Top 9 Must-See Destinations in Berlin

Marvel at the magnificent gateway to Berlin, the Brandenburg Gates, clearly one of the most iconic sights in the city

Representing a victory of sorts in the regained order in the city, this 18th-century Neoclassical structure was designed after the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens and looms above one of the city’s more appealing squares, the Pariser Platz.

Today, it is the go-to point for visitors to learn more about Berlin’s rich history. Be sure to glimpse the gates at night, when they glow against the shimmering light of the surrounding city.

A point of fascination and a key part of Germany’s dramatic history, Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most-known crossing points between East and West Germany.

Many tales exist about loved ones separated by the daunting barrier that was the Berlin Wall. Remnants of the wall, plus visuals and artifacts from various residents at that time, can be seen in the Wall Museum at the landmark representing where the checkpoint once stood.

View examples of vehicles that once hid those adamant to escape and feel the sheer desperation when witnessing a homemade hot-air balloon that never reached its destination.

Take a walk or cycle along the cobbled road that runs the length of the Berlin Wall, what is now undoubtedly the world’s longest outdoor art display.

Remnants of the wall cover over three miles through the city center and boast creative and dramatic street art that tells stories, highlights protests, and sheds light on life during its stronghold.

The Berlin Wall represented the Cold War and today, tributes and triptychs cover this commanding symbol of a country and city once divided

An impressive structure completed at the end of the 17th century, you can immediately feel the magnitude of the Charlottenburg Palace when you step onto its paved walkways.

Ponds with swans greet you as you pass crisp green lawns, before entering Berlin’s largest and most exquisite palace. High ceilings vary in color and display ornate designs, with vibrant walls and well-preserved wooden flooring.

The New Wing, the Silver Wing, and the Vault all house beautiful crockery, statues, and relics that reflect the eccentric and exquisite. Take your time as you wander inside to truly experience the opulence of the grounds.

Spend time in Alexanderplatz to discover the simple day-to-day existence that blends German tradition with the modern elements for which Berlin is famous.

This historic site serves as the hub of transportation, with the original railway station having been established in the late 19th century. A key shopping district of Berlin, the square transforms into a Christmas market wonderland at the end of the year.

Be sure to step inside the Fernsehturm TV Tower, one of Europe’s tallest free-standing buildings, from where you will have a bird’s eye view of the city.

An often-overlooked destination in Berlin, the Gedachtniskirche is haunting, beautiful, and a firm reminder of the city’s darker days. The west tower is all that remains of the original church after it was bombed in World War II and now stands as an anti-war memorial.

The Romanesque architecture stands strong, yet seemingly weary, alongside the new church, which boasts a six-sided bell tower and a 5000-piece pipe organ. The contrast represents complex history as it stands aside from the simple yet mighty structure that once stood.

Walk the streets of Kurfurstendamm and be bedazzled by the glitz and glamour, art and architecture as you enjoy one of Berlin’s most popular shopping and historical districts.

Reminders of war stand eerily still at one end in the form of the Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church, while the unique shopping experience of the KaDeWe invites you to step back into the modern world.

Cafes, contemporary architecture, and controversial works of art find a place in Ku’Damm, which blends history with modernity in a perfect balance of what you must see in Berlin.

Take a trip to Spree Island and marvel at the collection of museums that call this central part of Berlin home. Five remarkable buildings house outstanding masterpieces that take you on a journey through creative history, with each work, gallery, and building complementing each other.

Admire the stunning statue of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum, delight at the painted vases in the Neoclassical-designed Altes Museum, and gaze at the bright-blue Ishtar Gate at the Pergamonmuseum.

Surrounded by a moat, the Bode-Museum stands in Neo-Baroque style, fulfilling the desire of its namesake to showcase a collection of sculptures, craftwork, and paintings, while the Alte Nationalgalerie pushes through the city skyline with splendor.

Berlin has its fair share of city squares and neighborhoods, each with their own unique flair in design and urban appeal. History placed Potsdamer Platz literally in the middle of nowhere before the Berlin Wall came down and today the area bursts with life.

The former glory of this popular destination has been brought back to life with cafes, recreational spaces, and chic architecture, turning this part of the city into a place to see and be seen in.

Whether you are a celebrity or celebrating a milestone, when visiting Potsdamer Platz you can watch the cultural and historical layers of Berlin unfold.

A truly historic, moving, and simply wonderful city, Berlin has unparalleled layers, with its strength and light displayed in memorials that act as reminders of the past, in contrast to the vibrant present-day charm that makes visiting absolutely worthwhile.

Take a look at our Germany travel guide for new inspiration on where and when to travel in the country, or browse our featured collection of Germany tours and vacations.