Berlin what to visit. Berlin 3-day itinerary for solo travelers

Berlin turns out to be a very comfortable city when it comes to budget travel... Here you can not only have a free snack or find a place to sleep, but also have a lot of fun. So, what to do for a "budget employee" in the capital of Germany?

Go to a concert

The Berlin Philharmonic gives free concerts on Tuesdays for all music lovers. Both young and eminent musicians perform. Concerts start at 13:00, but it is better to arrive in advance - 30-40 minutes before the start, otherwise all the seats will be occupied.

Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Berlin-Tiergarten

View the city from above

We are talking about observation decks in Berlin: Panoramapunkt, which is at the very top of the Kollhoff tower in Potsdamer Platz, and a monument at the top of the Kreuzberg hill in Victoria Park. From the first, the old and new town, and there is also a cafe on the site and various exhibitions work. From the second open beautiful views especially at sunset.

Photo: Barcomi "s Deli

American Cynthia Barcomy has been running her breakfast in Berlin since 1994: the best coffee, yoghurts and pastries are here. On Sundays, the cafe opens at 10:00, and after half an hour there are no empty seats. Barcomi "s Deli is located in cozy Sofia courtyards near Alexanderplatz, after breakfast you can go for a walk in the neighboring quarters: look into art galleries, a synagogue, a wind instrument shop and gaze at the city street art.

Peace Gardens in Marzahn

Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com

Several dozen national parks on a large territory: Chinese, Korean, Italian, all with fountains, playgrounds and ice cream parlors. You can get lost in the green labyrinth, and if you are less than 10 years old, then scream with delight. There is free parking... Admission from April to October for adults is five euros, for children under 14 years old - one and a half.

Museum of Musical Instruments at Kulturforum

Sim.spk-berlin.de

Photo: Frank Haase
Photo: Benjamin Asmussen
Photo: Thomas Quine

Almost always a half-empty museum, where, taking an audio guide, you can hear and see how the French horn and harpsichord sound, dance to the Neapolitan polka and study the structure of the organ. Children from three years old are guaranteed to be interested. Knowledge of German is not required.

Diner Heno Heno

Henoheno.de

Photo: Vilimblog

A microscopic Japanese diner in Charlottenburg where you need to order the entire menu at once, because it's cheap and tasty. It is better to come in the afternoon or evening, although Heno Heno is open from 12:00 to 22:00. There is no alcohol on the menu, but if you're lucky, you can find delicious Japanese beer.

Children's developmental museum MACHmit!

Machmitmuseum.de

Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Thomas Angermann

Three-dimensional maze, thematic exhibitions, master classes, puppet theater and mirror room. If you are suddenly unlucky with the weather, and the child needs to let off some steam - you are here. Children will figure out how to have fun themselves - even without knowing German or English languages.

Park on the Tempelhof airport field

Thf-berlin.de

Photo: Tempelhoferfeld.info

Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert / news-brothers.com

The oldest airport in Germany. Now a huge park is laid out on its field, where you can ride a bike, walk or have a picnic - there are places for a grill (although you need to bring it with you). There are scooters, segways and bicycles for rent on site. Fans of the military theme should go on an excursion: visit the bunkers, the chemical protection unit, the power plant and the arrivals hall.

Greendoor cocktail bar

Greendoor.de

Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner

A secret cocktail spot in Schöneberg for middle-aged freaks. The door is really green, metal, like those that we put in the porches for reliability. Closed by default, you need to ring the bell. Usually an extravagant lady opens and lets in if she thinks there is a place for you. The work of the bartenders, constantly preparing cocktails, is mesmerizing (as well as the cocktails themselves).

Arminius Markthalle Market

Arminiushalle.zunftnetz.org

Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle

The 19th century indoor market is an alternative to the tourist Markthalle IX in Kreuzberg, only without street onlookers and tourists. In addition to food stands, there are Germans, Vietnamese, Italians with their own cuisine, but we recommend Fish and Chips, which can be ordered at the Brewbaker bar, taking with them Kreuzberger Tag beer, Bellevue Pils or IPA brewed in Berlin. Right behind the bar is a cozy room with drape sofas and a floor lamp.

Brewery Eschenbrau

eschenbraeu.de

Photo: Crafty Ramblings

A brewery startup in Red Wedding, whose owner keeps repeating that he doesn't need tourists here, but in practice he is friendly and glad to everyone. Dark, light, seasonal beer, schnapps and brandenburg apple juice, and for a snack - pretzel or Alsatian flammkuchen (pie with onions, bacon and cheese). By the way, you can bring your own food. It is good here in summer, when the beer garden is open in the courtyard. The owner of the pub - Markus, a graduate of the Technical University of Berlin, often works at the counter himself. He will gladly talk about his path to success, if given a minute of time.

Ziervogels Kult Curry

Kult-curry.de

Photo: Ziervogels Kult Curry

Do not think that popular national dishes are only offered in tourist restaurants. Berliners love curry sausages, and Kult Curry offers them to be eaten in the relaxed atmosphere of a cafe, where a motley crowd gathers for lunch - from painters-assemblers to programmers and marketers from the surrounding offices. Pay attention to Menu 2, scharf zwei (medium spice) - two sausages with potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise and a drink. If you dine like that, it will be very easy to refuse dinner.

