The Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), one of the most photographed locations in Berlin and also one of the Best Things to Do in Berlin, was modeled after the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. The Brandenburg Gate, which is situated in Pariser Platz, one of the city's most well-known squares, was constructed for King Frederick Wilhelm II beginning in 1788.

Since then, it has served as the setting for a large portion of the city's history, including Nazi parades and Napoleonic assaults. The building was situated in a "no man's land" between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The monument is now a must-see landmark that reflects Germany's unification, according to visitors.

Even though it won't take long to take a picture of the gate, you might wish to stop by the visitor center and reflect on the extensive history that has occurred at the Brandenburger Tor. Visit Berlin's tourism website for additional details.

The finest months to visit Berlin are May through September, when the weather is perfect for relaxing in parks, sipping coffee, and taking leisurely strolls through the city. On the other hand, winter is extremely cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. But now may be the perfect time for budget visitors to find low rates on airline and lodging.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Pariser Platz 7
Website: https://www.berlin.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/3560266-3558930-brandenburger-tor.html

The old Gestapo and SS Police headquarters from World War II are now the Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terreurs) exhibition. Travelers can learn about the crimes performed by those German officers who once worked at this location by exploring the grounds and visiting the documentation center.

On the property are other fascinating displays that provide insight into Berlin between 1933 and 1945, including sections of the ancient structure that have been excavated. You can take the free, English-speaking tour of the museum, which departs on Sundays at 3:30, for a more thorough look around the building. (Most exhibits have English and German descriptions.) At least 30 minutes before the tour begins, you need sign up at the front desk.

The museum is a must-see while in Berlin, according to visitors who claim it opens their eyes to the events that led to the Holocaust and World War II. Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the museum is open to the public; entry is free. The Topography of Terror is located about two blocks south of Potsdamer Platz and about a block west of Checkpoint Charlie, respectively. Go to the website for additional details.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Niederkirchnerstr. 8

Website: https://www.topographie.de/

The name "Museumsinsel" (or "Museum Island") refers to a collection of five museums, the Berliner Dom cathedral in Baroque style, and sizable gardens gathered on a little island in the River Spree. Each museum, which was constructed between 1830 and 1930, highlights a unique facet of German history and art.

When you go, try to identify which museum houses which piece of art. There is the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Bode-Museum, and the incredibly popular Pergamonmuseum. Recent visitors reported that the design of the buildings and the well-kept gardens are ideal for a stroll or outdoor picnic, even if you don't have time to see all of the museums.

At the Lustgarten stop on the island, off of the Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station, or off of the Klosterstraße U-Bahn station, you may access Museum Island via bus routes 100, 200, and N2. The Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island contains a three-day access to all the museums on the island, or you can pay separate entrance to each museum. The majority of museums are open every day from 10 am to 6 pm (8 p.m. on Thursdays). Visit the Museum Island website for more information on opening times, admission costs, and details on the exhibitions.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Address: Bodestraße 1

Website: http://www.museumsinsel-berlin.de/

The Berlin Wall Memorial, which is situated in the city's center, is around one mile long and follows the path of the former wall that divided Berlin in half. After arriving to the memorial, you can visit the visitor center to view a brief documentary on the Berlin Wall's history and check out a few other exhibits. Additionally, there is a bookstore there.

After finishing up in the tourist center, move across the street to observe the border strip's well-preserved remains. You can see a portion of the Berlin Wall as well as the Chapel of Reconciliation, a restored building that acts as a memorial for the lives lost.

Although there is no fee to enter the memorial, guided tours range in price from 2.50 to 5 euros (or roughly $2.80 to $5.65) per person. Recent visitors have advised taking the guided tour to truly appreciate the memorial's historical significance. The memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Monday). Visit the official website to learn more.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: Bernauer Straße 119, 13355

Website: http://www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/

The Reichstag, or Parliament Building, is a mash-up of several architectural styles from the late 20th to the late 21st century and serves as a symbol of Germany's past, present, and future. It represents the nation's journey from a dismal past to a promising future.

The building, which was initially built between 1884 and 1894, was set on fire in 1933, which was a significant event in the Third Reich's history. After being devastated during World War II, it was not used as a house of assembly again until 1999, when the distinctive glass dome was constructed.

Free tours of the Reichstag dome are available, but you must reserve a spot a few days in advance. The Visitors' Service Center offers same-day entry, although a current passport or government-issued identification card is necessary. Once inside, ascend the dome in a circle on foot or by elevator for a breathtaking view of the city.

