Here is a collection of just some of the highlights of Berlin. This city in the heart of Europe has layers of History that can be experienced as you walk the streets, ride the U Bahn and hang out at the local eateries. For us Berlin is a special place that is always a joy to visit and really has something for everyone. It’s one of very few cities that always leaves us with the feeling that we want to come back. Whether you visit in the cold months of winter and drink warm wine in the markets or enjoy the warm sun of summer as you sit outside in one of the numerous cafes, Berlin will always leave you wanting more.

Berlin Essentials 

The local currency in Germany is the Euro

We used card in most city locations and only used cash for street markets.

The local time in summer is GMT+2 and GMT+1 in winter.

We used the metro to get around the city, it’s a safe, efficient and a day pass was 10 Euros at the time of writing.

Also you can use electric scooters to get around the city, this can be very fun and a great way to see the sights if you are short on time!

Berlin Highlights

The Brandenburg Gate

What better place to start your tour of Berlin than with the Brandenburg Gate, if you are able to get up early enough you might even get a few selfies without too many people photobombing you.

Built between 1788 and 1791 with the Quadriga (the chariot pulled by four horses) being placed on the top 2 years later. After the defeat of Prussia in 1806, Napoleon took the Quadriga to Paris. However, following the victory of the Alliance it was brought back and reinstalled eight years later. During the Second World War, the Brandenburg Gate and the Quadriga were severely damaged by bombing and the sculpture had to be replaced by a copy after gate had been restored.

Following the construction of the Berlin wall in August 1961 the gate found itself within a restricted area and was out of bounds for both the east and west Berliners. With the fall of the wall in 1989 the Brandenburg gate became a fitting symbol of reunification. On December 22, 1989, the gate was opened to the cheers of more than 100,000 people.

Reichstag Building and Dome

Built between 1884 and 1894 after the proclamation of the German empire in 1971 the Reichstag building became the heart of German politics. The inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" (To the German People) in the gable, which still exists today, was not added until 1916.

The Reichstag building has been linked to many significant turning points in German history. On the evening of February 27, 1933, the Reichstag fire served as a major plot point in Hitler’s rise to power completely destroying the plenary chamber and dome. It lay dormant until the reunification of Germany in the early 1990’s and was rebuilt and again unveiled in 1999. 

The newly built glass dome features a stair case that spirals the interior of the dome which visitors can climb. If you are interested in visiting the dome and the Reichstag building you will need to reserve a time slot and bring your passport. In the peak season this can get booked out even months in advance so be sure to reserve your spot, if however you are visiting in winter there is the possibility of reserving a timeslot in the cabin just across the road.

Reservations can be made here

Victory Column

As you walk through the Brandenburg gate you will see in the distance the glisten of Gold at the end of Bundesstrasse -that’s victory column. Construction began in 1865 and the monument commemorates Germany's victories against Denmark, Austria and France between 1864 and 1871.

Entry inside costs a couple of Euros and you are greeted with 270 steps to the top observation deck. The views of the skyline are spectacular and well worth the effort, even if the 270 steps are too daunting the views from the first platform are also impressive and get you up close to the mosaics. If you look closley at the granite columns you will see the scars of war, a reminder of a more troublesome era.

Tip: Don’t try and cross the road! - there are multiple under passages to get to the Column.

Tiergarten

Although not Berlin’s biggest park it’s still a retreat within the city. With attractions like the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Victory Column and the Berlin Zoo all in it’s vicinity it is Berlins most popular park. It’s a beautiful place to walk around no matter the season and can be the perfect place to grab a beer in the Biergarten, take a picnic or just to get a bit of peace and quiet.

Potsdamer Platz

The history of Postdamer platz is more intriguing that what lies there today. A heap of ruins after World War II, it lay lifeless as a no man's land – a strip of soil known as the death-strip dividing west and east Berlin until 1989. After the fall of the Wall, in 1989, its resurrection was brought about by consortiums of international investors resulting in the building of the Sony center, shops and cafes.

Hidden Gem: Weinhaus Huth is the oldest and only surviving original pre World War II building.

Checkpoint Charlie 

Huge crowds are unavoidable at the most visited sight in Berlin. This military checkpoint during the time of the German division has been recreated with the turnpikes and watchtowers of Checkpoint Charlie. The Wall Museum is also located in the immediate vicinity and the official souvenir shop were you can purchase a small segment of the wall and have a piece of history to take home with you.

During the cold war tensions were high on either side, tanks positioned with live ammunition as the looming prospect world war 3 hung in the air. The checkpoint was the scene of spectacular escapes which often ended in death, these accounts are recorded in more detail in the museum and iconic photos reflect the seriousness of checkpoint Charlie.

You can easily recognize which sector of the once divided Berlin you are at as the signpost tells you when you are entering the ‘American sector’ that and the strategically placed American fast food chains KFC and McDonald’s!

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

2711 rectangular concrete blocks laid out in a grid formation covering almost 2 hectares form the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe. There are many theories as to what is the message of the memorial, but the interpretation is left to the individual as they stroll though this place of remembrance and contemplation.

This important sight of Berlin also houses an information center which contains and displays important moments and memories of the Holocaust.

Museum Island

A day spent in Berlin won’t allow enough time to discover the Museums however they are well worth walking by to admire the striking architecture. If you have additional time we urge you to go explore the six main museums that are nestled between the Spree River and Spree Canal. The Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum and the James Simon Gallery contain a vast array of objects and artifacts dating from prehistory to the 19th century.

Berliner Dom

The Berlin Dom or Berlin Cathedral is in the heart of the city is a must see and is decorated inside and out. Heavily damaged during the war the exterior restoration was complete in 1983 with the restoration of the interior in 2002.

This is another option for those seeking a viewpoint of the city, once you climb the 270 you are rewarded with views over Berlins Mitte district with the TV tower, the Spree River and the Nikolai Quarter.

East Side Gallery

One of the many must see sights of Berlin is the East side gallery. This 1.3km stretch of the Berlin wall has been painted by various artists over the years forming the longest open-air gallery in the world and encompasses freedom of expression. Visualizing the past and looking forwards to the future there are artworks of surreal images, political statements and graffiti-like effusions that prompt reflection and contemplation to the viewer.

Where to stay, eat and drink

Depending on the season hotels in Berlin can be very expensive and can book up fast, so make sure you try and book in advance to take advantage of offers and discounts. We have stayed in a few hotels all over the city and found that as long as you are near a U-Bahn station the whole city will be at your finger tips. So don’t stress about finding a hotel bang in the center of Berlin instead look into all the different districts to find the best one for you.

Looking for the perfect plant based breakfast spot, look no further than Plant Base. With an extensive breakfast menu, we enjoyed the breakfast for two on a early Saturday morning. Sipping on Oat mylk lattes and enjoying the laid back atmosphere. Good Morning Vietnam Vegan restaurant is a fully plant based Vietnamese restaurant that is adored by locals. If you’ve had your fill of schnitzel and Currywurst be sure to check out this restaurant.

Make sure you follow us on HappyCow to see all our reviews of restaurants and Cafes around the world!

Photo Diary  

Overall Berlin will always have a special place in our hearts, it’s a city that never ceases to inspire and amaze us with its spirit. A city we will always return to. Our top tip would be to make sure you don’t rush Berlin, its an experience to be savored and enjoyed. Stop at all the local hippy cafes and skip the chains restaurants to really feel the beating heart of the city. Berlin has a hard history and its biggest achievement is how it has rebuilt itself, so stand back and immerse yourself in a city where anything is possible.

Love S&E