Berlin is one of the most interesting tourist attractions. It embodies the centuries-old history of defeats and victories, the status of the capital of 3 states, the cultural and economic achievements of the German people. To get acquainted with the unique sights of the city, you need to devote a lot of time to this. And if you have only 2 days in stock, you should plan a route in advance, allowing you to see the main cultural and historical sites of the legendary city. This article recommends what to see in Berlin in 2 days on your own.
First day
Today we will walk through the most significant and popular places of the city. Let us feel the atmosphere and take some vivid and memorable photos. We recommend choosing comfortable shoes and clothing. The route is very busy.
Alexanderplatz
If you expect to see the attributes of ancient Europe on the central square, then your expectations will not come true. Alexanderplatz, named after the visit of the Russian Emperor Alexander I (1805), today is a typically modern square. The huge space impresses with its size and scale of grandiose structures.
You will not see medieval palaces and castles here. Historical upheavals have changed the face of the once small market square. Only the Red City Hall and the Marienkirche Church, which are authentic symbols of past eras, have survived here from the previous buildings. The 20th century almost completely changed the historical place, increasing its size by 4 times.
Today Alexanderplatz symbolizes the economic strength and cultural prosperity of the German capital. The famous skyscrapers of the TV Tower, the Park Inn hotel, the Alex shopping center - the brainchild of socialist modernism in architecture - impress with their views. Quite recently, a supermodern residential building of 39 floors with a fashionable hotel on the 1st floor has "grown" here. Aleksandplatz is a favorite meeting place for Berliners, a solid road junction and a popular tourist attraction.
Berlin TV Tower
A unique high-rise structure, erected in socialist Germany, has not lost its futuristic symbolism today. The Berlin TV Tower (368 m high) still looks like an object of architectural modernism. The grandiose project was carried out by a group of talented architects. Instead of the supposed 30 million marks, 200 million were spent, and in October 1969 the building was put into operation.
The collective work justified the costs - the high-rise masterpiece is still a popular tourist attraction. It is not only the appearance and height of the tower that is of interest. Visitors are worried about the technology of the sliding method of erecting such an extraordinary structure. A huge metal ball with a diameter of 32 m is placed at a height of 200 meters. It was assembled on the ground from separate plates and installed by a crane attached to the trunk of the skyscraper. The tower is crowned with an antenna (height 118 m), assembled from 4-meter conical segments.
Several entrances to the tower allow hundreds of tourists every day to go up to the observation deck on swift noiseless elevators in almost seconds. It is located inside the ball at an altitude of 204 m, from where a charming panorama of the city opens. There is also a wonderful restaurant (on a rotating platform) with national German cuisine.
St. Mary's Church
Among the modern buildings on pl. Alexanderplatz is the "island" of antiquity - the Church of St. Mary. Its baroque-Gothic appearance - a reminder of the historical past - captivates with its authenticity. Built in the 13th century. from bright red bricks in the Brandenburg Gothic style, the church has undergone architectural changes.
After a fire in the 17th century, which damaged the tower, it was restored and decorated with baroque elements. And in the 18th century. the tower was given a neo-gothic appearance. The Church of St. Mary remains the only old building on the square, to which there is a stream of tourists. The temple has become a kind of museum where you can see the authentic atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
The interior decoration impresses with numerous decorations made in various styles. The sculpture "John the Baptist" surrounded by angels, a baroque altarpiece, an old fresco "Dance of Death", a Gothic font make an indelible impression. Everyone is excited and attracted by the silver organ, the keys of which were touched by the hands of the genius Bach. One cannot but listen to the magnificent singing of the church choir at Sunday services and be imbued with high spirituality.
Fountain Neptune
Not far from the TV tower there is a masterpiece of fountain architecture of the 19th century - the Neptune Fountain. It belongs to the main attractions and serves as a symbol of the revival not only of Berlin, but of the whole of Germany. The fantastic structure in the antique style was created by the sculptors Schinkel and Begas as a gift to Kaiser Wilhelm II (1891). It was erected in front of the monarch's winter residence on the palace square.
