Choose from 113 Fun Things to Do in Berlin
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 113 listings.
Allied Museum (Alliierten Museum)
The Allied Museum, or Alliierten Museum in German, explores the history of the Allies in Berlin from the end of World War II until a few years after the reunification of Germany. In the decades after the war, the conflicts of the Cold War between French, British, and American troops in the West and the Soviets in the East shaped the reconstruction of the city. The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits which focus on different aspects of this period of Berlin's history.
The permanent exhibit is divided into sections. One area, in the former American Outpost movie theater, explores the years 1945 to 1950 and includes the end of the war, the first years of the occupation and a big focus on the Berlin Airlift during the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949. The open-air exhibit includes a plane used during the airlift, the dining car from a French military train, the last guardhouse from Checkpoint Charlie, and segments of the Berlin Wall. This area explores the threats to the access of West Berlin.
Another area examines the period from 1951 to 1994. The focus is on the Cold War and the military confrontations between East and West. This exhibition also depicts everyday life in the garrisons as well as the events of German unity in 1990 through withdrawal of Western forces in 1994.
Practical Info
The Alliierten Museum is located at Clayallee 135, and it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: Clayallee 135, Berlin 14195, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
From $ 114
Semper Opera House (Semperoper Erleben)
Dresden's Semper Opera House, or Semperoper in German, was built between 1838 and 1841. The opera house is located along the Elbe River in the historic center of Dresden. It is Germany's most famous opera house and the home of the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world's oldest and best-known orchestras, as well as the Saxon State Opera. The opera house closed during World War II in August 1944, and it was destroyed six months later during allied bombings. It was a long time before reconstruction began, but it was completed on February 13, 1985, exactly 40 years after the building was destroyed.
Semperoper Erleben, or Semper Opera Experience, offers guided tours of the opera house. During a tour, you will learn about the architecture in the opera house's richly adorned rooms. You will learn what makes such unique acoustics in artistically furnished viewing rooms. The multi-lingual guides will also teach you about the opera house’s history. There are special tours at night, tours themed for children, and tours that focus on different topics such as architecture.
Practical Info
The Semper Opera House is located at Theaterplatz 2. Tours cost 10 euros and are offered most days from 3 to 3:35 p.m., but check ahead since available days and times sometimes vary.
Address: Theaterplatz 2, Dresden, Germany
Hours: Tours 3-3:35 p.m.; available days/times vary
Admission: Tour 10 Euros
From $ 13
Warnemunde Cruise Port
With its lively promenade and sandy beaches, Warnemünde is one of Germany’s most popular seaside resorts. But for cruise visitors the northern port town is best known for its proximity to Berlin, just two hours away, and other nearby attractions.
The Basics
Day tour destinations from Warnemünde include Rostock (7.5 miles/12 kilometers south), Potsdam (146 miles/235 kilometers south), and Berlin (150 miles/240 kilometers southeast). Full-day shore excursions run to Berlin, where you can take in the many attractions of the German capital, including the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, and the remains of the Berlin Wall; or Potsdam, the former home of the Prussian kings and one of Germany’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Small-group and private tours are often covered by a worry-free policy, offering guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.
How to Get to Berlin from Warnemünde Port
Ships dock at both Warnemünde on the Baltic Sea coast and Rostock, just up the river, and most ships run free shuttles between the two ports and Warnemunde town center. In Warnemünde, the docks are located right next to the train station, and it’s an easy 10- to 15-minute walk into town. To travel to Berlin or Potsdam on a day trip, the only feasible option is to prebook a shore excursion by chartered train or bus, as public transportation links can take several hours.
Port Information
Warnemünde is one of Germany’s most popular seaports, visited by cruise liners operated by Princess, MSC, AIDA, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Costa, among others. Locals speak German, although English is widely understood. The currency is the euro, available from banks and ATMs in the town center.
Address: Warnemunde, Germany
From $ 228
Unter den Linden
Named for the lime trees lining its central pedestrianized strip, Unter den Linden is one of Berlin’s most famous thoroughfares, and the former hub of historic Berlin.
Many of the avenue’s once palatial buildings are being restored, and it’s a popular location for embassies, shops, outdoor cafes, museums and educational institutions.
A walk along the Unter den Linden is especially magical at night, when the trees are lit up, and during the autumn colors of fall.
Practical Info
The lovely avenue runs east from the Brandenburg Gate to the River Spree and Museum Island. The closest subway is Brandenburger Tor.
