Berlin attractions

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate, an 18th century triumphal arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany. The Brandenburg Gate has played different political roles in German history. Napoleon was the first to use the Gate for a triumphal procession in 1806. When the Nazis ascended to power, they used the gate as a party symbol.

Vehicles and pedestrians could travel freely through the gate until the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. When the Berlin Wall fall on 9 November 1989, the Gate border crossing was reopened. The Brandenburg Gate thus symbolized German unity. With a capacity to hold a million people, this is the venue for major events such as major sports events shown on big screens, fireworks on New Year’s Eve. After winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Germany football team held their victory rally in front of the gate.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest section of the Berlin Wall still standing, covered with more than 100 paintings and murals done by hundreds of artists from all over the world.

How to get there : Ostbahnhof (line S5, S7, S9, S75)

Start your tour from the Ostbahnhof station, walk along the wall until you reach the bridge (Oberbaumbrucke) where you will find a souvenir shop aas well as the next train station (S+U Warschauer Str)

Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror is an indoor and outdoor history museum in Berlin. It is located in the buildings where during the Nazi regime were the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS.

The exhibitions covers the crimes that were committed during the “Third Reich”, the National Socialist policy in Berlin and its consequences for the city and its people, and much more. The exhibitions are presented in German and English.

Opening hours : 10am to 8pm

Admission : Free

Nearest Station : S+U Potsdamer Platz or S Anhalter Bahnhof or U Kochstr

There are free guided tours for individual visitors through the permanent exhibition. The tour last one hour and each group is limited to 17 participants.

Tours in German : 2pm on Sundays

Tour in English : 3.30 pm on Sundays

Visitors interested to participate should sign up at the reception desk 30 minutes before the start of the tour.

Check out the official website for more information.