As Germany’s capital, it falls on Berlin to become the country’s biggest tourism destination. And it doesn’t disappoint. Today, it is a world city that is home to world-class culture, sightseeing, and entertainment.
Berlin is the setting of many of Germany’s most historic moments, such as the Berlin Wall and what’s left of it. There’s also the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Museum Island, with museums built from 1830 to 1930, and the Schloss Charlottenburg, the city’s largest historical palace. But even if it is steeped in culture, it also knows how to have fun.
The city is known around the world for its nightlife, with parties that last until the morning, or sometimes, all weekend! There’s a party in Berlin for every tourist or local.
If ever you’re thinking of going to Berlin, here are 10 things you can do in the city:
10. Go back to nature. The Zoologischer Garten Berlin is the most visited zoo in the continent and the zoo with the most diverse set of animals in the world. Another impressive thing is that it has been around since 1844! There’s also the Botanischer Garten, one of the largest and most diverse gardens in the world with 22,000 varieties of plants, and the Tiergarten, the city’s largest park.
Berlin’s Museum Island is home to a 3,300 year old bust
9. Be cultured and see art. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Museum Island, where five world-renowned museums built from 1830 to 1930 sit next to each other. One of the most prized exhibits is the 3,300 year old bust of Nefertiti, the Great Royal Wife of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten.
The scenic Gendarmenmarkt, a neoclassical square that contains two cathedrals and an opera house
8. See amazing architecture. The scenic Gendarmenmarkt is a neoclassical square that contains the Konzerthaus (concert hall), the French Church, and the German Church. The square was created in the 17th Century, but was damaged in World War II. Today, all the buildings have been restored to their former glory.
The majestic Schloss Charlottenburg, the city’s largest historical palace
7. Check out local politics. Get political and admire the Schloss Charlottenburg, the city’s largest historical palace, and the Reichstag Building, the home of the Parliament. Take selfies with the buildings.
6. Soak in the culture. To really feel the Berlin culture, we recommend you stroll the city for the countless cafes, street musicians, flea markets, and specialty shops, which you can find in almost every corner! Don’t miss out on the Sunday flea market at Mauer Park, where you can hunt down bargains on clothes, furniture, and food.
Berlin’s Photoautomats have become iconic souvenirs
5. Get a souvenir. To make sure you don’t forget your Berlin adventures, make sure to have your photo taken at any of the Photoautomats scattered all over the city. The four black-and-white photos have become iconic Berlin souvenirs!
4. Admire the skyline. Berlin is the setting for an impressive cityscape of architecture, from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the Fernsehturm (TV tower) at Alexanderplatz, where you can witness a sweeping view of the entire city. From here, you can see why UNESCO named Berlin as a City of Design, a title given to cities where they have greatly contributed to the international design industry.
There’s art everywhere in Berlin. You just have to look
3. Notice street art. Berlin boasts 138 museums and 400 art galleries that cater to every art movement, but an alternative to see art is to simply walk the streets, where colorful urban art is spread across the city. In fact, Berlin is known worldwide for its street art culture.
2. See (what’s left of) the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall is historically relevant as it cut off East Berlin from “fascist elements” through a wall built in 1961. It was demolished in 1989, and what’s left is transformed into the East Side Gallery, an open-air exhibition of art. Equally relevant is the Oberbaum Bridge, which connects Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, formerly separated by the Wall.
Berlin’s nightlife is legendary worldwide
1. Party like a rock star. Berlin is known worldwide for its thriving party scene, with many partyphiles from around the globe visiting the city’s nightlife. Many parties last until the morning, or sometimes, all weekend! Some parties worth checking out are the annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the most important film festivals in the world; the Karneval der Kulturen or Carnival of Cultures, a multi-ethnic street party; the JazzFest Berlin; and the music festival Berlin Festival, held every September (except for a “creative break” in 2016).
Berlin is a little bit of everything for everyone. There’s Berlin for the history buff, Berlin for the art-lover, and Berlin for the partyphile. To make your Berlin trip hassle-free and memorable, book with Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline!
