18 Most Famous Landmarks in Berlin, Germany

Germany’s landmarks, especially those in Berlin, are like a trip down memory lane, showing us all the cool stuff that’s happened there and how everything’s connected.

Berlin is a blast from the past, packed with stories from way back. It’s been the backdrop for some major happenings and has played a big role in the stuff that’s made it into the history books.

Berlin’s East and West sides are dotted with awesome spots that have stood the test of time, giving us a peek into what went down in the past. There are museums filled with World War II relics, the stunning Berlin Cathedral, the chilling Berlin Wall memorial, and many statues and monuments.

These spots in Berlin aren’t just about the places; they’re about the big names, too, like Frederick the Great and Otto von Bismarck, who’ve left their marks on Germany. People flock from all corners of the globe to check out these attractions, which have shaped the world as we see it now.

Must-See Landmarks in Berlin

1. Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1791 by King Frederick William II of Prussia to symbolize peace and freedom. The gate was named after Brandenburg, the name of Prussia’s former province.

The Brandenburg Gate is a big, old gate that was part of the Berlin Wall. When the Wall was built, it served as the country’s separation, as it was inaccessible to people attempting to cross from both East and West Berlin. Once the wall came down, the gate represented reunification in Germany.

The gate leads to Unter den Linden, leading to the Prussian monarchs’ City Palace. Check out the Hotel Albrechtshof as it features lovely rooms and is centrally located to many of the best things to do and places to visit in Berlin, including Brandenburg Gate.

This is an excellent jumping-off place for exploring the area around this landmark, which includes the Reichstag (the German Parliament), the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Siegessäule (the Siege Column), and the Tiergarten Park.

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2. Checkpoint Charlie

Address: Friedrichstrasse 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin is an amazing city of history and culture, but it’s also a city torn apart by war and division. A memorial at Checkpoint Charlie commemorates this tumultuous period in German history.

Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing between East and West Germany. Near the intersection of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse, it is a memorial to Berlin’s previous border crossing, the Cold War, and the city’s division.

The crossing point was closed in 1990 during the transition period when East Germany was reunified with West Germany. It has since been reopened and is now among the most notable places.

A historical record of the Berlin Wall is on display at the Wall Museum, located in the Museum Haus near this landmark. The history of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic is covered, beginning with the construction of the Berlin Wall and ending with German reunification.

Multiple spy novels and thrillers, including James Bond, have used this landmark as a backdrop. Like many other historic sites, Checkpoint Charlie has heavy foot traffic at peak times, especially due to its proximity to the Berlin Wall.

The landmark does not have set visiting hours, so you can view it anytime. It’s also worth noting that most (if not all) Berlin bus and walking tours stop at or close to the area.

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3. French Cathedral

Address: Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin, Germany

The word “dom” means “cathedral” in German, but despite its name, the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) is not a cathedral. Instead, it’s actually a tower.

It is one of the main attractions of Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin’s most picturesque public squares, along with the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral).

Besides the German Cathedral, it is also near the Konzerthaus. By ascending 254 stairs, you may reach directly beneath the baroque-style dome, enjoying a panoramic view of Berlin.

Although it expanded after its initial construction in 1701, the structure retains some of its original architecture. The interior maintains a minimalistic style that follows the norms of the Reformed Church.

This attraction does not have an altar or photographs. However, the ceiling’s arched contours lend it a modest elegance. The magnificent organ has a single extravagant touch—a golden crown with spikes. Französischer Dom houses an observation deck, the Huguenot Museum, and the Hugo & Notte restaurant.

4. Museum Island

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Museum Island is a magnificent piece of architecture in Berlin. It combines the modern James Simon Gallery with five historic museum structures from the Prussian era.

Some of the city’s oldest and most renowned museums include the Pergamon, Bode Museum, New Museum, and Old National Gallery.

After a day of museum-going, you can rest your feet in the Old Museum’s quaint cafeteria and then get a bite at the Bode-café Museum. On the other hand, the foyer of the James-Simon-Galerie is home to a variety of restaurants that are sure to satisfy any craving.

You can take the underground line 5 (U-Bahn) to the U Museumsinsel station to visit Museum Island. To help you plan your trip, Viator provides a tour selection, including a stop at Museum Island.

Otherwise, all the museums on Museum Island’s permanent displays are included in purchasing a single admission ticket, but special exhibitions may be an additional cost. If you don’t have much time, you can always decide which ones to visit first.

5. Pergamon Museum

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany

The Pergamon Museum is on the magnificent Museum Island in Berlin. Its name comes from the Pergamon Altar, considered one of the most important artifacts in the collection.

This museum also houses several ancient architectural masterpieces, including the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Mshatta Façade from a castle in the Jordanian desert, and the Roman Market Gate from Miletus, built in the second century.

Marble statues friezes, and other large works of art originally displayed in other museums and galleries can now be seen here.

