Despite what its lofty name suggests, the Berlin Cathedral is... not a cathedral. Yep, never was. Because Berlin never had a Catholic bishop in the house.

Now, rewind to 1451, when Prince-Elector Frederick II-nicknamed "Iron-tooth" because, well, medieval PR was wild-built a castle chapel right here. It started out Catholic, then switched to Lutheran in 1539, and just to keep things spicy, went Calvinist by 1608.

The version we see today is a Neo-Renaissance stunner, built between 1894 and 1905 by order of Emperor Wilhelm II, who basically wanted his very own Protestant answer to the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica. And what a power move it was: 114 meters long, 73 wide, and 116 tall-this place made everything else in Berlin look like dollhouse furniture.

And it wasn’t just for show, either. The Hohenzollerns-Germany’s royal family-worshipped here and even used the crypt as their final resting place. That lasted until 1918, when Wilhelm II peaced out to the Netherlands after abdicating the throne.

Then came World War II, and let’s just say the cathedral did not come out looking its best. East Germany did some repairs-thanks, GDR-but also tore down the Memorial Church in 1975, which wasn’t their finest hour.

Fast forward to 1993, and voilà: the place got a full glow-up. It now has the majestic pipe organ, pristine acoustics, priceless art, and vibes so divine they practically echo. Today, it’s home to choirs galore, including the English Choir Berlin, which hosts monthly Choral Evensong in true Anglican style.

If you're feeling brave, you can climb the dome! There’s a roomy stairwell, plenty of landings to catch your breath-and yes, actual chairs if you need a moment. At the bottom, history buffs rejoice: the crypt holds 94 royal sarcophagi. It's like Prussian Netflix, but... quieter.

Tip:
Snag the audio guide-it’s a small fee for a big info boost. Or grab a printed guide if you're old school. And in the summer, feel free to stretch out on the lawn across the street, near the fountain. It's the perfect picnic spot, and the cathedral makes a dramatic lunch backdrop.

The Brandenburg Gate is the last standing part of the western side of the Customs Wall that surrounded Berlin in the 18th century. It marks a monumental entry to Unter den Linden, the famed boulevard lined with lime trees that once led to the palace of the Prussian monarchs.

This neoclassical landmark was built between 1788 and 1791 during the reign of King Frederick William II of Prussia. Inspired by Roman triumphal arches and the classical Greek gateway to the Acropolis of Athens, the gate has twelve fluted Doric columns flanked by two pavilions originally occupied by guards, as well as five passageways, and reliefs depicting the Labors of Hercules. Its crowning glory is the bronze Quadriga sculpture – the goddess of victory atop a four-horsed chariot, originally regarded as a symbol of peace.

Throughout its history, the gate has played a crucial role in Germany's political narrative. In 1806, during the French occupation, Napoleon ordered its dismantling and transportation to Paris. However, upon its return in 1814, after Napolean's defeat, the gate was declared a symbol of victory, and the goddess was adorned with the Prussian eagle and iron cross, symbolizing triumph. The structure has stood witness to many pivotal events in Berlin's history, from military parades to the rise of the Third Reich and Hitler's ascent to power, upon which it was used as a Nazi propaganda symbol.

The Brandenburg Gate also holds memories of the Fall of Berlin and the Russian flag's raising in May 1945. After World War II, it stood damaged but intact and became part of the Soviet occupation zone. During the Cold War era, the gate – blocked by the Berlin Wall from 1961 until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 – remained in no-man's land between East and West Germany. Back then, it served as a defining symbol of Berlin's and Germany’s division and their eventual reunification.

Today, the Brandenburg Gate is a venue for commemorations and public events. Apart from being a photo-op, its historical importance is just as good a reason to visit.

Tip:
Consider visiting at night when the gate is beautifully illuminated and less crowded, allowing for contemplation of its storied past and symbolic value.

Reichstag is one of Berlin’s most enduring symbols. Its stone walls have borne witness to the tides of history, mirroring Germany’s tumultuous political evolution: from imperial unification, through dictatorship and division, to a modern democratic republic.

