Berlin

Step into Berlin: The German Capital Where History Collides with Modernity

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. It is located in northeastern Germany and is surrounded on all sides by the state of Brandenburg. The city is full of rich historical color, where the collision and fusion of past history and modern culture has led to the prosperous Berlin of today. If you want to travel to Germany, then Berlin must be your first stop.

Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate

Why Visit Berlin?

  • Berlin’s historical culture: Berlin is the capital and cultural center, home to World Heritage sites such as Museum Island, as well as memorial sites such as the Holocaust Memorial.
  • Street art: Berlin is known for its street art, with its bright and vibrant colors and casual creations spread throughout the city.
  • Berlin’s cycling culture: Berlin is a bicycle-friendly city with many specially designed cycling routes. You can reach all the tourist attractions in Berlin by bicycle.
  • Urban green spaces: Berlin has over 2,500 parks, such as Viktoriapark and Mauerpark, providing places to relax.
  • Berlin local culture: The most famous thing about Germany is the Munich Oktoberfest, beer gardens, beer museums, and beer galleries. These are the most distinctive attractions in Berlin for promoting local products.
  • Music and nightlife: Berlin’s nightlife is vibrant, especially known for its Techno electronic music culture, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

    The Oktoberfest in Berlin
    The Oktoberfest in Berlin

Top Attractions to Visit in Berlin

Historical Relics of Berlin

  • Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of German reunification, the Brandenburg Gate is located in the center of Berlin and was originally a gate in the Berlin city wall, named for its location leading to Brandenburg.
  • Berlin Wall Memorial: To commemorate the division of Berlin and those who sacrificed their lives at the Berlin Wall.
  • German Reichstag: It was completed in 1894 and was the seat of the National Parliament during the German Empire and the Weimar Republic. It embodies various architectural styles, including Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Museums and Art Galleries in Berlin

  • Museum Island: Museum Island is located in the center of Berlin on the Spree River, consisting of five museums. It is Germany’s most popular attraction and one of Europe’s most important museum sites.
  • Jewish Museum Berlin: Its exhibits show the handicrafts of Jews in Germany in the past two thousand years, and it is one of the largest Jewish history museums in Europe.
  • East Side Gallery: The East Side Gallery is the largest open-air gallery in the world, located on Mühlenstrasse on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall.

    Museum Island in Berlin
    Museum Island in Berlin

Parks and Outdoor Apaces in Berlin

  • Tiergarten Park: It is Berlin’s largest designed park and also its oldest park. The overall landscaping is more inclined towards the English style.
  • Tempelhofer Feld: Tempelhofer Feld is Berlin’s largest urban park and one of the largest inner-city open spaces in the world.

The Best Neighborhoods in Berlin

Mitte: It is the first district of Berlin, the capital of Germany, and is known as the “heart of Berlin”. It has some of Berlin’s most important tourist attractions.

Local Berlin Festivals

  • Berlinale International Movie Festival: One of the world’s three most famous film festivals, held around February each year, awarding important awards such as the Golden Bear and Silver Bear Awards.
  • Karneval der Kulturen:It originated in 1996 and is held every spring. Centered on the Kreuzberg district, there are featured cultural displays from nearly 80 different countries, including music, dance, and cuisine.
  • Berlin Christmas Markets: It starts around mid-November each year and lasts until around Christmas. Multiple Christmas markets will be set up in various parts of Berlin, with traditional Christmas delicacies, mulled wine, and a variety of handicrafts and Christmas decorations for sale. Some markets also have amusement rides and performances.

    Berlin Christmas Markets
    Berlin Christmas Markets

Shopping and Cuisine in Berlin

Berlin Shopping Areas

  • KaDeWe Department Store: The largest department store in continental Europe, offering a wide variety of shopping options for tourists, from luxury goods to everyday items.
  • Friedrichstrasse shopping area: Located in the former East Berlin, it is one of Berlin’s traffic arteries and an emerging shopping area in eastern Berlin after reunification.
  • Potsdamer Platz Arcades: A modern shopping center in central Berlin, bringing together many common brands.

Berlin Cuisine

  • Currywurst: This is one of Berlin’s most iconic street foods, featuring sliced sausage topped with a special curry sauce and sprinkled with curry powder, served with french fries or bread. Each bite is spicy and delicious, making it irresistible.
  • Berliner Weisse: Slightly sour and refreshing. It can be paired with different flavored syrups, such as raspberry or hibiscus, to make the beer sweeter and more palatable. When you come to Berlin, having a glass of local beer is definitely the best way to experience the local culture.
  • Schweinshaxe: This is a traditional German home-style dish. The pork knuckle is stewed for a long time, with a crispy skin and tender meat, served with sauerkraut and potatoes, with a rich flavor, it is a favorite of many Berliners.
  • Döner Kebab: Although originating in Turkey, it has become an indispensable street food in Berlin. Fresh meat and rich side dishes are sandwiched in soft bread, and every bite is full of satisfaction.

    Berlin Festival of Lights
    Berlin Festival of Lights

Berlin Travel Information

  • Transportation options: Subway, city express railway, bus, ferry, bicycle, walking.
  • Best time to visit Berlin: Autumn and summer are the best times to travel to Berlin.
  • Book in advance: Some popular attractions, such as the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island, have many tourists, so it is best to book tickets or make an appointment to visit on the official website in advance to avoid delaying your trip.
  • Opening hours: The opening hours of attractions may vary depending on the season, special events, etc. Before you go, be sure to confirm the opening hours to avoid wasting your trip. Some attractions may be closed on Mondays, so you need to plan your trip in advance.

    Berlin-style roast pork knuckle
    Berlin-style roast pork knuckle

Thoughtful Tips

  • Respect local culture: Germans value punctuality, order, and cleanliness. When visiting museums, churches, etc., remain quiet and follow the rules.
  • Daily etiquette: It is customary to shake hands when meeting, and eye contact should be natural and sincere. When addressing someone, it is best to use formal titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” unless the other party explicitly indicates that you can use their first name.
  • Weather changes: The weather in Berlin is changeable with large temperature differences between morning and evening, even in summer, it is best to prepare a jacket. Check the weather forecast before you travel and bring suitable clothing and rain gear according to the weather conditions.
  • Currency and payment: Germany uses the Euro. Some small shops, restaurants or markets may only accept cash, so bring some cash with you.

Berlin attracts every visitor with its unique cultural fusion and endless creativity. It is not only a witness to history but also a symbol of innovation and multiculturalism. If you seek to experience a journey filled with vitality and inspiration, welcome to Berlin, where you can feel the limitless charm of this city!

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