Germany, Berlin is a city that has seen its fair share of ups and downs throughout history. From the devastation of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall, there is no shortage of stories to explore in this fascinating city. Here are some top locations to visit in Berlin that should definitely be on your itinerary.
Museum Island
Nestled in the city center and recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, Museum Island is a complex of five world-renowned museums. Here you can see some of the most important artifacts and art pieces from throughout history, including the stunning bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum.
Antiquities may be seen at the Pergamonmuseum and the Altes Museum, while 19th-century art can be found at the Alte Nationalgalerie, and medieval and Renaissance sculptures can be found at the Bode-Museum.
Berlin Wall
No trip to Berlin would be complete without a visit to the Berlin Wall. If you were alive and old enough to see the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you’ll recall hundreds of ecstatic revelers cheering and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate. Today, visitors can see remnants of the wall throughout the city, including the East Side Gallery, which features murals by artists from around the world.
The summer grounds of Frederick the Great provide for a wonderful day out in Potsdam, the state capital of Brandenburg, just an S-Bahn ride southwest of central Berlin. Visitors may spend hours wandering around the palace’s grounds, as well as the elaborate Bildergalerie and Neue Kammern (‘new chambers’). After a few days of pounding the pavements in Berlin, a visit to the green gardens is well appreciated.
Berlin Zoo
The West Germany city houses the Berlin Zoo, known to be one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. With over 20,000 animals, it’s a great place to spend a day exploring the animal kingdom.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Panda Garden, which is home to two giant pandas.
West Berlin
West Berlin was once a separate city entirely, surrounded by the Berlin Wall. Today, it’s a vibrant and lively part of the city that’s well worth exploring. Check out the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a stunning church that was damaged during World War II and left as a reminder of the destruction. And if you’ve got some extra time, don’t miss the Berlin Cathedral.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall and is covered in murals painted by artists from around the world. It’s a powerful testament to the city’s history and a great place to take some Instagram-worthy photos. You’ll surely appreciate the street art of this famous spot.
Berlin Wall Memorial
Located on Bernauer Strasse, the Berlin Wall Memorial is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s history. Here you can see a preserved section of the wall, as well as a memorial to those who lost their lives trying to cross it.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum
The museum is named after the famous Checkpoint Charlie border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the height of the Cold War. The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the people who attempted to cross the border between East and West Germany during this time, often risking their lives in the process.
Bode Museum
The Bode Museum is located on Museum Island and is home to an impressive collection of sculptures and other art from throughout history. If you’re interested in art, this is definitely a museum you won’t want to miss.
Berlin is a city with a rich and complex history, and these are just a few of the many things to see and do here. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s World War II past or simply want to take in some of the world-class museums and galleries, there is something for everyone in Berlin.