Experienced tourists know that a well-designed route is the key to an interesting and eventful trip. Once in an unknown city for the first time, many guests get lost and, as a result, spend a lot of time looking for attractions. Today we bring to your attention a route through Berlin, which will help you visit the most iconic and interesting places and take the most of the time at your disposal.
Alexanderplatz
We will take Alexanderplatz square as the starting point of our fascinating route. Walking just a few hundred meters along Unter den Linden Avenue, tourists can discover the most beautiful and popular buildings in the capital: the Museum Island, the Reichstag government building, the cathedral and the Brandenburg Gate. Well, in the event that tourists still have energy, they can supplement their program with a walk through the huge zoo or make cherished purchases at the city's largest retail outlet, which is called KaDeWe.
So, before leaving one of the most famous squares in Berlin - Alexanderplatz - we suggest turning to the pages of history. It turns out that it got its name thanks to Emperor Alexander I back in 1805 and was reconstructed beyond recognition about 60 years ago. Today it is decorated with several monumental buildings, including an impressive fountain with an equally beautiful name - "Friendship of Peoples".
Here you can also compare watches on a huge dial, which shows the time in different parts of the world. There is also a huge TV tower decorated with a ball. It is believed that this particular place is the personification of the power of the GDR, which for many years was under the influence of the communist system.
Museum Island
As soon as we leave the square and walk a little along the central street of Unter den Linden, we will find ourselves in the company of an impressive architectural, historical and cultural phenomenon that is called the Museum Island. The complex includes five of the most ambitious museum expositions in Berlin at once. Paying tribute to the greatness of the buildings, their impressive collections, in 1999 the complex was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here is one of the largest Protestant churches in the country - the Cathedral. Along with the center of pilgrimage for many believers, this monumental building is also an excellent example of the Baroque architectural style. Having looked enough at the exterior of the cathedral, we advise you to look into the family crypt of the Hohenzollerns. For a complete impression of the temple, do not neglect the opportunity to visit the observation deck.
Gendarmenmarkt square
After enjoying the rich decoration of the cathedral, we will continue along Unter den Linden street to the opera house, and in a few moments we will have an amazing view of one of the most visited squares of the capital - Gendarmenmarkt. The unusual name of the square is associated with a regiment of cuirassier gendarmes, who in the 18th century used it to accommodate rooms for horses and checkpoints.
Today, the square is a model of the victory of technology over time and includes many hotels, modern shops and cafes. It is here that you can have a cup of excellent coffee while enjoying the view. In this case, you will not be able to pass by the two cathedrals that adorn the square. They have German and French names and were built in the 18th century. There is also a huge Concert Hall, at the entrance to which there is a monument to Schiller, one of the most famous Germans.
Checkpoint Charlie
Before leaving the main street, we will get acquainted with two more sights. Checkpoint Charlie is of great historical importance. It is surprising that this checkpoint has been preserved since the times when the country was divided into two parts by a huge wall. Here you can also visit a museum dedicated to that historical period, within the walls of which you can find many more symbols of the unspoken confrontation between the two superpowers.
Brandenburg Gate
Well, at the end of this part of the walk, you will see the world famous Brandenburg Gate, the construction of which was completed in 1791. They are also a kind of symbol of distant times, when Germany as a single state did not exist. Every self-respecting tourist who has visited Berlin is obliged to take several memorable pictures against the background of this grandiose creation of the era of classicism.
Berlin WelcomeCard: travel, discounts and guide - 23 € €
Hop-on hop-off bus tour for 24 or 48 hours - from 26 €
Ticket for a quick visit to the TV tower - 21.50 €
Priority entry: Berlin TV Tower Window Seating - € 24.50
Coffee at the Käfer restaurant on the roof of the Reichstag - € 19.90
Panoramapunkt ticket - 11.50 €
Access to museums: 3-day pass to 30+ museums - 29 €
Reichstag
Of particular importance to our journey is one of the most famous government buildings in the entire world. The Reichstag is located next to the Brandenburg Gate towards the river. The author of the architectural project is the genius of his time Paul Wallot. We all remember very well that during the last war the buildings were almost completely destroyed. But the Germans managed, in a short time, not only to restore the Reichstag, but also to return it to its former power and lost respect. Today decisions are made here that are not only important for the country, but can also significantly affect the course of world history. Germany today is one of the strongest members of the European Union.
The only thing that could not be restored on the Reichstag building is its famous dome. A few years later, another glass dome appeared in its place, which also includes an observation deck. By the way, everyone can get to the site. You just need to go through a simple registration on the government website.
Berlin Zoo
While exploring Berlin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the local zoo, which is located immediately behind the Tiergarten park, not far from the aforementioned gates. The zoo's impressive diversity of animal species makes it the third most visited place in the city. By the way, at the same time, the zoo bears the title of the first menagerie in Germany. Just think, over 15 thousand animals from all over the world are represented on an area of more than 35 hectares. And unlike other similar establishments, animals are allowed to feed.
Shopping center KaDeWe
All lovers of quality shopping are advised to visit the huge KaDeWe shopping center, which first opened its doors to customers back in 1907. Of course, over the past century, this building has been repeatedly expanded and rebuilt, which made it another landmark of Berlin. According to the sources, the total retail space of the establishment exceeds 60 thousand square meters. The phenomenal size (eight-storey building), an impressive assortment and loyal prices make this place the most popular trading platform not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.
The first floor is completely dedicated to cosmetics, perfumes and fashion jewelry. Here you can also find boutiques with an impressive range of watches from world brands. A visit to the second and third floors is for everyone who wants to replenish their wardrobe with fashionable and stylish things (there are pavilions of men's and women's clothing, respectively). The fourth floor of the shopping center is reserved for shoes, accessories and linen.Here you can also find wonderful interior and design products. Well, for those who wish to give themselves or their loved ones a high-tech gift, it is worth going up one floor. The best electronics novelties are presented here, as well as pavilions where you can buy an exciting game or an ultra-modern toy for children.
Well, on the last two floors you can buy delicacies or other culinary masterpieces from the country's leading chefs. The range of products is represented by excellent confectionery delights, food and drinks. The ground floor is reserved for a restaurant, which can simultaneously accommodate up to a thousand visitors.
Kaiser Wilhelm Church
When you are tired, leave the shopping center with packages of new purchases, find the strength for the "final push". There are a few more unique attractions worth visiting to complement your walking experience. Not far from KaDeWe is the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, which is built in a neo-Romanesque style. Today this place is a symbol of peace after the war.
Boulevard Kudamm
Don't miss the opportunity to end your trip with a stroll along Kudamm Boulevard. It is here that the boutiques of leading fashion designers - Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and many others - are located. And, of course, it is worth visiting the open-air exposition, which includes the most famous fragment of the Berlin Wall.
We wish you a good time!
In Berlin, GuruTurizma recommends the following hotels:
