Known to be one of the most important and popular landmarks in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is known to be the symbol of the reunification of both West and East Germany and the demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1991. It is located right at the heart of Berlin and also represents centuries of prosperity, war, and peace. As a former symbol of a divided nation, the Brandenburg Gate still draws tourists from around the world for them to have a look at everything that happens behind the wall. Follow our guide to Brandenburg Gate and get the most out of your trip to this historic monument.
1. Things to do / Highlights
Take a selfie
Of course, being at the Brandenburg Gate is not complete without taking a selfie! While the Brandenburg Gate is open all day and all night, the best time to take a selfie is from sunset until the night, when the gate gets lighted up with different colors. If you prefer taking a selfie during the day, make sure to take it from the Pariser Platz, one of the best and the most attractive squares in the city.
Celebrate with the locals
The Brandenburg Gate is a very important landmark in Berlin that people celebrate just about everything here. Welcome the New Year Berlin-style at their world-famous New Year’s Eve party with live music and parties along the streets and a breathtaking fireworks display. You can also celebrate and cheer with the people as they watch the German team during the summers of the FIFA World Cup or UEFA EURO championships.
Stand between East and West Germany
Brandenburg Gate represents the reunification of West and East Germany, so there are still remnants of the Berlin Wall that stood in between. There are markers near Brandenburg Gate that represent the actual location of the wall before. So make sure that you take a picture of yourself between that line that once divided a great nation.
2. What to eat
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer
The Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer is the fanciest establishment in Berlin that is known for its utmost sophistication, luxury, and great views of the Brandenburg Gate. Enjoy their very hearty and delicious meal cooked by renowned chef Hendrik Otto, together with a glass of wine, that made this restaurant earn at least two Michelin stars.
Wurst am Brandeburg Tor
If you are a traveler on a tight budget or just looking for something German to eat, then you should definitely try every Berlinian’s favorite snack which is the sausage and fries combo and the Currywurst, Berlin’s most popular dish which is a wurst drizzled with curried tomato sauce. Every tourist seeing the Brandenburg Gate should really try to eat both dishes and the best place to try them is at Wurst Am Brandenburg Tor.
3. Things to buy
Miniature souvenirs
Of course, Berlin also has its souvenirs that tourists can buy to bring something back home. You can definitely buy souvenirs like keychains, fridge magnets, and other memorabilia that feature some of the best landmarks in the city like the Brandenburg Gate, a cute stuffed Berlin Bear, or even a little chunk of the Berlin Wall when it was demolished.
Frau Toni's Perfumes
Frau Toni’s Perfumes is one of the most renowned perfumeries in the whole of Europe. Each of the perfumes that they produce is meticulously made by hand and sells perfumes fit for men, women or even unisex scents. They have already been featured in some of the world’s most popular fashion magazines so you should really have a bottle of their perfume.
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4. Travelers tips
Always have cash on hand
A lot of restaurants, cafes, and shops around Berlin still don’t accept credit or debit cards. That is why you have to make sure that you have enough cash on hand. You can also ask if they accept cards before you transact. You should also be vigilant and be wary of your belongings and your money as pickpockets are always present, especially in tourist spots like the Brandenburg Gate and riding the U-Bahn.
Always watch out for cyclists
Bicycles are among the most preferred mode of transportation for most Berlinians. In fact, their roads have a special section for cyclists alone, and it is located right beside the pedestrian section. It can be quite confusing for a first-time traveler, so be wary of where you walk.
Berlin Tour Guide
Asaf Leshem
My name is Asaf and I am a professional tour guide. I hold a Ph.D. in Dark Tourism and interpretation of history. In Berlin I guide tours on such topics as the Cold War, the Third Reich, Berlin's Jewish Heritage, Berlin and Brandenburg's Prussian History, and more. I also guide in Potsdam, and I am certified to guide in the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen. I am also an enthusiastic runner a... Read more
Tours by Asaf
Berlin Tour Guide
Matti Geyer
I was born in Berlin the year before the wall fell and thus had the fortune and privilege to grow up in a city that was growing up itself. In 2008, I decided to turn my passion for this amazing city into a career by becoming a tour guide. Both my parents lived in East Germany: My dad became a teacher, until refusal to join the Communist party ended his career, whilst my mom worked as a tour gui... Read more
Tours by Matti
Berlin Tour Guide
Tina
Born and raised in Australia, I studied psychology at the University of Queensland but had always loved reading modern history books. I came to Berlin for a nerdy history vacation in 2017, fell in love with the city and decided to make it home. I offer tours of Berlin and its surrounds which are rich with history and packed with energy. I don’t just show my guests Berlin's sights; I also exp... Read more
Tours by Tina
5. How to get there
Germany is known to have a very efficient public transport system like buses, trams, the underground subway trains called the U-Bahn, and the suburban trains called S-Urban.
Bicycles
Berlinians like to ride bicycles. In fact, there is a special lane on their roads that are dedicated to cyclists. Get to explore the Brandenburg Gate and other Berlin tourist spots by renting a bike and wandering around.
Bus and tram
Buses and trams are also widely available all throughout Berlin. Taking buses with the routes 100, 147, and TXL will drop you off right in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
Both trains are considered to be the fastest mode of transportation in the city. When going to the Brandenburg Gate, make sure to ride U-Bahn lines U2 and U6 and S-Bahns with lines S1, S2, and S26.
Taxis
Of course, taxis are also widely available all throughout Berlin. However, taxis in the city are quite expensive and they are only recommended if you are in a hurry or if you are really not familiar with the other modes of public transportation.
6. Discover Berlin on a walking tour (from USD 21.68)
Get to see the Brandenburg Gate and more of Berlin in this comprehensive three and a half to a four-hour walking tour of the city. Start the tour at the meeting point in downtown Berlin. The tour includes all of the main landmarks in Berlin including the Berlin Wall, Hitler’s bunker, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Cathedral, Palace Square and many more. You also get to know more of Berlin’s rich history as your guide will tell you more during the tour. You also get to stand right at the spot where Hitler killed himself and the area where life-threatening escapes happened across the Berlin Wall before it was destroyed.
Berlin: Discover Berlin Walking Tour
Duration: 3.5 to 4.0 hour
Brandenburg Gate information
Brandenburg Gate
Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Official Website: Brandenburg Gate
German National Tourist Board: Website
History
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