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Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany

Although Berlin is the capital of Germany, many people do not know the things to do and attractions in this wonderful city! Here is a quick low down of all the things you can do here (click on the links to see our coverage of each of them)

1. Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany

Brandenburg Gate is an iconic landmark in the whole of Berlin. A popular tourist site that is also home to many embassies, Brandenburg Gate sees many events taking place in and around its premise.

2. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie : American soldier as you enter the Allies American Sector
Checkpoint Charlie : American soldier as you enter the Allies American Sector

One of the main crossings between East and West Germany, Checkpoint Charlie has seen a fair share of action during the Cold War, including the stand-off between 10 tanks from Soviet and American forces in 1961.

3. Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery

Cute Watch Tower @ Berlin Wall East Side Gallery
Cute Watch Tower @ Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

Besides the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, the Berlin wall is also home to some fine street art. At the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery, you can see some iconic art work such as the cute watch tower above.

4. Berlin Zoo

The Alkapa at the entrance of the Berlin Zoo!
The Alkapa at the entrance of the Berlin Zoo!

The Berlin Zoo is an excellent place to spend the day with the kids. There are some interesting animals such as the Alkapa which cannot be seen in our Zoo.

5. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz and its iconic King Neptune Sculpture
Alexanderplatz and its iconic King Neptune Sculpture

Alexanderplatz was featured in the Bourne Supremacy where Jason Bourne met a contact in the movie. It is also close to iconic structures such as the Berlin TV tower, Red City Hall as well this sculpture of King Neptune seen above.

6. Berlin Central Station

Futuristic Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)
Futuristic Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)

If you’re arriving by train, you would not miss this iconic train station. The Berlin Central Station is covered completely with glass on the exterior that gives it its futuristic feel. Great photo opportunities!

7. Berliner Currywurst

Our first Berliner Currywurst
Our first Berliner Currywurst

Is the Berliner Currywurst all that its hyped out to be? Find out in our post!

8. Hotel Stays

Berlin Hotel Huge room with beds and living area!
Berlin Hotel Huge room with beds and living area!

We stayed at the Hotel Amelie Berlin as well as the Berliner Hof Hotel. Do check out our posts about the hotels!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Top 8 things to do and attractions in Berlin Germany
Top 8 things to do and attractions in Berlin Germany

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

We hope you have enjoyed our top 8 things to do and attractions in Berlin Germany!

Berliner Hof Hotel

Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin!

Berlin Hof Hotel is a great starting point to explore Berlin. Located near to Berlin Hof Hotel are attractions such as the Gedachtniskirche, KaDeWe (Kaufhof Des Westerns – Shopping Mall of the West, biggest shopping mall in Europe) and the Berlin Zoo!

Gadachtniskirche - A symbol of the West Berlin during Cold War
Gadachtniskirche – A symbol of the West Berlin during Cold War
Another view of the Gedachtniskirche - Today it is a museum & anti-war monument
Another view of the Gedachtniskirche – Today it is a museum & anti-war monument

It was initially a challenge to locate the Berliner Hof. We walked up and down Tauentzienstrasse (Tauentzien Street) asking several passers-by and was still not able to find it. Finally, we asked the lady at the newspaper stand. She spoke to us in German but pointed in a general direction. We followed her direction and finally found it! Yup the Berliner Hof was undergoing renovation.

Hence the iconic Berliner Hof Bear also stayed indoors
Hence the iconic Berliner Hof Bear also stayed indoors
Reception of the Berliner Hof at the 2nd level
Reception of the Berliner Hof at the 2nd level

As we were there early that morning, we left our luggage with the reception and visited the Berlin Zoo! We only checked in after the zoo and we were completely surprised by the size of the room!

Large Room at the Berliner Hof Berlin Hotel

Berliner Hof Huge room with beds and living area!
Berliner Hof Huge room with beds and living area!
Living area with a sofa Berliner Hof Hotel
Living area with a sofa Berliner Hof Hotel
View of the main street from the living area from Berliner Hof Hotel
View of the main street from the living area from Berliner Hof Hotel

The room is REALLY HUGE! There is even an additional living space with a long work desk as well as a sofa. The TV is movable, allowing you to choose between watching at the living room or just laze in bed. We watched Big Bang Theory in German! 🙂

Toilet separated from the bath tub
Toilet separated from the bath tub
Bathtub at the Berliner Hof Berlin Hotel
Bathtub at the Berliner Hof Berlin Hotel

Although the room has a oldish look to it. The room was clean and kept in good condition. Because of the location of the hotel, you can overlook the shopping street right from the living room area. Did we also mention that the room was huge?

KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westerns) - Shopping Mall of the West
KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westerns) – Shopping Mall of the West

KaDeWe is a short walk from the Berliner Hof. It is not only the largest shopping mall in Europe but also the 5th largest shopping mall in the world! With 60,000sqm of shopping space and more than 2000 employees, you’ll be spoilt for choice here! We also got our nespresso machine here which was on additional offer. If you’re a nespresso lover, check out the Nespresso outlets in Europe as they offer better prices for both the machine and capsules!

Map of the Berliner Hof Hotel


Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Berliner Hof Hotel Berlin
Berliner Hof Hotel Berlin

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Besides the minor hiccups of locating the hotel, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Berliner Hof Hotel in Berlin!

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station!

Just a quick post to explain why we totally love the Berlin Hauptbahnhof – Berlin’s central railway train station!

Futuristic Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)
Futuristic Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)

The Berlin Hauptbahnhof was completed in 2006 and even today, it exudes that futuristic look. The exterior of the train station is covered with glass panels, allowing sunlight to enter during the day, minimising electrical use, adding to the green factor.

In addition to the inter-state and inter-city train lines, there are also restaurants and shops in the train station. There are also picturesque scenes of the Spree River beside the Berlin Central Station. Taking a walk along the Spree River can also bring you to sights such as the Berliner Dom, Berlin TV Station as well as the St. Mary’s Church (Marien Kirche) at Alexanderplatz.

View of the Spree River in front of Berlin Central Station
View of the Spree River in front of Berlin Central Station
River Cruise along the Spree River
River Cruise along the Spree River

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Train Station)
Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Train Station)

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

The Berlin Central Station does leave an impression doesn’t it? To us, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof is definitely one of the most iconic train stations we’ve seen!

Alexanderplatz Berlin

Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House

On our first day in Berlin, we visited Alexanderplatz along with many significant architectures such as the Brandenburg Gate as well as the Holocaust Memorial. To put all the hype and speculation at ease, we also tried the Berliner curry wurst. After checking into Hotel Amelie Berlin, we took a leisure walk along the Spree River to the Berlin TV Tower…

Walking along Spree River to Berlin TV Tower - Past the Boden Museum
Walking along Spree River to Berlin TV Tower – Past the Boden Museum

Things to do at Alexanderplatz Berlin

As we approached Alexanderplatz, we also came across these…

Berliner Dom - Not to be mistaken with the Boden Museum
Berliner Dom – Not to be mistaken with the Boden Museum
Red City Hall Berlin – Seat of the Berlin City Council and Mayor
Alexanderplatz and its iconic King Neptune Sculpture
Alexanderplatz and its iconic King Neptune Sculpture
Marienkirche - Church dating back to 1294
Marienkirche – Church dating back to 1294


Alexanderplatz Berlin

We also took a walk to the Berlin TV Tower and found out that the entry to the top of the tower is 12Euros. There’s also a restaurant there. However, do not be mistaken that there would be free entry if you are visiting the restaurant. According to the receptionist, you will still have to pay for the entrance fee. The good thing is that the dinner at the restaurant is not too expensive, at about 20Euros.

That evening, we walked past the Block House steak restaurant. So we crossed back the street across Marienkirche to the al fresco Block House…

Al fresco dining at Block House steak restaurant
Al fresco dining at Block House steak restaurant
Menu of Block House Berlin
Menu of Block House Berlin
Salad and Erdinger @ Block House Berlin
Salad and Erdinger @ Block House Berlin
T-Bone steak with sour cream & garlic cheese for the potato
T-Bone steak with sour cream & garlic cheese for the potato

We finally settled for the 500g T-bone steak which comes with the salad as well as the potato which is good for 2 to share. Besides the steak, the restaurant is also famous for its home made sour cream and garlic cheese. We must say that the sour cream was really good. Not too over-powering yet beautifully compliments the potato, which in turn compliments the steak. Marvelous meal!

The cool weather also reminded us about the dinner at Vrijthof Square in Maastricht , the Netherlands. Beer remains cold, no room temperature or worst, warm beer!

