Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in Germany
ShowingFilter 141-160 of 274 listings.
Potsdam's Gardens
Potsdam acquired some importance when the Great Elector of Brandenburg Frederick William established his residence here, where a small garrison was housed from 1640 onward; the site's military function was strengthened by the young Prussian monarchy. Potsdam later changed under the power of Frederick II the Great, who wanted to establish a 'Prussian Versailles' next to the garrison town, which was to be his main residence. Landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné united the various palaces and parks of Potsdam into a unique park landscape, and it was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1990.
Sanssouci Park, the most popular attraction in Potsdam, is the result of many influences from Italy, England, Flanders, Paris and Dresden. The 290-hectare park was laid out around several buildings including the Sanssouci Palace, the Orangery palace, the New Palace, the Charlottenhof Palace and the Roman Baths, while also hosting a magnificent botanical garden created in 1950. Some 4,600 different plant species from tropical and subtropical regions around the world are cultivated in more than 10 greenhouses, while about 4,000 different types of plants grow in the outdoor facilities along both sides of Maulbeerallee Street.
Sanssouci Park, the most popular attraction in Potsdam, is the result of many influences from Italy, England, Flanders, Paris and Dresden. The 290-hectare park was laid out around several buildings including the Sanssouci Palace, the Orangery palace, the New Palace, the Charlottenhof Palace and the Roman Baths, while also hosting a magnificent botanical garden created in 1950. Some 4,600 different plant species from tropical and subtropical regions around the world are cultivated in more than 10 greenhouses, while about 4,000 different types of plants grow in the outdoor facilities along both sides of Maulbeerallee Street.
Address: Postdam, Germany
Hours: Outdoor facilities: open Apr-Oct: 7am - 5pm. Greenhouses: open Apr-Sep: 9:30am - 5pm, daily and Oct-Mar: 9:30am - 4pm, daily.
Admission: Adult (Premium ticket including Sanssouci Palace): 19 EUR. Adult (excludes Sanssouci Palace): 15 EUR
From $ 57
Philharmonic Hall
The Berlin Philharmonic is the city's concert hall and home to the city's Philharmonic Orchestra. The facility actually has two venues, one with 2,440 seats for orchestra concerts and a chamber music hall with 1,180 seats. The hall was constructed in the early 1960s, and it replaced one that was destroyed during World War II. The chamber music hall was added in the 1980s.
The building is know for its acoustics, its bright yellow color, and its asymmetrical, tent-like shape. The innovative design of the concert hall and the unusual architecture initially caused some controversy, but today the design serves as a model for concert halls all over the world.
Though the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra existed in some form since the late 1800s, the orchestra and its chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2013. This marked 50 years since the orchestra debuted in its new home. The Berlin Philharmonic Foundation offers guided tours of the orchestra hall and chamber music hall. The tours cover topics such as the architecture and acoustics of the building and the history of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Tours are offered in German and English, though other languages are offered for group bookings made ahead of time.
Practical Info
The Berlin Philharmonic Hall is located at Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1. Check their website for concert schedules and tour availability.
Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Varies
From $ 45
Odeonsplatz
Located at the western entrance to the exquisite Hofgarten gardens, the Odeonsplatz is one of central Munich’s largest public squares, notable for its distinct Italian-style architecture. Taking its name from the 19th century Odeon Concert Hall that once stood at the head of the square (the remains of the building now form part of a government office block), the space still retains its creative streak, hosting a number of annual concerts, parades and city celebrations. At the top of the list is the Odeonsplatz Classical Evening, a grand open-air event held each July and drawing crowds of over 16,000 to watch performances by the prestigious Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and other world renowned classical acts.
Even if you don’t catch the square at its most atmospheric, the Odeonsplatz still offers a dramatic starting point to city walking tours, with the resplendent Residenz Palace to the east and the monumental Ludwigstrasse running north to the triumphal arch of Siegestor. Also on the square is the Feldherrnhalle, or Field Marshal's hall, an arched fronted hall designed in 1841 by Friedrich von Gärtner, and the 17th century Theatinerkirche, an Italian-baroque style church, topped with a 71-meter copper dome.