Among the world’s oldest, it features priceless artifacts from ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Babylon. To explore the museum, book a skip-the-line museum tour in advance.

6. Altes Museum

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany

This is another Berlin State Museum on Museum Island that you must not miss. If you don’t have plenty of time to go to all of the museums on this island, you should choose Altes Museum as a top priority.

It has a neoclassical exterior, and the interior is decorated with antiques. Antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria are displayed at this Berlin museum. This building is rightfully proud of its collection because it houses the world’s most extensive Etruscan art outside of Italy.

You might want to note that the Altes Museum is closed to the public on Mondays. If you want to move about the museum freely, you should get there right when it opens. Get your admission ticket here.

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7. Neues Museum

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Neues Museum is one of the most important museums in Berlin. It is a museum of art and cultural history in the Mitte district. Air strikes extensively damaged this museum in 1943 and 1945. In 1985, emergency securing and foundation rehabilitation began on the war-ravaged building.

The museum is home to a wide variety of artifacts, including a limestone bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti covered in stucco, a golden hat from the Bronze Age known as the “Berlin Gold Hat,” and an axe head dating back 700,000 years, making it the oldest item in the museum.

The easiest way to get to the Neues Museum is to take the S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt station and walk from there. It is best to visit this museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon when fewer people are around. You can also book a museum tour.

Finding a nice place to stay in Berlin can make a difference in the quality of your trip. You can make it more comfortable by researching the options for places to stay in the surrounding area, such as the Eurostars Berlin and this LUX Penthouse suite.

8. Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany

The architecture at Charlottenburg Palace is primarily styled Baroque and Rococo, making it one of the most iconic attractions in Berlin. The palace’s ornate ballroom, commonly known as the Goldene Galerie, and its bedrooms are in the New Wing.

Walking through its vintage elegance, you may still find stunning silver, glass, gold, and porcelain tableware in the palace’s dining room. The old palace’s china cabinet houses a dazzling array of blue and white porcelain and ancient Prussian crown jewels.

Also, Berlin is home to some of the world’s most stunning parks and the city’s well-kept historical place in Berlin. The Gardens at Charlottenburg Palace are among them; they were Germany’s first baroque gardens.

This garden dates back to 1695 and is notable for its koi pond, expansive lawn with shaped plant and tree trimmings, and colored gravel. Tourists are drawn to the garden because it is a pleasant place to spend time with loved ones, but the palace is also a sight.

9. Berlin Zoo

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

The Berlin Zoo is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some fun and exciting day trips from Berlin. It has been around since 1844 and has grown into one of the largest zoos in Europe. The place boasts over 20,000 animals from 1,380 different species. It is a sight to see on a Berlin tour.

There are many different exhibits at this Berlin landmark, including an aquarium, seal show, dolphin show, sea lion show, flamingo pond, and children’s zoo. There are also several areas where you can see popular animals like lions and tigers up close.

If you’re looking for something a little different than just seeing animals at the zoo, then check out their butterfly house, which features thousands of butterflies from around the world. It would sure be an enjoyable day, but it can also be tiring. So, book the nearest hotel, such as the Hotel Zoo Berlin.

If you’re traveling with kids, they will love visiting this zoo’s different areas. Don’t forget about yourself, either, because it’s guaranteed that this will be one experience none of you will ever forget!

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10. Treptower Park

Address: Alt-Treptow, 12435 Berlin, Germany

Treptower Park is one of the city’s lesser-known but equally fascinating destinations. Because it is not among Berlin’s most popular tourist spots, it rarely sees a large influx of visitors all at once.

Treptower Park is located south of Berlin’s central district, along the banks of the Spree River. Its location, right on the edge of the Spree River, makes it a fantastic area for boating, jogging, strolling, or just hanging out.

This park is also a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin interested in the history of the Second World War. The park has a vast military cemetery and the monumental Soviet War Memorial, constructed in 1949 to honor the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin.

To reach Treptower Park via public transportation, you can take the S-Bahn or buses 165, 166, 265, or N65 to Rethelstrasse, Herkomerstrasse, or Sowjetisches Ehrenmal.

11. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

Address: Bernauer Strasse 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany

A trip to Berlin affords numerous opportunities to view the most famous landmark, the Berlin Wall. Suppose you want to avoid the crowds at popular tourist spots like Checkpoint Charlie but still want to see a piece of Berlin’s history. In that case, the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) is a great option.

This memorial honors the numerous people—adults and children alike—who perished trying to breach the Berlin Wall. The parts of the Wall and the tower that have survived allow tourists to experience the border facilities as they were in their heyday.

The memorial was built under the supervision of architects Kohlhoff & Kohlhoff. Theirs was one of 259 submissions submitted to a German government contest that year. The national monument is a prominent feature of Bernauer Strasse.

From April to September, visitors can take part in guided bike excursions along the former border strip or attend one of the memorial’s educational presentations for school groups. You can also visit the memorial on a guided walking tour.

