Berlin

Berlin is a modern metropolis, the economic and cultural center of the EU, a city of contrasts. It is dynamic and diverse. The collections of galleries and museums of the city are beyond praise. Berlin clubs hold the most fashionable parties, where new movements, styles, subcultures are emerging. And shopping in Berlin is excellent, the goods are all of high quality at affordable prices.

Berlin, photo by Tobias Nordhausen

Berlin (Berlin) is the capital of medieval Brandenburg Margrave, the Kingdom of Prussia, the powerful German Empire, the socialist GDR and modern united Germany. The second metropolis of the European Union in terms of population, a multinational city that marks the victory of mankind over fascism. Berlin is the heart of the land of Brandenburg; historical, cultural, scientific, industrial and economic center of world significance. It is called the "City of Bridges." There are more of them built than in Venice - about 1700 large and small engineering structures.

5 things to do in Berlin

1. Take the Reichstag and look at Berlin from its dome.
2. Take a selfie against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall with the legendary kiss of Brezhnev and Honecker.
3. Eat the most delicious doner kebab (shawarma) for lunch and drink beer.
4. See the bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti in the Pergamon Museum.
5. Do not sleep all night, but dance in the club.

When is the best time to go to Berlin

Berlin is located in the eastern part of the country, where the currents of the Spree and Havel merge. Modern areas are built on the moraine hills of Telt and Barnim, the historical center is located in a valley between two hills.

The climate here is temperate: average between marine and continental. Summer is warm, about + 20 ° C. Winter is moderately cold, on average + 1- + 2 ° C, but frosts occur up to -25 ° C. The rainy months are June-July, the driest is March.

Berlin Travel Guide

Berlin sights

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate, photo by Raoni

Brandenburg Gate, the historic Gate of Peace (Brandenburger Tor) is a recognizable emblem of Berlin and Germany, a symbol of the reunification of the divided territories of the country. The memorial complex, founded in 1789 on behalf of Frederick William II, is considered a model of Berlin classicism. The architecture of the gate repeats the exterior of the Propylaea on the Parthenon. Victoria's quadriga rises above six monumental columns paired with carved ceilings and embossed attics. Initially, there was installed the figure of the world goddess Irena, bearing an olive branch. During the reconstruction in the XIX century, after the victory over the French, the sculptor Friedrich Schinkel changed the statue. The goddess of Victory was installed in the chariot with the Iron Cross in hand. The height of the Brandenburg Gate is 26 m, the total length of the building is 66 meters.

Reichstag

Reichstags (Reichstagsgebäude), photo by Andy

From the northern part of the gate adjoin the Reichstag, the main attraction of the city, which is known throughout the world. Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) - a magnificent building, a symbol of the past war and victory over the horrors of Nazism. It was built in 1884-1933. designed by P. Volot. The building was used for parliamentary meetings. The dome in the center of the building symbolized the greatness of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The monumental towers in the corners of the complex were dedicated to four kingdoms: Bavaria, Prussia, Württemberg, Saxony. The grand building in the Renaissance style was burned down by unknown people in 1933 (the Berlin Communists were accused of arson). The Reichstag was restored, but was no longer used for government purposes. In 1945, the Allied armies stormed the building, it was again destroyed to ruins. After the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag remained on the side of West Germany. Overhaul was carried out twice: in 1961-64 and in 1992-95. The new building under a huge glass dome has preserved the features of the high Renaissance. Today in the towers of the Reichstag placed government offices, meeting rooms. An observation deck is equipped in the dome space.

Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer), photo rysberlin

The Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer) is a historical monument, a symbol of the Cold War and many tragedies in the life of ordinary Germans. The former dividing line with the status of the border, almost 45 km long, passing through the capital's quarters. The wall was a major concrete barrier 3.6 m high, reinforced by a moat, a signal complex, spikes, three hundred border towers. In an attempt to arbitrarily cross the Wall at different times, more than 1300 people died. Most of the Berliner Mauer was demolished in 1989, but there remains a 4-hectare memorial with a central monument and a 1.3-km-long fencing site, gradually turned into a spontaneous art object. Today it recalls the difficult period of modern German history.

Checkpoint charlie

Checkpoint Charlie, photo fam_dax

Checkpoint Charlie is a famous Berlin facility, a former military checkpoint between two parts of the city, a symbol of confrontation between two controlled sectors - the Soviet and the USA. A checkpoint stands in the middle of Friedrichstrasse, above which are two light stands with portraits of soldiers - an American and a Russian. This installation was created by artist Frank Thiel. The Charlie checkpoint complex includes expositions of political and military history, a photo exhibition, and the Berlin Wall Museum.