Even if you don’t catch the square at its most atmospheric, the Odeonsplatz still offers a dramatic starting point to city walking tours, with the resplendent Residenz Palace to the east and the monumental Ludwigstrasse running north to the triumphal arch of Siegestor. Also on the square is the Feldherrnhalle, or Field Marshal's hall, an arched fronted hall designed in 1841 by Friedrich von Gärtner, and the 17th century Theatinerkirche, an Italian-baroque style church, topped with a 71-meter copper dome.
Address: Odeonplatz 1, Munich 80539, Germany
From $ 17
Madame Tussauds Berlin
Madame Tussauds is the ultimate wax museum with locations the world over. Madame Tussauds Berlin has a wide variety of life-like wax figures made to look like celebrities, including actors such as Johnny Depp and Julia Roberts, and musicians such as Rihanna and the Beatles. Wax exhibits also include politicians such as Angela Merkel and Barack Obama, sports stars such as Muhammad Ali and Mesut Özil, and historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Ludwig van Beethoven. There's even a section of superheros like Spiderman and Shrek.
There's also a behind-the-scenes area where visitors can get a closer look at how the figures are made. It's a complex process starting with measuring and photographing the person who will be sculpted. Great care is taken to ensure the eye color, hair color and style, skin color and even the teeth are as accurate as possible.
Madame Tussauds is a fun place where visitors can walk among the celebrities and have their photo taken with the stars. On average, visits take about an hour and a half.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds Berlin is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except in August when they are open until 8 p.m. Last admission is one hour before closing time. They are located at Unter den Linden 74 near Brandenburg Gate.
Address: Unter den Linden 74, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm (August 10am-8pm)
Admission: Adults €22.50, Children €18
From $ 14
Port of Hamburg
Trade has always been Hamburg’s raison d’etre, and today the Port of Hamburg is the largest in Germany.
The sprawling port takes up more than an eighth of the city, with around 12,000 ships a year delivering and picking up goods.
A river cruise is a good way to get an idea of the port’s size and activity, or step aboard the Rickmer Rickmers windjammer to learn more about Hamburg’s rich maritime history. The nearby Cap San Diego is another museum ship well worth stepping aboard.
Practical Info
The Port of Hamburg is south of the raffish St Pauli area. River cruises leave from the St. Pauli Landungsbrucken jetties along the river.
The closest metro stop is Landungsbrucken.
Address: St. Pauli Landungsbrucken, Hamburg 20459, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Moselle River
The Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, flows for 338 miles (544 kilometers) from the western slopes of the Ballon d’Alsace through France, Luxembourg and Germany before joining the Rhine near Koblenz. Known as the Rhine’s quieter, quainter little sister, the Moselle River meanders through the Moselle Valley, passing cobbled villages and dreamy medieval castles along the way.
The hillsides rising from the banks of the Moselle River produce excellent white wines, particularly Rieslings. The history of viticulture here dates back to the second century, when Romans began planting vines in the area to cut costs on shipping wine in from Italy.
One of the most popular ways to explore the slow-moving Moselle is by river cruise; itineraries often include numerous wine tastings between stops at half-timbered villages, hilltop castles and historic forts. Walking trails follow the banks of the portion of the Moselle in Germany for those who prefer to explore on foot.
Practical Info
November to March marks low season along the Moselle River, and some hotels and restaurants shut down.
Address: Moselle Valley, Germany
From $ 287
Marienplatz
A public plaza in the center of Munich, Marienplatz is full of history—it’s been the city’s main square and central heart of Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) since 1158. Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and possibly the busiest location in all of Munich, with crowds of locals and tourists visiting its landmarks, shops, and restaurants on foot from early morning until late at night.
The Basics
The pedestrian-only Marienplatz is at the center of Munich—both literally and figuratively—and is bordered by a variety of historic structures and shopping markets. In the middle of the square is St. Mary’s Column (Mariensaule), topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a trip up to the top of the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) tower offers panoramic views of Munich; on clear days, you can see all the way to the Bavarian Alps. Historic city tours often begin at Marienplatz, and most bike tours, walking tours, and city sightseeing tours pass through the square as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Head to Marienplatz to watch the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel’s 43 bells and 32 figures perform their song and dance. Shows are at 11am and 12pm year-round, as well as at 5pm in summer.
- The best views of the Glockenspiel show are from the top floor of the Hugendubel bookstore and the Cafe Glockenspiel.