Berlin is a multi-million dollar metropolis. As in any old city, super-modern architecture and historical sights coexist here. Start choosing what to see in Berlin, best of all the most popular attractions. They will lead even an inexperienced tourist to the most interesting places. We offer a three-day itinerary in Berlin.

So let's start making a list of what to see in Berlin. In the morning of the first day in Berlin, it is worth getting up early, otherwise the day will not be enough! Let's start our excursion with a bird's eye view. At 8 o'clock in the morning we arrive at Reichstag.
This is the city center. The transparent dome of the Reichstag will allow you to view the panorama of Berlin and determine the route. Recently, you can sign up for a visit to the government residence on the Internet, on the Reichstag page. The live queue has not yet been canceled. If it is about five meters away from the steps, you will have to wait about half an hour. The tour inside the mirror-glass dome lasts about one and a half hours, accompanied by an audio guide.

There is an alternative, in the opinion of many, even better - a tour of Berlin with TV towers... Its advantage is that it is several times higher than the Reichstag (368 versus 47 meters), in addition, tickets can be bought from the machine for a certain time, and while waiting, you can walk around Alexanderplatz... The restaurant in the TV tower is rather modest, so it is better to have a meal in advance in one of the cafes downstairs. You can order tickets online.

After exploring Berlin from a height, we go to the promenade along the famous Kurfürstendamm, which the Germans jokingly call "ku-dam". V summer time you can take a ride on a bicycle taxi, the driver of which is well-versed in the situation. In this case, there is no risk of getting to the objects for restoration.

It is very interesting to make an introductory trip on a river boat along the Spree. The river route starts behind the cathedral and goes right along the sights in the very center of the city. On board there are: a cafeteria, blankets and multilingual guides.

Don't forget that good discounts(and in some places free admission) can be obtained by ordering online.

Day three - a leisurely, relaxed route through Berlin

You can sleep well and go for a walk in the Tiergarten, Berlin Zoo, which was once the Kaiser's hunting ground by noon. It will not be possible to bypass it all, but the most interesting places, - an aquarium, a monkey house, a terrarium, you can see it in about three hours. There are also rare, truly rare animals in the zoo.

As an option for those who are not fond of animals in captivity - a walk along the eastern part of Berlin with an indispensable Berlin Wall... Or maybe you should get to know Jewish Museum? However, you won't be able to relax there - it's gloomy.

And in the evening of the last third day in Berlin, it is best to go to have fun! Nightclubs like 2Be Club, near Alexanderplatz or El Bario on the Kurfüstenstrasse - the trendiest hangout spots. An international audience gathers here, fashion shows are held, they dance until they drop.

Gambling is legal in Germany. luxury casinos on Potsdamerplatz... In any case, in the evening or at night, it is highly recommended to walk through the brightly lit neon lights of Potsdamerplatz.

In the Potsdamer Arkaden shopping center, be sure to visit the restaurant. There are many of them here, from Chinese to Italian. Or try at least some delicious Italian ice cream! Here at Potsdamerplatz, in Sony-center, the most futuristic building in the city, life is in full swing day and night: restaurants, shops, cinemas and again a museum, this time a museum of cinematography.

Well, we will tell you about a wonderful way in two days in the next article!

Despite the population of four million inhabitants, Berlin remains a cozy European city, capable of replenishing the cultural baggage of every tourist who comes here to get acquainted with the sights of the tourist. What to see in Berlin - the traveler can devote his leisure time to visiting numerous museums and galleries, theaters and amusement parks of this glorious city, which is rightfully considered one of the world's cultural centers.

Berlin landmarks

Having the richest historical and cultural heritage The German capital, like Rome, Paris and London, has its own trademark, a world famous landmark that makes Berlin recognizable among its other majestic brethren. Such an imperishable symbol over time is the twenty-five-meter Brandenburg Gate, erected in the very heart of the city in the classical Berlin style.

The triumphal arch erected at the end of the 18th century by order of the head of Germany Friedrich Wilhelm II, created by the author on the model of the front gate of the Acropolis of Athens, was intended to be a symbol of peace. This is precisely the reason for the appearance of their second eloquent name - the Gate of the World and the choice of the main decoration - a bronze figure sitting in a chariot of Irena drawn by four horses, which the ancient Greeks revered as the goddess of peace.

After the conquest of Berlin by Napoleon, the sculpture was for some time taken to the capital of France, however, soon recaptured, it turned out to be in the same place, but with a different name - the goddess of victory Victoria, instead of the olive branch symbolizing the world holding a cross in her hands.

Brandenburg Gate

In different periods of Germany's existence, the Brandenburg Gate remained a landmark architectural structure for the country: during the reign of the Nazis - the personification of their absolute power, after the fall of the Berlin Wall - a symbol of the unification of the Western and eastern parts Berlin. Today they remain a tacit reminder of the lessons taught to the Germans by history and life.

The second symbolic object of Berlin, which is associated with the ideas of tourists about the city, is the already mentioned Berlin Wall.