Once referring to the legislative body of the German Empire, today, the word “Reichstag” more commonly denotes the iconic building housing the country's parliament, Bundestag.

Following the unification of Germany in 1871, plans were laid to construct a grand hall for the newly formed state (“Second Reich”). Completed in 1894, the Neo-Baroque structure was intended to reflect the strength and unity of the empire. In 1916, amidst a world at war and against the wishes of Emperor Wilhelm II, the inscription-"To the German People"-was carved into the frieze above the entrance. Just two years later, with the empire dissolved, it was within these very walls that the German Republic was proclaimed.

In 1933, a fire engulfed the Reichstag-a blaze which the Nazi regime would exploit to issue the infamous decree, suspending civil liberties and consolidating authoritarian power. Thereafter, the building was no longer used for parliamentary functions during the Nazi era and instead served various other roles throughout the war.

The Second World War left the Reichstag in ruins. During the Cold War, the fractured remains of the building stood on the western side of a divided Berlin. Though no longer a seat of government, it occasionally hosted exhibitions, ceremonies, and even concerts during the 1980s.

Then, on the historic night of October 3rd, 1990, the Reichstag reclaimed its national significance. Within its restored chamber, the ceremony marking the official reunification of Germany was held-attended by Chancellor Helmut Kohl and numerous statesmen.

In the mid-1990s, the British architect Sir Norman Foster was commissioned to redesign the building. His intervention preserved historical scars-including Soviet graffiti etched in 1945-while introducing a strikingly modern glass dome. Completed in 1999, the dome serves as a powerful architectural metaphor for democratic transparency. Open to the public, it allows visitors to peer down into the debating chamber below, while its 360-degree panorama reveals the vast expanse of the capital. A sun-tracking shield ensures natural light floods the space without overwhelming glare.

Tip:
Plan your visit in advance, as security measures require booking and a valid ID for entry.
For those wishing to skip the queue, reserving a table at the Käfer DACHGARTEN restaurant provides expedited access.
Dress warmly-while the dome offers breathtaking views, its open windows invite Berlin’s brisk winds.

While often overlooked by tourists, the Painting Gallery is a treasure trove of Old Masters' works, housing one of the world's premier collections of European art spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Within its walls, you'll find classical masterpieces by renowned artists like Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

With a history that goes back to 1830, this gallery takes great pride in its scientific approach to collecting and exhibiting art. Each room is curated to present a cohesive statement about one to five artists from a specific period or style, allowing visitors to appreciate the paintings both individually and collectively. Especially notable rooms include the octagonal Rembrandt room and another containing five distinct Madonnas by Raphael. Additionally, you'll encounter Flemish moralistic artworks that span the museum's north side, revealing a fascinating interplay between the religious motivations of the patrons and the often sensual inspirations of the artists themselves.

Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours exploring the entire collection, especially if there is a special exhibit on display. It's otherwise easy to skip some rooms and spend more time in those that pique your interest. For enhanced insights, make use of the engaging audio guide (available in multiple languages and included in the admission price), as there is little in the way of written descriptions.

Tips:
Consider taking breaks at the convenient cafe located upstairs or on the glass balconies at the building's corners, where you can gaze into the distance and give your eyes a rest.

In the place where tyranny once took root and festered now stands the Topography of Terror-an open wound of memory carved into the very ground that bore witness to some of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. This site marks the former location of the Gestapo and SS headquarters, epicenters of persecution, intimidation, and state-sanctioned terror under the Nazi regime.

Though Allied bombing in early 1945 reduced much of the complex to rubble, and the remnants were later cleared away, one part remained-the original outer wall. It now frames an outdoor historical exhibition, where a chronological procession of images and documents lays bare the machinery of oppression. Here, history is neither softened nor forgotten.

Just beyond, visitors can descend into the excavated basement of a Gestapo building, preserved from the era of the Third Reich. These remnants of stone and steel speak with a quiet finality-a stark reminder of how systematic cruelty was carried out behind closed doors.