- While there are some flat cobblestones, Marienplatz is widely wheelchair-accessible.
- For the quintessential Munich experience, be sure to visit a hofbrauhaus (beer garden) close to the square.
How to Get There
Marienplatz is located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town. All of Munich’s major landmarks are easily accessible from the centrally located Marienplatz subway station.
When to Get There
Marienplatz is a public square, with varied opening times for the different businesses located there. During the holiday season, one of Munich’s most celebrated Christmas markets is held on the plaza. In summer, the square hosts viktualienmarkt (farmers markets) and musical buskers.
Neues Rathaus and the Glockenspiel
At the top of the Neues Rathaus’ tower is the famous Glockenspiel clock. Every day it chimes at 11am and noon, as well as 5pm in summer. The Glockenspiel portrays two stories from the 16th century, with the top half of the clock acting out the marriage of the local duke (Wilhelm V) to Renata of Lorraine and the bottom half telling the story of the Schafflertanz, or Coopers’ Dance. Legend says that Munich’s coopers danced through the streets during the plague of 1517 to bring vitality to the city.
Address: Altstadt-Lehel, Munich 80331, Germany
From $ 17
Museumsufer
With a string of world-class museums running along the banks of the Main River, Frankfurt’s Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment, is one of Germany’s most important cultural hubs. Thirteen museums call the Museumsufer home, housed in a series of beautifully restored 18th-century villas that line the waterfront of Sachsenhausen between the Friedensbrücke Bridge and Dreikönigskirche Church.
The first museums to open up along the riverside were the Städel Art Institute, the Liebieg Sculpture Museum and the Museum of Communications, but by the 1980s the city had proposed the idea of creating an entire boulevard of museums. Today, residents include the Giersch Museum, the German Museum of Architecture, the German Film Museum, the Museum of World Cultures, the Museum of Applied Art, the Jewish Museum and the Icons Museum. Best of all, those visiting multiple museums along Museumsufer can make the most of combined or discounted tickets, and the embankment also hosts the summer Museumsuferfest, an annual Night of Museums and a weekly Saturday flea market.
Address: Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 17
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, is definitely not your everyday miniature railroad. It’s the largest miniature railroad in the world, and it’s an entire world at a perfect, small scale — one that took 500,000 working hours to create. From software-controlled fire trucks putting out fires in tiny neighborhoods to a 20-foot (6 meter) tall Swiss mountain with alpine skiers and brick tunnels with perfectly timed trains, the features of the different points of interest inside the ‘wonderland’ are not only in perfect working order, they’re filled with details that you could explore for days. Like a ‘Where’s Waldo’ book come to life, the 8 miles (13km) of tracks that wind through Miniatur Wunderland take the visitor on a tour of a tiny world that is utterly fascinating. The airport just might be the world’s most perfect flight simulator, with every possible detail in miniature. There’s a mini Grand Canyon and a mini Las Vegas. ‘Days’ in the different cities last just under an hour, and when night falls each of the city lights come on and different characters come out to play. Spoiler alert: there’s a red-light district, lovers getting frisky in a flowery meadow, and even murder scenes!
Practical Info
Miniatur Wunderland is located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district. The exhibit is divided into several sections: Knuffingen (a fictitious German city), Austria and the Alps, Hamburg, Scandinavia, America, Switzerland, Italy, and the Hamburg Airport. ‘Behind the scenes’ tours lasting an hour offer a special glimpse of what goes on in the inner workings of Miniatur Wunderland.
Address: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, Hamburg 20457, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Old Bridge
The Old Bridge in Heidelberg is a sandstone pedestrian bridge that goes across the Neckar River linking the old town on one side with the Neuenheim district on the other. It was built in 1786, and even though there were several other bridges before it in this location, it was the first one made of stone. On the city side of the bridge, there are two towers that once formed part of the city walls. They contain old dungeons which were used to hold criminals. Between the towers, you can see a plaque honoring the Austrian troops who helped defend the bridge against an attack from the French in 1799.
Another feature visitors will notice is a statue of a monkey holding a mirror. The monkey represents the idea that neither those who lived within the city walls nor those who lived outside the city were any better than the other, and that they should look over their shoulder as the cross the bridge to remember this. Other sculptures on the bridge include a monument to Prince Elector Carl Theodor, who had the bridge built, and one devoted to the Roman goddess Minerva.