Like many architectural monuments of the city, the fountain-monument was significantly damaged during the 1945 bombing. Wilhelm's palace, destroyed to the ground, was demolished in 1951, and the Neptune fountain at the same time was sent for storage and subsequent restoration. Unique cast sculptures were restored to their original form, and the monument was erected in a new place - next to Alexanderplatz.
The view of the fountain is impressive in its dimensions. The diameter of the rectangular pool with rounded edges is 18 m, the height (without the trident) is 10 m. The bottom of the pool and the edging are made of granite. In the center of the fountain bowl, an impromptu rock is erected with the ruler of the seas, Neptune, seated on a throne-shell, surrounded by children. There are numerous sculptures of marine life around the pedestal. 4 bronze female figures allegorically represent the main rivers of Germany. There are always a lot of people near Neptune.
Red City Hall
The unusually bright and beautiful building of the Red City Hall strikes the imagination with austere and at the same time pompous architecture. In its appearance, 2 styles are mixed - Renaissance and Neo-Gothic, which gave the building a majestic appearance. Red adobe brick was the best fit for the implementation of Wesemann's project (1861-69). Like many buildings, the Red City Hall has been repeatedly restored, supplemented with new elements.
Between the 1st and 2nd floors, the facade was decorated with a frieze "History in Stone" (1979) with images illustrating the stages of development of the German capital. Of interest is a mosaic window located above the main entrance of the town hall. A magnificent clock tower crowns the central portal. There are 300 steps leading to its top, where an observation deck was built. Along the perimeter of the roof there are massive figures of 8 bears - symbols of the most famous Germanic family of Askanievs.
Today, almost all official meetings and business meetings are held in the Column and Armorial Halls of the Red City Hall. Here is the beautifully furnished office of the burgomaster. Tourists can see the ceremonial beauty of the interior interiors only 2 times a year (January, August), when the Long Night of Museums festival takes place. Red carpets on the steps of the stairs, snow-white columns with golden capitals, luxurious furniture cannot but admire.
Church of St. Nicholas
The oldest church (early 13th century) adorns the historic quarter of the city with the same name. It was erected near the intersection of the river. Spree with an international trade route and was a three-aisled basilica with a cross. Later it was rebuilt, giving the appearance of a hall Gothic church with an ornate altar and tower at the top. The work was sponsored by the Berlin bakers' guild.
In the 19th century.during a 2-year reconstruction, the facade of the temple was transformed in the neo-gothic style, adding another tower symmetrically to the first one. In 1938, the historical, religious and architectural monument became state property. Church services since that time have ceased. Some of the church attributes, which have genuine artistic value, were transferred to the Church of St. Mary.
Despite the brutal bombing of 1945, the powerful walls of the sanctuary withstood, but the church stood in a dilapidated state for a long time. Painstaking restoration work began in 1981 according to authentic drawings and drawings. A new element has been added - carillon chimes with 41 bells. Now there is a branch of the Brnderburg Museum with artifacts from the 13-14 centuries. and a concert hall for organ music.
Ephraim Palace
The building of the Ephraim Palace, amazing with beauty and grace of architecture, is a vivid evidence of the careful, reverent attitude of the German people to the past and its symbols. Built at the end of the 19th century, the palace belonged to a wealthy merchant and banker, the Prussian Jew Ephraim. Taking advantage of the special location of King Frederick II, the banker received permission to build a building in the prestigious district of Mitte.
A true architectural masterpiece, like Phoenix, emerged from the devastation in the 80s of the 20th century. The most beautiful 4-storey building, made in the Rococo style, was practically demolished during the construction of the Mühlendambrücke bridge in 1936. Fragments of the facade, walls, elements of decoration were taken to West Berlin, where they remained for a long time.
The decision to restore the Ephraim Palace was made 7 years before the celebration of the 750th anniversary of Berlin as part of the restoration work in the historic Nikolaiviertel quarter. A magnificent example of Rococo architecture received a second life in its original form, thanks to the efforts of the architect F. Klinger. Today, the palace admires the sophistication of the gold finish, the bizarre asymmetric structures, the majesty of the columns and statues.
Berlin Cathedral
On the museum island of Spreeinsel, there is the famous Berlin Cathedral - the largest Protestant church in Germany. It took 11 years to build the magnificent temple, destined to become the main parish of Lutherans in Europe. The baroque appearance of a Protestant temple, bright and magnificent, is devoid of traditional asceticism.