Erected in the second half of 1961, stretching through the city for 160 km, reaching a height of more than three meters, surrounded by barbed wire, in one historical moment it divided the once powerful state into two parts, severed the family and friendly ties of the Germans for three decades ...

During its existence, up to the very moment of its fall in the fall of 1989, people striving for reunification were detained, condemned or shot on the spot. The fall of the Berlin Wall, followed by the unification of families and the entire state as a whole, has become a long-awaited event on a global scale. The surviving fragments of the wall are of great interest to tourists.

Reichstag

The Reichstag, the building of the German parliament, is distinguished by its presentable appearance and heroic history. Built in the spirit of the Renaissance, the building appeared in Berlin in the mid-nineties of the 19th century. Named after the Reichstag, the legislative body operating during this period, it surprised with an unprecedented architectural solution- a glass dome crowning the building.

In the thirties of the new century, the Reichstag became a symbol of Hitler's power, and after the capitulation of the Nazi troops in the spring of 1945, it became a symbol of the victory of the Red Army and the entire Soviet people.

The complete restoration of the building, significantly destroyed during the Second World War, was carried out in the 60s. The Reichstag was able to realize its direct purpose only after the reunification of East and West Germany.

Alexanderplatz

The most visited attraction in Berlin is considered to be the impressive architectural composition of Alexanderplatz - one of the main city squares that unites the Red City Hall, the old Church of St. Mary and modern buildings- 132 m hotel and TV tower, the tallest building in the city, ranking fourth among European TV towers.

Named until the early 19th century, Torplatz Square was used for military parades and livestock trade. Renamed by King Friedrich Wilhelm III in honor of the visit of the Russian Emperor Alexander I, it eventually changed its status.

The TV tower located on Alexanderplatz at an altitude of over 200 meters is equipped with an observation deck from which it is possible to view the entire city and its environs. In addition to it, the most visited coffee house in Berlin is equipped here, rotating around the axis of the tower, allowing you to admire the picturesque city views without leaving your table.

Another interesting nuance for city dwellers and guests of the city is the Alex department store built on the square, which is considered one of the largest Berlin shopping centers. Alexanderplatz makes the preferred meeting place and the presence of a large number of bus stations and urban electric transport, including tram, metro and electric train.

Pergamon Museum

Located on the famous Island of Museums, the grandiose one, which has existed for more than a thousand years, and dominates among the rest in terms of the number of visitors, enjoys immense popularity. Demonstrating three collections of world art - ancient, Western Asia and Islamic, which developed from the 6th century BC to the 19th century, Pergamon provides museum guests with a unique opportunity to see world famous masterpieces:

• Pergamon Altar,
• Ishtar Gate,
• Processional road
• Frieze from Mshatta.

The expositions of the Pergamon Museum deserve to be devoted to viewing them all day long. The pearl of the collection of antique art is the Pergamon Altar, which is an independent construction in the acropolis of the city that gave it its name. The twenty-meter wide staircase and the frieze decorated with high reliefs of unprecedented beauty are impressive.

In the collection of works of art of Western Asia, in addition to the named monumental artifacts - the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Road - there are more than 270 exhibits that give an idea of ​​the development of art in Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, Babylon, Uruk.

Unique examples of Islamic art are the thirty-three-meter long frieze carved from stone in the Jordanian desert, and the Aleppo room created in Syria, whose appearance dates back to the 17th century.

Bode Museum

In the north-western part of the Museum Island, there is another landmark of Berlin that has rightfully deserved popularity of residents and visitors of the city - the Bode Museum. Founded by order of Emperor Frederick III, the museum opened its doors to its first visitors on the ruler's birthday in 1904. The result of the work famous architect It became an extremely beautiful building created in the neo-baroque style, the central part of which is decorated with a spherical dome.

Inside the museum is divided into several rooms of amazing beauty:

• a large domed hall with a central equestrian statue of the Great Elector,
• Kameke Hall decorated with statues by Schlüter,
• a hall with a basilica and terracotta sculptures by Luca della Robbia,
• Small domed hall with a staircase created in the Rococo style.

The works of art collected here are displayed on the premises

• Museum of Byzantine Art,
• Sculpture collections,
• Coin cabinet.

The four-part exposition of the Museum of Byzantine Art shows the period of the life of the Western Roman and Byzantine Empires from the 3rd to the 15th centuries. Here you can see sarcophagi of prominent Roman figures, sculptural portraits, Byzantine icons created by the mosaic method, ritual objects of Egyptian origin.

The collection of sculptures for which the Bode Museum is famous is the richest German collection, among the exhibits of which are world-famous works of art by Donatello, Francesco Laurana, Luca della Robbia.

In the Mint Office you can appreciate the world's largest collection of coins, the number of which has crossed the half-million mark.

Spandau

The district of the capital, beloved by all the townspeople and the main attraction of the district, is Spandau, famous for its ancient architecture and a citadel built in antiquity. The building of the fortress, recreated on the model of the 17-19 centuries, is today an extensive tourist complex, consisting of a brick building and a park. The oldest surviving fortification elements of the structure is the Julius Tower, erected in the thirtieth year of the 13th century.