For a more in-depth look at the history of the structure and the German government, recent visitors also advised the guided tours, which are provided during the weeks when Parliament is not in session. An audio guide is available if you are unable to join a group tour (available in English and 10 other languages). The Reichstag dome is accessible every day from 8 a.m. to midnight, with the last entrance at 9:45 p.m. The Hauptbahnhof, Berlin's primary train station, and the No. 100 bus both have stops near the building. Visit the Reichstag website for further details and to make a reservation.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Address: Platz der Republik 1

Website: https://www.bundestag.de/besuche/architektur/reichstag/

The Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas, often known as the Holocaust Tribute in Berlin, is a grid of 2,711 concrete blocks that was built as a memorial to the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Third Reich. Some blocks can reach a height of 15 feet.

The subterranean visitor center is accessible if you're interested in learning more about the history. Most people prefer to simply stroll among the gray slabs. Recent visitors expressed that they were deeply moved by the memorial's immense size (it covers more than half a square mile) and highly suggested going there while in Berlin.

The U-Bahn (Line U2, Potsdamer Platz or Mohrenstraße; Line U55, Brandenburger Tor), S-Bahn (Routes S1, S2, S25, Brandenburger Tor or Potsdamer Platz), and a number of bus lines, including the well-liked No. 100, may all take you to the memorial. This memorial is accessible every day of the year, although the visitor center is only open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m., depending on the season. The memorial and the underground visitor center are free to view, but you must pay a fee of 3 euros (about $3.50) each person. On Saturdays at 3 p.m., free, English-language public guided tours are provided. These tours take around 90 minutes. Visit the memorial's website for further details.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1

Website: https://www.stiftung-denkmal.de/startseite.html

The large Tiergarten, which spans 519 acres from downtown Berlin westward, draws tourists seeking a break from the bustle of the city. The park's name, which translates to "Animal Garden," derives from the fact that in the late 17th century, a few affluent Germans used it as a hunting area.

Today, tourists can still see animals by going to the Berlin Zoo, or Zoologischer Garten, which is a part of the park. The most well-liked green area in Berlin can be traversed on foot, by bicycle, or while running. However, a lot of visitors favor the Tiergarten's two biergartens more. The Victory Column, which was built in 1873 to honor Prussia's victory in the Franco-German War, is also housed in the Tiergarten. Great views of Berlin can be seen by those who climb to the top of this monument.

The Tiergarten S-Bahn or Brandenburger Tor U-Bahn stations are the closest to the park. There is no charge for entry, and the park is open every day.

Address: Große Sternallee

One of the most popular museums among visitors is the Pergamonmuseum, which is situated on Museumsinsel (Museum Island) on the River Spree. The museum, which was finished in 1930 and has numerous pieces that are significant to the development of ancient art and architecture, has recently received praise from visitors who used terms like "amazing" and "jaw-dropping" to describe it.

Exhibits include items like the rebuilt Ishtar Gate and the Pergamon Altar, which are both parts of a vast, enormous Greek temple that is thought to date back to 180 B.C. The museum is home to a magnificent collection of Greek, Roman, East Asian, and Islamic art.

Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the museum is open, with the exception of Thursdays when you can view the collection until 8 p.m. The Pergamonmuseum charges 19 euros ($21), and The majority of visitors stated that the expense was worthwhile. A Berlin WelcomeCard that grants free public transit and access to each institution on Museum Island for up to three days is also available.

Take the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to the Friedrichstrasse stop to get here. Visitors to the museum should be aware that until 2023, the north wing, the exhibition of Hellenistic art, and the hall housing the Pergamon Altar will all be closed for renovations. Visit the Pergamonmuseum website for further details.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Bodestraße 1-3

Website: https://www.smb.museum/museen-einrichtungen/pergamonmuseum/home/

The East Side Gallery designates the roughly one mile-long, longest unbroken portion of the Berlin Wall. This is where you should go if you want to experience the wall for the first time. Numerous worldwide artists gathered here following the collapse of the Berlin Wall (say that 10 times fast) in 1989 and painted scenes reflecting the world's jubilant and upbeat responses to the end of the Cold War era.

With more than 100 murals, the wall becomes the largest outdoor gallery in the world. Recent visitors praised the historical perspective but advised avoiding crowds by going early in the day. The gallery is close to the Spree River's Warschauer Strasse S- or U-Bahn stations. Although private group visits of up to 35 people can be scheduled for a fee, the gallery is open for free 24 hours a day. Visit the gallery's website to learn more.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: Mühlenstraße 70-71

Website:http://www.eastsidegallery-berlin.com/

Potsdamer Platz was Berlin's major square before World War II, and it was a busy one at that, but the subsequent wars left it devastated. Businesses like Sony and Daimler moved in and constructed their corporate headquarters on the square after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, reviving the neighborhood.

But not just multinational corporations were credited with revitalizing the plaza: The Boulevard der Stars, Berlin's equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, Berlin's largest performance venue, and the Deutsche Kinemathek, a museum devoted to German film and television, also established themselves. Families will appreciate the close-by Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin. A casino, a virtual reality lounge, and Berlin's biggest movie theater round out the entertainment options.