Many stucco ornaments, sculptures, columns decorate the facades of the church from the outside. Majestic copper domes overshadow the architectural work of art. Going inside, you feel spatial and spiritual freedom. Everything here is also bright and beautiful: amazing stained-glass windows, pictures from biblical life, carved patterns on the pulpit.
After the end of the war, the cathedral was reconstructed for many years. As a result, it has decreased in height by 6 m, but still strikes with its irresistible beauty. An observation deck is located in the central dome (a favorite place for tourists). The organ of the famous master Sauer is installed in the hall. Here is the family tomb of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
Lustgarten park
In front of the Cathedral there is a wonderful Lustgarten park, rebuilt in 1946. In the 17th century. on this place the palace economy of the Brandenburg Elector was located. Later, various mass events were held here. Under King Frederick I (1713), a military parade ground with a sandy surface was set up. The 19th century gave the former parade ground a different look. Under the leadership of the famous architect Shenkel, the building of the Old Museum was erected, a grandiose fountain powered by a steam engine was built.
It was a real technical breakthrough, as impressive as the fountain itself. But later, a sculpture of Frederick III was installed in its place. The military destruction did not bypass the park, almost destroying everything in it. Only in 1998, work began on the restoration of the Lustgarten. Now this wonderful place pleases the townspeople and tourists with its picturesque beauty. Intricate fountains, original landscape paintings, a wonderful English-style garden enchant and pacify.
German Historical Museum
The Museum of German History was opened in the Reichstag building in honor of the 750th anniversary of Berlin (1987). In the GDR, a similar museum was located in Zeihaus, an ancient building of the Prussian kingdom's arsenal. After the unification of Germany in 1990, 2 museums (1 in the Reichstag and the second in the Zeighaus) were combined into one grand institution - the unified German Historical Museum.
The oldest building of the arsenal underwent a long reconstruction (1994-2003). It was built in the 18th century. in the Baroque style, it has already been restored once after the war with Napoleon in the spirit of "Schinkel classicism" (the style of the architect Schinkel). This is a true masterpiece of architecture, captivating with expressive beauty of the external design, which is impossible not to admire.
The internal content of the Zeighaus is also impressive with the number of various exhibits illustrating all stages of the development and decline of the state. History from primitive communities to the present day passes before the eyes of visitors. Temporary exhibitions are organized in a new modern-futuristic glass and steel building.
Old National Gallery
The temple of artistic works of art - this is how you can call this cultural and educational institution. The Old National Gallery was opened in March 1876 on the Museum Island. The magnificent building with a majestic entrance and an elegant colonnade really resembles a temple. The first collection of art exhibits was a collection of 250 paintings donated to the gallery by I. Wagner.
Like all significant objects of the city, the building of the National Gallery was badly damaged by the bombing, being left without a roof for 3 years. After the restoration of the roof and cosmetic repairs, the museum was opened to visitors in 1950. The collection of paintings reflects all directions of painting from classicism to modern abstractionism.
After the unification of the country, it was decided to carry out a major reconstruction of all the halls and the facade of the unique building. The renovated Old National Gallery opened in December 2001. Spacious, bright rooms with chic furnishings are decorated at a high modern level. The canvases of Manet, Cézanne, Waldmüller, Hasenklever, Deguet and other great painters fascinate the eye and the soul.
Pergamon Museum
One of the most interesting institutions of the Museum Island is named after the ancient city of Pergamon, located in Asia Minor. Reconstruction of Pergamon (129 AD) during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian is presented in the museum exhibition "Panorama". All artifacts found by archaeologists represent the ancient art of various countries. Here are the Market Gate from Miletus, the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, and fragments of the facade of the Mshatta Palace.
In fact, the Pergamon Museum is a complex of 3 museums: classical antiquities, the Middle East and Islamic art. Now "Pergamon" is undergoing another reconstruction, but most of the expositions are open to the public. The Gates of Miletus, Ishtar, Babylon, friezes of Mshatta, etc. are available for inspection. The Pergamon altar is closed, the facade is being restored.