The exposition presented here, demonstrating

• model of the fortress in its original medieval form,
• weapon,
• armor,
• samples of blacksmithing skills.

The gallery of German engraving and contemporary art is of no less interest to visitors.

On the territory of the amazing fortress there is also a theater, in the workshops of which you can witness the birth of original glass or metal products, get acquainted with the exposition of folk instruments.

You can relax after a fascinating excursion around Spandau in one of the many cafes, and buy a memento about this visit in a souvenir shop. Exquisite products that can become an exclusive souvenir, and unforgettable impressions from the tour is famous for the Berlin Royal porcelain factory, whose history goes back a quarter of a century. After several changes of owners a new and long life was given to production by Frederick the Great, who was known as an admirer of "white gold", who called the factory "Royal Porcelain Manufactory". The products of her production have become widely known worldwide for their impeccable quality and original decor created by skilled artists and creative designers.

Berlin Zoo

In the center of the capital of Germany, there is also the Berlin Zoo, which occupies the leading place in the world in terms of the number of its inhabitants, which was opened in the mid-forties of the 19th century. On its territory, the area of ​​which is thirty-five hectares, more than thirteen thousand representatives of flora and fauna live in exotic pavilions and open aviaries. The main attraction from the day of its appearance is the antelope enclosure. For a certain time, enclosures for ostriches, flamingos, kiwi birds, elephants, giant pandas, gorillas were built in a special way.

In 1913, it was marked by the appearance of an aquarium in the zoo, which makes it possible to walk along river and ocean landscapes, getting acquainted with the breeds of tropical fish and sharks, whose water area is the Great Barrier Reef, and crocodiles living in the Amazon jungle.

Today, the Berlin Zoo symbolizes the habitat of countless wildlife. This is the reason for the enduring popularity of the zoo.

The capital of Germany, which the Germans who honor their history and traditions are proud of, no doubt has something to impress the travelers who have arrived here, who will certainly find something to see in Berlin. Here, amateurs will surely discover something new, interesting and memorable. world history, connoisseurs of masterpieces of art of various genres and styles.

Hospitable Berlin will warmly welcome a lonely tourist for whom travel is a way of life, and a noisy company of like-minded people, and a friendly family with children. Everyone will find leisure here to their liking and will return home full of impressions.

The main German city with Slavic roots appeared on the world map in the 13th century. Having gone through many ups and downs, today the 3.6 million metropolis is a place full of charm, positive energy and world famous attractions. It will take at least a month to make a close acquaintance with him. But it doesn't matter if you have only 72 hours for the first date with the capital of Germany. Explore our travel guide before your trip and find out how to plan your stay and what to see in Berlin in 3 days on your own.

A nice bonus only for our readers is a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site before August 31:

• AF500guruturizma - a promo code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFTA2000Guru - a promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.

And many more advantageous offers from all tour operators you will find on the website. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

The capital of Germany has two international airports. Russian tourists departing from Moscow on flights of Pobeda, Utair, S7 Airlines and RusLine, meets north airport Tegel. It is located within the city limits, so the road from the terminal to the center is on public transport will take no more than 25-30 minutes. You can take buses:

• route TXL. From Tegel, the bus leaves every 10 minutes and goes to the main train station (Hauptbanhof) (16-17 minutes) and then to Alexanderplatz (about 30 minutes);
• routes X9 and 109. In 20 minutes they take you to Zoologischer Garten West Station.

If you are flying with Aeroflot or Mongolian Airlines from Moscow Sheremetyevo or Rossiya Airlines from St. Petersburg Pulkovo, then your destination is south airport Schönefeld, located outside the metropolis. There is a railway station 75 m from the terminal.

From her go to the center of Berlin:

• Regional trains on lines RE7 and RB14. Travel time - 25 minutes (to Alexanderplatz station). The interval of movement is 30 minutes.
• City train S9. She will take you to Alexanderplatz in 37 minutes.

Departures from Schönefeld every 10-15 minutes regular bus X7, but it only follows to the Rudow metro station (U7) on the outskirts of the capital.

1 day

The first impression is the most important. Start your journey with the most famous landmarks, and then your acquaintance with the capital of Germany will grow into a real friendship. Many of significant places are within walking distance from each other, some need to be reached by public transport. We advise you to take bus number 100. Its route starts near Alexanderplatz and passes by the Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, the palace-residence of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Bellevue and the Kaiser Wilhelm Church.

Reichstag

The place where the history of the Federal Republic of Germany is made is the main point of many hiking trails in Berlin. A powerful building located between the embankment of the Spree River and Tiergarten park, was erected in 1894 for the new parliament of the reunified Germany. The construction lasted 10 years and devastated the state treasury for 30 million marks. The brainchild of the architect Paul Valott was destined for a difficult fate.

Wanting to blacken the rival communists in the eyes of voters, in 1933, supporters of the NSDAP party, which was striving for power, under the leadership of Hitler, staged an arson that destroyed part of the dome and the interior. Even more terrible tragedy became 1945. In the eyes of the soldiers of the Soviet army, the parliament building was a symbol of Nazi Germany. The Reichstag met the end of the war in ruins. Restoration work started in 1958. Only 19 years later, the Reichstag was returned to its former beauty.

