7 Ways to Experience the Past and Present in Berlin
Immerse Yourself in This Culturally Rich City
As the capital city of Germany, Berlin has always been a focal point throughout the country’s tumultuous history. It was the place where Germany was split in two by communists, it served as the capital of the Third Reich, and was also the site of a Nazi concentration camp.
However, despite the political associations most Germans, and the rest of the world, have about Berlin, it has also functioned as the cultural center of the country — one full of interesting things to do. Whether it’s museums and classical music you crave or visiting a zoo and swimming in a floating pool, there’s something for every taste. Plus it’s a great European destination for budget-travelers!
If you’re unsure of what to do in Berlin, check out these seven iconic attractions that will make for a memorable trip.
Museum Island
Since its commendation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Museum Island has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. A multi-faceted museum complex in the middle of the Spree River, Berlin’s Museum Island showcases five unique museums holding centuries of priceless art and artifacts.
For just €18 you can visit all five museums, provided you have a couple of days to take it all in. All of the museums hold significant cultural and historical value, displaying vestiges from the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, as well as the Byzantine Empire and ancient Islamic cultures.
Along with the treasures found inside each facility, the buildings themselves demonstrate the evolution of museum architecture, making this one of the best sights to see in Berlin.
Remnants of the Berlin Wall
Even nearly 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, remnants of its lasting impact remain all across the city. One of the most famous points on the wall, Checkpoint Charlie, was used by foreigners (including American soldiers) to travel from East to West Berlin. It’s since become one of the top Berlin attractions.
The building still remains as a tourist attraction and museum. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, an outdoor exhibition and visitor center mark an area formerly occupied by a stretch of the wall. Aside from educational information, the memorial pays tribute to the dozens of people killed while trying to cross the wall.
There are also preserved portions of the wall covered in art that now stand as an outdoor gallery and monument to Germany’s reunification.
These family summer vacation ideas will ensure you have some truly unforgettable experiences that the whole family can bond over.
Television Tower
A former symbol of communist might, the Berliner Fernsehturm is the tallest building in Berlin and all of Germany. Although it’s another relic of Berlin’s past, the tower now serves as an upscale tourist attraction like many other famous city towers. Aside from a spectacular panoramic view of the city, you can also enjoy dinner and drinks at the onsite bar and restaurant.
A gourmet dining experience awaits inside the sphere of the tower as the restaurant makes a full revolution in an hour’s time. During the holidays there are even prix fixe menus and special events, which include fast track access to the tower’s observation deck.
Berlin Zoo
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Berlin, why not head to the zoo? One of the largest and most popular zoos in the world, the Berlin Zoo holds around 1,380 different species. For over 100 years, locals and tourists alike have come to see animals like elephants, great apes and polar bears.
Located inside Berlin’s large city park, the Tiergarten, the zoo also houses an aquarium with various sea life, reptiles and amphibians.
Along with typical animal feedings and shows, the Berlin Zoo also has a special VIP option for visiting six popular animals. For €80, plus the cost of regular admission, you’ll get up close and personal — sometimes even feeding the animals — for approximately 20 minutes.
Potsdamer Platz
In between the Tiergarten and Checkpoint Charlie, and just south of the Brandenburg Gate, lies the bustling heart of Berlin: Potsdamer Platz. Although the area was completely decimated in World War II, it now sees the most building developments within the city.
A hub for entertainment and culture, there are dozens of restaurants, attractions and shops all within walking distance here. See a movie at the Cinemaxx Berlin, take the kids to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, or go shopping at one of the two malls in the area. Berlin even has its own version of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood there, celebrating the stars of German film and television.
Full of poignant messages and beautiful visuals, graffiti has become a draw for many travelers in recent years. These are the best cities for street art.
Philharmonie
Fans of classical music must make a pilgrimage to the Philharmonie, home to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Frequently named as one of the top orchestras in Europe, the Berlin Philharmonic offers over 100 concerts every year inside their famous golden concert hall.
Legendary composers like Tchaikovsky and Strauss have formerly conducted the orchestra, which has been around since the late 1800s. There are even educational programs for children, teaching them how to enjoy music, play instruments and sing. Before you leave, be sure to also visit the Museum of Musical Instruments located right across the street.
Badeschiff
Originally built as a city art project, the Badeschiff has remained a beloved spot in the city for relaxation and people-watching. Essentially a man-made beach along the Spree River, the main attraction here is a floating swimming pool made out of a hollowed out barge.
A favorite hang out for the young and hip, aside from swimming you can enjoy cocktails on the sundeck or one of the many music and art events held here during the year. Summertime offerings also include yoga and stand-up paddleboarding while the facilities transform into a sauna during the colder months.
In terms of value when it comes to Berlin tourist attractions, you can’t beat the €5.50 day ticket allowing you to lounge to your heart’s content while still sticking to a budget.
