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Explore Berlin

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Aug 2, 2021
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

As the third most visited city in Europe, Berlin is an up-and-coming city with so much to offer. You can find unique sites for arts, history, and culture. Berlin is known for the unusual and being entrenched in history at the same time. Berlin is the perfect meeting of the old and new, classic and grungy, and different and conventional. This week we will explore some of what makes Berlin, Berlin.


A twilight photograph of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, illuminated by warm lights. The grand neoclassical archway with its columns stands prominently, topped by the Quadriga statue. The sky above is a dramatic dark blue with hints of clouds. The street in front of the gate is clear, and streetlights extend into the distance through the arch.
Brandenburg Gate

Architecture

Bask in the phenomenal architecture scattered throughout the city. There is no shortage of beautiful buildings that have withstood the test of time. The first one that comes to mind is the Brandenburg Gate, which was once the gate to the city on the road that ran from Brandenburg to Berlin. It has had a varied history, from a symbol of Nazi strength to a symbol of unification as it was rebuilt during the cold war as the East and West jointly restored the monument. The next spot that is a must-see is Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral. On the island, be sure to take in the architecture and make time to explore at least one of the five world-class museums that are showcased there. Finally, the last stop on the must-see architecture is the French Cathedral. This beautiful building was not originally built with a dome but was added after the original construction to offer a stunning panoramic view of the city.


A life-sized reenactor dressed in a military uniform, a white hat, and white spats stands in front of a replica of the Checkpoint Charlie guardhouse, which is surrounded by sandbags. The reenactor holds a staff and stands next to a large American flag. Colorful flowers are arranged around the base of the sandbags. In the background, a street with buildings, parked cars, and pedestrians is visible, with a white van to the right of the guardhouse. The sign above the guardhouse reads "U.S. Army Checkpoint."
Checkpoint Charlie

History

For the history and Cold War buffs, Berlin is chocked full of memorials and sites to see. The first stop on everyone's list is the Berlin Wall, which was once the division between East and West Berlin. East of the wall was the seat of the communist party, and west of the wall was the seat of the Federal Republic of Germany. The one way for foreigners to travel from East Berlin to West Berlin was Checkpoint Charlie. It was the sight of several prisoners and spy exchanges and was the sight of the Cold War's few main armed standoffs. It remains today as a memorial for all of those that lived through those divided times.


A long, narrow, and somewhat dilapidated underground tunnel stretches into the distance, illuminated by lights mounted on the ceiling. The walls are a pale, yellowish-beige, with visible signs of wear and crumbling plaster, exposing what appears to be concrete or rebar underneath. The floor is a flat, concrete surface, and the perspective creates a strong sense of depth.
Bunker Tunnel

Underground

Berlin is well known for its underground, from its music scene to its actual other world underground. The city has survived through years of oppression within this underground system of tunnels, bunkers, and air-raid shelters hidden below the city. You can travel through the tunnels to see some of the most essential areas from bunker hospitals, mother-and-child bunkers, underground factories, subterranean escape routes from East to West Berlin, flak towers, and even an underground prison.


What are you waiting for! There has never been a better time to visit Berlin and explore this hidden gem of Europe. We can work together to ensure it meets all of your needs, be it old or new, different or conventional. Schedule an online consultation with me to plan your perfect trip to Berlin!


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