Practical Info
The two towers of the Old Bridge stand at Obere Neckarstrasse. The road that runs on the bridge is Karlstrasse.
Address: Alte Brücke, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg 69120, Germany
From $ 138
House of the Arts (Haus der Kunst)
The House of the Arts, or Haus der Kunst in German, is an art museum in Munich that was originally founded by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in 1937. It originally housed Hitler's vision of what great German art was, and the exhibits were folk art displaying Nazi ideals. The museum's purpose has changed several times since the end of World War II, but since 2003 the museum has been dedicated almost exclusively to contemporary art. The Archive Gallery, the museum's permanent exhibition, displays art, photography, and other items that explore the museum's turbulent history.
Other exhibitions in the museum come from contemporary artists whose works include painting, drawing, photography, video, installations and more. Aside from the exhibitions, the museum also focuses on education and research. The House of the Arts holds special events, kids' and youth programs, and tours.
Practical Info
The House of the Arts is located at Prinzregentenstraße 1. Opening hours are 10am to 8pm Friday through Wednesday and 10am to 10pm on Thursdays.
Address: Prinzregentenstraße 1, Munich, Germany
Admission: Adult: €12 - €15
From $ 17
Phantasialand
Phantasialand is a theme park near Cologne, Germany with attractions for all ages. The park has six different themed areas, including Fantasy, Deep in Africa, Berlin, Mexico, Mystery, and China Town, where you can enjoy rides and attractions based on the theme. There is a steam carousel, a log flume ride, water rides, playgrounds and activities for children. The park has a good mix of calm entertainment and thrilling adventures, and visitors can experience relaxing boat trips and cable car rides as well as looping roller coasters. Other attractions include the Maus au Chocolat, the Talocan roller coaster, and the Wakobato water ride.
In the winter, Phantasialand has winter-themed illuminations and special events like the Berlin Advent, the Wild West Christmas, and the Christmas market food and drink tour. The park hosts special shows throughout the year. There are two hotels connected with the park for those who want an extended visit. Several restaurants, cafes, and bars conveniently located throughout the park.
Practical Info
Phantasialand is located at Berggeiststrasse 31-41 in Brühl, about 20 minutes by train from Cologne. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm from late March to late June and late August to late October, 9am to 8pm late June to late August, and 11am to 8pm late November to early January. Admission is 24 euros for children ages 4-11 and seniors ages 60 and up, and 45 euros for adults ages 12 and up.
Address: Berggeiststraße 31-41, Brühl 50321, Germany
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Admission: Adults €45(12+), Children(4-11) and Seniors €24
From $ 162
Karl-Marx-Allee (Stalinallee)
Karl-Marx-Allee was the most famous street in East Berlin. Originally known as Große Frankfurter Straße, it was renamed Stalinallee on Dec. 21, 1949, Stalin's 70th birthday. The street was built as part of the Soviet's reconstruction plan and included residential blocks with buildings designed in the classic Soviet style. The buildings had apartments for workers as well as shops, restaurants, a huge movie theater and a hotel.
On June 17, 1953, Stalinallee was the center of a worker uprising against the communist government. Soviet tanks and troops put a stop to the uprising quickly, and unfortunately at least 125 people lost their lives. Later the road was used for East Germany's annual May Day parade, which included thousands of soldiers along with tanks and other military vehicles to display the power of the communist government.
After Stalin's death, the street was renamed Karl-Marx-Allee on November 13, 1961. Karl-Marx-Allee is 89 meters (97 yards) wide and nearly 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long. At each end are dual towers at Frankfurter Tor and Strausberger Platz. The street was, and still is, a popular place to go shopping and relax at a cafe. After reunification, the residential buildings on Karl-Marx-Allee were sold to investors and underwent extensive renovations. Today, the apartments are a popular place to live.
Practical Info
To get to Karl-Marx-Allee, start at Alexanderplatz. The U5 runs along Karl-Marx-Allee, so you can get out at any station between Alexanderplatz and Frankfurter Tor.