Within a modern, thoughtfully constructed museum building adjacent to the site, the story continues. The indoor exhibition is a comprehensive and unsparing exploration of the rise of National Socialism and its catastrophic consequences, not only for Germany but for Europe and the world. Through meticulously curated photographs, letters, official documents, and audiovisual recordings, the exhibit provides both clarity and emotional depth, presenting an unflinching narrative while honoring the gravity of its subject matter.

Visitors are encouraged to make use of the free lockers before beginning the experience. A self-guided audio tour, rich in detail and historical context, is available and highly recommended. Facilities such as a café and restrooms offer a brief reprieve in what is otherwise a sobering journey through history.

Tip:
To begin your exploration of the outdoor memorial, start from the left side of the display panels. If visiting during colder months, dress appropriately-the open-air setting can be brisk. For those seeking an overview rather than an in-depth reading of each panel, consider the free English-language tour held every Sunday at 3:30 pm.

Just a stone's throw from Checkpoint Charlie, BOB is the ultimate destination for those who have a fondness for unique, unconventional items and a passion for championing local artists. This charming boutique offers an array of one-of-a-kind gifts catering to all budget ranges. The staff is not only welcoming but also knowledgeable, and the store exudes a sense of spaciousness and brightness.

Inside BOB, you'll discover an intriguing blend of merchandise, ranging from books, t-shirts, posters, toys, to home accessories and novelty gifts. What sets this establishment apart is its commitment to showcasing local artistic talent through ever-changing in-store art exhibitions. It's a fantastic way to contribute to Berlin's thriving art scene while acquiring distinctive pieces.

Immortalized by American movies and spy novels, Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most famous and historically significant spots in Berlin. A symbol of the Cold War, originally it was one of the three designated crossing points – A (Alpha), B (Bravo), and C (Charlie) – for foreigners and members of the Allied forces, established after the construction of the Berlin Wall. Here the documents of visitors and diplomats were checked by East Germans prior to issuing visas.

Checkpoint Charlie became a sole crossing point in 1962. A year earlier, it made history as the venue of a famous stand-off between US and Soviet tanks facing each other across the border, when an American diplomat was refused a visa. The stand-off nearly led to a war but fortunately ended peacefully.

Today, a replica of the original Checkpoint Charlie booth with a "You are now leaving the American Sector" sign serves largely as a photo opportunity in the middle of the street that once marked the border between East and West Berlin. Nearby is the Wall Museum-House dedicated to freedom, featuring, among other exhibits, a piece of the Berlin Wall and historical information relating to the many escape attempts made over the Wall throughout decades. There are also a number of panels and photos that give a useful summary and timeline. Not far away is the Topography of Terror exhibition which also deserves attention.

Lately, to keep the site from turning into a commercial circus, the German authorities have put the kibosh on actors donning military uniforms and cashing in on clueless tourists. Undoubtedly an interesting location, albeit the guard house and other elements are only replicas, Checkpoint Charlie is about an appreciation of how things once were in this great city.

Why You Should Visit:
Bit of a tourist trap, but a good part of the city's history. The surrounding area is also steeped in history and you can walk around the streets to see the Berlin Wall and try the great local cafes.

Tip:
Get here early to avoid crowds, as taking a photo can be quite tricky due to the hustle and bustle of traffic, etc.

In just three months, this one-kilometer (approximately half-mile) expanse of concrete transformed from a heavily guarded border to an open-air art gallery. The momentous breach of the Berlin Wall by East Berliners on November 9, 1989, paved the way for a remarkable change. Between February and June of 1990, 118 artists from various corners of the world converged here to craft distinctive works of art along its longest remaining section.

Among the most iconic pieces is the creation by Russian artist Dmitri Vrubel, portraying the embrace of Brezhnev and Honecker, the former leader of East Germany, accompanied by the poignant caption, "My God. Help me survive this deadly love."

This extraordinary stretch of art lines the banks of the Spree Canal, spanning from the Warschauer Strasse S- and U-bahn station to Ostbahnhof. Adding to its charm, the scene is graced by the redbrick Oberbaumbrücke, a bridge dating back to 1896, located at Warschauer Street.