The building is 137 m long and 47 m high and combines the styles of Classicism, Renaissance and Baroque. The facade is decorated with massive columns, and the roof is decorated with 4 towers, symbolizing the lands that became part of Germany in 1874. Inside there is a room for plenary sessions of the German Bundestag. The grandiose structure is crowned with a dome of glass and steel. You can climb it as part of an excursion (preliminary registration is required).

Brandenburg Gate

A striking example of the classic architectural style- the triumphal arch that closes the boulevard Unter den Linden - is a symbol of peace and reunification of the country. In 1949, the Brandenburg Gate entered the forbidden territory, marking the era of the split between Germany and Berlin. Public access to historical monument was opened only in 1989. Today, public holidays are celebrated here and important events are held here.

On the night of January 1, thousands of local residents and guests of the metropolis gather at the Brandenburg Gate to meet the clink of glasses and salute New Year... The historical building owes its appearance to Kaiser Wilhelm Friedrich II. By his decree in 1791, the road to Brandenburg was decorated with a ceremonial arch with two rows of imposing Doric columns.

Two years later, a sandstone structure 26 m high and 65.5 m wide was crowned with a 6-meter quadriga. For those of you who have been to Athens, the Brandenburg Gate will remind you of the Propylaea of ​​the Acropolis, which served as a role model for the Prussian architect Karl Gottard Langgans.

Gendarmenmarkt square

Further, the path goes along the boulevard Unter den Linden, framed by buildings of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Walk to the intersection with Charlottenstraße, turn right and in 4 minutes you will be in one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Today they enjoy tranquility, grace architectural monuments, street musician tunes and Open Air concerts.

And 300 years ago, on this place, located at that time in the suburbs of Berlin, stables and barracks were located, in which cavalrymen of the elite gendarme regiment were quartered. The Gendarmenmarkt comprises an architectural trio of stately buildings located around the white marble monument to Friedrich Schiller. Like looking at each other in a mirror French and German twin cathedrals, built at the beginning of the 18th century.

Between them is a neoclassical building Concert hall, recreated on the model of the National Theater destroyed by the bombing of World War II. Today, it hosts concerts of symphonic and chamber music.

Checkpoint Charlie

Turning off the Gendarmenmarkt onto Friedrichstrasse and walking along it 750 m (towards the U Kochstrasse metro station), you will see cult place, reminiscent of the time when the German capital was dissected concrete wall... Checkpoint Charlie is one of three American checkpoints that have sprung up in the divided city over the years Cold war... The task of the checkpoint was to control the movement of representatives of the Allied countries between parts of divided Berlin.

In 1961, it became the arena on which the tank confrontation between the troops of the USSR and the United States unfolded, which miraculously did not end with the Third World War. Today, on the site of Checkpoint Charlie, demolished in 1990, there is a wooden booth imitating the original, at which two "border guards" dressed in American uniforms are on duty. Across the street is the Berlin Wall Museum.

Its collection filled with tragedy bears witness to the numerous escape attempts across the guarded border. Among the exhibits - balloon, miniature submarine, chair lifts and other gimmicks designed with one goal in mind - to escape from the strong embrace of the GDR.

For the next attraction, return to Unter den Linden and walk 800m towards Alexanderplatz. On the left, between the embankment of the Spree and the green lawn of Lustgarten, rises a grandiose structure, whose dome soars to the heavens to a height of 98 m. church and family crypt of the members of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

All those entering the temple are greeted by the figure of Jesus Christ, frozen in a blessing gesture above the arched portal. The Silesian granite building is richly decorated with sculptures, bas-reliefs, columns and sandriks. This splendor is crowned with a dome with a diameter of 33 m, adjacent to small chapels. Those who are strong in spirit and in body can climb 270 steps.

The interior decoration of the temple matches the majestic architecture. The main objects of the luxurious interior are the marble altar and the splendid organ by Wilhelm Sauer. Representatives of the ruling family of the Hohenzollerns are buried in the crypt of the cathedral in the family tomb.

Alexanderplatz

In the distant 1272, on the site of the present Alexanderplatz, and at that time the territory hidden from city residents by a fortress wall, a place of execution and a hospital for lepers appeared. The Thirty Years War made its own adjustments, destroying many buildings and half of the population. To improve protection, a new fortress was erected, and the former excluded zone entered the city limits. Alexanderplatz owes its modern name to the Russian Emperor Alexander I, who visited Berlin in 1805 to sign an agreement on the creation of an anti-Napoleonic coalition.

Today at the most old square the capital is full of noise and chaos. Street musicians and dancers are performing, yellow trams are running along the rails, office workers are scurrying about and numerous tourists are flashing their camera lenses. You can love Alexanderplatz or hate it, but you cannot pass by it indifferently. Here are located ancient buildings, faceless buildings from the GDR times, large shopping centers and famous landmarks: Peace Clock, Red City Hall, St. Mary, fountains "Neptune" and "Friendship of peoples".

