Berlin, Germany, is a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends a storied past with a vibrant present. There is an array of famous places to visit in Berlin, Germany, making it an unmissable tourist destination. From the historic Brandenburg Gate to the poignant East Side Gallery, Berlin offers a captivating journey through history and culture. The city’s rich tapestry includes world-class museums, such as the Pergamon Museum, famous hotels, and the lively atmosphere of Alexanderplatz. For travelers on a budget, Berlin has a number of vacation rentals to cater to every requirement. With its eclectic neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, and thriving arts scene, Berlin ensures an unforgettable experience for every traveler. As for where to go and what to see, check out our list of the famous things in Berlin, Germany!
1. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza Berlin, a world-renowned music festival, is a must-visit tourist attraction for music enthusiasts and festival-goers. Held annually in Olympiapark and Olympiastadion, it offers an electrifying blend of music, art, and culture. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of international and local artists across various genres, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.
Beyond the stages, visitors can immerse themselves in interactive art installations and savor diverse culinary offerings. Lollapalooza Berlin transforms the city into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration, making it an unforgettable experience for tourists looking to soak up Berlin’s dynamic cultural scene.
Lollapalooza
Address: Olympischer Platz 3, 14053 Berlin, Germany
Website: Lollapalooza
Price: From 129 EUR (136.00 USD)
2. Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is a bustling neighborhood and one of the most famous places to visit in Berlin, Germany, that pulses with creativity and diversity. Known for its rich history and alternative culture, it’s a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits. Here, you will find cobblestone streets winding through a tapestry of street art, eclectic boutiques, and international eateries.
The iconic East Side Gallery, adorned with remnants of the Berlin Wall, stands as a testament to the area’s historical significance. The greenery at Görlitzer Park offers serene escapes, while the lively atmosphere along the Landwehr Canal invites both locals and visitors to unwind and soak in the unique energy of Kreuzberg.
East Side Gallery
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Website: East Side Gallery
Opening hours: 24 hours
3. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is an iconic historical site in Berlin that reminds its citizens of the trying times during the Cold War. It used to be the most used border crossing point between East and West Berlin. Now a museum, it vividly recounts stories of espionage and daring escapes.
The replica checkposts and sandbags evoke the tension of the era. Transporting visitors back to a time of geopolitical turmoil, Checkpoint Charlie stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s divided past and its eventual reunification.
Checkpoint Charlie
Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Website: Checkpoint Charlie
Opening hours: 24 hours
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4. Reichstag
The Reichstag Building in Berlin stands as a symbol of Germany’s political history and architectural splendor. Its iconic glass dome, offering panoramic views of the city, is a must-see for visitors. Constructed in the late 19th century, it has witnessed pivotal moments, including the reunification of East and West Germany.
Today, it houses the German Bundestag or the federal assembly, making it the heart of the nation’s democracy. The fusion of historic elements with modern design is captivating. Many guided tours offer a glimpse of its rich past, making a visit to the Reichstag an essential part of your Berlin itinerary.
Reichstag Building
Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
Website: Reichstag Building
5. Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall depicts the history of Berlin which made a great impact in the life of the people living there. The wall divided the East and West sides of Berlin and its immediate effects were the loss of jobs in East Berlin, the difficulty of emigration from East Germany to West Germany, and splitting of families because the crossing of the wall was not permitted. Injustice was evident for the Germans at that time and the Berlin Wall is a testament to that. This wall is a celebration of their democracy and a memory that lives on for the generations to come. Also, enjoy numerous attractions and museums around the area.
Berlin Wall
Address: 13355, Bernauer Str., 13355 Berlin, Germany
Website: Berlin Wall
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 14 USD
Tip from tour guide
In 1986, Madness, the famous Camden Town ska band visited West Berlin. On a walking tour near the Berlin Wall, they stopped and wrote the word Madness on the western side of the wall. Though the relic of the wall is damaged, the writing is still there; a one-word social commentary, as well as the name of this wonderful band!
Tip from tour guide
Of the entire Berlin Wall, 43 km (26.7 mi) cuts through the middle of Berlin. During the 28 years of the Wall, almost nothing was built on the eastern and western sides. As a result, after the gates of the Wall opened in November 1989, the city was left with an empty corridor - 43 km long (26.7 mi) and about 100 m wide (328 ft). As the years went by, more and more people from the world and other parts of Germany chose to live in the middle of Berlin. The high demand led to new apartment buildings cropping up every year along the Berlin Wall Trail.
6. Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s famous landmarks which symbolizes peace and unity in what was once a divided city during the Cold War. Tourists became interested in having a glimpse of Berlin’s dark past where injustice was prevalent. Tourists can take a look at the “death-strip” which separated East Berlin from West Berlin. Make sure to visit the Room of Silence, the Academy of Arts, and the numerous museums which commemorate the rich history of Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate
Address: Pariser Platz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Website: Brandenburg Gate
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)
7. Cruise boats
Today Berlin celebrates the CSD on the Spree ?
