One twist, you are now in Berlin, aritz that is the most vibrant and historically significant city in Europe. And if you love history, or just want to fully experience different culture, then Berlin has something for everyone. In this extensive guide to visiting Berlin, we’ll explore the best Berlin attractions, as well as some hidden gems and practical tips to make your city sightseeing as fun as possible.

1. Brandenburg Gate: A Symbol of Unity and Freedom

The Brandenburg Gate is always a must see for when visiting Berlin. It was a symbol of Germany’s division during the Cold War, and now it is a symbol of unity and freedom. And walk leisurely around Pariser Platz as you snap that perfect Instagram worthy photo.

2. The Berlin Wall: Remnants of a Divided Past

Visit the destructive remnants of the Berlin Wall, an obvious sight of Berlin’s violent past. Look at 1.3-kilometer stretch East Side Gallery with colorful murals painted by artists from all over the world. Learn about the Cold War era and the unification of Germany at Berlin Wall Memorial.

3. Museum Island: It’s a Haven for Art and History Buffs

Home to five world class museums on Museum island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, or Neues Museum gives you the chance to immerse yourself in ancient civilizations, or marvel at Altes Museums exquisite art collection or the Egyptian treasures at the Neues Museum. Pro tip: If you are planning to head to the museum, saving on the admission fee will likely be a good idea.

4. Checkpoint Charlie: An Iconic Border Crossing

Visit historic Checkpoint Charlie, one of Cold War Berlin’s most famous border crossings between East and West Berlin. Go to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to learn the stories of those that tried to make daring escapes to the west.

5. Reichstag Building: Politics and Panoramic Views

To not miss the possibility to visit the seat of the German Parliament – the Reichstag Building. Panoramic views of Berlin from the inside of the glass dome and information on the country’s political history. Due to its popularity, limited availability so pre-booking of your visit is recommended.

6. Tiergarten: Escape to Nature in the City

Escape the noisy city and go to Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest urban park. You can hire a bike or take a walk with a good walk in lush greenery, picturesque lakes and historical monuments. Don’t forget the famous Berlin Victory Column for a great view on the park.

7. Potsdamer Platz: A modern, architecture, and entertainment hub.

See the Berlin side of today at Potsdamer Platz. See how architecture fuses innovation with reality, stroll around the shopping centres, restaurants and cinemas. Don’t pass up catching a show at the famous Sony Center.

8. Charlottenburg Palace: [memorably] A Stroll Through Royal History

Visit Charlottenburg Palace, the largest palace in Berlin, where you will embark on a time travel experience. They’ve got the opulent rooms to explore, pretty gardens to breeze through, and learn about the Prussian royalty who lived here. It would be nice for a moment to relax in the palace’s confusing restaurant.

9. Alexanderplatz: City Center, Shopping Paradise

Learn about the lively capital of Berlin at Alexanderplatz. Visit the TV Tower, a prominent landmark of the city, which also contains the Berliner Fernsehturm restaurant located 207 meters above sea level. If that’s not your thing then be sure to check out the nearby Hackescher Markt for trendy boutiques and quirky street art.

10. Berlin Philharmonic: A Musical Marvel

Enjoy a wrap up to your city sightseeing adventure with a plunge into the world of classical music with the Berlin Philharmonic. If you’re a classical music enthusiast or just started touring the style, then this iconic venue really must be experienced when you watch a performance there. I recommend you to look at the schedule beforehand and book your tickets in advance.

Practical City Sightseeing Berlin Tips.

Getting Around

• Berlin has a very rich public transportation system with buses, trams, and the well functioning subway line (U-Bahn).
• If looking at Berlin Welcome Card, which gives unlimited travel on public transport and discounts to many places.
• Renting a bike is a much cheaper (and the most convenient) way to explore the city, given the possibility of bike lanes and paths all around the city.

Language and Culture

• Berlin is the capital of German and you’ll find you can get by with English in tourist areas, however, German is the official language.
• Be courteous and respectful of local customs and ways when visiting religious sites or memorial sites.
• Begin with a positive ‘Guten Tag (Good day; also used as a sarcastic response to “hi” in German) or ‘Hallo (Hello)’ to greet locals.

Weather and Seasons

Berlin has four seasons, summer is warm and winter is bitterly cold.

Comfortable walking shoes as you’ll most likely be on foot.

If you will be visiting see check the weather forecast to determine if it’s advisable to take an umbrella just in case!

Food and Drink

• Don’t miss a chance to taste traditional German food, like sausages, pretzels and schnitzel.
• Go through the city’s foodie life by giving a sample of international dishes at the several street food markets that exist in and around Berlin.
• Taste the refreshing Berliner Weisse traditional sour beer or enjoy a traditional German coffee and cake at a traditional German coffee and cake at a cozy little café.

Berlin is a city that is steeped in history with a diverse culture and a vibrant atmosphere all rolled into one, that makes it one of those city sightseeing places that never disappear and never disappoints for beginner and seasoned travelers. Start planning your trip, don’t miss out on any of the city’s exciting landmarks, then take in the Berlin spirit.