is open daily, all year round, but the small space can get overcrowded in the summer months. Aim to visit first or last thing in the day to avoid the main crowds or pre-book your tickets in advance to skip the line.
Exploring the Checkpoint Charlie Museum
A small museum crammed with photos, artifacts, and information, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum offers a moving portrait of Berlin during the Cold War era. Notable exhibitions focus on the creative and daring ways that East Germans attempted to escape across the border—including a cleverly adapted VW car, a hot-air balloon, and a suitcase. It’s a memorial to those who lost their lives, and offers first-hand accounts of life behind the wall as well as a look at human rights efforts around the world.
Address: Intersection of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, Berlin 10923, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Berlin Dungeon
The Berlin Dungeon takes visitors on an hour-long journey through the city’s dark history, from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. While exploring the 2,500 square meters of the Dungeon, you will experience the thin line between humor and terror thanks to the various areas with different themes based on real events in Berlin's history, as well as nine different shows performed in both German and English by live actors.
Gripping storytelling, special effects and rides bring the history to life in a way that's both funny and scary. You'll meet characters from Berlin's past, such as twisted Monk Pater Roderich and infamous serial killer Carl Grossmann. Experience a river raft ride, the Elevator of Doom, the Labyrinth of the Lost, the deadly plague in Kloster Strasse, the fearsome torture chamber and the legend of the White Lady. The Berlin Dungeon occasionally has special events for certain holidays, like Halloween and Christmas.
Practical Info
The Berlin Dungeon is located at Spandauer Straße 2 in Berlin Mitte, between Hackeschen Markt and Alexander Platz. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily most of the year. Tickets are 20 euros at the door.
Address: Spandauer Straße 2, Berlin, Germany
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily most of the year.
Admission: 20 Euros at the door
From $ 19
Europa-Park
Second only to Disneyland Paris as Europe’s largest theme park, Germany’s Europa-Park is a wonderland of rides, shows, and attractions that will entertain the whole family. The park is inspired by iconic European destinations—visitors can zoom through the Alps on a roller-coaster, ride a London bus, see Iceland's Northern Lights, and meet the fairytale characters of Grimm’s Enchanted Forest.
The Basics
Most travelers dedicate a full day to take in the highlights of Europa-Park. Both 1- and 2-day passes are available, and include entrance to all rides and shows. Pre-book your tickets to enjoy fast-track entrance and extras such as hotel pickup and transfers to and from the park. Travelers from nearby Switzerland can also visit on a day tour from Basel or Geneva.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With so many rides and shows to enjoy, it’s worth planning your visit carefully to ensure you don’t miss the park’s top attractions.
- Families with young kids can take advantage of the Baby Switch pass, which allows parents to take turns holding their baby while one rides an attraction. There is also a special baby lounge with feeding and changing areas, as well as strollers available for hire.
- Visitor facilities include a range of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops, plus a spa and wellness center.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Many attractions and shows at Europa-Park are wheelchair accessible, and entrance is free for disability badge holders.
How to Get There
Europa-Park is located in Rust in southwest Germany, close to the French and Swiss borders. Reaching the park by road takes about 40 minutes from Strasbourg, France; one hour from Basel, Switzerland; or about 90 minutes from Stuttgart, Germany. The closest international airport is Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, from where shuttle buses can take you to the park in roughly two hours. Trains from Offenburg and Freiburg im Breisgau arrive at the Ringsheim railway station, which is a short taxi ride from the park.
When to Get There
Europa-Park’s winter season runs from November 25 to January 7, while the summer season runs from March 24 to November 4. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when the park can get crowded and wait times for the most popular rides can be over an hour. Winter visitors can benefit from slightly cheaper entrance fees and special discounted evening tickets, as well as fewer crowds and seasonal attractions such as an ice rink and ice sculpture display. Some rides and shows close for the winter season.