Map of Alexanderplatz Berlin


Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Alexanderplatz Berlin
Alexanderplatz Berlin

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

After the dinner, we took a leisurely walk back along the Spree River and walked past the Ampfelman traffic light restaurant, taking in the nice scenery along the river as well. Alexanderplatz Berlin was indeed a wonderful day out!

Berliner Currywurst

Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?

As we travelled about in Berlin, we came across many MANY currywurst shops and again MANY say that they’re the ORIGINAL Berliner Currywurst. So to put all this hype to rest, Kate and I investigated the Berliner Currywurst…

Everyone also say they have the Original Berliner Curry Wurst
Everyone also say they have the Original Berliner Curry Wurst

So we took out our 1.5euros and ordered the currywurst at this particular shop. It took all of 1 minute before the owner came out from his kitchen and served us this piping hot wurst…

Our first Berliner Currywurst
Our first Berliner Currywurst

The thing is, there’s really nothing to shout about here. The reddish sauce is really a tomato based sauce poured over the wurst. The yellowish curry powder sprinkled on the top was the only thing “curry” about the wurst.

What salvaged this dish was that it was cold (about 10 degrees in the morning) and that the wurst was piping hot. Taste though, was quite normal really.

So. To put all the hype about Berlin Curry Wurst to rest, there is really nothing to shout about here. Just good old wurst in the cover of another mildly flavoured sauce.

A blessing in disguise? You decide!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

The Berliner Currywurst
The Berliner Currywurst

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Do try out the Berliner Currywurst on your next trip to Berlin and let us know about what you think at the comments section below!

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits!

Besides the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, there’s another interesting side to the Berlin Wall – The Berlin Wall East Side Gallery.

Paintings at the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

Actually, Kate and I sort of stumbled upon the East Side Gallery. We were kind of searching for it in a general direction but did not know exactly where we were going. So we walked 2 long streets and were thinking to ourselves “Are we in the right direction?”. Just then, we saw a long stretch of wall and we knew we had arrived at the East Side Gallery!

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery Information
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery Information

The East Side Gallery is actually a collection of art work from artists all over the world. It was started in 1990 and now consists of 105 pieces of art at this open air gallery.

Cute Watch Tower @ Berlin Wall East Side Gallery
Cute Watch Tower @ Berlin Wall East Side Gallery
Depiction at Checkpoint Charlie
Depiction at Checkpoint Charlie

The above 2 pictures are the most iconic drawings at the East Side Gallery. We often see it on the postcards in Berlin. There are also many other cute, interesting and though-provoking artworks at the East Side Gallery…

Murals on the Berlin Wall
Murals on the Berlin Wall
East Side Gallery as we walked from Warschauer Street
East Side Gallery as we walked from Warschauer Street

Chill by the river at the East Side Gallery

As we continued to stroll along the East Side Gallery, we noticed a boat that resembled a floating hostel…

Eastern Comfort Hostel - East Side Gallery
Eastern Comfort Hostel – East Side Gallery

Turns out that the Eastern Comfort Hostel was a vessel that has been refurbished to become a floating hostel. So Kate and I decided to have a drink at the Floating Lounge…

Floating Lounge of Eastern Comfort Hostel
Floating Lounge of Eastern Comfort Hostel

The prices at the floating lounge was quite reasonable. We had a cider and one of the beers on tap. The cool thing about drinks in Germany is that the drinks are usually served in the glasses of the same name! (Yes, we drank Bulmers cider and Rothaus beer)

Bulmers Cider and Rothaus Beer at Eastern Comfort Hostel Floating Lounge
Bulmers Cider and Rothaus Beer at Eastern Comfort Hostel Floating Lounge

The atmosphere was relaxed, unpretentious and chill. There were others seated around us, catching up with one another and enjoying jokes among themselves. Coupled with the view of the river, that was really a simple, lazy yet unforgettable afternoon…

View of the river from the floating lounge @ East Side Gallery
View of the river from the floating lounge @ East Side Gallery

Map of the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery



Map of the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Enjoy the paintings and remember to chillax at the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery!

Checkpoint Charlie Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin was the only point for foreigners to do border crossing into East Berlin during the Cold War. The most infamous incident that took place at Checkpoint Charlie was in October 1961 where there was a stand-off between 10 tanks from both American and Soviet troops. Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a major tourist attraction when visitors come to Berlin.