Second day
The first day of the sightseeing trip is over. It seems that there will be nothing to be surprised that the most interesting things have already been seen, admired by churches, palaces and museums. But there is no need to rush to such conclusions - the huge city is still able to amaze the imagination with its squares, extraordinary and world-famous objects.
Reichstag
In the heart of Berlin is a monumental, majestic building that survived the victorious procession of triumph and the inglorious defeat of fascism. The architectural and historical monument is a significant symbol not only of Berlin, but of the whole of Germany. For 10 years, a grandiose structure was erected, intended for a meeting of the German parliament - the Reichstag, now the Bundestag.
The building received its previous purpose only in the 90s of the 20th century after the reunification of the country and the acquisition of the capital status by Berlin. After a major restoration, the monumental beauty of the Reichstag once again mesmerizes and delights tourists who actively visit the German Parliament. They are attracted not only by the majestic appearance of the object, but also by its legendary history.
An attractive factor is the presence of a glass dome on the top, in which there is an observation deck (height 40 m.) The dome installed in the process of restoration is a modernist project of the Briton Foster. In the center of the unusual design is an imposing cone with 30 rows of mirrors reflecting sunlight into the parliamentary hall. You can learn about many interesting details during the excursion.
Brandenburg Gate
One of the most famous sights is the Brandenburg Gate, an example of ancient Greek architecture. The majestic structure was created during the reign of Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm (1788-1791) as a connecting element of the two parts of the city. However, a turn in history made it a symbol of the separation of Berlin and the state (1961) when the Berlin Wall was erected.
The height of the architectural monument, made according to the project of Langhans, is 26 m, width is 11 m. 6 massive Doric columns support the portico of the gate. It has a classic quadriga with four horses, ruled by the goddess Victoria. During the invasion of Napoleon, the quadriga was taken to Paris as a trophy of war (1806) and returned back after 8 years. In honor of this, the architect Schinkel decorated the composition with an iron cross topped with an eagle.
During the Nazi era, the Brandenburg Gate was the site of marches, parades and processions. After the bombing in 1945, the remarkable monument was restored in 1956, and the Berlin Wall was erected 5 years later. She isolated the approaches to the gate for 27 years. The destruction of the wall again made this unique landmark a symbol of the country's unification.
Gendarmenmarkt square
You can hardly find a place more beautiful than the Gendarmenmarket, which has a long history. Founded back in the 17th century. as a market Esplanade under Elector Frederick III, it has repeatedly changed its purpose and name. When the stables of the French guard and a guard post (1736-73) were located here, the square was named Gendarmenmarket.
By order of Frederick the Great, the stables were demolished and a theater building was built, on the site of which the National Theater was later erected. Today everyone sees the third building built on this site - the Concert Hall (1817-1821). Sculptures by Schiller and 4 Muses (Lyrics, Drama, History, Philosophy) remind of the former theater.
The undoubted architectural decoration of the Gendamenmarket is two domed towers with a circular colonnade. They differ from each other in gilded sculptures crowning the domes. The figure of Triumphant Virtue is installed on the tower of the German Church, and the figure of Triumphant Religion is installed on the French Church. In general, the entire architectural ensemble of the square is a magnificent historical and cultural monument.
Checkpoint Charlie
A unique museum, which is only in Germany, was opened on the site of a checkpoint that regulates communications between West and East Germany, divided in 1961 by the notorious Berlin Wall. The museum expositions showcase archival documents, photos, objects, devices that illustrate the 28-year history of the confrontation.
The photo shows pictures of watchtowers, bunkers, signaling devices. The documents tell about numerous defectors, of which 1.5 thousand people died. Here, at the Berlin Wall History Mile stand, you can see moments of the exchange of spies and agents. An interesting installation by the artist Thiel tells about a difficult period in the life of the country.
Films about the destruction of the wall, about the jubilation and fraternization of the people are shown here. The exhibition "From Gandhi to Walesa" reflects the struggle for human rights around the world without violence and death. Checkpoint Charlie, which has become a symbol of the conflict between the two political powers, is very popular with tourists.