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12. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin, Germany

You may find the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz in the heart of Berlin. The church, which Kaiser Wilhelm II had built between 1891 and 1895, burned to the ground after being hit by a bomb during World War II, leaving only the west tower standing.

The church’s interior is also quite impressive, with many architectural elements that have been preserved since its construction. You’ll find stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and an elaborate organ installed at the time of its construction.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and how it became an important part of Berlin’s landscape today, consider taking one of these guided tours or attending one of their services!

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13. Reichstag Building

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

The Reichstag building is the seat of the German Parliament (the Bundestag). The original Reichstag was built in 1894 and housed a public museum.

The historical significance of this old building is why it is considered one of the most well-known buildings in Berlin. It is the home of the Bundestag or German Parliament. Construction on the building began in 1884 but stopped in 1894 due to a lack of funding due to the war.

After being used as a symbol of Nazi power, it was demolished in 1933 and rebuilt in 1999. The transformation of the Reichstag into a green building has become a symbol of Germany’s commitment to sustainable energy in the modern era.

As well as a sizable solar array on its roof, the Reichstag’s recognizable glass dome was designed to bring in enough natural light for the Bundestag chamber.

The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin and the Apartments am Brandenburger Tor are lovely places near the Reichstag Building. Staying near top attractions in Berlin and public transport will allow you to maximize your time in this historic city.

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14. Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag

Address: Scheidemannstrasse 5, 10557 Berlin, Germany

The Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag is another memorial in Berlin, Germany. It was erected by Dieter Appelt, Klaus W. Eisenlohr, Justus Müller, and Christian Zwirner. To visit this memorial is among the best things to do in Berlin to learn about the city’s sad past.

The memorial honors the 96 members of parliament who died unnatural deaths between 1933 and 1945 at the hands of the Nazi regime. In the 1980s, plans for constructing a monument began, and it was dedicated in September 1992.

The names, birthdates, death dates, and burial sites are etched on the edges of the 96 cast iron plates that make up the monument. The design is unique and gives visitors a sad experience. Make it a point to visit to learn more about those who sacrificed their lives during Germany’s dark past.

15. Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg

Address: Knaackstrasse 23, 10405 Berlin, Germany

The Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg is Berlin’s oldest water tower. Built in 1877 and used until 1952, it was designed by Henry Gill and erected by the English Waterworks Company. It is located between Knaackstrasse and Belforter Strasse in Kollwitzkiez, Berlin, within the Prenzlauer Berg locality.

The tower has turned into one of Berlin’s most notable attractions. Even now, the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood revolves around the Water Tower.

The space atop the building provides a breathtaking panorama of the city and is a popular gathering place during the warmer months. Anyone visiting the cisterns below the city should take advantage of it.

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16. Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)

Address: Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany

The Holocaust Memorial is a must-see when you’re in Berlin to truly take in the magnitude of the horrendous events that happened during the Holocaust.

Here, you’ll learn about the atrocities that happened during World War II and how they impacted the city—and then you’ll see how that history is reflected in its buildings and monuments today.

The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks arranged in an asymmetrical grid pattern. It’s meant to represent the loss of identity and “sameness” that the Nazi regime represented, which led to the segregation and confinement of Jews and other minority groups. In addition to being educational and meaningful, this Holocaust Memorial is quite somber and saddening.

The design was created by architect Peter Eisenman, who also designed memorials like Ground Zero in New York City. It won him an international competition for the best memorial design ever held by UNESCO. You can visit the memorial on a Berlin walking or biking tour.

17. Berlin Victory Column

Address: Grosser Stern, 10557 Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s Victory Column, located in Tiergarten Park, was designed by German architect Heinrich Strack and constructed between 1864 and 1873.

The 8.3-meter, 35-ton golden statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, was added to the complex to honor the successful war battles of the German empire. Several tunnels lead to the column below the ground.

The 285 steps up to the viewing platform are worth it for the breathtaking panorama of the Tiergarten, which makes this landmark a popular tourist destination. You can walk around the Tiergarten from that vantage point or take a segway tour.

A short walk will take you from the Tiergarten, a vast park in the heart of Berlin, to several other well-known attractions, such as the Reichstag. Nearby, you’ll also find Bellevue Castle and the Brandenburg Gate.

18. Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower)

Address: 1 Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany

The Berlin TV Tower, known as the Berliner Fernsehturm, stands as a prominent symbol in the heart of Berlin, near Alexanderplatz. Constructed between 1965 and 1969 by the East German government, it was intended to display Communist strength and technological prowess.

At 368 meters (1,207 feet), it is the tallest structure in Germany and offers panoramic views from its observation deck and revolving restaurant. The tower’s iconic, futuristic design makes it a distinctive part of the Berlin skyline, visible from nearly every part of the city. Its historical significance and architectural uniqueness make it one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, attracting visitors from around the globe.

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