The name “Charlie” came from the letter “C” used in the military where “A” stands for “Alpha”, “B” for “Bravo” & “C” for “Charlie” etc.

You would recognise Checkpoint Charlie easily because of the checkpoint itself, sandbags, guards as well as a large poster of a soldier (American or Soviet depending on which side you are at)

If you are on the Soviet side entering into the Allies (American) sector, you would see a picture of the American soldier at Checkpoint Charlie…

Checkpoint Charlie : American soldier as you enter the Allies American Sector
Checkpoint Charlie : American soldier as you enter the Allies American Sector

Conversely, if you are on the American sector, entering into the Soviet side, you would see a picture of the Soviet soldier as well as the famous words “YOU ARE LEAVING THE AMERICAN SECTOR“…

Checkpoint Charlie : Soviet Soldier as you enter the Soviet Sector
Checkpoint Charlie : Soviet Soldier as you enter the Soviet Sector
Aerial view of Checkpoint Charle : West Berlin at the top and East Berlin at the bottom
Aerial view of Checkpoint Charle : West Berlin at the top and East Berlin at the bottom

This picture shows the aerial view of Checkpoint Charlie during the Cold War era. Notice the many lanes after crossing Checkpoint Charlie and even an area set aside for checking of cars entering into East Berlin.

Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a huge tourist attraction where you can learn more about the Berlin Wall through the museums, have a bite at the nearby cafes or even take a photo with uniform guards and have your passport chopped by the Soviet and American border controls!

Exhibition about the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie
Exhibition about the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie
Thurmann Bakery @ Checkpoint Charlie : Coffee, Sandwich and Cake
Thurmann Bakery @ Checkpoint Charlie : Coffee, Sandwich and Cake
Uniformed Soldier guarding the Checkpoint
Uniformed Soldier guarding the Checkpoint
Getting your passport stamped for a small price of $5Euros
Getting your passport stamped for a small price of $5Euros

Ticket Prices & Opening Hours of Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is always accessible but the uniformed guards will be there during normal working hours. If you would like to take a picture with the guards or have your passport stamped, a nominal fee of $5euros would apply.

How to get to Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin

Map of Checkpoint Charlie Berlin


Checkpoint Charlie is located at the intersection of Friedrichstrasse (Friedrich Street) and Niederkirchnerstrasse (Niederkirchner Street) and is just a short walk from the nearest U-Bahn – Koch Strasse Station.

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Checkpoint Charlie Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Take your time to enjoy the sights and sounds at Checkpoint Charlie and learn more about the history of Berlin Wall!

Holocaust Memorial Berlin

Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe

Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe is actually a Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. The 2711 (two thousand seven hundred and eleven) grey concrete slabs which resembles coffins are a stark reminder of the pain and suffering that the Jews gone through during the world war period.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe : A Holocaust Memorial in Berlin
Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe : A Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

The memorial is a short walk south of Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, along Behren and Eber Strasse (Street). It is a solemn sight looking at the memorial. It creates a backdrop before visitors enter into the information centre.

Opening Hours of the Information Centre of Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Opening Hours of the Information Centre of Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe

The opening hours of the information centre is 10am to 7 or 8pm (depending on the time of the year). Inside, accounts of the victims will be depicted and you will get to understand the pain and sufferings of the Jews during this dark period. The memorial also recalled our visit to Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, which depicts the time when Anne Frank and her family were similarly persecuted during World War 2.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Ticket Prices & Opening Hours of Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Admission is free. However, they will be a need to queue and also carry out a quick check of your belongings before entering.

The memorial is open daily from 10am to 7 or 8pm depending on the time of the year.

How to get to Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin

It is relatively easy to get to the memorial. Once you are at Brandenburg gate, look for Eber Strasse (Eber Street) and walk along it. It is located at the corner of Eber and Behren Strasse.

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

A word of advice, do not walk on the top of the concrete slabs. They vary in height and some may be a few metres in height. Do take care of this especially for young children. Falling from this great height may be catastrophic.

Enjoy this solemn but richly educational visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe, right here in Berlin!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany

Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction!

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin has got to be one of the must-visit attractions when you visit the capital of Germany – Berlin!

Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany

Brandenburg Gate was constructed in the 18th century and is synonymous with Germany because of the major events that it has seen. Napoleon passed through it, while more recently (although not so recent) East and West Germany were separated by it. Today, it is a major tourist attraction not only because of its significance to the history of Germany but also because of its location.

