Sandwiched between the River Havel and River Spree, Berlin is the largest city in Germany and has more than 3.7 million residents. It is also one of the most visited cities in Germany. In fact, the Zoological Garden is the most visited zoo in Europe as well as one of the most popular in the world.
There is a lot to do in Berlin, with over 135 museums and 400 galleries, hundreds of parks and monuments, and dozens of malls and markets. The visitor attractions such as the TV Tower, Teufelsberg Spy Station, and Mauerpark, are also popular. Between shopping and touring, leave your luggage at a Berlin suitcase storage spot to see the city hands-free.
Museums
German History Museum
For history lovers, the German History Museum features items from the middle ages to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Take a tour of two floors to learn German history in chronological order. More than 7,000 pieces show how people lived and the events that were memorable as well as everyday items.
Museum Island
This is an all-day trip since the island has five museums as well as gardens and memorials. Museums include Altes, Neues, Bode, Pergamon, and the National Gallery. They even have one of the original 7 wonders of the world, the Gate of Ishtar. This is an experience you don’t want to miss.
People Museum
Body Worlds at the People Museum shows what you look like underneath your skin. See your muscles, bones, and circulatory system as well as the complex way your body works. They also have inside out animals such as giraffes, ostriches, and a lion from the Berlin Zoo.
Galleries
East Side Gallery
What is left of the Berlin Wall is now a giant series of murals. In fact, it includes over 100 paintings by artists like Oskar, Bodo Sperling, and Dmitri Vrubel. These works of art were all painted in 1990 on the east side of the wall, which is how it got the name East Side Gallery. This is an amazing spot for selfies.
Hamburger Bahnhof
The collection at Hamburger Bahnhof Museum includes art from 1960 to now. These include redefinitions of paintings, a continuation of sculpture in object art, and the unique role of multimedia and photography concepts. The open presentation style makes it a different type of gallery to enjoy.
Berlinische Galerie
At Berlinische Galerie, see the Drawn City Works on Paper from 1945, Fashion Art Images, and Alicja Kwade’s amazing sculptures. The Art in Berlin from 1880 to 1980 Collection includes Otto Dix from 1891 to 1969, Naum Gabo from 1890 to 1977, Jacoba van Heemskerck from 1876 to 1923, and Werner Heldt from 1904 to 1954.
Notable Buildings and Structures
Berlin Cathedral
The cathedral is a magnificent building to see no matter who you are. The dome in itself is worth the visit. Dating back to the 1400s, it is actually on Museum Island but deserves to have a separate listing. Some of the main features include models, designs, and drawings as well as amazing panoramic views from the dome.
Brandenburg Gate
The most famous landmark in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate was the symbol of the city divided. Built in the 1700s, it is the only gate of Berlin left standing. It was a site of protest when Germany was divided, a place of celebration when the wall fell in 1989, and Napoleon himself went through in 1806.
Berlin TV Tower
In the 1960s, the government started the building of the 656-foot tower, which is not just a TV tower, but a landmark, shopping center, tourist attraction, and dining area. The upper foyer has a bar for up to 200 guests, the observation deck can hold up to 120, and the revolving restaurant holds about 200.
Shopping
Mall of Berlin
From Adidas to Zero, the Mall of Berlin has 160 shops to peruse on four floors. They also have more than 50 eateries including Wonder Waffel and Al Teatro. Need gifts? Hauptstadtmarke Berlin Souvenir Shops, I Love Berlin, or one of the other four gift shops can help you out. This is a fun place for all, and tourists can shop tax-free!
Flea Marketing
You cannot miss out on the markets in Berlin because they are unlike any other. The Night Flea Market in SO-36 is a fantastic experience for night shoppers. And the trendy place for young people is Fesche Lotte at Kranoldplatz. But the largest market in Berlin is the Neuköllner Market along the River Spree.
Alexa Center
The Alexa Center is also a big mall full of great stores to choose from. In fact, they have 144 stores in all, from Alexa Apotheke to Zara. They also have 33 eateries from Aida to Wonderpots Frozen Yogurt. You can even get a tattoo at one of the two tattoo parlors, get your nails done, or get a new hairdo.
Parks
Berlin Zoo
Nobody can pass up a trip to the zoo. And the Berlin Zoo is one of the most popular in the world. With 1,504 different species from the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill to the Sloth Bear, you can see them all. With over 86 acres, it even has an aquarium with 13,000 animals. Don’t miss the new rhino feature.
Britzer Garten
This park has more than just some trails, playgrounds, and sporting areas. You can find some really awesome gardens here too. The Karl Foerster Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, and Geological Garden are all great, but the Witch’s Garden is special. The medieval castle is surrounded by troll flowers, strawberries, and lilies.
Botanical Garden
This 106-acre botanical garden has over 22,000 plant species. Built between 1897 to 1910, it is part of the Free University of Berlin. They even have a museum with a large herbarium and scientific library. Numerous pieces of art are also placed through the park including work from Fritz Klimsch and Constantin Starck.
No matter what you do in Berlin, after touring be sure to try some of their German cuisine. Currywurst can be found just about everywhere, which is a sausage soaked in curry sauce. And you have to try the bratwurst because this is where it originated. Street food is also popular with kebabs found on every corner.
Sources
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/berlin/articles/15-must-visit-attractions-in-berlin/
https://notanomadblog.com/50-things-to-do-in-berlin/
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/berlin-d-bn-ber.htm
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187323-Activities-Berlin.html
https://www.timeout.com/berlin/things-to-do/best-berlin-attractions
https://www.visitberlin.de/en/berlins-top-10-attractions
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-berlin/
