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 Attractions & Activities : Historic Sites
For a city so modern and fast-paced, Berlin certainly indulges its past. Indeed, the ultra-sleek phalanx of glass, steel and concrete does little to hide the city’s true treasures. Mitte, the central district, boasts prominent sights like Alexanderplatz and its signature television tower, 13th-century Nikolaikirche and golden-domed Neue Synagogue. West is the Tiergarten section, home to the city’s largest greenspace and the historic Reichstag, which received a modern glass dome in 1999. Southwest of Tiergarten is Charlottenburg, an area so esteemed in the 17th century that it became Queen Sophie-Charlotte’s summertime retreat. Today, its privileged status rests on the laurels of excellent shopping and dining. To the south is Kreuzberg, traditionally the city’s Turkish district and home today to Europe’s liveliest bohemian population. Outside Berlin proper, charming Potsdam and its Schloss Sanssouci are must-visits, as is Spandauer Zitadelle, a fortress that dates from the 13th century.
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Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1, Berlin 10117 • +49-(0)-30-2639-4336
Description: MITTE. Perhaps one of Berlin's most solemn – and controversial – sites, the Holocaust Memorial occupies a wide expanse between Brandenburger Tor and Potsdamer Platz. Exactly 2711 concrete slabs form a chilling grey grid over the area known as the Field of Stelae. The stelae represent the horrible scope of the Holocaust and are arranged at varying heights, creating a subtle wave-like appearance. Designed by NY architect Peter Eisenman, the site and its visitor center opened to the public on 12 May 2005; among those in attendance that day were several Holocaust survivors. S-BAHN: Unter den Linden or Potsdamer Platz; U-BAHN: Potsdamer Platz
Pariser Platz Unter den Linden/Strasse des 17 Juni, Berlin 10117
Description: MITTE. Built in 1791 as a customs collection post and recalling the design of the Acropolis's Propylaea, this formidable columned structure has served as an icon of both German factionalism and solidarity. In 1961, the Wall was built and the gate sealed off. After the Wall fell in 1989, the area was reopened to the public. The neighboring plaza is marked with merchant stalls. Located on the eastern edge of Tiergarten. S-BAHN: Unter den Linden
Mühlenstraße, Berlin 10243
Description: FRIEDRICHSHAIN. Initially 100 miles long, less than a half-mile now remains of the world-renowned Berlin Wall. The wall was built originally to divide the city from communist rule. However, its stone remnants now serve as an outdoor art gallery (called the Eastside Gallery) displaying murals painted by local and city artists. U-BAHN: Warschauerstrasse
Hammarskjöldplatz 1, Berlin 14055 • +49-(0)-30-3038-2996
Description: CHARLOTTENBURG – WILMERSDORF. This historic broadcast tower was built in the early 1900s and offers impressive views of the forest at Grunewald and the western sector of the city. The viewing platform stands at 413 feet, and on-site dining is available in the center of the tower.
Stauffenbergstraße 13-14, Berlin 10785 • +49-(0)-30-2699-5000
Description: MITTE. This fascinating educational center chronicles the resistance movement to National Socialism from 1933 to 1945 via exhibits, archival material, and events. The center also oversees a memorial honoring the nearly 3000 people murdered at the Plötzensee prison from 1933 to 1945. S-BAHN and U-BAHN: Potsdamer Platz
Hüttigpfad, Berlin 13627 • +49-(0)-30-2699-5000
Description: CHARLOTTENBURG - WILMERSDORF. More than 2500 political prisoners were killed at this prison site. From 1933 to 1942, those who resisted or objected to Hitler and Nazi ideals were either hung or guillotined inside the walls. An urn, with soil gathered from all of World War II's German concentration camps, sits at the front of the penitentiary to honor the victims of this period in history.
Friedrichstraße 43-45, Berlin 10969 • +49-(0)-3-2537-250
Description: KREUZBERG. This museum exhibits the chronological history of the renowned Checkpoint Charlie. Known as the point where the East met West, the museum is at an actual spot of pedestrian and motorist crossings. On display are exhibits on why The Wall was constructed, how it was patrolled, the consequences people faced if they were caught attempting to escape to the West, and ways people tried to escape. U-BAHN: Kochstrasse
Platz der Republik 1, Berlin 10557 • +49-(0)-30-2273-0027
Description: MITTE. An important site in Berlin's – and Germany's – history, the House of Parliament was completed in 1894, after compensations were received from the French following the Franco-Prussian War. In 1918, the German Republic was announced from its balcony, and in 1933, Hitler gained dictatorial power at this location. After major renovations, including the addition of an ultra-sleek glass dome designed by Sir Norman Foster, the Reichstag once again became home to the German Parliament in 1999. Many sections of the building are now open for public touring. S-BAHN: Unter den Linden
Spandauer Damm 10-22 Luisenplatz, Berlin 14059 • +49-(0)-30-3209-11
Description: CHARLOTTENBURG – WILMERSDORF. Built in 1695 as a summer retreat, this once-rural palace was commissioned by the husband of Queen Sophie-Charlotte. The original structure was then expanded and now includes a courtyard and gardens. When you visit, allow enough time to tour all three areas. The interior galleries display works by German Romantic artists, including sculptures, paintings and porcelain art. At one time, Schloss Charlottenburg was home to Frederick the Great. S-BAHN: Richard-Wagner-Platz
Am Juliusturm, Berlin 13599 • +49-(0)-30-3549-440
Description: SPANDAU. Built as a fortress to protect Berlin from aggressors, the original Zitadelle dates back to the late 1100s. After a strenuous climb to the top of its tower, visitors are greeted by spectacular views of the rivers Spree and Havel. The finished fortress, Italian in design, was completed in 1594 and has had many uses in succeeding centuries, including that of a prison. Tours are available on weekends. U-BAHN: Zitadelle