Adrenaline-Fueled Activities at Europa-Park
With over 50 attractions and 11 death-defying roller-coasters, it’s easy to get your adrenaline fix at the Europa amusement park. Dare to ride the high-speed Silver Star, Wodan Timbur, or Blue Fire roller-coasters; fly through the air on the Voletarium; make a splash on the Poseidon or Atlantica Supersplash water rides; then prepare to be entertained at the 4D cinema.
Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, Rust 77977, Germany
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 51
Chiemsee
At 80 sq km (31 square miles) Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria, fed by the snowmelt water of the rivers Prien Tiroler and Achen, which drain the lake on its northern shores as the Alz.
Attractions around Chiemsee include the house designed by flamboyant Secessionist artist Julius Exter in the lakeside resort of Übersee-Feldwies; surrounded by colorful gardens, the house is ornately decorated with wrought-iron balconies and many of his paintings are displayed in his former studio.
There is also a retrospective exhibition of Exter’s vivid landscapes in the Baroque Augustinian Monastery on Herrenchiemsee, an island in the middle of Chiemsee. Also located on the same island is the extravagant Herrenchiemsee New Palace, built in the style of Versailles for King Ludwig II, who reigned over Bavaria between 1865–86; a small museum in the palace details his short but eccentric life.
Frauenchiemsee is the second islet on Chiemsee, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Germany. It was founded back in 782 and flourished for the most part for the next millennia before being rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century, although parts still date from medieval times.
As well as its manmade landmarks, Chiemsee is popular with walkers and cyclists for its natural beauty; surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Alps, the shoreline is protected as the wetland home of several endangered species of wading birds.
Practical Info
Chiemsee is 90 km (56.25 miles) southeast of Munich close to the Austrian border; it is best reached via the A8, taking the exit to Bernau. Julian Exter’s House: Blumenweg 5, 83236 Übersee-Feldwies. Open in summer for exhibitions only. Augustinian Monastery & Herrenchiemsee New Palace: 83209 Herrenchiemsee. Open Apr–Oct daily 9am–6pm; Nov–Mar daily 10am–4.45pm. Admission to both €10 adults, €9 concessions. Frauenchiemsee Monastery: 83256 Frauenchiemsee. Open May–Oct 11am–5pm daily. Admission free.
Address: Germany
From $ 51
Grosse Freiheit 36
Hamburg is famous for its Beatles history. It's the city where the band got their start by playing at various clubs near Reperbahn in the St. Pauli neighborhood, Hamburg's red light district. This is where they eventually gained worldwide fame. Of the many clubs they appeared at, Kaiserkeller, located at Grosse Freiheit 36, is one you can still visit today. The Beatles started playing here in late 1960 after the Indra Club closed. It was a good location for the band since it was closer to the heart of the neighborhood.
Today the club, which is known by its address Grosse Freiheit 36, continues to host live shows and other events. Visitors come to explore the history of one of the world's most popular bands at one of the first clubs where the Beatles performed. It's also a fun place to enjoy more current music and experience Hamburg's nightlife. Nearby you can also see the Beatles Square as well as other clubs, both original and reincarnated, where the Beatles once played.
Practical Info
To reach Grosse Freiheit 36, take Sbahn line 1, 2, or 3 to the Reperbahn station and go north on Grosse Freiheit. Hours and ticket prices vary depending on the show.
Address: Große Freiheit 36, Hamburg 22767, Germany
From $ 23
Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)
Soaring 1,207 feet (368 meters) over Alexanderplatz, Berlin’s TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) is Germany’s tallest structure. Built to mark the 20th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic in 1969, the tower was intended to be a symbol of East Germany’s achievements as a socialist society. Today it’s one of the capital’s most visited landmarks, affording 360-degree views over the entire city.
The Basics
Visitors can take in the views from the 666-foot-high (203-meter-high) observation deck, grab a drink at Berlin’s highest bar, or book a table at the revolving Sphere restaurant. A visit to the tower is included on many sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Berlin. It’s also a popular photo stop on walking, biking, and Segway city tours, and can be seen on sightseeing cruises along the River Spree. Choose a skip-the-line ticket to avoid a long wait.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Discounted entry is available for Berlin Welcome Card holders.