Address: Karl-Marx-Allee, Berlin, Germany
From $ 16
Jungfernstieg
Jungfernstieg is Hamburg's most popular shopping street, located along the Inner Alster Lake. Its name originates from an old tradition of families who would take their unmarried daughters or maidens (Jungfern) to walk around on this promenade. Jungfernstieg was also the first street in Germany to be paved with asphalt.
The stores on Jungfernstieg are mostly upscale shops where you can find high-end clothing, shoes, and jewelry. You can also find accessories, bath products, perfumes, cosmetics, and purses. There is also a spa where you can get a massage and other wellness services. Along with department stores and boutiques, there is also a wide selection of restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a meal while you're shopping.
The most traditional building in the area is the Alster Pavilion, dating back to 1799. Today there is a restaurant there called Cafe Alex where you can have a meal or a coffee while enjoying views of the Inner Alster Lake and the big fountain in the middle of the lake. Nearby is the Alster Pier where you can join a boat tour of the lake.
Practical Info
Junfernstieg is located on the south side of the Inner Alster Lake. To get there, take U-bahn line U1, U2, or U4, or S-bahn line S1, S2, or S3 to the Jungfernstieg stop.
Address: Jungfernstieg, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 21
Potsdam
Just 15 miles (24 km) outside of Germany’s capital city Berlin, Potsdam is a very popular day trip from Berlin. Potsdam is the capital of the German federal state of Brandenburg, and many of its historical sites were built during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when the city was the royal seat of the Prussian kingdom. Although Potsdam was heavily hit by the bombing in WWII, most of the palaces in the Sanssouci Park remain undamaged. Throughout history Potsdam has been a city with many international influences which can still be seen today. The Dutch quarter (Hollaendisches Viertel) and Russian town (Alexandrowka) are both popular places for tourists to visit because of their notable architecture.
Potsdam is probably best known for its plethora of palaces, the most famous being the Schloss Sanssouci, built in 1747. The enormous castle is located west of the city’s historic center in Sanssouci Park. In Sanssouci Park you’ll also find the Wasserwerk Sanssouci, a steam pump built for the park’s fountains and housed in a Moorish-style building.
Practical Info
Bring your walking shoes to explore Potsdam’s city center, which is a pedestrian-only zone (Fussgangerzone) that formerly housed an army garrison. The historic town square has a strong French influence which can be seen in the Franzoesische Kirche (built in 1752).
Address: Potsdam, Germany
From $ 18
Main River
Flowing 527km between Mainz and Bamberg, and passing through 3 German states (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse), the Main River is one of the main tributaries of the mighty Rhine River. Running through the heart of Frankfurt, the river is not only the lifeline of the city’s industrial center, but brings with it a steady stream of cruise passengers.
Frankfurt sightseeing cruises are also a popular way to take in the city’s sights, with attractions like Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), Frankfurt Cathedral, Frankfurt’s famed financial district, nicknamed ‘Little Manhattan’, and Europaturm, the city’s tallest building, all visible along the waterfront.
Address: Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 15
KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens)
A shopping landmark, the KaDeWe is Berlin’s most famous trademark department store. Since 1907, this luxurious and extravagant center has been lowering its iron gates for customers for an exciting shopping adventure.
You can find some of the most famous fashion designers for contemporary apparel including Derek Lam, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Zoe, Theory and Alice & Olivia. Indulge in famous beauty products such as Diptyke, Marni and Sisley. High-end services include a wedding and gift service, a hotel and home service, an on-site tailor, and salon.
At the top of the plaza, there's an amazing food section. You'll find artisan chocolates, fresh baked pastries, restaurants, wine shops and more! We specifically like the champagne bars and chocolate bars that provide lounges with a view to match.
You can find some of the most famous fashion designers for contemporary apparel including Derek Lam, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Zoe, Theory and Alice & Olivia. Indulge in famous beauty products such as Diptyke, Marni and Sisley. High-end services include a wedding and gift service, a hotel and home service, an on-site tailor, and salon.
At the top of the plaza, there's an amazing food section. You'll find artisan chocolates, fresh baked pastries, restaurants, wine shops and more! We specifically like the champagne bars and chocolate bars that provide lounges with a view to match.
Address: Tauentzienstrasse 21-24, Berlin 10789, Germany
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am - 8pm; Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 9:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday.