Victory Column

Victory Column (Siegessäule), photo by juergenberlin

Victory Column (Siegessäule) - Golden Elsa, a monumental composition created by Johann Heinrich Strack in 1871. The monument was erected in honor of the significant victories of the Prussian army in the wars that ended with the unification of the state. Until 1939, the column stood in front of the Reichstag, then it was transferred to Großer Stern Square in the center of Tiergarten. There she stands to this day, surrounded by a ring highway. The 42-meter-high column is crowned with a gilded eight-meter statue of the goddess Victoria. After the reconstruction of the monument, its total height reached 67 m. At the base of the column is a museum, above, under the statue there is an observation deck with a view of the Tiergarten.

Berlin TV Tower

Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm), photo by Arnaud Martinez

The Berlin TV Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Europe, a symbol of the city. The height of the Berliner Fernsehturm today is 368 m. The structure consists of a 250-meter concrete trunk, a spherical part of a 32-meter diameter, lined with metal panels, and a 115-meter antenna spire. The tower was built in 1965-69. designed by Professor Herman Henselmann. The "ball" has a revolving restaurant and bar, equipped observation deck.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche), photo by Simon Baldwin

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) was built in 1891-95. The height of the building was originally 113 meters. In 1943, during the next bombing of Berlin, the temple was destroyed. During the reconstruction, they decided to save the ruins of the 68-meter Romanesque central tower with fragments of the dome, but the cathedral part was demolished. The new building of the church, designed by Egon Ayermann from blue glass and concrete, is called by the townspeople the "Blue Church" - for the special radiance of numerous windows.

Museum Island

Museum Island (Museumsinsel), photo by Vitalij Sosna

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) - The northern part of Spreeinsel Island between Spree and the Kupfergraben Canal. One of the main attractions of the capital of Germany, a UNESCO site. There are five cult museums in Berlin: the Old Museum (Altes Museum) and the New Museum (Neues Museum), the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), the Bode Museum (Bode-Museum), the Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum). The first was built Altes Museum, it opened in 1830. The last, exactly a century later, began the work of the Pergamonmuseum. All museums on the island can be visited with a single ticket valid for the day.

New National Gallery

New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie), photo by Marc Fray

The New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie) is an art collection dedicated to 20th-century art. Expositions are housed in a glass Art Nouveau pavilion at Potsdamer Straße. The gallery is part of the Kulturforum cultural center in Tiergarten. Her collections contain paintings by Picasso, Kandinsky and Dali, Edward Munch, Berlach, Oscar Kokoschka, expressionists from the art group "Bridge", outstanding works of Prussian art. In addition to paintings, plastic works and unique film materials are presented at exhibitions.

Unter den Linden

Under Linden Boulevard (Unter den Linden), photo by Ans en Bert

Unter den Linden - the famous boulevard "Under lindens" (Unter den Linden) - the main Berlin street. It was laid in 1647 by decree of Elector Friedrich Wilhelm. Two thousand walnut trees and lindens were planted. Several times the plantings were ruthlessly cut down, but then the lindens were planted anew. The boulevard is 1.4 km long and begins at the Brandenburg Gate. Here are the historical Hotel Adlon and the Berlin Cathedral, architectural monuments, museums. Along the boulevard, shops, cafes, and luxurious restaurants are built.

Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg), Times Photo

Charlottenburg Palace - the grand residence of the Hohenzollern, an outstanding architectural monument of German Baroque. The palace complex was named Schloss Charlottenburg in honor of Sofia-Charlotte of Hanover. The first building was the three-story Summer Palace Litsenburg, built in 1695-99, surrounded by a regular French Baroque garden. At the beginning of the 18th century, two wings were added to the main building, modeled on Versailles, and the Old Palace was expanded. In 1713 a high domed tower was erected, an chapel and a winter garden were added. In 1788, the Belvedere Tea House and the Royal Mausoleum appeared on the territory of the palace park, and the Neapolitan New Pavilion was built at the beginning of the next century. Today, the palace operates as a museum.

Theaters

Berlin State Opera, visitBerlin photo

There are 175 museums in Berlin and three opera houses (the main opera stage is Staatsoper on Unter den Linden Boulevard).

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is rightfully one of the best music groups in the world, the building of the Philharmonic is part of the Cultural Forum complex and is located on Potsdamer Platz.