- Ticket holders should arrive 15 minutes before the allotted time in order to pass through security.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Restaurant visitors should leave their coats at the free coat-check at the entrance.
- Large items, backpacks, and strollers are prohibited inside the tower.
- Due to safety concerns, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility are not permitted to enter the tower.
How to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower is located on Alexanderplatz in the Mitte neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from nearby attractions such as Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. The tower can also be reached by S-bahn (Alexanderplatz station), U-bahn (Klosterstraße station), and tram (Alexanderplatz). Paid car parking is located at Alexanderplatz and Otto-Braun Street.
When to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower is open daily, but with more than 1.2 million annual visitors, it can get crowded, especially during summer and holidays. Opt for an early morning visit for the best chance to beat the throngs. Alternatively, head up to the observation deck after dark for an unforgettable view of Berlin’s skyline. Other atmospheric times to visit include during the Berlin Festival of Lights in October and the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market.
The View from the Tower
The viewing platform of the Berlin TV Tower offers panoramic views over the city below. Display panels help you pinpoint such top attractions as the Reichstag (parliament) building, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Spree River. Farther afield you might spot the Olympic Stadium, Tempelhof airport, and the Tiergarten, or remains of the Berlin Wall and the many monuments of the UNESCO-listed Museum Island.
Address: Panoramastrasse 1a, Berlin 10178, Germany
Hours: Mar–Oct 9am–12am; Nov–Feb 10am–12am
Admission: Adults €15.50, Children €9.50
From $ 23
HafenCity
HafenCity, which translates to Port City, is an area in central Hamburg that used to be part of the free port. With the decrease in the importance of the free port, the area dominated by port activities has reduced in size. The city of Hamburg is now developing this area for mixed residential and commercial use. Many of the warehouses are being replaced by apartment buildings, office buildings, hotels and shops, and it is estimated that there will be approximately 6,000 new homes and 45,000 new jobs when it is all completed. At 388 acres, HafenCity is the largest inner city development project in Europe.
Aside from the commercial and residential buildings already finished and in use, the International Maritime Museum of Hamburg has moved into HafenCity. Another big project currently underway is the construction of the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, the home of Hamburg's philharmonic orchestra. HafenCity also encompasses the historical area of Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse complex in the world. Within Speicherstadt, you will find several museums and attractions, such as the Hamburg Dungeon, Miniatur Wunderland, and the Speicherstadt Museum. There are also plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants already open in HafenCity, as well as parks and recreational areas.
Practical Info
HafenCity is located along the Elbe River. To reach this district, take the U-bahn line U4 to either the Überseequartier station or the HafenCity University station.
Address: HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 23
Berlin Wall
At the height of the Cold War in 1961, socialist East Germany erected the Berlin Wall as an imposing concrete barrier that divided Berlin's eastern and western sides for nearly 30 years. In 1989, toward the end of the war and the fall of East Germany and communism in Europe, the wall's demolition began, thus reunifying Germany. Today, sections of the wall remain as permanent reminders of the days when the country (and Berlin) was divided.
The Basics
On Bernauer Strasse, the Berlin Wall Memorial is made up of an original section of the wall and a gun turret. Visit the memorial and various portions of the wall on a small-group tour to learn about the area's history among other travelers, or on a private historian-led tour for an in-depth, personalized experience. Bike tours, Segway tours, and walking tours are all great ways to see the wall's various remaining sections spread across the city, as well as Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous border-crossing spot between the two sides.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Wall Memorial features a visitor center, where you can get an overview of Berlin wall sites and watch a historical film, plus the Documentation Center with its exhibits and the Chapel of Reconciliation, where prayers services are held.
- The longest and most interesting remaining stretch of the wall is the open-air East Side Gallery, set on Mühlenstrasse featuring murals painted by international artists in 1990 and again in 2009.
