Planning a Berlin Trip? 12 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Last updated April 3, 2024
Museum Island offers a comprehensive cultural experience, combining stunning architecture, world-class art, and a central location in Berlin.
Berlin, Germany's capital is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many attractions to explore. This city isn't called a tourist magnet for nothing! Buckle up to discover why millions flock to Berlin every year.
Firstly, Berlin has persevered through tumultuous times, from the division of the city during the Cold War to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This resilience is evident in its landmarks, museums, and the spirit of its people.
Secondly, Berlin is a hub for creativity. It attracts artists, musicians, and performers, fostering a vibrant cultural scene.
Thirdly, Berlin is an urban oasis with many green spaces such as Tiergarten, one of the largest inner-city parks in Europe.
Last but not least, Berlin is a culinary melting pot with great local and international restaurants.
I think the city has so much to offer, but what do you need to know before planning your trip? Let me offer you some insights that will make your trip even more memorable with 12 must-know info before your Berlin adventure!
1.For a deeper dive into Berlin's compelling history, don't miss these must-see sites.
Everyone knows that Germany played a vital role in World War II. However, one of Germany's defining characteristics is its willingness to confront its past. The country has chosen not to bury its history, but rather to learn from it and strive for a better future.
Given that Berlin served as the heart of the Nazi regime, it's no surprise that the city witnessed many significant events. Berlin housed Hitler's government and symbolized the power and ideology of the Third Reich. The city also became the scene of one of the final major battles in Europe.
The Soviet Union fiercely fought to capture the city, while Germany desperately defended its capital. The Red Army's capture of Berlin in 1945 marked a turning point in the war and a major blow to German resistance. To learn more about this period of history, you can consider visiting these sites.
1. The Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of a divided Berlin during the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate is an iconic landmark. This impressive neoclassical site, inspired by ancient Greece, stands right on the former border between East and West Berlin. The intricate details and sheer size create a grand spectacle. Not only its rich history, but also its beauty attracts people from around the world to take pictures with its backdrop.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial: The Berlin Wall Memorial preserves a section of the Berlin Wall as a reminder of Germany's Cold War division. An open-air exhibition tells the story of the Wall's construction and eventual fall. Walking alongside the wall allows you to grasp its physical scale and the harsh reality it represented. The Memorial also sheds light on the human cost of the division, from escape attempts to the impact on daily life. However, it doesn't shy away from celebrating the triumph of the Wall's fall in 1989, marking a victory for freedom and unity.
3. Checkpoint Charlie: The most famous checkpoint separating East and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was built in 1961. It served as the main crossing point for foreigners and diplomats between the two sides. The checkpoint gained notoriety during the tense Cold War standoff between the West and the Soviet Union. It was also the scene of many escape attempts by East Germans seeking freedom in West Berlin. A particularly tragic event occurred here in 1962, when Peter Fechter was shot while trying to climb the wall. Today, a replica of the checkpoint booth stands as a reminder of this historic period. It's a popular tourist destination, though some consider it a bit of a tourist trap. Hey, it can still be a fun spot to snap some photos!
4. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe also known as the Holocaust Memorial: Built to honor the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust by the Nazi regime in World War II is a powerful and somber monument in Berlin. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it consists of a vast 19,000-square-meter field filled with 2,711 concrete slabs, or "stelae," arranged in a grid pattern on an uneven, sloping surface. The uneven ground and varying heights of the slabs create a disorienting and unsettling feeling, meant to reflect the loss and chaos of the Holocaust. Walking through the field can be a deeply emotional experience.
5. Topography of Terror: An open-air museum, occupies the former grounds of the Gestapo and SS headquarters. It offers a chilling look into the Nazi regime's inner workings and the atrocities it committed. The museum draws over two million visitors annually, making it one of Berlin's most frequented.
6. Soviet War Memorial (Tiergarten): A memorial complex commemorating Soviet soldiers who died fighting Nazi Germany. It honors over 2,000 Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin. While smaller and more understated compared to Treptower Park, the Tiergarten memorial features a symmetrical layout with two T-34 tanks, artillery guns, and colonnades bearing the names of fallen soldiers.
