The Berliner Dom
Berlin has it all. Lights, culture, history, arts, politics, parks, and industry. It is the capital of Germany, and one of my favorite places to visit. As with other big cities, I do believe that a travel guide (at the very least) is the way to go. However, during my visits to the city, I have been able to do many unique and unusual things, and I’ve written them out list-style below (thank me later!):
A section of the wall. Be sure to walk back behind this display for about a block and on the right hand side of the road, you should see an almost forgotten sniper tower (one of the last still standing).
1) Reichstag: This is the parliament building where, like in Washington D.C., a lot of important stuff goes down. All of the tours are absolutely free, and can be arranged beforehand or by showing up early in the morning. We were lucky enough to arrange a tour beforehand, which takes you into the plenary chamber (where the debate is held), something not available when arriving the day of. For more information, check out this site. If you plan on entering the Reichstag without a reservation, be sure to do so early in the day (unless you like waiting in line!).
Writing on the walls of the Reichstag (viewable only on a prebooked tour). Written by a Russian soldier when at the end of the Second World War.
The interior of the German parliament reichstg in Berlin, Germany, Europe
Inside the Reichstag, viewable only on the prebooked tour.
2) Swimming in the Spree River…well almost, at BadeSchiff: Recently, a swimming pool was built in the Spree River, and it is a wonderfully scenic place to spend the afternoon. For more info, read this article about the pool, or check out the Badeschiff website here. Located on Eichenstrasse 4, the pool is a converted cargo hull and the area is fashioned to look like a beach. Complete with bar, and only three euros to get in, this place is a unique and unforgettable swimming experience.
3) Berliner Weisse: Germans seem to have a penchant for flavoring their beer, and this is no exception. Ordinarily a bland beer, this treat is lightened up with some flavor, making it a local specialty. The cheapest way to feel like a local, this beverage should be enjoyed sitting in the warm sun with a curry wurst on the side.
Some well-deserved Berliner Weisse
4) Communist-era relics: Try to take a history tour, or at the very least, keep an eye out for communist era relics. Aside from being able to buy cheap souvenirs from street peddlers, take a minute to look out for the well-known hammer and sickle symbols, as well as “working man” statues. These statues (still standing around the city), were meant to embody the idea of a perfect public servant and often portray a healthy, young, tool-wielding, individual. To see many of these sites (as well as the site of Hitler’s bunker), I suggest taking a fat tire bike tour!
Buy genuine soviet-era kitsch – look around the Berliner Dom, you’ll be sure to find some!
5) Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche: A relic of the Second World War, this bombed church remains standing as a reminder of the destructive power of war. Take some time to appreciate this landmark, and then head down the famous Kurfuerstendamm (Ku’damm) for some upscale shopping and eating.
6) Hohenschoenhausen, a Stasi Prison: When I first visited Germany, I was blessed to be accompanied by an older couple (family friends) who had lived and subsequently been kicked out of East Germany for having pro-western sympathies. It was with this couple, that I visited the Berlin Stasi Prison, where political prisoners where held during the East German era. Tours are given, when possible, by former prisoners who will recount how they were treated (and often tortured) in this prison. It is possible to get an English tour of this unbelievable site and information can be found here and here.
My obligatory picture with the Brandenburg gate!
7) Hauptbahnhoff: The main train station in Berlin is a sight to see. More importantly though, it’s the place where I always grab my favorite ice cream. I cannot remember the name of the place, but you’ll know it when you see it! The flavors are to die for – it’s a great treat on
a hot day!
Of course there are many other must-see attractions like Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial, Unter den Linden, Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower, among several others.
Checkpoint Charlie