Posted by Berlin – the place to be on Thursday, 26 July 2018
Discover the beauty of Berlin and its rich culture and history on a boat cruise, usually a one-hour excursion in a glass-covered, panoramic boat for a spectacular view of the city. The boat tour will pass through famous landmarks such as the beautiful Berlin Cathedral and so much more. The tour also includes an audio guide which is available in eight different languages to accommodate different tourists. This is a unique way to experience the heart of Berlin for tourists with limited time in the city.
8. International Beer Festival
The International Beer Festival is one of the most awaited festivals in Berlin and it is a three-day event. Over 2,400 beer specialities from 90 different countries are served in a mile-long stretch of road with live music, entertainment and festivities. Tourists love coming to this event for a taste of the famous local beers and for a complete German experience. The festival also features the best international culinary delights to pair with the numerous beers. Catch this annual festival from August 2 to August 4.
International Beer Festival
Address: Karl-Marx-Allee, Zum Stadtplan, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Website: International Beer Festival
9. Flea markets
Germany is not only popular for beer festivals but also flea markets which give visitors a unique shopping experience. These flea markets usually take place in warmer months, whether in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and so on, visitors have the chance to bargain on antiques, look for books, search for clothes, toys, furniture, and a whole lot more!
Experience the fresh air and pleasant atmosphere while shopping. It’s also a great way to learn a little about German culture and try the famous local foods in Berlin, Germany!
10. Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial is a commemoration of the murdered Jews in Berlin. The Holocaust was one of the most brutal deaths of over two-thirds of the German Jewish population through gas chambers, mass execution, and other forms of killings. The interpretation of this memorial somehow seeks to make tourists and visitors uncomfortable and uneasy to depict the feeling of fear and confusion during that dark time in Germany. The abstract representation of the memorial, however, is open to other interpretations by the visiting public
Holocaust Memorial
Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Website: Holocaust memorial
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4 USD
Tip from tour guide
Aside from the Holocaust Memorial, you can check out the various other memorials in Berlin if you wish to learn more about the history of the place. Some notable memorials that are within walking distance from the Holocaust Memorial are the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism, Memorial to the Victims of National Socialist 'Euthanasia' Killings, Memorial to Europe's Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism, and Neue Wache - the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Victims of War and Dictatorship.
11. Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace is the biggest palace in Germany. This was built during the 17th century and was expanded during the 18th century with a grand and lavish baroque and rococo style which is an ornamental and theatrical design. This has become a tourist attraction because of its huge, beautiful garden surrounded by woodland, with a scenic view, a theater and a pavilion. Various artworks, collections of paintings, graphics and sculptures from world-renowned artists are displayed in the museums.
Charlottenburg Palace
Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany
Website: Charlottenburg Palace
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 20 USD
12. Night parties
Germany is definitely the place to experience an unforgettable night out in the city. German people are usually chill and just go with the flow which turns the night into an epic one. The Germany party scene is alive and pumping with its techno music, popular party songs and EDM genres that will surely make partygoers dance the night away. From old buildings turned into clubs, beach-shack style bars, sexy LED lights that run on the entire dance floor of clubs, to tricky night spots that are speakeasy bars, tourists and locals are in it for a great night!
13. Berlinale
Berlinale is a Berlin International Film Festival which is considered as one of the biggest film festivals alongside Venice Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. Annually, around 300,000 tickets are sold and up to 400 films are shown in different genres, and they all compete for the much coveted, top awards, the Golden Bear and Silver Bear award. The winners are chosen by film experts of particular fields and each film is chosen by category. The festival welcomes independent films and films with controversial subjects and aesthetic styles.
Berlinale
Address: Potsdamer Platz 11, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Website: Berlinale
Price: 8 USD
14. Berlin TV Tower (from USD 108.0)
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the bustling city of Berlin, 679 feet (207 meters) above ground at the Berlin TV Tower. It is a spectacular place for an unforgettable dinner with your significant one or family and friends with a sure window-seating overlooking the city lights. Enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner, prepared by brilliant chefs and cap off the night with three bottles of wine while immersing yourself in the romantic and exciting view from the Berlin Tower.
Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Access with Dinner & Wine
Duration: 2 hours
Experience Berlin's famous things
What is Berlin, Germany, known for? This vibrant city is known for its rich history, including its pivotal role in both World Wars and the Cold War division by the Berlin Wall. Additionally, it’s renowned for its dynamic arts and culture scene, boasting world-class museums, theaters, and a thriving music industry.
Frequently asked questions about famous things in Berlin, Germany
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