From $ 23
Missing House
A haunting tribute to all that was lost in WWII, the aptly named ‘Missing House’ is powerful in simplicity – a visual metaphor that pushes visitors to consider the lasting effects of war. Destroyed by bombing in February 1945, the ‘house’ is now nothing more than an empty space between 2 buildings, but it was once part of a thriving mixed community, with both Jewish and non-Jewish former residents.
Transformed into ‘a memorial space dedicated to absence’ by French artist Christian Boltanski in 1990, the neighboring houses are now adorned with brass plaques listing the house’s former residents. It’s a moving sight, with the stark space offering a poignant reminder of what is left behind after war, and the surprising variety of former residents (both in religion and class status) showcasing a diversity all but wiped out by the arrival of the Nazi regime.
Practical Info
The Missing House is located on Grosshamburger Strasse in central Berlin and open to the public at all times. There is no admission fee.
Address: Grosse Hamburgerstrasse 16, Berlin, Germany
From $ 16
Paulaner Brewery
With a 400-year history of beer brewing and famously one of the six breweries that provide beer for Oktoberfest, the Paulaner Brewery is a clear contender for the title of Munich’s top brewery. The origins of the Paulaner Brewery date back to 1634, started by the Paulaner monks of Kloster Neudeck ob der Au, and it remains one of Munich’s biggest traditional breweries, producing some 2 million hectoliters each year and exporting beer to over 70 countries around the world.
Today, beer lovers can also enjoy tours of the historic brewery, viewing the malting towers, brewhouse, fermenting tanks, beer cellars and wells, and learning all about the legendary Bavarian Purity Law and how it guarantees the quality and taste of the beers. Visitors can also enjoy a beer tasting or extend their visit at the neighboring Paulaner Bräuhaus beer garden.
Practical Info
The Paulaner Brewery is located on the Nockherberg hill, around 2km south of central Munich and is open for tours from Monday to Friday. Adult admission at the time of writing is €8.
Address: Falkenstrasse 11, Munich 81541, Germany
Admission: €8
From $ 32
Potsdamer Platz
A symbol of a unified Germany, Potsdamer Platz in central Berlin was once a busy square with a major railway station. Second World War bombings completely destroyed it and then the Berlin Wall divided it, before being redeveloped into a thriving social and cultural hub.
The Basics
Potsdamer Platz was a trading post before developing into a thriving area with numerous restaurants and beer halls. WWII allied air raids reduced the square and much of the surrounding area to rubble, and in 1961, the Berlin Wall was built right across it.
In 1989, the wall came down, and the area was redeveloped into an entertainment complex and stands as a symbol of a new Berlin. Now, it’s home to restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and fashionable shops. Highlights include the Sony Center with its futuristic tent-like roof, the Kollhoff Tower with panoramic views of Berlin, and the Legoland Discovery Centre, always a hit with kids. Many city tours—on foot, by bike, and via vehicle—stop at Potsdamer Platz, one of Berlin’s most famous locations.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A metal strip set into the paving stones traces the former path of the Berlin Wall.
- The Berlinale film festival is held at Potsdamer Platz every February.
- Scan the QR code on the giant “digital cobblestone” in front of the Deutsche Bahn Tower to access an interactive tour of the square.
- In winter, the square holds a “winter wonderland” with ice rink, curling, toboggan run, and apres-ski cabin.
- Weinhaus Huth is the only prewar building left in the square.
How to Get There
Potsdamer Platz is in the center of Berlin, near the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. You can get here via car (there is underground car parking at the square), as part of a private tour, as part of a group bike tour, or even in your own mini hot rod car that can be hired for the day. The closest metro station is Berlin Potsdamer Platz Bahnhof on the S Bahn.
When to Get There
Potsdamer Platz is a public square and is open 24 hours a day. Shops, bars, restaurants, and attractions found in the square have different opening hours, so check times before visiting any site.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum
Checkpoint Charlie Museum containing several devices, including a hot air balloon used by East Berliners to escape the Communist regime, offers a fascinating look at Cold War–era Berlin. The museum was established shortly after the Berlin Wall was built and stood next to its namesake military checkpoint gate to peacefully resist the city’s divisions.
Address: Potsdamer Platz 1, Berlin 10785, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 16