The most recognizable landmark of Alexanderplatz is the highest building in Germany - a reinforced concrete structure 358 m high. The idea of ​​a building that overshadows all historical buildings with its gigantic dimensions was born in 1965 by Walter Ulbricht, the leader of the Communist Party of the GDR. Four years later, a TV tower rose over Berlin, crowned with a steel ball and a 118-meter antenna.

If you are not dizzy, climb on observation deck or visit the Sphere restaurant. Its slowly revolving hall with panoramic windows will give you the opportunity to admire the beautiful views of the metropolis from a 207-meter height. The Celestial menu will delight you with classic European cuisine: Berlin chopped cutlets, tomato puree soup, trout fillet with citrus sauce and lamb medallion. Lunch will cost 15-25 euros, for dinner you will have to pay 35-60 euros.

Nikolaiviertel

850 meters from the TV Tower, you will find the historic district, whose antique lanterns and cozy "toy" houses are reflected in the waters of the Spree. This is Nikolaiviertel (Nikolai's quarter). Walk down the narrow cobbled streets, have a beer on the open veranda of a traditional German restaurant, visit one of the tiny shops of local merchants and get an idea of ​​what Berlin looked like during the Middle Ages.

The modern Nikolaiviertel is a recreated imitation of a quarter that was completely destroyed during the Second World War and returned to life in 1987. It got its name from the church of St. Nicholas - the first city church in terms of seniority, according to archival documents, created in 1230–1250. Currently, the neo-Gothic brick basilica, decorated with two green spiers, is used as a museum. Its permanent exhibition informs about history and architectural features Nikolaikirche.

Kaiser Wilhelm Church

A younger, but no less famous temple - the Kaiser Wilhelm Church - adorns West Berlin. From Alexanderplatz you will be taken here by the city train (lines S 3, 5, 7, 9 to the station S + U Zoologischer Garten) or buses No. 100 and 200 (stop Breitscheidplatz). Protestant temple, built in 1891-1895. as a sign of respect to the German emperor Wilhelm I, better known as the Church of Remembrance (Gedehtniskirche).

In 1943, an Allied Air Force attack almost completely destroyed the structure. The decision to restore the ruins came only 14 years later, and after another 4 years, the Gedächtniskirche again appeared before the eyes of Berliners. The western tower of the renovated shrine remained dilapidated, reminding descendants of the horrors of war.

Cars roar around, and hundreds of passers-by rush about their business. But one has only to go inside the crippled building - and you will find yourself in a world full of saturated blue light and ringing silence. The ceiling and walls are a multi-colored mosaic; the figure of the Savior hovers over the altar, arms outstretched. On Sunday, evangelical services are held here, and prayers for peace are offered on weekdays. There is also a memorial complex in the building.

Kurfürstendamm

The trade Mecca of the metropolis originates from Gedehtniskirche - Kurfürstendamm boulevard or Kudamm, as it is called locals... The history of the street takes us back to 1542, when a horse trail appeared in the western part of the city, connecting the royal palace with the hunting castle in the Grunewald estate. Time passed. In 1871, as a result of the reunification of German lands, the German Empire was born. Its Reich Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, decided to give the narrow path a metropolitan gloss.

In 1886, the first tram thundered along the pompous 3.5-kilometer boulevard. Since then, life has been in full swing here. Shopaholics all over the world speak of this place with awe. Among the chic restaurants, cozy cafes and houses, lacy balconies and ornate bas-reliefs, there are boutiques of famous designers of clothes, shoes and jewelry. Stores decorated with signs of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Bvlgari will help you to immerse yourself in the world of haute couture ... At the beginning of the promenade there is a budget C&A and a 7-storey Karstadt shopping center.

Spree and Landwehrkanal cruise

To end an exciting day and relax after the cultural Berlin marathon, we recommend on the deck of a motor ship that makes excursion cruises on the Spree River. Pleasure boats leave from the docks near the Cathedral, Kanzleramt, Friedrichstrasse and Hauptbahnhof train stations.

The most popular tour is an hour-long river walk, during which you will see the sights of Berlin from a different angle: the House of World Cultures, the Government Quarter, the Reichstag, the Museum Island, Cathedral, TV Tower and Nikolaiviertel. Those of you looking to spend more time on board can take a cruise on the Spree River and the adjacent Landwehrkanal. In addition to the already listed iconic places, on your way you will meet Bellevue Palace, Charlottenburg Castle, 64 bridges and high-rise buildings of Potsdamer Platz.

2nd day

The German capital has about 170 museums and art galleries. Naturally, even the most popular of them cannot be visited in such a short time. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most interesting museums and choose which expositions to devote the day to.

Museum Island

A galaxy of unique museums unparalleled in the world is located in the northern part of the island formed by the Spree River. The starting point of the ensemble, consisting of five historical buildings, was the building of the Old Museum, erected in 1830 by the architect Schinkel. The last in the architectural constellation is Pergamon, built in 1930.

