Things to do in Berlin

Germany’s capital city is steeped in tradition, history, culture and art. With more than 9,000 restaurants, and hundreds of theaters, museums and music venues, you’ll have endless choices to explore. And, whether you’re into art, architecture, fashion, fun, history or music, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for in Germany’s most populated city.

No visit to Berlin would be complete without an exploration of its violent and oppressive past. Find traces of the Berlin Wall, and visit Checkpoint Charlie, one of the many places where conflicts rose to a fever pitch during the days following World War II. The Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors) museum, located at the former SS-Headquarters, recaptures the days of the SS siege on Germany and the world.

The Germans are open about their troubled past, but are more enthusiastic about their colorful future. Hundreds of museums celebrate everything from chocolate to sex and art. Visit Museum Island (Museumsinsel), a collection of five museums in one location. Music lovers have plenty of options, too. From the German National Opera (Deutsche Oper) to the live performances in clubs and cafés.

Wherever you walk in the city center, you will see reminders of the past, and celebrations of Berlin’s restoration. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) once stood in a ‘no man’s land’ between East and West Berlin. When the Berlin Wall came down, the gate became a symbol of the city’s rebirth. The famous Hackesche Höfe is the largest example of courtyard-based architectural division in Germany.

Europeans flock to Berlin for it’s stimulating nightlife and open-minded atmosphere. Like many European cities, there’s no shortage of cafes and bars in Berlin, and the nightclubs are famous for their high energy and higher quality.