Memorial of the Berlin wall
Another symbol of the historical division of Germany is captured in the Berlin Wall Memorial. The 163-kilometer concrete wall erected in the summer of 1961 separated the people, families and friends for 27 years. Over the years, the authorities of both countries have convicted almost 75 thousand people for trying to get over the wall, more than 1 thousand were shot at once. When in 1989 the inhabitants of East Germany received permission to cross the border with special visas, they took the wall by storm.
In just a few days, nothing remained of the concrete barrier, its fragments were sold to private collectors. Several years later, even Berliners could not determine exactly where the fateful structure was located. Noticing the interest tourists are showing in this place, the government decided to restore that section of the wall, where most often they tried to illegally move to Germany.
Slabs with graffiti left by artists from West Germany were actively bought from collectors. They formed an 800-meter section of the wall, which became the basis of the Memorial. Of the 300 watchtowers, 3 remained, but they also expressively complement the picture of the former border. In the gallery you can see many unique historical photographs and paintings, Soviet paraphernalia. A real atmosphere of the recent past is created, interest in which continues to grow.
Potsdamer Platz
If the Berlin Wall Memorial is the embodiment of the past, then Potsdamer Platz is the personification of the rapidly developing modernity. Quite recently, this place was a wasteland left after the destruction of the Wall. For 20 years, the cultural and economic center of the German capital was formed on it. Many different trade establishments, art institutions, modern office buildings of the 21st century. adorn the neighborhoods surrounding the square. The famous cinema theaters Kinomax, Kinostar and Arsenal, where the Berlin cinema festival is held, are located here.
Celebrities of cinema pass here on the red carpet annually. On the square there are modern office buildings of the world concerns Sony and Daimler, occupying 2 blocks. They are separated by the Boulevard of German cinema stars, which is very interesting to walk along. The Sony Center houses the Cinema Museum with an exhibition dedicated to Marlene Dietrich. Tourists love to visit Panorama Point - the observation deck of the Kolhoff tower.
Sony Center
One of the most visited objects of Potsdamer Platz is the Sony Center, erected in the Tiergarten quarter. This is a complex of buildings built using the most modern Japanese technologies. For 2 years (1996-98) 7 structures were built, then a huge glass dome was mounted over them for 2 years. Such a grandiose project was led by the world famous architect Jan Helmut. Its implementation took € 600 million. The opening of the center, which took place in 2000, was attended by 2.5 thousand famous politicians, public and cultural figures.
Everyone present was impressed by the scale and originality of the modern buildings. Sony Center is an oval square surrounded by 7 glass and steel buildings. The domed roof, which unites all buildings with a tent, symbolizes Fujiyama, sacred to the Japanese. It looks especially irresistible in the evening, illuminated by multi-colored lights that change every 21 seconds. Almost 8 million people visit the complex every year.
Spree and Landwehrkanal cruise
At the end of the second day, a 4-hour cruise along the Spree and Landwehrkanal will be a pleasant "highlight" of exploring the city. During this time, you will see the city from the other side, admire the bizarre bridges (there are more than 40) over the water bodies. You will be surprised by the history of ancient crossings and ultra-modern bridge structures. From the boat you will see views of the German Technical Museum, the Ministry of the Interior, the beauty of Potsdamer Platz with its extraordinary buildings.
The picturesque panorama that opens before your eyes will delight and embellish your journey. During the cruise, you can use the audio guide services in Russian, included in the cruise price. You will be offered free drinks and snacks. You can add to the collection of your trip photos, chat with tourists from other countries.
How to get from the airport to the center
From Tegel Airport, you can get to the center by all types of ground vehicles:
- Buses N109 and 128 run until late at night, every 15 minutes, travel time 30-40 minutes, ticket price 2.7 €. They arrive at the metro station, from where you can get to any object.
- Taxis can be ordered if the plane lands at night and if there is no booked transfer. Travel time is 15-20 minutes. The price is 50 €, so it's worth finding travel companions to save some money.
- The TXL and X9 shuttles are the most demanded mode of transport, they run from 5 am to 12 am, the ticket price is 2.7 €. The TXL shuttle stops at metro stations, so the journey is 40 minutes. The X9 shuttle will bring you to the Zoological Garden (very center) in 20 minutes, cost 2.7 €.