2. Berlin has a long association with bears.
You'll see bear statues and figures throughout Berlin, including the famous "Berlin Buddy Bears," colorfully painted sculptures scattered around the city.
The bear has been a symbol of Berlin for centuries, dating all the way back to the 13th century. Back then, these wild animals roamed the forests surrounding Berlin and were depicted on early city seals, likely inspiring the connection. The bear was also associated with the Margraviate of Brandenburg, a historical territory that preceded Berlin. As Berlin's importance grew, the bear symbol continued to be associated with the city.
Today, the colorful and uniquely designed Berlin Buddy Bears scattered around the city represent themes like tolerance, diversity, and Berlin's cosmopolitan character. The enduring image of the bear itself continues to symbolize the city's rich history and enduring spirit.
3. Museum Island is a complex of five museums, not just one.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island, is a complex of five museums housing a vast collection of artifacts spanning millennia. From ancient Egyptian mummies to European masterpieces, this is a must-visit place for art and history enthusiasts.
If you just want a quick overview of each museum's highlights, you could potentially squeeze them all into a single long day, but it wouldn't be a very satisfying experience. However, I would suggest you to pick what interest you the most and start there. It takes roughly 2-3 hours per museum at a comfortable pace.
To get started, let's explore the museums that make up this incredible complex.
1. Altes Museum (Old Museum) houses an extensive collection of antiquities, including Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures, vases, and bronzes. This is perfect for those interested in classical art.
2. Neues Museum (New Museum) showcases Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic bust of Nefertiti, and archaeological finds from Mesopotamia, prehistoric Europe, and early Greece. The must-see is the stunning collection of Egyptian papyrus scrolls and the mesmerizing Middle Eastern artworks.
3. Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) houses a collection of European art from the 19th century, featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Manet, Delacroix, and Caspar David Friedrich. The art style that showcase here are from Romanticism to Impressionism.
4. Bode Museum houses a magnificent collection of Byzantine art, sculptures from Mesopotamia to Italy, and an impressive coin collection. The must-see is the collection of Italian Renaissance sculptures and the intricate gold jewelry from the Byzantine era.
5. Pergamon Museum (partially closed for renovations) is home to monumental architectural reconstructions, including the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. It also has an impressive collections of Islamic art and Mesopotamian antiquities.
4. The Berlin Cathedral is the final resting place of several Prussian monarchs.
Built between 1894 and 1905, the Cathedral witnessed significant historical events. It served as the court church for the Hohenzollern dynasty and stood tall during both World Wars and the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Hohenzollern Crypt, located beneath the Cathedral, is the final resting place of several Prussian monarchs.
Less well-known is the fact that the Berlin Cathedral is also a stunning example of High Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The grand exterior has a magnificent green dome, intricate sculptures, and decorative elements. The interior is opulent, adorned with mosaics, stained glass windows, and elegant marble, making it worth a visit.
Take an elevator or climb the stairs to the dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Berlin. Furthermore, The Berlin Cathedral is an active place of worship and often hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year.
5. Rausch Schokoladenhaus is Berlin’s best chocolate.
Located on Gendarmenmarkt Square, Rausch Schokoladenhaus is a premium chocolate shop, family-owned and operating since 1863. While you are exploring Berlin, don’t forget to check out this place.They offer a wide variety of chocolate products, including truffles, pralines, bars, and drinking chocolate, all made with fine flavor cocoa beans sourced from around the world.
This is the perfect spot to buy chocolate souvenirs and to admire the beautiful chocolate art showcased throughout the shop. If you're a chocolate lover, this place is not to be missed!
6. Don’t forget to explore Berlin's government buildings.
The Reichstag Building, seat of the German Parliament, is a must-see for anyone interested in German politics or simply good architecture. Built in the late 19th century, the Reichstag Building was badly damaged during World War II but later restored. A particularly significant addition is the modern glass dome, symbolizing transparency and democratic openness.
