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Some cities feel like they’re stuck in a history book. Whereas Berlin feels like it tore up the book, apologised, tore it up some more, apologised again, graffitied all over it and went one further than Kevin & Perry and actually became a superstar Dj. Berlin is a city that thrives on contrasts. This graffiti-clad capital is where gritty history meets cutting-edge cool. Kind like if Banksy and Jack Nicholson co-hosted a dinner party in a Cold War Bunker.
Found in Germany, right in the middle of Europe, Berlin is basically the friend who brings everyone together – whether they like it or not. While Berlin has a past that could fill several binge-worthy docuseries, it’s also got a knack for reinventing itself more times than Prince. Whether you’re here for the history, the nightlife, or just to see how many currywurst you can eat before the scales start to notice —Berlin’s got you covered.
10. TV Tower: Spying Views Since 1969
The TV Tower is Berlin’s tallest building, standing so high that even King Kong has been eyeing it up for his next big climb. At a towering 368 metres, it’s not just the tallest structure in Berlin—it’s the tallest in Germany, sticking out of the skyline like a sore thumb… if that thumb belonged to a giant with a flair for Soviet-influenced modernist architecture.
Built in the 1960s by the East German government, the tower wasn’t just meant to provide great views and a place for tourists to test their fear of heights. No, this was a statement—East Germany’s way of showing off its technological prowess and sticking it (quite literally) to the West. Today, the tower has swapped Cold War propaganda for panoramic views and a revolving restaurant. If you’ve ever dreamed of eating schnitzel while spinning in slow circles, this is your moment. The restaurant makes a full rotation every 30 minutes, offering a 360-degree view of the city—perfect for spotting landmarks, or just confusing your internal compass.
9. Gendarmenmarkt: A Tale of Two Domes
If Berlin had a beauty contest for its squares, Gendarmenmarkt would be the clear winner—no offense to Alexanderplatz, but concrete just doesn’t have the same charm. Often considered the most beautiful square in the city, Gendarmenmarkt is a stunning blend of architectural elegance and history, flanked by not one, but two domes awkwardly staring at eachother.
Originally laid out in the 17th century for the Prussian Gens d’Armes regiment, the square evolved into a showcase of Berlin’s finest architecture.The twin domes of the cathedrals were added in the 18th century, giving the square its iconic look. oday, the German Cathedral focuses on democracy, while the French Cathedral rolls ciggies… and explores the Huguenot community. Gendarmenmarkt shines year-round—whether it’s the festive Christmas market in winter or open-air concerts in summer, this square knows how to put on a show.
8. Reichstag: Politics with a View
The Reichstag isn’t just Berlin’s political HQ—it’s the only place in the world where you’ll find more transparency in a dome than in the decisions made inside it. That iconic glass dome on top? It’s basically the government’s way of saying, “Look, we’ve got nothing to hide!”—which, let’s be honest, is probably the biggest work of fiction to come out of Germany since the Brothers Grimm.
Built in 1894, the Reichstag has had a pretty dramatic life. It’s been burned down, bombed, abandoned, and then given a glow-up that would make Kylie Jenner jealous. After the infamous 1933 fire (very convenient for you know who. No, not Voldemort), it sat in Cold War limbo until the ’90s, when British architect Sir Norman Foster added the now-famous dome. It’s not just pretty; it’s eco-friendly, flooding the place with natural light and giving visitors a perfect view of politicians in action.
Tickets for the Reichstag Building can be bought here – Reichstag Building
7. Berlin Wall Memorial: Now With 100% Less Wall"
Once upon a time, Berlin had a wall. Not the trendy graffiti-covered kind you see today, but a big, ugly, concrete one that separated East and West like a really intense sibling rivalry. Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall was meant to stop East Berliners from making a break for the West and sadly it worked. Today, the Berlin Wall Memorial stands as a reminder of those days when the city was split in two, and crossing to the other side wasn’t just a matter of hopping on the U-Bahn. The memorial features preserved sections of the wall, watchtowers, and escape tunnels that show just how determined people were to get past it.
You’ll also find the infamous “Death Strip,” a not-so-fun zone between the two walls that East German guards patrolled with the enthusiasm of overzealous nightclub bouncers. And if you’re wondering why the wall came down, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly built to last—unlike Berlin’s obsession with techno.
6. The Holocaust Memorial: When Silence Speaks Volumes
Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial—officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe—isn’t your typical tourist attraction. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and unveiled in 2005, it features 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in an unsettling grid that creates a disorienting, almost oppressive atmosphere. Walking through the towering, uneven slabs, you can’t help but feel small and isolated—emotions that serve as a powerful metaphor for the uncertainty and fear faced by millions during the Holocaust. With no plaques or explanations, the memorial leaves interpretation up to you, making it an experience you don’t just see, but feel.
See I can be sincere.
5. Checkpoint Charlie: Spies, Lies, and Souvenir Fries
Once the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie was the place where spies gave each other side-eye, tanks had tense stare-offs, and a few daring folks tried some very creative escape attempts. Today? It’s a must-visit landmark where you can soak up history, snap a classic photo, and—if you’re feeling fancy—grab a fake passport stamp that won’t get you through customs but will look great on your fridge.