If you take a walk along Unter den Linden towards the Brandenburg Gate, you will find that it is home to many Embassies such as the Russian and British Embassy. Many famous architectures are also located in the vicinity of Unter den Linden which includes the Adlon Hotel, Berlin State Opera, Crown Prince’s Palace, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral as well as the Historical Museum.

Brandenburg Gate – Venue for Major Events in Berlin & Germany

Events are also often held at the Brandenburg Gate today. During our recent visit, we witnessed the Berlin Marathon as well as some panda activists (we think?) doing a video shoot!


Panda Activists at the Brandenburg Gate

Pandas passing through Brandenburg Gate Germany
Pandas passing through Brandenburg Gate Germany
Director telling the pandas how the shoot should be done
Director telling the pandas how the shoot should be done
Finishing Point of the Berlin Marathon at Brandenburg Gate
Finishing Point of the Berlin Marathon at Brandenburg Gate

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

How to get to Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

It is relatively easy to get to Brandenburg Gate. Located at Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin Mitte, you can reach there easily via the U or S bahn stopping at “Brandenburger Tor”.

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Enjoy your visit to arguable one of the most famous attraction in all of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate!

Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten

Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…

The Berlin Zoo is one of the main attractions and things to do in Berlin! We have heard many things about the Berlin Zoo and its comparison to the Singapore Zoo and since we were staying nearby, we decided to check it out!

Opening Hours of Berlin Zoo

The Berlin Zoo has different opening hours throughout the year, make sure you check out the following before you visit!

1st, January to 15th, March:
9 am – 5.00 pm
16th, March to 23rd, March:
9 am – 7.30 pm
24th March to 08th September:
9 am – 7.00 pm
09th September to 20th Okctober:
9 am – 6.30 pm
21st, October to 31st, December:
9 am – 5.00 pm
24th December:
9 am – 2 pm
31st December:
9 am – 5 pm

Admission Ticket Prices to the Berlin Zoo

For visitors, admission to the Berlin Zoo costs 13Euros, not exactly cheap. However, if you get the bundle with the aquarium, the price is 20Euros.

Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Zoo

Our first impression of the Berlin Zoo was that it is more of a garden than a Zoo. There are lots of greenery and spaces for people to stroll and just enjoy nature.

Fountain and Garden View in Berlin Zoo
Fountain and Garden View in Berlin Zoo

We later found out that the Berlin Zoo is actually huge. 34 hectares huge! It is also one of the oldest zoo around, opened in 1844! 😮 Check out the map of Berlin Zoo!

Map of the Berlin Zoo
Map of the Berlin Zoo
Berlin Zoo Tickets & Brochure
Berlin Zoo Tickets & Brochure

As we ventured deeper into the zoo, we kept hearing these loud animal calls. Turns out to be a species of monkey will throats that bulge as they go about doing their mating calls!

Touch Zoo

Besides the animals, there is also a touch zoo where kids can interact and feeds goats and little ponies.

Goat hanging around the feed machine at the Touch Zoo
Goat hanging around the feed machine at the Touch Zoo

This smart goat knows that visitors have to buy their feeds from this machine and it just hangs around the feed machine waiting for visitors to come!

Restaurants & Playground

Children's play area at the Berlin Zoo
Children’s play area at the Berlin Zoo

Beside the children’s play area, there’s small cafes/restaurants where you can get your fill and continue to visit the rest of the zoo. Here, at one of the restaurants we had a germknodel for 5euros…

Germknodel - Warm Prune Dumpling with Cold Vanilla Sauce 5Euros
Germknodel – Warm Prune Dumpling with Cold Vanilla Sauce 5Euros

It started out at something that we were not used to. But it turned out to be fairly addictive! The vanilla sauce was slightly sweet which matches the dumpling and the prunes were slightly sour that gives it a tangy feel. Not bad. Not bad at all… 🙂

Inside the germknodel
Inside the germknodel

Animals at the Berlin Zoo

After talking so much about the zoo itself, we shall finally visit the stars of the Berlin Zoo, the animals! Here are the list of animals that we felt were quite interesting…

We called this animal “Chomp Chomp” because it just chows down every fruit in its path! The fruits were distributed all over the sanctuary but it just scans the entire area and chows down all the fruits, leaving next to none for it’s companions!

