|
|
Berlin
Berlin had its modest beginnings as a trading centre in the 13th century, growing into an European metropolis that played an important political and cultural role during the 20th century. Since reunification in 1990, it has evolved into a dynamic and creative city with a surprising light-heartedness beneath an austere exterior.
Berlin is the heart of modern Germany and showcases grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs. It's a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of permanently reinventing itself.
When to go?
Berlin is a fascinating city all-year-round, although most visitors arrive between May and September when the weather is the
most reliable. The high season is busier, but despite the crowds, summer is a lovely time in Berlin because much of life moves outdoors. However, rain is possible in any month, so be prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy and often the temperature drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. |
Berlin Weather
|
Local Attractions in Berlin
Berlin Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz - Berlin Mitte
Alexanderplatz is a large open square and public transport hub in the city centre of Berlin, near the river Spree. The square has been subject to redevelopment several times in its history, most recently during the 1960s, when it was enlarged as part of the German Democratic Republic's redevelopment of the city centre. It is surrounded by several notable structures including the Fernsehturm (TV Tower).
Berlin Zoo and Aquarium
Hardenberg Platz 8 - Berlin Tiergarten
The Zoologischer Garten is Germany's oldest zoo. It is located in the southwest corner of the Tiergarten, Berlin's green lung. The Zoologischer Garten is one of the most diverse zoos in the world. It is also home to ice bear Knut, probably the most famous ice bear in the world.
Brandenburger Tor
Pariser Platz - Berlin Mitte
The restored Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) was a symbol of division during the Cold War, now it is the symbol for German reunification.
Checkpoint Charlie
Corner Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse - Berlin Kreuzberg
A symbol of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the main gateway for Allies, other non-Germans and diplomats between the two Berlins from 1961 to 1990.
Fernsehturm
Panoramastrasse 1a - Berlin Mitte
The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is Berlin's tallest structure (368m). From the panorama platform, you'll be able to pinpoint the city's major landmarks, marvel at the size of the Tiergarten and compare the layout of the former eastern and western city halves or you can just have a cup of coffee at the tower restaurant.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Bernauer Strasse 111 - Berlin Mitte
The Berlin Wall's horrifying history is the theme of this memorial site. It combines a documentation centre, an art installation and a chapel. A small hi-tech museum exhibits the events leading up to when the first bricks were laid in 1961.
Hackesche Höfe
Rosenthaler Strasse 40/41 - Berlin Mitte
One of Berlin's biggest tourist magnets, the Hackesche Höfe (1907) is a collection of eight beautifully restored courtyards filled with upmarket cafes, galleries, boutiques and entertainment venues.
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church)
Breitscheidplatz - Berlin Charlottenburg
The blasted tower of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche is a poignant reminder of the devastation brought upon Berlin by World War II. The church was bombed by the British in late 1943 in a fierce raid that left only the broken west tower standing. It now houses a memorial hall. In 1961, a new hall of worship was built next to the ruined tower.
Museum Island
Kupfergraben 5 - Berlin Mitte
Berlin's famous Museum Island lies between the River Spree and Kupfergraben. The buildings on the island accommodate archaeological collections and art of the 19th century. Development of the building complex began with the Altes Museum which was designed by Schinkel. The island has an impressive collection of museums with the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, the Pergamon Museum as well as the Neues Museum.
Pergamon Museum
Kupfergraben 5 - Berlin Mitte
If you only have time for one museum in Berlin, make it the Pergamon at the Museum Island for a feast of classical Greek, Babylonian, Roman, Islamic and Middle Eastern art and architecture. It is impossible not to be awed by the reconstructions of the Babylonian Ishtar Gate.
Reichstag
Platz der Republik 1 - Berlin Tiergarten
Just north of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag has been the seat of the Bundestag (German parliament), since 1999 following a complete renovation by Lord Norman Foster. The British architect turned the 1894 building into a state-of-the-art parliamentary facility.
Shopping in Berlin
Kurfürstendamm and KaDeWe
Kurfürstendamm - Berlin Charlottenburg
The upper part of the Kurfürstendamm with its historical Memorial Church and the adjacent Tauentzienstraße is a pure shopping paradise. You will find plenty of international and young labels right next to each other.
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden
Potsdamer Platz - Berlin Tiergarten
The Potzdamer Platz Arkaden house 130 exclusive shops on 40.000 square meters and are very popular with Berliners.
Friedrichstadtpassagen
Friedrichstr 68 - Berlin Mitte
Even if Gucci and Prada are not your cup of tee, a stroll through this spectacularly designed shopping complex (called Quartiers) will wow you. Their opening in the mid-90s helped Friedrichstrasse reclaim its historic position as one of Berlin's luxury hubs. Quartier 207 is the Berlin branch of the famous French department store Galeries Lafayette.
|
|
