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 Attractions & Activities : Best of the City
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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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
Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1, Berlin 10117 • +49-(0)-30-2639-4336
Description: TIERGARTEN. Perhaps one of Berlin's most solemn – and controversial – sites, the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe 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
Invalidenstraße 50, Berlin 10557 • +49-(0)-30-3978-3439
Description: MITTE. Located in the massive confines of a renovated train station (Hamburger Bahnhof), this museum features works by many famous artists. Most items on display come from the inherited Erich Marx Collection. Elsewhere in the museum are exhibited pieces by artists such as Amseln Kiefer, Andy Warhol and Bruce Nauman. During the evening hours, brilliant fluorescent lights illuminate the exterior of the station. S-BAHN: Hauptbahnhof
Lindenstraße 9-14, Berlin 10969 • +49-(0)-30-2599-3300
Description: KREUZBERG. One of Berlin's most significant museums, inspired architecturally by the angles of the Star of David, a stroke of genius by designer Daniel Libeskind. The impressive – and at times overwhelming – array of permanent exhibits offers an unparalleled glimpse at Germany's Jewish populace. The holdings, many originating from private collections, include contemporary art, sculpture and antiquarian ceremonial objects. The main permanent exhibit traces German-Jewish history from Roman times to the present day. S-BAHN: Hallesches Tor; U-BAHN: Kochstrasse
Potsdamer Strasse 50, Berlin 10785 • +49-(0)-30-266424242
Description: MITTE. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the unique glass-and-steel structure that houses this fascinating museum. Most prominently on display are numerous works dating to the 19th and 20th centuries. German Expressionism by Kirchner and Heckel is highlighted too, alongside "classic modern" pieces by Dali, Picasso, Dix and Kokoschka. After viewing the exhibits, guests can relax and unwind in the basement café. S-BAHN and U-BAHN: Potsdamer Platz
Am Kupfergraben 5 Museumsinsel, Berlin 10117 • +49-(0)-30-2090-5577
Description: MITTE. Visitors to this massive museum are confronted by a wealth of information regarding classical Greek, Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Roman art and structural design. Rent a recorded tape, and follow along as the four-hour, self-guided tour provides history and background for each intriguing exhibit. The establishment's name is derived from the Hellenistic Pergamon Altar on display, which dates back to 180-160 BC. On Thursdays between 6pm and 10pm, admission is free (not including special exhibitions). S-BAHN: Hackescher Markt
Platz der Republik 1, Berlin 10557 • +49-(0)30-2273-5908
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, 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 or Sophie-Charlotte-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
Grosser Stern, Berlin 10557
Description: MITTE. Berlin's largest public park originally served as royal hunting grounds until it was reconfigured in the 18th century. Nowadays, joggers, walkers, and families flock here to enjoy the natural splendor. The grounds are home to war memorials, victory statues, and palaces, along with Hitler's Grosser Stern, a paved roundabout on the park's main street. Park highlights include the Philharmonie, home to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bauhaus Archiv-Museum, which charts the history of the world-renowned design school. S-BAHN: Unter den Linden, Tiergarten, Zoologischer Garten; U-BAHN: Zoologischer Garten