Address: Unter den Linden, Berlin 10785, Germany
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 16
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
Reichstag
The seat of Germany’s Parliament and one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks, the Reichstag building is an impressive feat of 19th-century architecture, with a futuristic glass dome and classical columns on its facade. The structure stands proudly on the River Spree’s southern bank, a stoic reminder of Berlin’s turbulent history.
The Basics
Climb the spiral walkway of the Reichstag’s multi-tiered glass dome to enjoy panoramic views of Berlin from the rooftop terrace and restaurant, take an audio tour, or stroll the vast lawn to admire the building’s striking facade. For an in-depth look at the Reichstag’s pivotal role in German history, visit on a guided walking or bike tour of the Government District. It’s also possible to admire the building’s exterior on a Berlin city tour, pass by on a scenic cruise along the River Spree, or visit on hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Reichstag building is a must-see for first-time visitors to Berlin.
- Entrance to the Reichstag is free, but visitors must register in advance at the German Bundestag Service Centre.
- All visitors must present a passport or official identification card upon arrival.
- Security checks are carried out on all belongings; large bags are not allowed inside.
- Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.
- The Reichstag is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Reichstag is located on Scheidemannstraße in West Berlin, at the northeastern corner of Tiergarten Park. The closest U-Bahn and S-Bahn station is Brandenburger Tor. The building is also a short walk from neighboring attractions such as Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (the Holocaust Memorial), and Potsdamer Platz.
When to Get There
The Reichstag is open daily until midnight. It can get extremely busy, especially during summer, so it’s best to visit on a weekday or choose an early-morning time slot to avoid crowds. For a picturesque experience, visit the glass dome after nightfall to enjoy a dazzling view of Berlin’s illuminated skyline.
History of the Reichstag Building
The original Reichstag building—a neo-Renaissance design by Paul Wallot—opened its doors in 1894. It was the seat of the German Parliament (the Bundestag) until Hitler took office in 1933, when the building was badly damaged by a fire and abandoned. Further damaged by World War II bombing, the Reichstag served as a museum throughout the Cold War. Finally, it was restored and reopened in 1990 after the German Reunification, complete with its now-iconic glass dome—the creation of acclaimed British architect Norman Foster.
Address: Platz der Republik 1, Berlin 11011, Germany
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Zwinger and Semperbau
Run under the auspices of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections) along with 14 other museums, the Zwinger was constructed from 1710–32 by architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. It is a fanciful piece of Baroque styling with galleries connecting six pavilions encrusted with statues of gods from Greek mythology, fronted by an ornate courtyard garden and entered through the flamboyant Crown Gate. To the right of the Zwinger is the austere Semperbau (Semper Building), opened in 1855. Both galleries were destroyed by bombing in World War II and restored in the 1960s–70; today they are home to an incomparable collection of paintings and decorative arts.
The Zwinger Gallery offers two galleries: the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon displays a wealth of early mechanical instruments such as globes and sextants, clocks and fob watches; and the Porzellansammlung has one of the best collections of porcelain in the world, showcasing Dresden, Meissen and Oriental china.
The neighboring Semperbau houses the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters’ Gallery), featuring famous works from the likes of Rubens, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Titian and Holbein; its spectacular major highlight is the glowing Sistine Madonna (1512) by Raphael.
Practical Info
Theaterplatz 1. Open Tue - Sun 1-am–6pm. Admission Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon: adults €6, concessions €4.50, under 17 free. Ticket for all three galleries: adults €10, concessions €7.50, under 17 free. Trams 4, 8 or 9 to Theaterplatz.
Address: Theaterplatz 1, Dresden, Germany
Hours: Open Tue - Sun 1-am–6pm
Admission: Adults: €10
From $ 14
Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror exhibition and documentation center covers the history of terror during the Nazi era. The centers of this national-socialist terror between 1933 and 1945 were the Gestapo and its prison, the SS headquarters, the SS Security Service (SD) and the Reichssicherheitshauptamt (Main Office for State Security). These institutions were located in the immediate vicinity of the Nazi government district, and the history of the crimes originating there is featured at Topography of Terror. There is also a second exhibition that focuses on the role of Berlin as the capital of the Third Reich.
Also on site is one of the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. Niederkirchnerstrasse, formerly Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse, formed part of the border between the U.S. and Soviet sectors of Berlin, and the boundary ran along the south side of the street.