Tourists are eager to visit the variety shows - Wintergarten Variete and Chamäleon Variete. The largest European theater-review Friedrichstadt-Palast on Friedrichstrasse remains a nostalgic legend for many Russians - it recalls the Soviet New Year's television programs.

Zoo

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin), photo by Dieter Brügmann (Bruhaha)

Children and adults enjoy visiting the Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin). This ancient zoological complex was opened in 1844, survived the war and is considered an important city attraction.

Oceanarium

AquaDom, photo by Jonathan Reid

The AquaDom Aquarium at CityQuartier DomAquarée is an impressive sight, the world's largest cylindrical saltwater aquarium with a million liters of salt water.

Address: Spandauer Str. 3, 10178 Berlin.
For information on opening hours and ticket prices, see the website.

Chocolate house

Chocolate House Fassbender & Rausch, photo A_and_K

In Berlin, a unique, the world's largest Chocolate House is opened - the Schokoladenhaus Fassbender & Rausch. The center of attraction for all sweets lovers is located in the French Quarter near Gendarmenmarkt Square (Gendarmenmarkt).

Address: Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 20:00; Sun 11:00 - 20:00.
Website: www.rausch.de.

Here we have listed only the smallest part of the sights of Berlin. But if you are going to the capital of Germany for the first time, then they will be your primary travel goals.

Palaces and castles

• Berlin City Palace
• Montbijou Palace
• Bellevue Palace

Museums, exhibitions and galleries

• Erotic Museum of Beate Uze
• Berlin Picture Gallery
• Museum of German History in Berlin
• Jewish Museum of Berlin
• Museum of Natural History
• German Technical Museum
• Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection
• New National Gallery
• Old museum
• Old National Gallery
• Pergamon Museum
• Museum Island
• New museum
• Bode Museum

Architecture and Monuments

• Victory Column (reader report)
• Old library
• Red Town Hall
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Walk around Berlin. Street sculptures
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag
• Berlin Wall
• Victory Column
• Berlin TV Tower
• Checkpoint charlie

Squares and Streets

• Alexanderplatz
• Unter den Linden

Gardens and parks

• Berlin Zoo
• Tiergarten

Theaters and entertainment

• CAdeWe
• Friedrichstadtpalast
• Berlin Maxim Gorky Theater
• Legoland Discovery Center in Berlin
• Berlin State Opera

Temples and Cathedrals

• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Berlin Cathedral
• Church of St. Mary
• New Synagogue in Berlin

A bit of history

In the XII century, Altberlin and Cologne settlements appeared on the territory of the Margraine of Brandenburg, on the shore of the Spree and the island of Spreeinsel. In 1237-44 years. they became independent cities. In 1307, the two cities actually merged, but the official unification took place only in 1709.

In 1417, Berlin was declared the capital of the Margrave / Elector of Brandenburg. From the beginning of the 18th century until the second half of the 19th century it was the capital of Prussia. After the Great Unification of the German Empire, Berlin was its capital until 1918; until 1933 - the capital of the Weimar Republic, until 1945 - Nazi Germany (Third Reich).

After the defeat of the Nazi army in World War II, Berlin was divided into four occupation sectors, which were controlled by the victorious countries. In 1949, two German states appeared: the Federal Republic of Germany in the western zone and the German Democratic Republic in the east. Berlin was also divided into 2 parts. The Berlin Wall, which separated the city, the country and many families for a long time, was erected in 1961, demolished in 1989. The eastern and western territories of Berlin reunited, external control was abolished, a new period began in the life and history of the city.

Entertainment

A walk through the night city, photo Theodor Sirbuletu

The city is transformed every night, its splendor can be appreciated if you go for a walk in the night city, and in the warm weather on the Spree in a boat to see the magnificent Berlin buildings and bridges from the water, from a new perspective.

Night clubs

At a nightclub in Berlin, puroberlin photo

Night lights are lit. Doors of numerous clubs of Berlin open.

In the respectable institution 40 Seconds on Potsdamer Straße, 58 - several halls, two dance floors on terraces with views of the city.

From Friday to Monday, incendiary non-stop parties are held at the Berghain techno club, and the Panorama Bar is on the second floor. Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof.

The Puro Sky Lounge is located on the twentieth floor of the Europacenter building - from there, from a dizzying height, a magnificent circular panorama of the night capital opens. This club has luxurious conceptual interiors, a variety of music, theme parties. Address: Tauentzienstraße 9-12.