The magnificent complex includes:

• Bode Museum, whose collection includes household items and works of art from the Byzantine and Roman empires, Renaissance sculptures and a numismatic office.
• Pergamon, representing the masterpieces of ancient art and the cultural heritage of Asia and Islamic states. The treasures of the collection are the altar of Pergamum and the Ishtar Gate.
• A new museum that focuses on the collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including age-old papyri, sarcophagi, masks, ritual accessories of priests and the flagship of the exhibition - the bust of Nefertiti.
• Old museum reflecting the art of the ancient Hellenes, Etruscans and Romans. Among the relics are sculptures, military equipment, jewelry, medallions, frescoes and antique headstones.
• The old national gallery inviting you to get acquainted with the masterpieces of the geniuses of sculpture and painting of the 19th century. Works by European authors working in the directions of Romanticism, Classicism, Impressionism and Modernism are presented on three floors.

Price entrance ticket to the Old Museum and the Old National Gallery is 10 €. To see the collections of other museums, you need to pay 12 €.

Karlshorst Museum

Zwieseler Str. 4

The uneasy relations between the two countries, which were bitter enemies more than half a century ago, are told by the expositions of the museum located in Karlshorst, a district of East Berlin. Here, in the officers' club, on the evening of May 8, 1945, an event took place that determined the further course of history. Representatives of the Wehrmacht and the Allied coalition signed the act of surrender of Nazi Germany. In May 1995, after the withdrawal of the last Soviet troops from the FRG, the German-Russian Karlshorst Museum opened its doors here for the first time.

At the entrance to the gray two-story building, visitors are greeted by a T34 tank. In the rooms with gloomy black walls, there are thousands of original exhibits collected around the world. Here you will find military uniforms, weapons, posters, diaries of concentration camp prisoners, thousands of field letters, archival photographs and, of course, the historic surrender hall. The entrance to the museum is free.

Museum of the Human Body "MeMu"

Panoramastraße 1A

In 2015, the world's first museum dedicated to the human body opened on Alexanderplatz. Its shocking exhibits are plates - nothing more than the corpses of people and animals. They passed preprocessing, including the replacement of fats and tissue fluids with reactive polymers. This method of embalming was invented by an eccentric pathologist and museum founder Gunter von Hagens back in 1979.

A total of 220 anatomical exhibits are exhibited here. Among them are human organs, animals and whole bodies of real people who voluntarily decided to turn into plate after death. According to the creator of the collection, the exhibition is designed to acquaint visitors with the peculiarities of the human body, diseases and anomalies. Many objects are provocative in nature.

Attention! Plates can cause feelings of rejection, disgust and fear. Before deciding to visit MeMu, take a look at the photographs of the collection.

Natural History Museum

Invalidenstraße 43

The history of the Berlin Museum of Natural History, founded with the participation of Humboldt University, dates back to 1810. The exhibition on the evolution of the universe and man moved to a magnificent building with powerful columns and huge windows in 1889. Over the more than 200 years of its existence, the collection has grown to over 30 million specimens representing four main themes: space, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology.

The exposition of the museum is opened by the central atrium. The colossal skeleton of a giraffat-titan dinosaur appears before the eyes of visitors. The unique giant, 13.27 m high and 22 m long, is surrounded by life-size prehistoric dinosaurs. Among them are centrosaurus, pterodactyl, allosaurus and the primitive bird Archeopteryx. Other expositions are no less interesting. Behind the glass showcases, thousands of models and stuffed representatives of the fauna, semi-precious stones, metals, fragments of meteorites are exhibited ... The pearl of the collection is the Tristan Otto Hall - the only whole Tyrannosaurus skeleton in Europe.

Modern Art Museum

Alte Jakobstraße 124-128

If you understand and appreciate the conceptual movements of 20th century art, then head to the Museum of Modern Art, located in the building of the now defunct Hamburg Station. The former platforms and waiting rooms housed 2,000 exhibits created in the styles of Pop Art, Expressionism, Avant-garde and Modernism. In addition to sculptures and paintings, the gallery contains photographs and installations.

Walking through the spacious halls, you will come across unusual exhibits. For example, what does a straw-decorated downspout plane mean? The idea of ​​the creators of the museum is to convey to the visitors the idea that in contemporary art the mastery of the author is often determined not by the work he created, but by his leitmotif. So that the objects do not seem meaningless and ridiculous to you, use the services of an audio guide.

The ticket price is 10 €.

Madame Tussauds museum

Unter den Linden 74

240 m from the Brandenburg Gate, you will meet the most revered persons in the world. Of course, we are not talking about living people, but about their wax copies, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the originals. The Berlin branch of the London Wax Museum, created in 1835 by the talented sculptor Maria Tussauds (nee Grossholz), invites guests of the city to meet celebrities every day.

On an area of ​​2,500 m² in 9 thematic rooms, 120 statues are exhibited. Karl Marx, John F. Kennedy, Mikhail Gorbachev, Albert Einstein, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna and Michael Jackson appear before the visitors as if they were alive. Tourists are allowed not only to touch the exhibits, but also to take pictures with them. Pictures of you giving a speech next to Angela Merkel or hugging football star Ronaldo will take a worthy place in your photo album.

The price of a standard ticket is € 21.00.