The Reichstag Building offers not only political significance but also architectural marvels. Visitors can climb the iconic glass dome for panoramic views of the city. This vantage point allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin. As a personal favorite, I highly recommend checking it out!
Another great spot that represents German politics is the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall). Rotes Rathaus serves as the seat of the Governing Mayor and the Senate of Berlin (the city government). The Rotes Rathaus also holds a special significance as a symbol of German reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the building became the seat of the government of reunified Berlin.
Built between 1861 and 1869, the Rotes Rathaus is a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Made of red brick, it has an impressive facade with ornate details. Its beautiful architecture also makes it worth a visit.
7. The iconic currywurst is originated in Berlin.
Currywurst was invented by Herta Heuwer in Berlin in 1949, who mixed ketchup or Worcestershire sauce with curry powder and other spices, then poured it over grilled pork sausage. She sold it at a street stand in Berlin and it became popular with construction workers.
Today, Currywurst is a German fast food dish made with cooked and fried pork sausage, cut into small pieces, and seasoned with curry ketchup, which is a spiced tomato sauce with curry powder. It's often served with french fries.
Currywurst is commonly sold as take-out food in snack stands, diners, and on children's menus. It's popular throughout Germany, especially in Berlin, Hamburg, and the Ruhr Area, but the sausage and sauce ingredients can vary in different regions. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
8. Beer bike is a thing!
Have you heard of beer bikes? Beer bikes are a popular activity in Germany, especially in tourist areas like Berlin and Munich. Imagine this: you can paddle, drink beer, and see the city all at the same time!
A beer bike is essentially a mobile bar on wheels, a large, multi-person pedal-powered vehicle equipped with benches, tables, and a tap system. It's a fun and social activity for celebrating birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just enjoying a unique sightseeing experience with friends in summertime.
I had no idea how someone can paddle and drink at the same time, but this is very interesting, right? However, drinking alcohol and cycling can be a safety concern. So, it's important to be responsible with alcohol consumption and follow any regulations regarding BAC levels. So next time you visit Berlin, don’t be surprised to see one of these things on the street!
9. A fun way to explore Berlin is to take the F10 ferry from Wannsee to Alt-Kladow.
Imagine this: a relaxing ferry trip enjoying the scenic Wannsee Lake while commuting or exploring different parts of Berlin. It's a much better way to travel than taking a train, in my opinion! The F10 ferry route in Berlin operates between Wannsee and Alt-Kladow, offering a fun way to explore Berlin by crossing the beautiful Wannsee Lake.
Wannsee Lake is a popular destination for Berliners, especially during the summer months. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and sailing. It also has the Strandbad Wannsee, one of Europe's largest outdoor swimming areas on inland waters. Furthermore, you can also enjoy a stroll along the Wannsee beach promenade for scenic lake views.
Alt-Kladow is a charming village located on the southwestern outskirts of Berlin. This area offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city center. You can visit the idyllic beach promenade with restaurants and cafes offering outdoor seating with lake views. If you have time, you can further explore the idyllic Kladower Damm, a causeway leading to the small Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here's where to start: The ferry travels between S-Bahn station Wannsee on the lake's eastern shore and Alt-Kladow on the western shore. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding areas. The ferry ride is included in a standard Berlin AB zone ticket, making it a convenient and affordable public transport option.
Note that the ferry service runs daily with schedules depending on the season (be sure to double-check this before your trip).
Summer timetable (typically April to September): Runs hourly from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, and from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends and public holidays.
Winter timetable (typically October to March): Runs hourly from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and public holidays.
10. Berlin is often called the Döner Kebab Capital of the World!
Well, Berlin has an estimated 4,000 kebab shops, surprisingly even more than Istanbul, Turkey! This means you'll find delicious döner kebabs readily available throughout the city.
