Berlin is a very beautiful city with a history that many of the locals try to escape. But there is more to Berlin than what you were taught in history class. My boyfriend and I were only given 24 hours to explore the city and although you can easily spend days and weeks in Berlin, we did manage to see everything we wanted to see in that one day. Want to know how? Come with me to Berlin…
Getting Around
We went on a walking tour first thing in the morning. The tour went for just under five hours and was a great way to explore the city’s main sites. Our tour guide knew everything about everything in Berlin so it’s was a great way to learn more about the city too. Berlin is a pretty flat city so it’s definitely easy going by foot. All of the main attractions are within walking distance or a cheap and quick cab ride from each other.
Attractions
The Berlin Wallis an obvious must see. Parts of the wall are still standing around the city so you’ll probably come across it a number of times but you’ll want to head to East Side Gallery where one kilometre of the wall still stands. Here the wall has been painted over by artists. If you look across the road from here, you’ll see a giant teddy bear – teddy bears were invented here and they make great souvenirs.
Alexanderplatz is one of the largest squares in the city and a modern shopping and entertainment hub. Here you’ll find the Fernsehturm or the TV Tower which costs 12 Euro to catch the lift (elevator) to the top. We did it at night to see the city light up. You’ll notice how straight the streets are in Berlin and just how easy it is to navigate. But the views are sure to be equally as amazing during the day.
Walking from the TV Tower down Karl-Liebknecht-straße, you’ll eventually reach Palace Bridge orSchloßbrücke, beautifully lined with statues which are sure to transport you to Berlin of another era. Located nearby are some of the most famous universities in the world so keep your eye out for information titles lining the footpath. There’s also a Karl Marx Monument which stands as a tribute to the communist philosopher close by.
Just a short walk from here is Brandenburg Gate which used to act as a gate in Berlin’s city wall but now symbolises a reunified city. The gate is one of the most popular attractions in the city but there’s plenty of space to stop and take a photo in front of it.
From Brandenburg gate there are a few sightseeing options to take. Walk straight ahead forTiergarten, the largest garden in the city. It’s the place to be if you’re after a relaxing stroll in the park. To the right is Reichstag, one of Berlin’s parliamentary buildings. This is another one of the city’s most popular attractions, known for its modern glass dome. You’ll be able to enter the dome and look over the city but be prepared to wait in line. Turn left for The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Here you’ll be able to walk among the stone pillars in respect of those who lost their lives in the war.
Museum Island is where you’ll want to go if you’re planning on visiting any of Berlin’s museums. The buildings themselves are also something to behold, most of which still bare signs of war in the form of bullet holes. Keeping in with the theme of war remnants,Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most historical sites in Berlin. Just remember not to get your actual passport stamped by the guards here. You might have trouble getting back home if you do. If you do want a stamp, get it on something less official like a postcard.
Kaiser Wilhelm II Memorial Church, partially destroyed by the war, is free to enter and still holds signs of destruction from the war. And if you’re interested in visiting Hitler’s Bunker it’s been sealed and covered but the location is still known. All that’s there is a carpark and tree.
Shopping
Berlin is home to all of your European favourites like H&M and Zara, but it’s also quite a trend-setter in its own right. If you’re in the punk scene you’ll find the shopping here much more to your tastes. If you’re a fan of punk rock, you’ll be interested in visiting The Ramones Museum and Bar. There are live shows every night and souvenirs to take home.
Head to Potsdamer Platz for modern entertainment, restaurants, shopping and more or toKaDeWe – the second largest department store in Europe.
My top shopping tip? Visit an Aldi or similar supermarket for cheap chocolate, German foods, alcohol and cigarettes.
What’s your favourite attraction in Berlin? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out my review of the Grand City Hotel Globus Berlin.
Ash
xx
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