Glamorous Mió is located in the basement of the Berlin TV tower. It has stylish interiors and a huge terrace overlooking the historic center. Address: Panoramastraße 1A.

Casino lovers can visit the Spielbank Berlin gambling house at Potsdamer Platz. The entertainment complex has four rooms with modern slot machines, roulette, blackjack, classic card games. Address: Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1.

Holidays

Christmas in Berlin, photo bz_foto

New Year's holidays in Berlin are noisy, with home feasts, street festivities, fireworks.

On May 1, Berliners celebrate the Maifeiertag. The ancient pagan tradition today has become an official holiday. The main symbol of the holiday is a Maypole decorated in a special way. On the eve of the evening, street events “Dance in May” begin, they go on Walpurgis Night - noisy fun reigns in the capital's streets. In the morning, the DGB union organizes a May Day demonstration.

October 3 is a national holiday, German Unity Day.

Third October Sunday is the harvest festival, Kirmes. A straw scarecrow with an indispensable bottle of schnapps is considered a symbol of autumn festivities - it is burned in the square.

Berliners' favorite holiday is Christmas. It was from Germany that the custom went to decorate the Christmas tree. Celebrations last a week, until the New Year.

Activity

Festival of Light, photo by Frank

In February, the Berlinale opens - the famous Berlin film festival dedicated to intellectual cinema, with the main prize Golden Bear.

At the end of May, a colorful Carnival of Cultures with costumed processions and scenic street venues takes place.

The Museum Night falls on the last Sunday of August. Almost all museums and galleries in the city offer cultural and entertainment programs. This international project today takes place around the world, and it started in Berlin, since 1997.

In October, the enchanting Light Festival is held in the German capital. All the main attractions are highlighted, spectacular light shows are projected on the walls of the buildings. The holiday lasts two weeks, ends with the City Light Run mass night marathon.

Shopping

Berlin's shops can turn even the most pragmatic people into shopaholics.

Store Hours

Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. On Sunday - they rest, except for some, for example, at train stations.

Sales

Traditionally, the winter sale (Winterschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of January, and the summer (Sommerschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of July. They last about 2 weeks. But many stores in winter begin to cut prices before Christmas. Reduziert, Sale or% signage informs about discounts at Berlin shopping centers.

The shops

KaDeWe department store, photo by Markus Ammann

Capital shopping routes run along the streets Kurfuerstendamm (abbreviated Ku'damm) and Friedrichstrasse. Ku'damm - luxury abode: Gucci, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Max Mara, Jil Sander. On Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden you will find expensive clothing boutiques Escada, Herm'es, Hugo Boss and Herend china.

Quartier 205, Quartier 206 and Quartier 207, in which the Galleries Lafayette is located, are interesting on Friedrichstrasse. The Departmentstore Quartier 206 store on the second floor contains the latest collections of leading brands Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Manolo Bahnik, Miu Miu, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Etro . With the arrival of the new collection, items with markdowns go to the Last Season store below.

At Tauentzienstrasse, a continuation of Ku'damm, there are shops of affordable brands (Zara, H & M). There are also large department stores: Peek & Cloppenburg (Tauentzienstraße, 19), Europa Center (Tauentzienstraße, 9-12), Wertheim (Kurfürstendamm, 231).

Next to the Wittenbergplatz Underground Station, there is the Kaufhaus des Westens department store, abbreviated Ca-De-Be (Tauentzienstraße, 21-24). The 8-story KaDeWe ranks second in Europe among department stores.

Find cheap clothes on Wilmersdorferstrasse. Most of the assortment is given a discount.

Two hundred branded retail outlets are assembled under the roof of the Alexa shopping center at Grunerstraße, 20. Here you can find quite affordable brands.

The Arcade Shopping Center on Potsdamer Platz Arkaden sells fashion items, cosmetics and other beauty products, electronics, and gadgets. Address: Alte Potsdamer Straße, 7.

European clothing is presented at the die mitte shopping center on Alexanderplatz.

Trade brands at Galeria Kaufhaus at Alexanderplatz are middle-income oriented. Here you can buy quality shoes and clothes, jewelry and jewelry, leather goods and various accessories.

The impressive range of Ritter Sport chocolates is also worth a look at the 1000 m² Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt chocolate shop at 24 Französische Straße.

