Berlin

It’s Berlin’s most famous landmark and became the symbol of overcoming the division of Germany. From an architectural perspective, the sandstone structure, built by Carl Gotthard Langhans, is one of the most magnificent examples of German classicism. Nowadays the Gate serves as a backdrop for festivals, big sporting events or New Year’s Eve parties.

An East German Trabant car, which appears to be breaking through the concrete. Honecker and Breschnew locked in a kiss of brotherly, socialist love. With the East Side Gallery, a segment of the Berlin Wall has been turned into the longest open air gallery in the world. The open-air East Side Gallery is located along the banks of the river Spree in Friedrichshain. At 1,316 metres, it's also the longest segment of the Berlin Wall that is still standing. Right after the fall of the Wall, this stretch was painted by 118 artists from 21 different countries. Using various techniques, the artists commented on the political events that took place in 1989 and 1990 in over 100 works of art found on the eastern side of the wall.

Once the heart of the former East Berlin, Alexanderplatz is today the largest inner-city square in Germany and has developed into a popular shopping attraction. The view from the Television Tower, its height of 368 metres making it the tallest tower in Germany, is absolutely fantastic. A perfect 360° all-round view is provided by the revolving restaurant Sphere and Bar 203, making a full turn twice an hour.

The DDR Museum is an interactive museum that takes you on a journey into the socialist past. You'll see countless iconic objects from the former East Germany, will take a simulated ride in a Trabi, dance the Lipsi and rummage around in an authentic apartment. It's an essential Berlin history trip.

The five historical museum buildings on Museum Island have been part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1999, and represent a collection that is unique in the world. Each museum building on the island was designed by famous architects of their time. Museum Island is home to collections in the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), the Bode Museum, and the Neues Museum (New Museum). The Pergamon Museum is closed for renovation until 2037 or 2043. The exhibitions cover prehistoric times, ancient history and 19th-century art.

The Berlin Palace on the Museum Island in the Mitte area of Berlin was the main royal residence from 1443 to 1918. It was badly damaged during the Allied bombing in World War II, and was demolished by the East German authorities in 1950 to build the modernist East German Palace of the Republic. After German reunification and several years of debate, the Palace of the Republic was itself demolished and the Berlin Palace was constructed anew to house the Humboldt Forum museum. Today, the Humboldt Forum museum houses a rich collection of Asian art and craft objects dating from the 5th millennium BC through to the present day. Explore East Asian paintings and prints, lacquer objects and ceramics, the art and culture of the Silk Road, South Asian and South-East Asian art, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and much more.

Berlin is a vast city with not one, but several centres that come in their distinct and varied flavours of cool. The fastest and most time efficient way to hit all the main attractions is to get on one of those hop-on hop-off buses. You can get a 24- or 48-hour ticket, as well as an option to upgrade to a river cruise boat. Buses run every 10–15 minutes. Of course, you get audio commentary in multiple languages, plus a kids' channel.

The Reichstag, with its iconic glass dome, is home to the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. In the 1990s, British architect Sir Norman Foster reimagined the building, blending its historical grandeur with a modern, spacious design. The accessible glass cupola offers stunning views of the city and a unique perspective on German politics. While entry to the cupola and roof terrace is free, advance booking is crucial because of the Reichstag's popularity. To learn more about the German political system and the daily life of the Parliament, you can book a 90-minute guided tour. Guided tours of the Reichstag Building are held in the weeks when Parliament is not sitting.

Back in the 1970s, Berlin was the home of the legendary David Bowie. Together with a specialist guide, you'll navigate the city on foot and by public transport, discovering the Berlin that inspired David Bowie's seminal Berlin Trilogy. You'll see Hansa Studios, where 'Heroes' and 'Low' were recorded. Stop by 155 Hauptstrasse, where Bowie and Iggy Pop lived and created together in 1977. This tour is an absolute must for all the fans of Ziggy Stardust.

Experience Berlin's best views from the fastest lift in Europe, which whisks you to a height of 100 metres in just 20 seconds. At the top, a terrace offers breathtaking vistas of the German capital's iconic landmarks and historic sites. The Brandenburg Gate and many other attractions are within sight. Enjoy the panoramic view, explore an exhibition, and relax in a stylish café.

Gendarmenmarkt square is a beautiful example of an architectural ensemble which includes both the French and the German cathedrals, as well as the Concert House. Many Berliners believe that the Gendarmenmarkt is the most beautiful place in Germany and indeed in all of Europe. A must-see for all visitors to Berlin.