Museum Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas' Church Museum), Berlin

Berlin's oldest church turned museum, Saint Nicholas' Church has stood as a downtown landmark for over 800 years. Completed in 1230, this imposing late-Gothic structure is found in the city's oldest district, Nikolaiviertel (Nicholas Quarter), just south of the Red Town Hall, and is easily recognizable by its two impressive spires and stonework revealing a distinctive medieval past.

While it's now officially known as a museum, historically this place wasn't just a place of worship and a resting place for notable Berlin families; it also served as the seat of the city council and held deep cultural significance. In fact, the first city council assembly was sworn in here in 1809. It stopped being used as a church in 1939 and was converted into a museum in 1987. After German reunification, in 1991, the first freely-elected Berlin-wide city parliament met here. Following extensive renovation, the building reopened to the public in 2010.

Today, it houses a permanent exhibition titled "From the Base of the City to the Double Spire", which provides visitors with insights into the building's history and the surrounding area. The museum also hosts various events, including organ music concerts that are sure to entice you to return for more. There's even a special program tailored for children and youth.

The Nicholas Quarter surrounding the church is filled with narrow alleys teeming with popular restaurants, quaint souvenir shops, and small museums. This district still retains the character of the long-lost Alt-Berlin (Old Berlin) and is often bustling with tourists seeking a place to relax after a day of sightseeing, especially during the summer. Nearly every other building in this area houses a restaurant, inn, pub, or café, making it a lively spot that stays active until late at night.