The first exhibition was held here in 1987 as part of Berlin's 750th anniversary celebration. Shortly after, the headquarters were excavated, and the site was turned into a memorial and museum. Plans for a new building and permanent exhibition began several years later, and today more than 800,000 people visit Topography of Terror each year.
Practical Info
Topography of Terror is located at Niederkirchnerstrasse 8. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and admission is free.
Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
From $ 16
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
Sanssouci Palace
Glimpse the lavish days of the aristocracy in 18th-century Prussia at Sanssouci Palace. Built for King Frederik the Great, the palace is a fine example of rococo opulence. Gilded ornaments and priceless antiques fill the interiors, while perfectly manicured grounds with fountains and follies, and even a vineyard, are outdoors.
The Basics
Sanssouci is French for “without a care,” and this irreverent spirit can be clearly seen in King Frederik’s summer home and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he came to relax and get away from the pressures of life at court in Berlin.
Visitors come to tour the lavish rooms filled with statues and ornaments, including the king’s bedroom, the impressive circular library, and the marble hall. The terraced vineyard leading up to the garden facade of the house—where Frederik himself is buried—is a particular highlight for many. People often come to the palace as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Berlin or choose to spend a few days in the town exploring its sights and surrounding countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to the palace is via paid ticket.
- Reduced price tickets for seniors and students, and family combined tickets are available.
- The palace and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
- There is a small cafe on-site.
How to Get There
Sanssouci Palace is located in Potsdam, some 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Berlin. It’s possible to drive to the palace or to take the train to Potsdam Sanssouci Park from Berlin. Guided tours visit the palace frequently, with round-trip transport from Berlin provided. From Potsdam town, you can take a local train to the park or catch bus no. 605 to the palace.
When to Get There
Sanssouci Palace has seasonal hours. From April to October, it is open 10am–5:30pm Tuesday–Sunday. From November to March, it is open 10am–4:30pm. The palace is closed on Mondays year-round. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The palace is usually busiest midmorning through lunchtime.
Explore the Town of Potsdam
Close to Berlin yet in rolling countryside, Potsdam was the destination of choice for the German aristocracy as a summer hideout. Along with the grand Sanssouci Palace, you can visit the baroque Barberini Palace, recently fully restored after being destroyed in WWII; the delightfully decorative Chinese House pavilion; and the Marmorpalais (built for Frederick the Great’s nephew Frederik Wilhelm).
Address: Sanssouci Park, Potsdam 14469, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Located just north of Berlin, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was once one of the Nazi regime’s harshest prison camps. Today, Sachsenhausen is a memorial to those who lost their lives here, as well as a museum with a library, archive, and open-air exhibits to educate visitors.
The Basics
Inside Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, a collection of exhibits allow you to explore sites such as the barracks, prison, kitchen, and commandant’s offices. While entry to Sachsenhausen is free, a guided tour provides additional insight into the history of Nazi Germany and further illuminates the lives of prisoners who were once held at the camp. Most tours of the solemn memorial site leave from Berlin, including private and small-group excursions that offer a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow about two hours to fully explore the site, and wear comfortable shoes for walking between exhibits.
- The memorial site is a somber place that invites reflection; remember to be respectful.
- Most of Sachsenhausen is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Sachsenhausen is located in Oranienburg, roughly one hour by train and 40 minutes by road from central Berlin. To get there via public transit, take the metro (S-Bahn) to Oranienburg from downtown Berlin, then walk 20 minutes or take bus 804 to the memorial site.
When to Get There
The Sachsenhausen memorial is open year-round. Much of the site is outdoors, so dress for the weather if you plan to visit during winter. The library and archive are open Tuesday through Friday, while the open-air exhibits and memorial are open daily.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp History
The camp was built by prisoners in the summer of 1936 and was used to train SS officers who went on to command other Nazi concentration camps. A total of 105,000 people died at Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg during World War II, and in January 1945, just months before the site was liberated by the Allies in April, more than 65,000 men and women prisoners were here.
Address: Straße der Nationen 22, Berlin 16515, Germany
Hours: Daily 8:30am-6pm (until 4:30pm Oct 15-March 14)
From $ 18
Tiergarten Park
Berlin’s Central Park is Tiergarten, a huge stretch of parkland, formal gardens and leafy walkways in the city’s west.
Until the 1830s the parkland was used as a hunting ground. Today it houses the home of the German President, an array of public sculptures and memorials, canals and lakes, and a network of lovely shady avenues.
