Berlin is a city with a rich history. Some of Europe’s best museums, striking architecture, and best-known clubs can be found here. If you want to visit Berlin for a weekend, you need a plan that covers the main sights. Of course, you cannot see everything, but these top attractions are an excellent start.
Berlin for the weekend – Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a former city gate and one of the most recognizable monuments in Berlin and Germany. It is the only remaining gate that once served as an entrance to Berlin and was carefully restored between 2000 and 2002. Commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II as a symbol of peace, the gate remains central to Berlin. If you visit Berlin for a weekend, you will see that the surrounding area is often used for public gatherings and special occasions, including major sporting events.
Berlin for the weekend – Reichstag and TV Tower
Because of the Second World War, Berlin’s architecture now spans a fascinating range, from controversial postmodern projects to historic modernism. A visit to the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament, gives an excellent overview. Opened in 1894, it was renovated by British architect Norman Foster and completed in 1999. Its glass roof structure offers a full panoramic view over the city directly from the center of government. Entrance to the roof is free, but you must register in advance.
Other aerial views are available from the television tower, which rises about 200 meters above Alexanderplatz. The iconic tower is the fourth-tallest freestanding structure in Europe, and its stainless-steel sphere contains a revolving restaurant and observation deck. On a clear day, visibility reaches up to 40 km.
The TV Tower
Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz was built almost entirely from scratch in 1995. Here you can see bold, utopian architecture, a large shopping center, and many theaters that host the annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The dome of the Sony Center, modeled on Mount Fuji, is illuminated in different colors at night and has become an emblem of the area.
Unter den Linden – one of the most famous streets in Berlin
Take a walk along the street "Unter den Linden", which extends from Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate. Both sides are lined with statues and remarkable historical monuments, including Humboldt University, the State Opera, the State Library, the German Historical Museum, and embassies.
Museum Island
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest museum ensembles in the world and can be found at the eastern end of Unter den Linden in Berlin. The museums are connected by an architectural promenade, and you can visit them in one day with one ticket. It is easy to lose yourself in the beauty of their architecture.
Holocaust Memorial in Berlin
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is one of the most powerful and moving Holocaust memorials. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it consists of more than 2,500 geometrically arranged columns on a large site. The adjacent underground museum contains the names of known Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was demolished from June to November 1990, although some parts have been restored. While graffiti was removed from the northern part of the wall, the section known as the East Side Gallery is dedicated to art. In 1990, 118 artists from 21 countries turned the wall into their canvas. You can also visit Checkpoint Charlie, the famous East-West border crossing during the Cold War, which is now a tourist center with detailed information panels telling the story of the wall.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
The Protestant Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks. The church was badly damaged by air raids during World War II. Its tower was destroyed but later preserved as a war memorial. A new modern concrete church with beautiful blue glass windows was built next to the original church.
If you cannot fit Berlin into a weekend, stay a little longer. It's worth it.
Anna Lohan
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