Many visitors claim that this region is a vibrant illustration of the restored, modern city, although some saying it lacks the flavor of neighboring areas. Both the Berlin Potsdamer Platz Bahnhof station on the S-Bahn and Potsdamer Platz are accessible through the U2 U-Bahn line. Check out the neighborhood's website for more details.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: Potsdamer Platz

Website:https://potsdamerplatz.de/

Zoos are typically among the top family attractions, and Zoo Berlin (also known as Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is no exception. Huge pandas, hippos, and polar bears are among the over 20,000 creatures that call this area of the Tiergarten home.

Everyday from 9 a.m. to either 4:30, 6 or 6:30 p.m., the zoo is open (depending on the season). You can save money by buying a combo ticket if you're also interested in wishing the aquatic animals at the nearby aquarium "guten tag." Recent visitors praise the facilities' upkeep and the stunning range of animals. The aquarium received positive reviews as well, and buying the combination ticket was advised. However, visitors do caution against the zoo's lack of food and beverage alternatives.

Zoo Berlin is accessible via the S-Bahn and U-Bahn. Children under 15 are admitted for 8 euros (about $9), while adults pay 15.50 euros (roughly $17). There are also family ticket packages available. Keep in mind that the ticket office closes an hour prior to the zoo's closing time. Visit the zoo's website for further details.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8

Website: https://www.zoo-berlin.de/de

Many people believe that visiting the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie or the Checkpoint Charlie Museum is a must when visiting the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing. Travelers and experts agree that the museum provides context for the border crossing that still exists, and you will find harrowing tales of individuals who managed to cross the Berlin Wall from East to West as well as tales of those who were unsuccessful. A full history of the Berlin Wall is also provided.

Recent visitors to the area had conflicting feelings about the museum; some complain that it is overpriced and that the neighborhood is commercialized, while others were charmed by it. Everyone concurred that it's worthwhile to go, even for the photo op. Many people cautioned that because there is so much knowledge on display, you'll probably spend a lot of time reading while you're there. Reviewers warn that you should pick and select what you read to save time.

The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except on holidays), and admission prices range from 7.50 euros to 14.50 euros (approximately $8.50 to $16). You must pay an additional 5 euros for the audio guide and for taking photos. Children under the age of six enter free. Off the Checkpoint Charlie U-Bahn station is where you can discover Checkpoint Charlie. Go to the website for additional details.

Google Rating: 4.0/5.0

Address: Friedrichstrasse 43-45

Website: https://www.berlin.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/3560059-3558930-checkpoint-charlie.html

The Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is a terrific location to visit for the cityscape that is always in demand. With a height of more than 650 feet, it is the tallest building in Germany and is sure to offer an impressive view. There are two elevators for visitors to use to reach the summit. Stop by the revolving Sphere Restaurant or Bar 203 for some light refreshments if the 40-second excursion has left you peckish.

Recent guests praised the panoramic vistas as must-sees despite the slightly inflated pricing. By ordering tickets in advance online, you can save money (which past visitors recommend that you do). The Berlin WelcomeCard holder will also save money on regular tickets. Online ticket prices range from 12 to 21.50 euros (about $13.50 to $24), while in-person ticket costs range from 9.50 to 16.50 euros (roughly $11 to $19).

Depending on the season, the TV Tower is open from 9 or 10 a.m. till midnight. It is accessible via the S-Bahn or U-Bahn station at Berlin Alexanderplatz (line U2 or U5). Visit the tower's website for further details and to get tickets in advance.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: Panoramastraße 1A

Website: https://tv-turm.de/de/startseite/

Schloss Charlottenburg, which was first used by the royal family as a vacation residence in the late 17th century, was transformed into an opulent palace by Frederick the Great in the 18th century. The complex can now be explored in more than a single day.

You can visit the church, the Neuer Fluegel (New Wing), where Frederick the Great formerly lived, and the residential rooms where Frederick I and Sophie Charlotte previously stayed inside the baroque palace. You can also go outside and visit the family mausoleum, the Royal Gardens, or even a lavish teahouse. Reviewers praised this as a fantastic all-year exercise. When it's cold outside (or when it's raining), go inside to observe the fine craftsmanship. Wander the beautiful gardens during the summer.

The audio guide, which is available in several languages and is included in the moderate admission price (between 10 and 12 euros, or $11 to $13), has been recommended by some previous visitors. There are tickets that allow you to see both the palace's interior and its expansive grounds. Remember: Taking pictures will cost you an additional 3 euros (approximately $3.40). To get to the Schloss Charlottenburg, exit the U-Bahn at the Richard-Wagner-Platz or Sophie-Charlotte-Platz stations. Depending on the season, the palace is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. Consult the website for more details.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24

Website: https://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schlossgarten-charlottenburg/