A pack of wolves running past us
A pack of wolves running past us
A Huge Condor with Large Feet!
A Huge Condor with Large Feet!
The Okapi!
The Okapi!

Whats a visit to the zoo without see the king of the jungle! The Lion! Here you see it prowling up and down while the Lioness just sleeps in oblivion! The next picture was a rare catch. Kate caught the lion yawning…and the next moment, it just falls asleep!

Lion Yawns...
Lion Yawns…
and falls asleep!
and falls asleep!

But when you’re there, dont stay too close to the cages. This signs warns visitors of the “showers” they may get if they’re too near the lions!

Warns people that lions may pee past the barrier!
Warns people that lions may pee past the barrier!
3 Polar Bears napping in the sun!
3 Polar Bears napping in the sun!
King Penguins and Penguins with hairy eyebrows like those in Happy Feet!
King Penguins and Penguins with hairy eyebrows like those in Happy Feet!
Chimpanzees doing acrobatics on the ropes
Chimpanzees doing acrobatics on the ropes
Habitat of the Giraffes
Habitat of the Giraffes
1 month old Anchali with its mother enjoying a stroll
1 month old Anchali with its mother enjoying a stroll
The Alkapa at the entrance of the Berlin Zoo!
The Alkapa at the entrance of the Berlin Zoo!

We’ll leave you now with a video of the sea lion that sits proudly on a rock having its sun tan , while the rest can do nothing but watch and wait for their turn…

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

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Berlin Zoologischer Garten
Berlin Zoologischer Garten

How to get to the Berlin Zoo

The Berlin Zoo is located at Budapester Straße 32 which is actually right beside the Zoologischer Garten station for both U-bahn and S-bahn. Hence, just alight at these stations and the Zoo is just a short walk away.

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

The Berlin Zoo is actually not as good as the Singapore Zoo in terms of educational value and visitor attractions. However, it does have a few animals that are unique to temperate countries. So do enjoy the Berlin Zoo the next time you visit Berlin!

Berlin Wall Documentation Centre

Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes

On our trip to Berlin, Kate decided to organise a trip for us to visit the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre. She knew that I was interested to see the Berlin Wall (Die Berliner Mauer) in person, especially after watching a documentary how the wall was erected and “improved” over the span of 30 years and how many people thought of ways to escape from East Germany.

Berlin Wall Documentation Centre - Former "No Man's Land"
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre – Former “No Man’s Land”
3D sculpture of the wall at Bernauer strasse
3D sculpture of the wall at Bernauer strasse

What was the Berlin Wall

The story behind the Berlin Wall is this : GDR or German Democratic Republic was part of
To cut the long story short, after WW2, Germany was divided into 4 blocs of the Allied forces (US, France, UK, Soviet Union). The German Democratic Republic or GDR controlled the Eastern Bloc and embraced the communist styled thinking while the Western Bloc controlled by Federal Republic of Germany embraced the capitalist model.

Hence West Germany developed economically while East Germany remained stagnant.

This triggered mass migration of people from East Germany to the West in search of a better life. To stop this mass exodus, GDR erected a physical wall to prevent such migration – now known to us as the Berlin Wall.

Latest version of the wall and aerial view of "the strip"
Latest version of the wall and aerial view of “the strip”

Initially, there were only barbed wires at the borders and this allowed Conrad Schumann , an East German soldier to become the first person to be defected to West Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall.

The wall then subsequently became more sophisticated. Inner walls were built. A separation zone known as “No Man’s Land” or “the Strip” became heavily guarded with watch towers and armed guards. Taller walls were built and at one point, mines were also planted in “the Death Strip”.

Final version of the wall with rounded pipe at the top
Final version of the wall with rounded pipe at the top

This is the most commonly seen “fourth generation” or final version of the Berlin Wall with the smooth rounded pipe at the top making it difficult for anyone to scale.

The documentary that we watched also showed the ingenuity of Germans. Their creativity was demonstrated in the many ways that was used to cross the wall. Some of the more memorable methods of crossing the walls include

1. Digging tunnels
2. Using a zipline – Flying Fox across the border
3. Using hot air ballon
4. Building a small boat
5. Join the rail network and plan an escape
6. Building a plane! (painting it Soviet colours to avoid being shot down!)

The Berlin Wall was erected in August 1961 and stood for almost 30 years, falling in November 1989. During this period, more than 200 people died in an attempt to cross the Wall.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Fall of the Berlin Wall actually took place because of a mis-informed announcement!