The park’s avenues merge on the 66 meter (216 foot) Victory Tower, topped with a gilt angel. If you’re feeling fit, you can climb the 285 steps to a platform at the top to catch stupendous views of Berlin.
Practical Info
The eastern edge of the Tiergarten is bordered by the Reichstag, Bundestag and Brandenburg Gate.
The closest subways are Tiergarten on the western edge of the park and Brandenburger Tor on the east.
Address: Straße des 17 Juni, Berlin 10785, Germany
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Soviet War Memorial
In Berlin there are three Soviet War Memorials. One is located in the northern end of the city in the Pankow district, one is in the southern end of the city in Treptow Park, and one is in the center of the city in Tiergarten. The memorial in Tiergarten is probably the most well known due to its central location. It sits in an area surrounded by a wooded park. All three memorials were established to honor Soviet soldiers who were killed in 1945 in Berlin during the final days of World War II. The memorial in Tiergarten is a large curved structure with a statue of a Soviet soldier on top.
This particular Soviet War Memorial stood in the British sector of Berlin. It was built shortly after the war ended and was supported by the Allied forces. Throughout the time when the city was divided, Soviet honor guards came from the east to the west to stand watch at the memorial. Today the memorial is maintained by the German government, and around 2,000 soldiers are buried here.
Practical Info
The Soviet War Memorial at Tierpark is located at Strasse des 17 Juni. To get there take the U55 to the Bundestag station.
Address: Strasse des 17 Juni, Berlin 10785, Germany
From $ 16
Platz der Republik
The Platz der Republik in Berlin is a square in front of the Reichstag Building, which is the German government building and the seat of the German Parliament. The square covers an area of more than 397,000 square feet and is almost entirely covered in grass. There are also a few hedges and trees. The square was originally called Königsplatz, which means Square of the King, but in 1926 the name was changed since the monarchy was abolished. However, when the Nazis came to power in 1933, the name was changed back to Königsplatz. In 1948 the name reverted back to Platz der Republik once again.
Today visitors can relax in the square and enjoy being surrounded by important symbols of Germany's history as well as its present. You can take a tour of the Reichstag Building where the glass-domed roof offers great views of the city and an audio guide tells stories of the country's history and explains how the German government works. Also nearby is Brandenburg Gate.
Practical Info
The Platz der Republik is bound by Scheidemannstrasse to the south and Paul-Löbe-Alle to the north. To get there take the U55 to the Bundestag station.
Address: Platz der Republik, Berlin 10557, Germany
From $ 37
Schwules Museum (Gay Museum)
The success of the exhibit “Eldorado – the History, Everyday Life and Culture of Homosexual Women and Men 1850-1950” in 1984 at what was then called the Berlin Museum inspired the creation of the Schwules Museum, or the Gay Museum. The three people who initiated the original exhibition, along with a group of activists, founded the Verein der Freunde eines Schwulen Museums in 1985, and in 1986 they had their first exhibit. The museum has become incredibly successful over the years, and lending requests come from all over the world.
Today the Schwules Museum is one of the world's largest and most significant institutions for archiving, researching and communicating the history and culture of LGBTQI communities. Changing exhibits examine different themes and concepts in history, art and culture. Exhibits have included themes such as drag queens, gender issues and AIDS, while some exhibitions are film. The museum hosts lectures and events throughout the year, including scheduled guided tours of certain exhibits from time to time.
On the upper floor of the building is a reference library with more than 16,000 volumes, plus over 1,500 magazines, over 4,000 films and a variety of other media.
Practical Info
The Schwules Museum is located at Lützowstraße 73. It is open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday, the museum is open from 2 to 7 p.m. It's closed on Tuesday.
Address: Lützowstraße 73, Berlin 10785, Germany
Hours: Sunday-Monday & Wednesday-Friday 2pm-6pm; Saturday 2pm-7pm; closed Tuesday
From $ 16
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg is a neighborhood in Berlin west of Mitte and was part of East Berlin while the city was divided. During World War II, relatively few buildings were destroyed in this area compared with other parts of the city, and as a result, there are over 300 buildings are protected as historic monuments.