- Because Berlin's reunification was so successful, it can be difficult to tell the difference between east and west in many parts of the city. Look for the double row of cobblestones to guide you along certain sections of the wall’s course.
How to Get to the Berlin Wall
The almost 100-mile-long (160-km) Berliner Mauerweg is a multi-use path that runs along the former wall, with 40 multilingual information stations posted along the way. In other parts of the city, lengths of the wall are covered in psychedelic graffiti, like that at the East Side Gallery on Mühlenstrasse. Sections of the wall also remain near the former site of the Gestapo headquarters.
When to Get There
The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is open daily from 8am to 10pm. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am until 6 or 7pm, depending on the season. The East Side Gallery is always available to visit, and the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie is open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Berlin Sights Along the Wall
It's ironic that Berlin's most popular attraction, for the most part, no longer exists. Because the Berlin Wall disappears and reappears around the city, you can see several of the German capital's most important landmarks as you visit the wall. Museum Island, Potsdamer Platz, and the Brandenburg Gate can be seen easily on a bicycle tour, weather permitting.
Address: Mühlenstraße, Berlin 10243, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)
To experience the majesty of Germany’s Hohenzollern Dynasty, visit Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg). Built in the 17th century as a royal summer residence, the palace combines rococo and baroque decor and architecture, while the grounds feature a formal garden modeled after the Gardens of Versailles, a belvedere building showcasing German porcelain, a theater, and a mausoleum of royal marble tombs. Aside from palace tours, the site’s evening concerts are the main draw.
The Basics
The palace interior offers an extravaganza of opulence—in the Old Palace, you’ll find the Oak Gallery, King Friedrich I’s bedchamber, the royal apartments of Queen Louise, the Oval Hall, and the Porcelain Cabinet, while the New Wing (Neuer Flugel), added by Friederich the Great, features the Golden Gallery (Goldene Galerie) ballroom and the Silver Vault’s collection of tableware. The Charlottenburg Palace Park is also open to the public and famous for its tree-lined gardens, the Belvedere tea house with its extensive porcelain collection, and the neoclassical mausoleum, housing Queen Louise.
Various palace sites require various fees, but all-encompassing palace tickets are available. The palace is seen from afar on most Berlin city sightseeing tours, but you can get a closer look by purchasing tickets to explore the interior independently or visiting the Grosse Orangery for an evening concert featuring classical performances from the Berlin Residence Orchestra (Berliner Residenz Orchester) dressed in baroque costumes. Book a concert with a 3-course dinner for the full experience, and opt for VIP tickets to receive a glass of sparkling wine at intermission.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allot two to three hours to explore the palace’s main attractions.
- The site’s restored Kleine Orangery now operates as the Palace Garden Cafe.
- Much of the palace grounds are wheelchair accessible.
- The gardens are free to enter.
- Admission to the New Wing includes an audio guide.
- Concerts at the Orangery typically sell out weeks in advance; book well in advance to secure your tickets.
How to Get There
Charlottenburg Palace is in inner-city west Berlin. From Alexanderplatz, take the S5 or S7 on the S-Bahn rail system to Zoologischer Garten, then switch to the U12 and get off at Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, the closest public transit stop. From there, it is a 15-minute walk to the palace.
When to Get There
The palace is open 10am to 5pm November through March and until 6pm April through October; it is closed on Mondays. During the holidays, the palace houses a Christmas market with stalls offering arts, crafts, and traditional sweets. Winter also brings special holiday concerts for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. The outdoor gardens make an excellent place to stroll and picnic during summer.
Address: Spandauer Damm, Berlin 14059, Germany
Hours: Apr - Oct: Tues - Sun 10am - 6pm; Nov - Mar Tues - Sun 10am - 5pm. Closed Mondays
Admission: €17
From $ 16
Berggruen Museum
A few years after the Berlin Wall came down, the director of Berlin museums made an offer to art lover Heinz Berggruen to display his collection in a vacant building now known as the Berggruen Museum, one of the most important museums of modern art in Berlin.
