Sightseeing

Berlin Tourist Attractions

Brandenburger Tor

The ultimate symbol of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate has stood as gateway to the city since 1791. Historically, passing through the gate would lead you to the homes of royalty. In more recent years, it has been surrounded by the Berlin Wall, the only break between East and West. Today it has been returned to its former glory of being the symbol of freedom and unity. This triumphal arch is engrained in the history of the city.

Berlin Wall

What was once the separation of East from West a division of families, friends and a reminder of a terrible past, the Berlin Wall has risen above all this to become the largest open air galley in the world. After the wall was knocked down in 1989, graffiti artists began leaving their mark on the once sombre Eastern side of the wall. Stretching 1,316 meters in length, comprised of 118 artists from 21 countries, tourists are given the chance to celebrate Germanys future instead of only coming to catch a glimpse of the past.

Reichstag

The historic seat of parliament, the Reichstag laid in ruins from 1933 when it was destroyed by arson until after reunification in 1990 when the German government voted to save the majestic building. Today it is one of the must-see attractions in Berlin where tourists enjoy a long winding walk to the top of the circular dome for striking views of the city below.

Checkpoint Charlie

A former checkpoint along the Berlin Wall that separated the city of Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie is now a symbol from a long ago age. A short distance from the remaining brick structure there is also the Checkpoint Charlie museum.

Ka De We

This is the largest department store in all of continental Europe. The combination of size, number of articles and convenient location in the heart of the city has made this a fun place for tourists to explore. The delicatessen has a huge assortment of traditional foods for you to sample on the bottom floor.

Berliner Dom

The Berlin Cathedral is a magnificent basilica built in 1905 standing on the site of many previous structures. On this spot there has been a church since 1465, having been redesigned, remodelled and destroyed several times throughout its long history. Today visitors come to marvel at the intricately decorated dome full of mosaics, historic photos and models. Also, in the crypts of the old church there lay more than 80 sarcophagi of Prussian royals.

Museum Island

Not surprisingly, Museum Island is a series of world renowned museums that are all located on the Northern end of a small island in the middle of Berlin. The museums are celebrated both for their architectural merit as well as the collections they house. A virtual tour through the civilizations of the ages and the art work they all created. This is not to be missed.

Tiergarten Park

The largest park in Berlin, this is also the world’s largest inner-city park; A refuge for Berliners and tourists alike. This is also the site of the annual Love Parade.

Charlottenburg Palace

The largest remaining palace in Berlin, Chorlottenburg was given its name to commemorate the memory of the wife of Fredrick III, Sophie Charlotte. Built in 1699, today the palace acts as a museum as well as a visually stunning tourist attraction. There are also the adjacent royal baroque gardens, which act as a local, neighbourhood park for the locals.

Unter den Linden

The most famous street in Berlin, this is the heart of the historic section of the city dating from the 17^th and 18^th centuries. It is named for its linden or lime trees, which line the grassed pedestrian mall between the two carriageways. The trees were planted to grant Friedrich III a more visually appealing trip between his castle, through the Brandenburg Gate to his hunting grounds in Tiergarten.

Berlin Tour Operators 

Berlin is a wonderful city, for it’s history, endurance, culture and landmarks. And one of the more beautiful things about the city is that it’s easily explored on foot. Whether walking or biking, the major sites of Berlin are close enough that you won’t wear yourself out getting to them all. You save money on transport, you get fresh air and exercise and you get to see more of the city. But it is still a big place and there’s lots of ground to cover, so to help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together a list of the best walking and biking tours the city has to offer.

To book for any of the following tours or for more information, simply ask one of our friendly reception staff.

Brewer's Berlin Tours

These are by far the most popular tours in the city; Not only because they give so much for so little, but because of the sheer array of choices you are given when you choosing your tour. There is the standard city-wide tour, but with Brewer’s 8-hour marathon tour there is nothing left out. All bases are covered. For those who can’t handle anymore history in their European tour there is the Berlin Today tour; for those with a unquenchable thirst there is the Berlin Nightlife Tour; and for those who think they’ve seen it all there’s Tuesday’s with Terry you’re guaranteed to see learn something new here. (Prices start at €10). www.brewersberlintours.com

Fat Tire Bike Tours

Fat Bike Tours sets you up on curvy beach cruisers for a comfortable and leisurely ride through the highlights of Berlin. They have a general city wide introductory tour, which is generally the most popular. But they also have specialty tours for an in-depth look at the Third Reich or the Berlin Wall. (Prices are €17 students and €20 adult) Fat Bike also have daily bike rentals so if you already know your way around you’re free to explore at your own pace. (Full Day €12 Half Day €7). www.fattirebiketoursberlin.com

Berlin Walks

Having been touring the streets of Berlin for more than 15 years, Berlin Walks have learned a thing or two. One of their better ideas and what helps them stand out from the crowd is their inventiveness. In addition to the expected walks, Berlin Walks also do a Spies and Espionage Tour or a Jewish Life in Germany tours. These guys get the thumbs up from Lonely Planet. (Prices start at €10). www.berlinwalks.com

New Berlin Tours

New Berlin Tours run the cities only free tours. The guides work for their tips so you know they’re going to be working hard. Their motto is that no budget is left behind. These tours take you show you everything you want to see, they tell you everything you want to know about the cities history and it is only at the end that you can decide how much this tour was worth to you. There are now both walking and cycling tours. www.newberlintours.com

Insider Tour

From pub crawls to concentration camps, an all-day-all-highlights, a bike tour and a traditionalists take on food tour. These guys do it all. Whatever you're looking for be it history, culture or just and introduction to one of the best cities in Europe - Insider Tours offers up one of the best options for a Berlin walking tour. www.insiderberlintours.com