Although I have traveled to Germany multiple times, unbelievably, this is my first visit to Berlin! I wish we could stay longer to enjoy the many facets of this amazing city. Here’s a snapshot, and a good excuse to return for more discoveries…
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
The first thing I would recommend is to book a hop-on hop-off bus tour, like this one offered by Viator
It’s convenient and pleasant as you can enjoy a good view of the city from the open-top bus and can learn about the Berlin history and happenings through the audio guide. We love the flexibility as we can get off wherever we want, walk around and hop back on at any stops. Viator offers 2 main routes. The Traditional Route stops at Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. The Wall and Lifestyle Route takes you to the Karl-Marx-Allee, East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Read more about Berlin City Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Cruise 2020 –
Check Point Charlie
Check Point Charlie used to be one of the most famous crossing points between West and East Germany. For the historical significance, it’s a must-stop, and it has been revamped to look like it did during the Cold War. While you’re there, it’s worth it to also visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
Berlin Wall Memorial
This free-access indoor/outdoor museum and memorial is the best place to learn how the Berlin Wall was built literally overnight. It’s very humbling and heart-breaking to learn how families were separated, and how life was in the former East German state.
Along the one-mile stretch of Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing the stories on either side of the barrier. A preserved piece of the original border wall and a watchtower are still standing, as well as an indoor visitor center with exhibits chronicling the historical events surrounding the city’s division.
Must try Currywurst
Legend has it that an East Berlin woman created the currywurst in 1949 with ketchup and curry powder that she got from British soldiers, so she mixed the scarce ingredients together and served it with grilled pork sausages.
Berliner Currywurst rapidly became one of the signature fast food dishes of the city. Of course we have to enjoy this dish served with French fries and cold beer.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the world’s largest and longest open-air art gallery with over 100 paintings. The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall, which runs parallel to the Spree River, once trapped East Germans inside. In 1989, when the Wall came down, this stretch became a concrete canvas for artists from all over the world who created impactful murals.
Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm)
The Berlin Television Tower, which is known to locals as the Fernsehturm, is 368 m high, the tallest building in Berlin. It was built in the 1960s, and from the tower, visitors can enjoy a unique 360° panorama of the city.
The Reichstag
The Reichstag, the meeting place of the German Parliament, also called Dem deutschen Volke, is a landmark that sums up the drama of the 20th century.
This Neo-Baroque building dates from 1894 and housed the Imperial Diet until it was damaged in that infamous and historic fire in 1933. It’s now an emblem of a unified Germany.
Gendarmenmarkt
This is arguably the most beautiful public square in Berlin, surrounded by a concert house and two churches. During summer, there are live classical music performances and in winter, this place is transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market.
Nearby is Friedrichstraße, Berlin’s exclusive shopping street in the central Mitte district.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates. The Pariser Platz at the foot of the gate is now home to many of the city’s important buildings such as the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts). There are many open air cafes and breweries in the area where you could relax, have a beer and snack while people watching.
Berlin River Cruise
We have booked an extension tour which includes a river cruise. It’s an interesting and very pleasant experience, as you can relax on the open deck and enjoy flowing by the main landmarks.
The cruise along the Spree River in Berlin lasts for around 3.5-hours and operates in the morning and in the afternoon. From the deck, you can enjoy superb views of famous city landmarks and unique architecture styles along the way: the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Museum Island and many more. It’s a great introduction to Berlin from the river
When in Germany, I can’t resist a plum tart, and Guido’s mom bakes the best ones, served with whipped cream… We enjoy a slice for breakfast before boarding the cruise.
Here’s my German Plum Crumble tart recipe… It’s easy to make and delicious!
Museum Island
Berlin’s Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is a magnificent ensemble of five world-renowned museums which have re-opened on Oct 3, 2020, after a Pandemic closure. In 1999, the Museum Island complex was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage.
During the cruise, we enjoy Berlin’s fascinating architecture, traditional as well as modern.
Read more about Berlin Sightseeing Cruise on the River Spree 2020 – https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Berlin-Sightseeing-Cruise-on-the-River-Spree/d488-3080DCRUISE?mcid=56757
Our cruise package includes lunch which is served on the deck: Grilled fish with vegetables and vanilla ice cream with red fruits coulis.
In the background, you can see the Berliner Dom, otherwise known as the Berlin Cathedral, a Neo-Renaissance style building built in 1905.
The Dome is located right on Museum Island where numerous other museums are nestled.
Charlottenburg Palace
After disembarking the cruise, we strolled to the Charlottenburg Palace.
Built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Friedrich I, this massive, multi-winged baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace.
The entrance to Charlottenburg Park is free and is open until sunset. The Palace is home to priceless collections, including royal porcelain and silver, crown jewels, and important 18th-century French paintings.
The highlight is the garden ground, created in the French and English style, with trimmed hedges, fountains, ponds, and tree-lined gravel paths.
My first impression of Berlin is great. It’s really a tale of two cities, East and West Berlin, with an edgy and exciting vibe.
There’s another charming side of Berlin that I find so delightful… Read about it here!
I’ll definitely be back!
We hope you love the products we recommend. Just so you know we may collect a compensation from the affiliate links on this page if you decide to shop from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Thai Pomelo Salad – Yam Som O
[…] Read our blog about must-see sites in Berlin here… […]