Sightseeing guide for Berlin breaks

A great guide for city explorers

Although Berlin has undergone constant change and suffered large-scale destruction, much has been preserved, restored and expanded. Much evidence of the past still can be experienced today. Exclusively throughout the year, Vamos Travel can provide private guided Berlin city tours, which can range from 3 – 5 hours. If you would like a private guide at your disposal, to gain a deeper insight into the capital and to guarantee a fabulous sightseeing adventure then we suggest you add this to your enquiry form and contact Vamos Travel today. “Let’s Go!”

Alexanderplatz is a large open square in central Berlin and is often called simply Alex. Originally it was called the oxen market, but was renamed when Berlin was visited by the Russian Tsar Alexander I in 1805. During the 19th century, the Alexanderplatz was one of the busiest squares in the capital and in the early 20th century during the roaring 1920s, it was the heart of Berlin’s nightlife, inspiring the 1929 novel Berlin Alexanderplatz. The Alexanderplatz has been subject to redevelopment several times in its history, but has retained its socialist character. ‘Alex’ is surrounded by several notable structures, the most famous being the Fernsehturm TV Tower, the second tallest structure in Europe and also you’ll find the the World Time Clock. From an architectural point of view, the square isn’t regarded as one of the most attractive features to be found on your city breaks in Berlin, but it’s a good place to start your explorations.

The Berliner Dom (Berlin cathedral) was conceived as the Protestants answer to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It’s the largest 20th-century Protestant church in Germany and is located on the historic 'Museum Island' in the river Spree. The Berlin cathedral took some considerable damage during WWII, but has been restored to its near former glory, and is open to visitors daily. Some of the highlights of the Dom are: the 7000 pipes of the Sauer's Organ, the stunning stained-glass windows and the 1530 Elector's tomb. Undoubtedly, the cathedral is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Germany and is a major landmark to visit on any Berlin break.

After WWII Germany was divided into 4 parts: US, British, French and Soviet occupation zones. The Russian side was the East, known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the other western zones became the Federal Republic of Germany. Due to the west being more prosperous, many people from East Germany moved to the other side. It was for this reason, why the East German authorities decided to close the border in 1961, to stop people from fleeing and they constructed the Berlin Wall. It wasn’t until 1989, that the travel restrictions were lifted and the wall was finally dismantled. The remaining fragments of the Berlin wall give testament to a turbulent time in German; the most famous part is the 1316m long East Side Gallery, which is well worth seeing during a weekends break in Berlin. No longer are the German people segregated from those they love. On the momentous day of 9th November 1989, Berliners from East and West fell into each other’s arms, weeping in relief and joy. During your stay, we would advise a visit to the Berlin Wall memorial in Bernauer Strasse. The atmosphere is utterly compelling and for the history interested traveller, it is a must see attraction of this strong and surviving capital.

One of the biggest attractions for any explorer is the Brandenburger Tor (gate). This premier Berlin landmark used to be the symbol of a city divided, but now since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gate marks a reunified Berlin. Today, this imperial gate has become the main meeting place during the cities unification day and New Year celebrations. The history of the Brandenburg Gate dates back to 1791 and was designed by Carl Langhans, modeled on the Acropolis in Athens. The decorations, depict scenes of Greek mythology and atop of the roof is the statue of a horse-drawn chariot, which symbolizes Victory. You cannot miss a trip to the famous Brandenburger Tor. It’s one of the most rewarding Berlin holiday breaks sights to be enjoyed. We can’t recommend it enough.

Checkpoint Charlie museum is one of the best places to find out about the history of the Berlin Wall. Found in the last remaining tower that once separated East from West, the Checkpoint Charlie museum has excellent exhibitions that document all the Berlin Wall events. Contact the Eastern Europe travel specialists or browse through our cheap deals on-line.

If you fancy soaring 200 metres above ground in only 40 seconds, then take a very special trip to the Fernsehturm Television Tower. The tower is located in the heart of Berlin, offering amazing panoramic views of the capital. Definitely the right place to come for those holiday snapshots. The TV tower is 368m high and is 70m higher than the Eiffel tower, it has a revolving restaurant, viewing platforms and a bar to enjoy a few drinks. It’s a popular place to visit as part of your short weekend holiday in Germany.

If you’re looking to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Berlin streets, then head to Grunewald, a splendid forest close to the inner city. Grunewald with its numerous lakes extends to the outskirts of the capital and is frequented by locals for jogging or for taking their dogs for a walk. In winter, even the modest slopes are used for skiing and the woods are used for horse riding and exploration. It might not be an essential place to see on your first visit to Berlin, but nether the less, its worth noting for return holidays to Germany.

Many of our guests believe that the Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and we’d have to agree. Make this tourist landmark part of your explorations & tours. Originally it was a market place but today it is a scenic place surrounded by an architectural ensemble and is a real treat for visitors to see. In the centre of the square is the statue of a famous German poet, Friedrich Schiller and the German & French Cathedrals are located here, which both house museums & exhibitions. Also on the Gendarmenmarkt square is the capital’s main concert hall, Konzerthaus, which is now home to the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Please note, that Vamos Travel has a department dedicated to opera, ballet and classical concerts. Whatever category seat you require, we can pre-arrange your tickets for your Germany holidays, Berlin breaks and weekend city escapes.

The Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche or Memorial Church, on the Breidscheidplatz (West Berlin) is definitely worth a visit. Although the church was destroyed during WWII, the ruins were kept as a strong reminder to native Berliners and visitors, of the devastation & suffering people endured during that dark period in time. A new building has been incorporated with the old structures and here you’ll find exhibitions on the war and the history of the old church. Interestingly, on the hour, the tower chimes a melody composed by the last emperor's great-grandson.

The National Gallery (Nationalgalerie) is the imposing temple like structure, founded by Friedrich Wilhelm IV as a sanctuary to art & science. The Nationalgalerie is surrounded by a long colonnade of Doric columns. The building itself takes the form of a Roman temple on a two storey plinth accessed by two large flights of steps. It’s a wonderful building to view and makes for some great shots for the snap book.

The New Synagogue opened in 1866, with its 3,200 seats and became the largest Jewish house of worship in Germany. Sadly it was severely damaged by Allied bombing raids and wasn’t restored until May 1995. Today, the New Synagogue and the Scheunenviertel district is enjoying a revival and guests can come here and find the permanent exhibition of the New Synagogue.

Berlin’s medieval heart is the Nikolai Quarter and it was here where the city of Berlin originated, developing around the capitals oldest parish church, ‘Nikolaikirche’ or Nicolai Church. Compared to the city's hectic pace, the Nikolai quarter with its pedestrian precinct is an oasis of calm and tranquility. Strolling around this ensemble of historical and new buildings is a real treat and is a great diversion from the busy shopping streets. Take a look for yourselves and mark the Nikolai Quarter on your tourist map, as part of your Germany weekend breaks explorations. The Nikolai quarter is a great area for Berlin tourists and has a good mixture of cultural, historical and shopping adventures. It’s not only home to the oldest church, but there’s the Ephraim-Palace, the hemp museum and the Mayors home in the Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall).

The Potsdamer Platz in the early 20th century was one of the busiest parts of Berlin, but was left to ruins after WWII. The area was completely demolished in 1961 for the construction of the Berlin Wall, but when the wall collapsed in 1989, it soon became a major development area. Several landmark buildings are now found on the Potsdamer Platz and it has once again become a hub of activity and excitement. Many tourists flock to this site to take pictures of the Sony Centre. Potsdamer Platz is a popular tourism landmark in Berlin, you’ll be very pleased to find this well known area of modern buildings when exploring the German capital.

The Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament and is one of Berlin's most visited city break attractions. Originally, it was constructed between 1884 and 1894 but has undergone many restorations throughout the decades. It is now world famous for the renovations made by Sir Norman Foster, who added the stunning glass dome, which can be freely accessed by the general public. In fact, there are free hourly guided tours and one can walk all the way to the top of the dome to see the sweeping views of Berlin. The Reichstag is a German citybreaks hot spot, don’t miss it.

Schloss Charlottenburg is the most impressive palace in Berlin and serves to remind Germany’s guests of the imperial days of the Prussian rulers. Built for King Friedrich I wife, Sophie-Charlotte, the Schloss Charlottenburg is a fine example of baroque architecture in Germany and is definitely a rewarding place to visit. It can take up to a whole day to see everything in this massive complex, some of the highlights are: the baroque equestrian statue of Friedrich I himself in the court yard, the Chinese & Japanese porcelain, the remarkably well restored interiors and the beautiful park, perfect for those holiday strolls. Contact Vamos Travel, about including a guided tour excursion to the Schloss Charlottenburg as part of your amazing city break stay in Berlin. Have the ultimate Germany holiday experience with Vamos Travel.

The Siegessaule (Victory Column) is the 69m high victory column, made to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Prusso-Danish war of 1864. It’s located in the large Tiergarten park, which lies between Mitte and Charlottenburg. Originally, it stood in front of the Reichstag, but Hitler moved it to its present location in 1938.

For a truly unique experience, go to the historical Spandau citadel, which is situated on the confluence of the Spree and Havel rivers in northwestern Berlin. It’s one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Germany and still gives us an impression of how people in the 16th century tried to defend themselves against their enemies. Built to protect the city of Spandau, the Citadel has seen quite a few different uses, including an ammunitions factory during the Thirty Years War and a poison gas respository during WWII.

Between 1933 and 1945, the central institutions responsible for the repressive and criminal policies of National Socialism were located on the terrain of the Topography of Terror. Here, in close proximity to the traditional government district, the Secret State Police, the SS leadership and the Reich Security Main Office set up their offices: the administrative headquarters of the Secret State Police and the notorious Gestapo ‘house prison’ were located at Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse 8. There is no other site where terror and murder were planned and organised on the same scale. This famous landmark represents a dark chapter in human history, so we totally understand if this isn’t prioritized as a must-see Berlin holiday attraction.