Again, to cut the long story short. In the late 1980s, there have been many defections via Hungary & Czechoslovakia and these defectors or refugees only wanted to return to the West. To make things easy, the decision was made to allow direct transport of these refugees across the border from East to West Germany. The original decision was to make this arrangement available in a couple of day’s time. However, the person who announced this did not know about the details and said that the arrangement of crossing the border was to take place with immediate effect!

And because of this wrong announcement, throngs of people started to gather at the borders and eventually the guards could no longer hold the crowds, allowed them to cross – paving the way for the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Wall Documentation Centre

Parts of the Wall in the middle of the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre
Parts of the Wall in the middle of the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre

The Berlin Wall Documentation Centre is definitely a must visit when you are in Berlin. Looking at the Wall and standing beside it, is like actually seeing a piece of history right before your very eyes.

Stretching your hands towards the top of the wall, also gives you an idea of how tall the wall really was.

The documentation centre also has several stops for visitors to learn more about the stories and vantage points of people who lived through those times, from both sides of the wall. These stories paint a vivid picture of how life was like then.

Ticket Prices & Opening Hours of Berlin Wall Documentation Centre

The Visitor / Documentation Centre opens from 9:30am to 6 or 7pm daily. The open air exhibition and memorial grounds are available from 8am to 10pm daily.

How to get to Berlin Wall Documentation Centre in Berlin

The Berlin Wall Documentation Centre is located along Bernauer Strasse and the nearest station is Berlin Nordbahnhof – a S bahn. While you’re there, remember to visit the exhibition at the train station of Nordbahnhof. You will read about the “Ghost stations” as well as how a man who worked at the rail company in East Germany (knowing the entire rail network), led his family into West Germany.

Map of the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre



Zoom in on Bernauer Strasse to find “Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer” (Berlin Wall Documentation Centre)

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Berlin Wall Documentation Centre
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Enjoy the stories behind the Berlin Wall at the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre!

Der Reichstag Berlin Home of the German Parliament Bundestag

Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

Der Reichstag, also known as the German Parliament Building was one of the attractions we visited on our recent trip to Berlin. Today, Bundestag or the German Parliament convenes in Der Reichstag.

This REALLY SHORT POST is written to highlight not the building but the glass dome at the top of it…

Der Reichstag - German Parliament Bundestag convenes here
Der Reichstag – German Parliament Bundestag convenes here

The glass dome offers visitors a paranomic view of Berlin but more importantly, visitors can oversee the parliament seatings through the glass dome to the parliament below.
*Do note that Reichstag tours are now only for prior appointments.*

According to our tour guide, there’s apparently a significance to the glass dome (besides raking in the tourist dollars that is). The glass dome ABOVE the parliament is a reminder to all statesmen that whatever they do, it is for the people. We were like “WOW”!

People of the nation above the parliament. Cool.

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Ticket Prices & Opening Hours of Der Reichstag in Germany

Admission to the Reichstag is FREE! However, registration is required. If you have not registered, you can still try out at the visitors services centre. If they have slots remaining (usually no), they would let you have it.

Der Reichstag is open daily from 8am to 12am. Last admission is at 11pm.

How to get to Der Reichstag Building in Berlin

It is relatively easy to get to Der Reichstag. Located at Platz der Republik, 11011 Berlin, you can reach there easily via the U bahn stopping at “Bundestag”. It is also a short walk away from Brandenburg Gate!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post from our Berlin Travels. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip!

Top 8 Things to do and Attractions in Berlin Germany
Berliner Hof Hotel – A great base to explore Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof : Futuristic Berlin Central Station
Alexanderplatz Berlin : A relaxed evening and a sumptuous steak dinner at Block House
Hotel Amelie Berlin : No frills budget stay
Berliner Currywurst : Is it really all that its hyped up to be?
Berlin Wall East Side Gallery : Iconic Artwork Awaits
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin : At Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin
Holocaust Memorial Berlin : Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany aka Brandenburger Tor : A Must Visit Attraction
Berlin Zoo aka Hauptstadt Zoologischer Garten : Back to Nature…
Berlin Wall Documentation Centre : History Before Your Very Eyes
Der Reichstag Berlin : Home of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Berlin right here!

Enjoy your visit to one of the most visited attraction in all of Germany, Der Reichstag Berlin!

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