Things to do in Berlin
Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in all of Europe. There are definitely some must sees or things you must do while in this city. Be prepared to do a lot of walking and if that doesn’t suit you Berlin has a very robust transit system that can get you around the city or to any of the far reaching suburbs surrounding the metro area.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). As the most visible Berlin Wall checkpoint, Checkpoint Charlie is frequently featured in spy movies and books.
Reichstag
The Reichstag, the seat of the German parliament, is one of Berlin’s most historic landmarks. The building, which is located close to the Brandenburg Gate, was renovated after German reunification and now features a domed roof. The roof terrace and dome of the building can be visited daily by appointment or walk up. Depending on your feelings of the government this could be a nice treat to see while in Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th century classic monument and is one of the most notable landmarks in all of Germany. This gate signified the beginning of the road from Berlin to the small city of Brandenburg.
Alexanderplatz
O riginally a cattle market years ago it has now evolved into what some consider the central hub for trains, buses, trams etc in modern Berlin, and locals affectionately refer to it as simply “ALEX”
It practically connects all neighborhoods stretching from Mollstrabe in the northeast, to Spandauer Strabe and the Rotes Rathaus in the southwest.
East side Gallery / Berlin Wall
The East Side Gallery is also known as an international memorial for freedom. It’s situated close to the center of Berlin in an area of town known as Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Local artist and artists from around the world have littered the wall with some interesting expressions or art. The ESG wall has over 105 paintings and is considered the longest standing open air gallery.
Eat Marmorkuchen
Europe is known for is desserts, in fact some would say France is the dessert capital of the world. You can get anything from warm pastries to decadent desserts served right out of a freezer. Germany is often overlooked when it comes to pastries, however there is one cake that you absolutely have to try when you touch down in Germany. Allow me to introduce you to MARMORKUCHEN.
For anyone else in the world it’s simply known as marble cake, but this is no ordinary marble cake. When is Germany make sure you find a location that sells Marmorkuchen and try it out.
Concentration Camp
This will probably be one of the most humbling experiences you will ever have in your lifetime. I recommend everyone take some time of to visit a concentration camp while in Germany. I had to opportunity to tour one of the most infamous camps located in Oranienburg. It’s known as Sachsenhausen, and it was mostly known for holding political prisoners between the years of 1936 and 1945. As of today it still stands an a museum open to the public and you have the chance to go into some of the buildings and walk the grounds.