The neighborhood has a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where many people spend their evenings, mostly near the Eberswalder Strasse U-bahn station, as well as art galleries and trendy boutiques. In the western part of the neighborhood, near Mitte, you'll find Mauerpark. Literally translated, this means Wall Park. It was a section of the city where the wall separated East from West, and Mauerpark was in the no man's land between the layers of the border. It was the site of the Old Nordbahnhof (north train station) freight yard until the wall was built, cutting it off from the city.
Prenzlauer Berg is a hub of Berlin's art scene. Due to cheap prices, it was popular with students for quite some time, though these days that popularity is causing rents to rise, and students are starting to look elsewhere. It still remains a well-liked neighborhood due to its beauty and central location, and it has seen an influx of American and European immigrants looking for an inexpensive, artistic place to live.
Address: Berlin, Germany
From $ 16
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
St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)
Nikolaikirche, or St. Nicholas Church, is Berlin's oldest church and was completed in 1230. The basement floors are considered to be the oldest rooms in Berlin. The church played a significant role in Berlin's history. During the Reformation, it was the site of the first Protestant public worship service in the area when Elector Joachim II sided with Martin Luther's reforms. In 1809, the first elected city council for Berlin was sworn in at the church. In 1991, the first freely elected legislature for the newly unified city of Berlin held its first meeting in the church.
The church has undergone several additions and restorations over the centuries. It was no longer used as a church starting in 1939, and it was destroyed in World War II. After extensive restoration, the church has functioned as a museum dedicated to Nikolaiviertel, the district surrounding the church, since 1987. Visitors can climb the tower for spectacular views of Berlin.
Practical Info
St. Nicholas Church is located at Nikolaikirchplatz.
Address: Nikolaikirchplatz, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: €5
From $ 16
Teufelsberg
Teufelsberg (“Devil's Mountain,”) is a hill composed of an estimated 40 million cubic feet (12 million cubic meters) of war rubble–around 400,000 bombed houses–north of Berlin’s Grunewald forest. Reaching 394 feet (120 meters) above sea level, the manmade hill is still home to the abandoned listening station used by the Americans and British during the Cold War to gather intelligence in Russian-controlled East Germany.
Three bulbous globes–two radomes perched atop three-story-high buildings and a third on a building six stories higher–remain, though they are covered with street art and in a questionable state of repair. Eintritt Verboten (“Entrance Forbidden”) signs and fencing keep the curious visitor out of the former spy station, but it is possible to take a tour of parts of the interior for a small cost.
The view over the Grunewald, across Berlin and up to the Havel is one of the best in the city. After looking past the green forest in all directions, visitors will see the Fernsehturm and Berliner Dom gleaming in the east, and sailing boats on the Havel river in the west. Though the area has been described as looking like “a post-apocalyptic movie set,” locals meet at the Teufelsberg in the summer for picnics and in the winter for sledding and snowball fights.
Insider’s Tip: Weekends are quite busy, so it’s best to opt for a tour of the Teufelsberg during the week if you’d like to bypass the crowds.
Practical Info
To reach the Teufelsberg, take the S-Bahn (S9 or S75) to Heerstraße; or the S1 to Grunewald and walk or cycle from there. By car, park in the on-site lot and then walk along the paved ‘Dragonfly Street’ path until you come to the fence. Daytime is best for observation purposes — Teufelsberg provides great city views, as you’d expect from Berlin’s highest ‘mountain.’
Address: Teufelsbergchaussee, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Varies
From $ 6
Treptower Park
Treptower Park in Berlin dates back to the end of the 18th century and runs along the Spree – the city’s most famous river. Perhaps best known for the Soviet War Memorial located in it, this public park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and perhaps a spot of people-watching, particularly alongside the river’s promenade.
At the end of World War II, three war memorials were built in Berlin to commemorate Soviet deaths – particularly the 80,000 soldiers killed during the Battle of Berlin. The Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park is a both a memorial and a military cemetery, built to commemorate 5,000 of these men. The memorial consists of two over-sized red flags flanking a walkway through the middle. At one end is a statue of ‘Mother Russia’ weeping, while at the other, a bronze statue of a Soviet soldier stands atop a burial mound.
During Berlin’s separation, parts of the Spree served as border areas and as such there’s a memorial to mark this in the middle of the river itself. The Molecule Man structure is a 30-meter high metallic statue featuring three men facing each other and joining hands, signifying the reunion between Berlin’s neighbourhoods after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Practical Info
To visit the park, hop off at Treptower Park station – it’s served by the S-Bahn line.
Address: Alt-Treptow, Berlin 12435, Germany
From $ 32