This abundance started with a large influx of Turkish immigrants after World War II. Germany invited Turkish guest workers to help rebuild the nation's economy. These immigrants brought their culinary traditions, including döner kebab, a popular Turkish street food.
The affordability, convenience, and deliciousness of kebabs fueled their popularity in Germany. This led to a thriving kebab culture, with vendors constantly innovating with new ingredients and flavor combinations. In Germany, döner kebabs often come in a softer Turkish bread roll (dönerbrot) or even sliced bread, instead of the pita bread used in Turkey. Additionally, while yogurt sauce is common in Turkey, Germans often prefer a combination of garlic and herb sauce (knoblauchsauce) with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Today, döner kebab is considered a national favorite, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It's also my absolute personal favorite!
11. You can find Red & Green beer in Berlin.
I never thought I'd see red and green beer in my life! But thanks to my uncle and aunt, who are long-time residents of Berlin, they took us to try this amazing beer called Berliner Weisse, a traditional sour wheat beer from the region. This is a perfect beer for summertime because it is so refreshing. This beer is also easy to drink because it's a light, tart, and effervescent wheat beer with a low alcohol content (around 2.8%).
Although traditionally Berliner Weisse is served plain, it's sometimes flavored with syrups added before or during drinking. The most common colored syrups are:
Red: This typically comes from raspberry syrup (Himbeersirup) which gives the beer a pinkish-red color and a sweet, fruity taste.
Green: This usually comes from Waldmeistersirup, a sweet syrup flavored with woodruff herb. Woodruff has a subtle, herbaceous taste, and the syrup gives the Berliner Weisse a bright green color.
It's also fun to note that in some Berlin bars or restaurants, especially those catering to tourists, the server might ask you "Rot oder Grün?" (red or green) when you order a Berliner Weisse. This simply refers to whether you'd like it with raspberry or woodruff syrup.
By the way, Berliner Weisse can be flavored with other syrups like elderflower or cherry. So, they wouldn't necessarily be red or green always. Alrighty, make sure to try to refreshing beer next time you are in Berlin!
12. Beyond Berlin: A day trip to Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam is a perfect day trip.
In Berlin, you can find a stunning palace called Charlottenburg Palace, which is amazing. But to truly experience a palace, I highly recommend visiting Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Why is Sanssouci Palace special? Well, for starters, it's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
Sanssouci Palace is incredibly stunning and you can also enjoy a nice stroll in Park Sanssouci to relax from the busy city of Berlin. Originally constructed as a summer getaway for Frederick the Great, this extravagant palace gives you a glimpse into the refined tastes and royal aspirations of the 18th century. The palace reflects Frederick's desire for a carefree escape from the burdens of court life. Its name, "Sans Souci," meaning "without worries".
The Palace is an architectural marvel in Rococo style, showcasing the grandeur of Prussian royalty. If you want to experience the feeling of royalty, be sure to visit this lavishly designed palace. Fun fact, the palace was based on the concept of a French "Maison de plaisance," which translates to "pleasure house.".
In front of Sanssouci Palace.
The Sanssouci Park incorporates various styles, including Baroque elements in the gardens and later additions in Neoclassical and Italianate styles.
How to travel to Potsdam from Berlin?
If you are driving, it takes around 45 minutes to get from Berlin to Potsdam. However, if you can use public transportation, you can take a train from Berlin Central Station to Potsdam Central Station.
From there, you can walk to the bus stop at Potsdam Central Station (S Potsdam Hauptbahnhof) and wait for the bus, which runs every 20 minutes. The total travel time by public transportation from Berlin to Sanssouci Palace is about an hour, making it a perfect place for a great day trip out of Berlin.
Germany is a great country with many great attractions. Berlin itself is a great launchpad for first-timers to Germany as the city offers various sites to see, food to try, and plenty of events and activities to keep your trip exciting!
If you want to further explore Germany beyond Berlin, including other great cities like Hamburg, make sure to read this blog.
I hope my suggestions of the top 12 things to know before your trip to Berlin are useful. As always, have fun travels!