Outlets

Capital outlets offer inexpensive shopping:
Marc Cain Factory (Oudenarder Straße, 16),
PrivaFashion-Club Outlet Berlin (Altonaer Straße, 59),
Zalando Outlet Store Berlin (Köpenicker Straße, 20),
Designer Outlet Berlin (Alter Spandauer Weg 1, 14641 Wustermark).

Flea markets

There are several flea markets in Berlin. Here are a few.

The largest Hallentroedelmarkt Treptow is located in the former factory. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Eichenstraße 4.

Berliner Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt is located next to Friedrichstrasse. There are many tourists here, so the prices are too high. Opening hours: on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00.

Kunst-und Trödelmarkt - the oldest flea market in Berlin, is located in the Tiergarten park. Among other things, there are decent collapses with records and CDs. At Trödelmarkt you can find a real treasure for nothing. Collectors usually go here. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. Address: Straße des 17. Juni (at the end of the street).

Trödelmarkt at Arkonaplatz is visited by locals. There are few people here, and prices are lower. They sell household items, inexpensive vintage clothes and vinyl records. Opening hours: Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Arkonaplatz 1.

Flohmarkt am Mauerpark is still a young market, so there are few tourists here. Opening hours: Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Address: Bernauer Strasse 63-64.

Food & Restaurants

In a Berlin restaurant, photo by Constanze Hallensleben

Alpenstück Restaurant & Bakery on Gartenstrasse 9 serves national dishes, makes real sausages, serves fresh pastries, excellent beer, German and Austrian wines.

Schneeweiß at Simplonstrasse 16 is considered an inexpensive establishment. It serves schnitzels and lamb meat, entrecote with vegetables, pork with dumplings.

Reinhard's offers European and Russian cuisine, famous for its fast service. Addresses: Poststraße, 28; Kurfürstendamm, 27; Koenigsallee, 56; Am Hamburger Bahnhof, 4.

Real German dishes can be ordered at Maxwell Restaurant (address: Gleimstraße, 23). The menu of the institution is divided into meat, fish, vegetarian sections.

Traditional German schnitzels or goulash with dumplings, Sacher cake and classic apple strudel are served at the Einstein concept cafe on Pod Linden Street (address: Unter den Linden 42).

Local beer bars prepare Klops and Kotelett chops with German potato salad, an exotic hacketer appetizer made from raw minced meat on bread; serves white beer with fruit syrup. Be sure to try the pork shank Icebein - here it is cooked in a special way, brewed in beer. Evaluate Berlin “Eintopf” - a thick vegetable soup with assorted smoked meats. Berlin donuts with icing sugar and fruit marmalade filling are considered a cult metropolitan dessert.

I recommend these hotels:

1. Hotel Cityblick (from € 54)
2. City Hotel am Kurfürstendamm (from € 35)
3. Hotel-Pension Cortina (from € 34)
4. CityArt Hotel (from € 80)
5. Olivaer Apart Hotel am Kurfürstendamm (from € 59)
6. Hotel Spreewitz am Kurfürstendamm (from € 36)
7. Hotel Abendstern (from € 43)

Nice apartments in Berlin:

1. Mondrian Suites Berlin am Checkpoint Charlie (from € 98)
2. Schoenhouse Apartments (from € 99)
3. Schoenhouse Studios (from € 94)
4. Old Town Apartments (from € 87)
5. Aparthotel VEGA (from € 57)

Berlin Transport

Berlin tram, photo by bashirRANA

Getting around Berlin is quite convenient by public transport. The city has a subway that was built before the war. Ground transportation will take you anywhere in Berlin. You need to worry about tickets in advance. For tourists, a 24-hour ticket is most suitable. It will allow you to travel throughout the city during the day at any distance. Read more about prices and types of transport tickets ...

Sightseeing buses

City Sightseeing Berlin (red)

Ring red tour bus for only € 19. There is an audio guide in Russian.

City Circle Sightseeing (Yellow)

Another yellow tourist bus. There is an audio guide in Russian. It costs € 22.

What to see in the vicinity of Berlin?

Brandenburg

Sanssouci Palace

Lubbenau

Potsdam

Spreewald

Palaces and castles near Berlin

Bisdorf Palace

Glienicke Palace

Köpenick Palace

Lindstedt Palace

Montbijou Palace

Pfaueninzel Palace

Sanssouci Palace

Tegel Palace

Cecilienhof Palace

Charlottenburg Palace

Schönhausen Palace

Marble Palace

Greenhouse palace

Hunting Palace Grunewald

Park Babelsberg

How do I save on hotels?

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Watch the video: Berlin - No More Words Official Video (December 2024).