Sure, the original checkpoint hut is long gone, but the replica does a decent job of taking you back to the days when crossing the street could require serious paperwork. Around the area, you’ll find plenty of museums, fascinating exhibits, and just enough souvenir shops to ensure you leave with at least a tiny chunk of the Berlin Wall (authenticity not guaranteed). It’s a place where history feels alive—minus the threat of espionage and awkward border interrogations.
4. Eastside Gallery: Where the Wall Went from Oppression to Expression
Once upon a time, the Berlin Wall was all about keeping people in and freedom out. Fast forward a few decades, and it’s now a 1.3km-long Instagramable Soviet rainbow covered in murals that scream ‘Peace & Love, man”. Stretching along the Spree River, this open-air art gallery is proof that even the ugliest bits of history can get a glow-up. Back in the day, crossing the wall meant risking it all—today, the only thing at risk is your phone battery from taking too many photos. The murals range from political statements to abstract art, with some pieces so deep, MK is trying to remix it.
The most famous piece is The Kiss, where Soviet leader Brezhnev and East German boss Honecker are locked in a passionate smooch that makes you question everything you thought you knew about diplomacy. Then there’s the classic Trabant car crashing through the wall, which is a great reminder that even communism couldn’t make German engineering uncool.
3. The Brandenburg Gate: Berlin’s Fancy Front Door
If Berlin had a front door, the Brandenburg Gate would be it—except instead of a welcome mat, you get a 26-metre-tall neoclassical archway that’s seen more history than your granddad’s war stories. Originally built in the late 18th century as a symbol of peace, it has since been used for everything from military parades to political protests and the occasional overly enthusiastic tourist photoshoot.
Napoleon was so impressed by it, he took the Quadriga (that’s the fancy chariot sculpture on top) back to Paris as a souvenir in 1806—because, apparently, he wasn’t satisfied with fridge magnets. The Germans eventually got it back, only for it to spend the Cold War awkwardly stuck in no man’s land between East and West Berlin, like an architectural third wheel.
2. Museum Island: Because One Museum Just isn't Enough
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could see ancient artifacts, priceless art, and a whole lot of statues all in one place,” then welcome to Museum Island—Berlin’s answer to “How many museums can we fit in one spot?” The answer? Five. That’s right, five world-class museums packed onto one little island in the middle of the city, because apparently Berlin doesn’t believe in doing things by halves. From Egyptian mummies to Greek gods and enough old stuff to make your nan’s loft look minimalist, Museum Island has it all.
Fancy a trip through ancient Babylon? Head to the Pergamon Museum and marvel at the massive Ishtar Gate. Want to stare into the cold, dead eyes of a few thousand-year-old busts? The Neues Museum has Nefertiti, who’s been serving daggers since 1345 BC. Over at the Altes Museum, it’s all about the Greeks and Romans—because nothing says ‘culture’ like a room full of marble statues missing their arms. The Alte Nationalgalerie is your go-to for dreamy 19th-century art, featuring everything from romantic landscapes to moody portraits that scream “I have feelings.” And for those who like their history medieval and mysterious, the Bode Museum offers Byzantine art and coin collections—because nothing screams excitement like a really, really old coin.
1. Berlin Cathedral: Where History Meets Heavenly Views
If you like your churches big, bold, and with a dome so grand it could double as a UFO landing pad, then welcome to Berlin Cathedral. This isn’t just any old cathedral—oh no. It’s Berlin’s way of saying, “Look at us, we do fancy too!” Built in the early 1900s, it’s a delightful mashup of baroque, renaissance, and “let’s make it as grand as humanly possible.”
The dome itself is so massive that it practically has its own postcode, and if you’re feeling brave (and have strong calves), you can climb 270 steps to the top. The reward? A stunning panoramic view of Berlin and the chance to catch your breath. Inside, it’s a feast for the eyes—marble, intricate mosaics, and enough gold to make 2Chainz jealous. And let’s not forget the crypt—because no grand cathedral is complete without a basement full of royals who are very much not taking in the views anymore.
where I stayed in Berlin
If you’re looking for a hotel that makes you feel like a secret agent stepping into a Bond movie, then The Westin Grand Berlin is your place. With its grand staircase sweeping through the lobby like it’s expecting a dramatic entrance at all times, this hotel oozes old-school glamour with a modern twist—basically, it’s as if someone put a luxury spa inside a history book.
Located smack dab in the middle of the action on Friedrichstraße, you’re just a short walk from iconic sights like Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Checkpoint Charlie—so no excuses for not exploring. The rooms? Spacious, stylish, and with beds so comfy you’ll question whether sightseeing is really worth leaving them for.
And let’s not forget the breakfast buffet—because nothing says “I’m living my best life” like stuffing your face with pastries in a five-star hotel while pretending you’re a sophisticated world traveller. Whether you’re in Berlin for business, pleasure, or just to climb that ridiculous staircase for the perfect Instagram shot, The Westin Grand Berlin won’t disappoint.
If all this sounds like your kind of vibe, book yourself a stay via the link here – The Westin Grand Berlin
I need to go back looking at all that, I missed a couple things when I went. Enjoyed reading that, thank you!!