German Historical Museum

Unter den Linden 2

Boulevard Unter den Linden opens the Zeughaus building, decorated with relief compositions and sculptures, which appeared near the embankment of the Spreekanal in 1730. The galleries of the Baroque building, built in honor of the Emperor of Prussia Frederick I, housed the royal arsenal. After the split of Germany, the collections of the Museum of the History of the GDR were exhibited here. In 1994, an exhibition moved to the Zeughaus from the Reichstag, whose exhibits became the first in the collection of the new German Historical Museum.

Now, on an area of ​​8,000 m², numerous relics appear before the audience as illustrations of the past. Passing from hall to hall (there are 23 of them in total), guests get acquainted with the era of the formation of the primitive communal system, the domination of the Roman Empire, the era of the Hohenzollern dynasty, the wars in which Prussia participated, and then the united Germany, as well as the period of schism and subsequent reunification the state.

The cost of the visit is 8 €.

Day 3

We propose to spend the third day in the German capital in the central zoo - the green jungle in the western part of the city. But if you are not attracted by the beauty of the world of flora and fauna, devote this time to exploring the stone jungle. Start your day exploring the Berlin Wall, wander the flea market in Mauerpark, admire the metropolis from a hot air balloon gondola and visit the heart of modern Berlin at the famous Potsdamer Platz.

Hardenbergplatz 8, Budapester Strasse, 32

Mandatory item excursion program for tourists coming to Berlin with children, visit the animal kingdom - the largest European landscape zoo, located in the western part of the metropolis. On a well-groomed green area in spacious open-air cages, more than 19.4 thousand representatives of the world of fauna coexist. The three-story building of the aquarium is home to 13 thousand reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

It will take several hours to get around the area of ​​35 hectares. For the convenience of visitors, the park is equipped with a restaurant, cafe and recreation areas. For younger guests, the Berliner Zoo has prepared a huge playground and a paddock with domestic animals: tame kids, sheep and pigs. Even more entertaining going to the zoo will make the regular feeding of its four-legged and winged inhabitants and the show, which is organized by a friendly company of sea lions every day at 15:15.

Bernauer Straße 111

The 28 years of tragedy - the time when Germany and its capital were separated by a 3.6-meter concrete fence - are today reminiscent of the fragments of this sinister structure scattered around the city, the double line of paving stones and memorial centers dedicated to the Berlin Wall. One of these complexes appeared on Bernauer Straße in 2010 and was originally called the "Memory Window". At the place where the border zone passed from 1961 to 1989, a monument was erected - a monument made of rusty steel, which contains photographs of residents who died while trying to cross the border.

Today, the memorial complex, which stretches for 1.4 km and covers an area of ​​4 hectares, includes watchtowers, a chapel erected in 2000 on the foundations of a destroyed church, and a documentation center. The inconspicuous gray building keeps within its walls the personal belongings of the townspeople, archival photographs, testimonies and audio recordings. There is an observation deck on the roof.

Mauerpark

If the last day of your stay in Berlin fell on a Sunday, devote a couple of hours to a walk around the territory that was adjacent to the Berlin Wall until 1990. Today, the former wasteland is full of life. Since 2004, the city's largest flea market has been located here. Flyin 'on the long shopping malls, you can stumble upon a long-dead gramophone from the beginning of the 20th century, old magazines and books, silverware, moth-eaten shawls, snuff boxes, candelabra, jewelry boxes, retro clothes ...

Among all this antiques, there are original souvenirs, vintage jewelry and even cheap fur coats. However, the vast territory in the Prenzlauer Berg area is not only a favorite of traders. Every day street musicians, mimes, dancers, clowns and magicians demonstrate their art in Mauerpark, skateboarders show breathtaking tricks, freaks and karaoke fans gather crowds of onlookers. People come here to forget about everyday problems in a relaxed atmosphere, have a glass or two of beer and have a small picnic on the green lawn.

Hot air balloon ride Die Welt

Zimmerstraße 95-100

Berlin never ceases to amaze its guests. Those who want to feel themselves in the role of balloonists and look at the beauty of the city from a height of 150 m will enjoy wonderful entertainment every day - ascent in a hot air balloon. It will not be possible to fly freely over the capital - the balloon is securely attached to the winch with a strong steel cable. But an unforgettable experience and a beautiful view of the center of the capital of Germany are guaranteed!

A helium-filled balloon that can hold 30 people at a time in a gondola is one of the largest passenger balloons on the planet. The flight session lasts 15 minutes. Important! For safety reasons, the ascent will not take place during strong winds. The purchased voucher can be used on another day. Working hours: from 10:00 to 22:00 (01.04–30.09) and from 11:00 to 18:00 (01.10–31.03).

Ticket prices: 23 € (adult), 18 € (youth 11-17 years old) and 10 € (children 3-10 years old).

Potsdamer Platz

Glass, steel and concrete - this is how Potsdamer Platz appears to tourists - the place where the heart beats modern city... Already in 1838 appeared here Train Station, and at the beginning of the 20th century - the first traffic light in Germany to regulate busy street traffic. The bombs of the Second World War turned the square, which used to be full of life even at night, into a huge wasteland. With the construction of the Berlin Wall, it became a guarded exclusion zone along the border between the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany.