10 Can't-Miss Experiences in Berlin, Germany

 10 Can't-Miss Experiences in Berlin, Germany

Berlin may be one of the world’s best cities to visit, but it’s also one of the hardest to figure out where to go and what to do when you get there. To help your experience bbee truly unforgettable, we’ve compiled this list of the top ten things that you must do in Berlin when you’re visiting this incredible city!

1) The Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's most famous landmark is the Brandenburg Gate, which separates East and West Germany. Built between 1793 and 1798 by Prussian King Frederick William II to honor his army, it became one of the most enduring symbols of 20th century Europe's division.

2) Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the historic border crossing for people entering the American sector of what was then West Berlin. Built in 1948, the name Checkpoint Charlie is believed to come from a military term referring to a type of administrative checkpoint used by Allies. You can visit this emblematic site on Friedrichstraße and see reminders of this famous period in history. 

Berlin remains one of Europe's most diverse and eccentric cities.

3) The Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Berlin. The former home of Parliament (circa 1884), this national treasure was spared from destruction during World War II thanks to a British bombing raid. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through this historic building and explore the old glass dome, newly restored cupola and German Christian Museum.

4) The Berlin Wall Memorial

You can pay your respects to the families and people who died trying to cross the Berlin Wall with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial is built right into one of the remaining segments of the wall that divide East and West Berlin. From there you'll get a new perspective on what it was like to live under Soviet rule as East Germans who could not leave East Germany unless they were found unfit for military service.

5) Tour the Pergamon Museum

Berlin is known for its lavish palaces and art collections and the Pergamon Museum is one of the best. Housed within a former church dating back to 1910, the eclectic museum features works by ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman civilizations as well as spectacular architectural reconstructions of Babylonian life at Nineveh and Asia Minor's Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.

6) See the Changing of the Guard at Brandenburg Gate

Why it's worth the wait: Don't skip the chance to see one of Europe's most famous military parades. The Guards wear brilliant Prussian blue uniforms trimmed with scarlet and topped with white plumed helmets. They march briskly from their barracks on Unter den Linden to stand guard outside the gates at one of the best preserved sections of what was once Berlin's 19th century city wall.

7) Walk Across the Oberbaum Bridge

Oberbaum Bridge connects the eastern borough of Friedrichshain with the western borough of Kreuzberg on the other side of the Spree River. It is a good option for those looking to get some exercise and enjoy sweeping views over Berlin from atop of one of its 19 arches. The best time to go for this walk is at night because you'll be able to see the bridge's facade lights up with moving designs.

8) Take a tour of Checkpoint Charlie

Berlin's iconic border crossing Checkpoint Charlie was one of the original gates of the Iron Curtain. This is where Allied Forces broke through to the Eastern side of East Berlin and the Western side of West Berlin during World War II. At this site, there is a museum and memorial that pays tribute to all those who helped liberate Eastern Europe. It provides an interesting glimpse into life before and after this significant historical event occurred.

9) Go to a Berliner Kindl Brauhaus

Berlin has no shortage of top pubs. One you can't miss is the Berlins oldest brewing company, the Berlins first brewery dating back to 1881. Established on the banks of river Spree at the height of industrialization and when Germany was a world leader in beer brewing, these days it's a cozy tavern with traditional malts and lagers. Sit down by an open fire on chilly nights.

10) Enjoy street food and drinks outside in Schöneberg

Grab a few friends and head over to Straße des 17. Juni for the best assortment of street food and drinks. The plaza stretches from Schillerkiez through Rudolfplatz with tons of ethnic food vendors. Consider starting at Kiezgalerie's rooftop bar for a drink before you make your way down to one of the many restaurants or markets for lunch or dinner.