Berlin – An Ideal European City Break Destination
The Cultural & Historic Landmarks of Berlin.
When you are searching for an ideal destination for a city break in Europe, look no further than Berlin. Having earned a reputation as a trendy, unique, world city of culture, Berlin is one of the most exciting cities to be found in Europe. The capital city of Germany offers not only offers a youthful, hip tourist vibe but is the capital and chief urban centre of Germany, along with buildings and sights that represent the history of an entire nation.
Our top 10 Cultural Attractions in Berlin:
1. The Brandenburg Gate
A former city gate, the Brandenburg Gate was rebuilt in the late 18th century as a neoclassical triumphal arch and is now one of the most well-known landmarks of Germany. When arriving in Berlin the first stop must be here at this iconic monument.
2. The Reichstag
The Reichstag is an internationally recognized symbol of democracy, which also serves as the home of the German parliament. Originally constructed to house the imperial diet of the German Empire which now houses the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s parliament.
3. East Side Gallery – Berlin Wall
The East Side Gallery memorial is an open-air gallery on the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. It consists of a series of murals and street art painted directly onto the remnant of the Berlin Wall, commemorating and celebrating freedom after years of pain and sorrow.
4. The Topography of Terror
One of the most frequently visited places of remembrance in Berlin is the Topography of Terror, an indoor and outdoor history museum which aims to relay historical information about National Socialism and its crimes, encouraging people to actively confront this history and its aftermath since 1945.
5. The Berlin TV Tower
The TV Tower on Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most prominent landmark and the tallest building in Germany, you can’t miss it. Visitors can take a ride up to the tower sphere and take in the wonderful view of the city followed by a meal in the tower’s gourmet restaurant.
6. Museum Island
Berlin’s Museum Island consists of five world famous museum buildings from the time of the Prussian rulers combined with more modern elements such as the James Simon Gallery. Museum Island is one of the city’s oldest and most important museums and can be found between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben in a 400 metre-long canal.
7. Charlottenburg Palace and Park
Once a royal summer residence, the Charlottenburg palace was built at the end of the 17th century and was among the favourite retreats of seven generations of Hohenzollern rulers. Following severe damage during World War II, the palace was largely rebuilt and refurbished and is now one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions.
8. Gendarmenmarkt
Gendarmenmarkt is a large historical square in Berlin and the site of three of the city’s most impressive architectural buildings: the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral ((Französischer Dom), and the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom).
9. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and Buro Happold, the Memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is a memorial in Berlin to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The stone pillars represent the graves of the lives that were so tragically lost.
10. Checkpoint Charlie
A trip to Berlin would not be complete without checking into Charlie. The former border crossing Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most important and most visited sights in Berlin. It was the best-known border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War and it was here, at the height of the Berlin crisis that American and Soviet tanks came face to face.
Where to stay:
Regent Berlin, Charlottenstraße 49 Berlin, 10117
Located directly at the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt square in the historical centre of the capital, Regent Berlin is certain to satisfy with its remarkable view of the two 18th – century cathedrals as well as the old concert Hall.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Unter den Linden 77, Berlin 10117
The Hotel Adlon Kempinski is located right next to Berlin’s most famous landmark Brandenburg Gate in the heart of the city, Berlin’s premier address, which has fascinated guests since 1907.
SO/ Berlin Das Stue, Drakestrasse 1 Berlin, 10787
One of Berlin’s most reputable hotels would be the luxurious lifestyle hotel SO Berlin Das Stue, located right in the city centre, in Berlin’s diplomatic quarter. Originally built in the 1930’s, inspired by Danish classicism, SO/ Berlin Das Stue’s diplomatic legacy is evident in the heritage building’s stately architecture and modernist façade.
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