October 12th, 2009
What to See in Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany; and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. In Berlin you find interesting historical sites, modern art, delicious cooking and a pulsing nightlife. A lot of the buildings were badly damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they have all been rebuilt.
From the World War II and until 1989, Berlin was divided into four sectors: the capitalistic American, French and British sectors in the Western part of Berlin and the communistic USSR sector in the Eastern part. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city was again reunited as the capital of Germany.
The Brandenburger Tor is the landmark of Berlin. The 26 meter (85 feet) high building was originally the main gate to Berlin. Under World War II it was standing in a waste part of the Eastern part of Berlin. In 1990 it reopened as a symbol of the German reunification.
The Reichstag Building (German Parliament Building) is another important historical building in Berlin. In 1933 Hitler used a fire in the dome to declare state of emergency, and in 1945 the Red Army planted a flag on the roof to declare their victory. After a major renovation in 1999 the building reopened with a new, impressive glass dome. If you would like to visit the building, you must be prepared for a long line and a heavy security check.
Berlin has its share of remains of the Cold War. A typical example is Check Point Charlie. Originally it was the border post on the Eastern and Western border. Today the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie stands as the monument of a tough time. Here you can see photos and other effects from the separated Berlin.
Berlin is also a shopping paradise. You can find everything for yourself or your home in the largest department store in Europe, KaDeWe. But the most exciting part is the food and beverage department located on the sixth floor. Here you can chose between 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and 800 types of bread. Even deer and wild boar can be found here. And before you buy, you can taste samples of almost everything.
Berlin does also have a lot of markets. The weekend markets are the best ones. That includes Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel, and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz. If you are in Berlin around Christmas, you should also visit a Weinachtsmrkte, where you can taste waffles, sausages and the famous Glhwein.
Berlin does also have a great art scene. There are a lot of galleries and modern art museums spread around the city. The best ones are the Museumsinsel, the Neue Nationalgalerie and the famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art.