Follow the journey of Saul Schwartz and his family as they explore Berlin, Germany’s capital. From free walking tours to museum visits, Saul outlines a comprehensive itinerary of Berlin’s prime attractions. Whether you want to delve into Berlin’s Jewish heritage or venture further into the city, here are some excellent tips on what to see and ways to save money.
Berlin in August was hot and dry, which made it essential to stay hydrated. Some attractions were outdoors, while others, though sheltered, lacked air conditioning. Despite the heat, my wife Fern, my daughter Danielle, Fern’s daughter Courtney, and I managed to see Berlin’s key sites during our five-day visit.
Reichstag
One of our top experiences was the free ninety-minute English-language tour of the Reichstag, the German Parliament. You need to request this tour online up to two months in advance. The tour includes access to the voting chamber, with its striking purple seats and silver Federal eagle. Our guide, Sebastian, explained the functions, history, and architecture of the building, which was restored after reunification. After the tour, we spent about thirty minutes at the dome, getting breathtaking views of Berlin from the roof terrace.
“Free” Walking Tour of Berlin
We took the Sandeman New Europe 2.5-hour walking tour, guided by Max from New York, who was well-versed in Berlin’s 20th-century history. Starting at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s iconic landmark, we moved on to sites like Hitler’s Bunker, the former Luftwaffe Headquarters, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Book Burning Memorial.
Museum Island
Crossing the Spree River into Museum Island, we visited several notable museums. The Pergamonmuseum is famous for its reconstructions of ancient towns, like the Babylonian Ishtar Gate and the Market Gate of Miletus. The Alte Nationalgalerie features 19th-century art, including works by Impressionists and Rodin’s sculptures. The Altes Museum showcases Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. We took a lunch break at the Neues Museum Restaurant but didn’t have enough time to explore its ancient Egyptian art collection thoroughly.
Jewish Berlin
Berlin’s Jewish heritage offers numerous poignant sites. The Holocaust Memorial, close to the Brandenburg Gate, is a stark and moving tribute to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis. Beneath it, an information center documents the genocide. The Neue Synagogue, once Germany’s largest, and the Stolpersteine memorial stones scattered throughout the city, offer a deeply personal look at the impact of the Holocaust on individuals and families. Danielle and I visited the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, an intense and somber experience that provides extensive historical context.
Berlin Further Afield
The East Side Gallery, a one-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall featuring murals and graffiti, is the world’s largest open-air gallery. The Tiergarten, Berlin’s biggest park, is perfect for a leisurely stroll, despite the heat. For a panoramic view of Berlin, the Fernsehturm TV Tower is a must-visit. We also enjoyed seeing the joyful Buddy Bears scattered around the city, each a piece of public art.
Berlin Tips
– Skip the Hop On Hop Off bus; it’s hot and slow.
– Take the S Bahn train for faster transportation, with an all-day ticket providing excellent value.
– Consider a Berlin Museum Pass or a Museum Island Ticket for cost-effective access to multiple museums.
– Stay in the Ku’damm area for convenient dining and lodging options, like Savignyplatz square’s restaurants.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
We walked from our hotel to this neo-Romanesque church, which has a richly decorated memorial hall despite being partly damaged during World War II.
Tribeca Ice Cream
On a hot day, we enjoyed the refreshing and creamy vegan ice cream at Tribeca.
Guidebook Recommendation
Eyewitness Travel Berlin was particularly helpful, offering detailed maps and information on Berlin’s neighborhoods and attractions.
In just five days, we managed to cover Berlin’s vast and diverse sites, feeling welcomed by the city’s inclusive atmosphere. Given its rich history, Berlin is undoubtedly a city worth visiting.
About Saul Schwartz
Saul lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and has been a Washington, D.C. resident since 1984. He’s passionate about traveling across Europe with his family, learning about different cultures and histories.
In conclusion, Berlin’s historical significance and vibrant culture make it a fascinating and meaningful destination.
suansuan