Berggruen's impressive collection of Pablo Picasso's work includes more than 120 pieces. It is a broad collection ranging from Picasso's early work as a teenager in the late 1800s and pieces from his cubist period all the way up to his later works from before his death in 1973.
The museum also houses a collection of art from Paul Klee. There are 70 pieces on display, including some from early in his career, others from his time as a teacher and watercolors from just before his death in 1940.
Later works from Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti are also on display at the Museum Berggruen. Other artists include Georges Braque, Henri Laurens and Paul Cézanne. You can also see a collection of African sculptures at the museum.
Practical Info
Museum Berggruen is located at Schloßstraße 1. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday.
Address: Schloßstraße 1, Berlin 14059, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm; closed Monday
Admission: Adults EUR10
From $ 23
Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
The Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus), with its striking façade, is one of the German capital city’s most important landmarks. Named the “Red City Hall” because of the materials used in its construction, the brick building was completed in 1869. The neo-renaissance building was designed as a multi-winged complex, in round-arch style, featuring three inner courtyards and a 243-foot (74-meter) tower.
Since 1991, the Rotes Rathaus has served as seat of the Governing Mayor and the Senate of Berlin. There are several rooms well worth visiting inside the Rotes Rathaus. The Hall of Arms, with windows that represent all the emblems of Berlin, and the emblems of all the districts of the city, is used as a reception room for guests of state. The Grand Ballroom is used for larger events like receptions and ceremonies. One of the most beautiful rooms is the Pillar Hall, with its orange-colored, groin-vaulted ceiling and its many busts. Formerly home to the building’s library, the Pillar Hall now hosts exhibitions and events. The hallway on the third floor holds the portraits of every honorary citizen of Berlin, painted by Rolf Dübner.
Practical Info
Berlin’s City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) is located in the Mitte district, near Alexanderplatz. Although the Rotes Rathaus and its exhibitions are usually open to visitors from 9am-6pm. Monday to Friday, temporary closures may occur due to political events and safety reasons.
Address: Rathausstraße 15, Berlin 10178, Germany
From $ 23
Hamburg Altstadt
The focus of Hamburg’s Altstadt, or Old Town, is the Rathaus on the old market square. Streets leading off the square head to the classical arcades of the stock exchange, and to the old red-brick Speicherstadt warehouses lining the river.
Away from the Elbe, the Alsterarkaden has elegant shopping arcades lined with cafes.
Along the Deichstrasse you’ll see restored 18th-century homes, and the area has some lovely old churches, including St Petri, St Katherine, St Jakobi and St Nikolai.
The Altstadt is a fine area for walking, with bridges across canals, parklands, statues and fine old buildings to discover.
Practical Info
Hamburg Altstadt lies on the right bank of the Alsterfleet canal, opposite the new town.
Address: Rathausmarkt, Hamburg 20095, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 243
Feldherrnhalle
Feldherrnhalle, or Field Marshals' Hall, is a monument in Munich that was built between 1841 and 1844. It was built in an Italian style and modeled after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. It is located on Odeonsplatz at the former site of one of the city's main gates, Schwabinger Tor. The monument was built as a tribute to the Bavarian army that fought in the Franco-Prussian War and features bronze statues of some of the most important generals of Bavaria. In addition there are two lions on the steps. One is growling towards the Residenz Palace, the other is keeping its mouth shut towards the church.
In 1923, Hitler supporters began an illegal march down Ludwigstrasse towards Feldherrnhalle to start a people's revolution against the Bavarian state. Police ordered them to stop, and when they did not, the police opened fire killing 16 marchers as well as four police officers. Hitler was arrested and served a short term in prison.
Practical Info
Feldherrnhalle is located at the south end of Odeonsplatz.
Address: Residenzstraße 1, Munich, Germany
From $ 29