It’s no surprise that even experienced travelers get overwhelmed by visiting Berlin - one of the most populous capital cities of the European Union. It takes more than couples of days to enjoy seeing this sublime city thoroughly, and more than few months to live here and grasp the full understanding of the international Berliners’ versatile lifestyle. Here are some gorgeous highlights you must not miss when visiting Berlin.
Wander around Brandenburg Gate
With over two hundred years of history, Brandenburg is definitely the most crucial landmark, monument, and symbol of Berlin. It was originally built between 1788 and 1791 to represent peace among one of the 18 gates of Berlin during the 18th Century. The gate was used as a symbol of the city’s division, along with the Berlin Wall, by the Democratic Republic, then as the Nazi’s image, and thus becoming the representation for Berlin’s historic reunification when the city was united.
Currently, the gate is no longer used as the main entrance to Berlin. Nevertheless, it remains an important cultural heritage of the city, as well as Germany. One of Europe’s biggest open-air street parties during New Year’s Eve happens between Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column. In 2015, it is anticipated that over a million people will be coming to Brandenburg gate to celebrate New Year’s Eve outdoors.
Walking through the Berlin Wall
Previously used as a border to prevent the citizens of East Germany, and Berliners from migrating to the West from 1961, the Berlin Wall was known as the ‘death strip’ because so many people were killed here while attempting to flee. In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell down, marking the end of the ruling Communist Party’s dictatorship in Eastern Germany.
In 1982, the West German artist Elsner created about 500 artworks along the Berlin Wall before the border soldier could detect him. The East Side Gallery includes 105 paintings created by artists from all over the world in 1990. Currently, Berlin Wall is probably the largest open-air gallery in the world. The experience of walking through a roughly 1.4 kilometre (almost 1 mile) path of art is incredible.
Climb up the Reichstag
With construction starting from 1871, the Reichstag was finally opened in 1894 to house the German general assembly. In 1933, the Reichstag building fell into disuse after World War II. However, after a long period of being destroyed during the Nazi Period, it was reconstructed after the Cold War.
Nowadays, the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, has its seat at the Reichstag Building. Tourists are allowed to visit the terrace and dome of the Reichstag building for free, but prior registration (online or at the service centre) is required. From there, you can get a spectacular view of the parliamentary and government district, as well as Berlin’s sights.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
What’s more of Berlin
Berlin has a lot more places to offer, including the Berlin Cathedral, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and Museum Island. You can also take a walk up to the Victory Column, which is a major attraction Without lining in a long queue and paying an entrance fee, you can still get a nice overall view of the city from the column. With its wide selection of hundreds of attractions and museums to visit, Berlin is certainly one of the most important cultural, and historical centres of Germany, as well as Europe.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to