10 things to do in Berlin

1. Enjoy contemporary art in the Taheles squat


This bright building has no less vivid history. At one time, it was the headquarters of the Trade Union, a department store, and a Nazi prison. In the early 90s, the abandoned building, which was under threat of demolition, was occupied by the community of artists. Now its walls are painted with paintings from under the brushes of hundreds of creators, and in its premises there is a huge collection of ownerless items, among which there is, for example, a disposed military helicopter. In addition to art, there are a number of excellent bars and venues for regular concerts and performances.

2. Walk along Unter den Linden Boulevard to the Brandenburg Gate

To get an idea of Berlin’s rich Prussian heritage, you just need to take a stroll along its most famous boulevard. Along the tree-framed Unter den Linden stretches a number of magnificent historical buildings: the Berlin Opera, the Cathedral of St. Hedwig, the famous statue of Frederick the Great and the imposing colonnade of Humboldt University in the style of neo-classicism. And at the western end of the boulevard you will find one of the most famous views of the city: the bright green expanse of the Tiergraten Park, in front of which rises the Brandenburg Gate, which once divided East and West Germany.
3. Drink a cup of coffee among the Khaki courtyards

The largest complex of closed courtyards in Germany, with its magnificently preserved architecture, is equally popular among tourists and among the capital's fashionists. The complex was built in the late 18th – early 19th century, and nowadays is home to many stylish bars, cafes and boutiques.

4. Visit the Reichstag

In the tumultuous 20th century, this building was the center of many events. In addition to its rich history, the building is interesting and beautiful architecture. The Reichstag has now been completely restored. Entrance here is free, but to get inside, it is better to wake up early: most likely, you will spend a lot of time in the queue of other tourists.
5. Have a good lunch.

Food in Berlin is simple, hearty and surprisingly inexpensive. As a snack on the go, you can choose "currywurst" - a German sausage in curry sauce, which is sold here at every corner. More thorough meals in the German style usually consist of meat, potatoes, cold meat snacks and salads. And, of course, you can never leave Germany without trying traditional potato pancakes.

6. See the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

In the west of the city you can find many old buildings, the walls of which still keep scars from bullets and bombing. This beautiful church on Kurfürstendamm Boulevard is one of the most famous reminders of the grim events in Berlin’s history. The church, built in the 1890s, was severely damaged during the 1943 bombings, and its damaged dome was left unrepaired as a wartime monument.
7. Visit the Museum Island

This famous museum complex is located in the middle of the main Berlin river – Spree. There are five museums at once, each of which is worthy of many hours of excursions; within their walls, the history of Western art is presented in its entirety. The most important of the museums is the Old National Gallery, which contains the most important works of German artists.

8. Visit Checkpoint Charlie

The former checkpoint in the middle of the Berlin Wall is one of the most famous modern sights of the German capital. At one time, it became the setting of many spy novels and a symbol of the confrontation between the capitalist and communist worlds. Next to it is the curious Berlin Wall Museum, dedicated to the Cold War, the totalitarian regime of the GDR, propaganda and attempts of East Germans to escape from the GDR to Germany.

9. See pictures of the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. Today it has become a memorial to freedom. Artists from around the world have covered the 1.3km wall with more than a hundred paintings, making it the largest open gallery in the world.

10. Dance all night

The German capital is famous for its nightlife around the world and offers partygoers a wide range of music - from techno to live folk performances. In Berlin, it is difficult to find a single street without a bar, steam or club. The best areas for sleepless nights are Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.

Source: interest-planet.ru