A client of mine recently told me: Carolina, I don’t know what to do in Berlin on that extra day I have from my symposium. Can you help me out?
Well, of course! This is a common happening, that you have to travel for a business trip and you managed to convince your boss to allow you one extra day to wander the city.
Or you went on a training course and there’s just one “free” day where you can go anywhere you want.
My clients are generally interested in history and culture, so I thought I’d write a post about my recommendations for him.
What to do in Berlin if you’re a history nerd?
Berlin is one of those amazing cities that not only have their own very interesting history, but that have made considerable efforts to preserve the historic legacy of the world.
New York and London, kind of in the same league.
Which is why even though you’re in Germany, you can go back in time to ancient civilizations, to amazing art and architecture and see some of the most spectacular examples of our human past.
The city offers a never ending array of activities and there’s something for everyone. But with just one day, this client wants to focus on the history, both of Berlin and the world.
Where to stay?
Definitely, the center (Mitte). I mean, if you only have one day, time is of the essence. Staying near the main attractions is key, even if it means spending a bit more in accommodations.
And in Berlin, the main attractions are in the Mitte. I’d say the main point of interest is the Museum Island (Museumsinsel), an island right in the middle of the Spree river, right in the middle of Berlin.
Museum Island is the reference point for location in Berlin, so anything near it, or between Brandenburg Gate (west) and Alexanderplatz (east) is a good spot to stay in the city.
How to go from A to B?
Berlin has an excellent subway system. However, in general it doesn’t go right next to attractions, you usually have to walk a bit.
There is no subway station at Museum Island, but if you stay in the Mitte, you can get there walking.
As I’ve mentioned before, hop-on-hop-off double decker buses are one of my (very touristy) favorite things to do, because they can give you a good sense of the city in a very short time.
And you can also visit some of its main attractions on route. In Berlin there’s the Berlin City Tour which offers two routes which are quite affordable!
So, what to do in Berlin?
Let’s assume you arrive to Berlin at night, and you have the next day free. The museums in Museum Island open at 10 am. So getting an early start on those is not really doable.
So you can start early by visiting some outdoors landmarks like:
The Brandenburg Gate
One of the symbols of the city, the Brandenburg Gate used to be one of the city gates back when Berlin was a small walled city.
In the 18th century it was remodeled as a neoclassical triumphal arch. The gate is famous for baring witness to some of the most significant events in Berlin history.
It used to be a crossing point between West Berlin and East Berlin during the Cold War, until the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961.
In 1989 TV news showed the reactions of the German people to the fall of the Berlin Wall with thousands of people standing over the wall at Brandenburg Gate.
The Reichstag building
One block north of the Brandenburg Gate, you can see the Reichstag building which is the house of the German parliament.
This modern and old building was built in 1894, but was destroyed by fire in 1933 (rumors suggest the responsibility of the Nazi party).
It was partially restored in the 60s, but completely renewed after the German reunification in 1990. Today the glass dome on top allows for citizens to see their parliament in action.
Ok, so before this post gets too long I’m going to stop right here. Meet me here next time to finish our list of one-day must-sees in Berlin!
And don’t forget your German phrasebook!
Have you been to Berlin before?
What do you think needs to be included in a one-day tour?
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I do the same thing when I get to a new city! I like the big bus cause it helps me to get my bearings of my new city. I’ve never been to Berlin, it’s on my list!
Nice! Do let us know when you do go to Berlin!