What to see in Berlin in 1 day on your own – route, description, photo, map
Experienced tourists know that a well-planned route is the key to an interesting and eventful trip. Finding themselves in an unknown city for the first time, many guests get lost and, as a result, spend a lot of time looking for attractions. Today we bring to your attention an itinerary around Berlin, which will help you visit the most iconic and interesting places and make the most of your time.
Alexanderplatz
As a starting point for our fascinating route, we will take Alexanderplatz square. Walking just a few hundred meters along the Unter den Linden Avenue, tourists can discover the most beautiful and popular buildings of the capital: the Museum Island, the Reichstag government building, the cathedral church and the Brandenburg Gate. Well, in the event that tourists still have energy left, they will be able to supplement their program with a walk through a huge zoo or make treasured purchases at the largest retail outlet in the city, which is called KaDeWe.
So, before leaving one of the most famous squares in Berlin – Alexanderplatz – we suggest turning to the pages of history. It turns out that it got its name thanks to Emperor Alexander I back in 1805 and about 60 years ago it was reconstructed beyond recognition. Today it is decorated with several monumental buildings, including an impressive fountain with an equally beautiful name – “Friendship of Peoples”.
Here you can check the clock on a huge dial that shows the time in different parts of the world. There is also a huge TV tower, decorated with a ball. It is believed that this place is the personification of the power of the GDR, which for many years was under the influence of the communist system.
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museum island
As soon as we leave the square and walk a little along the main Unter den Linden street, we find ourselves in the company of an impressive architectural, historical and cultural phenomenon, which is called the Museum Island. The complex includes five of the most grandiose museum expositions in Berlin. Paying tribute to the grandeur of the buildings, their impressive collections, in 1999 the complex was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here is one of the largest Protestant churches in the country – the Cathedral. Along with the center of pilgrimage for many believers, this monumental building is also an excellent example of the Baroque architectural style. Having seen enough of the external decoration of the cathedral, we advise you to look into the family crypt of the Hohenzollerns. To make the experience of exploring the temple complete, do not neglect the opportunity to visit the observation deck.
Gendarmenmarkt square
Having enjoyed the rich decoration of the cathedral, we will continue along Unter den Linden street to the opera house, and in a few moments we will have an amazing view of one of the most visited squares of the capital – the Gendarmenmarkt. The unusual name of the square is associated with a regiment of cuirassier gendarmes, which in the 18th century used it to accommodate premises for horses and checkpoints.
Today, the square is an example of the victory of technology over time and includes many hotels, modern shops and cafes. It is here that you can drink a cup of fine coffee while enjoying the view. At the same time, you will not be able to pass by the two cathedrals that adorn the square. They have the name of German and French and were built in the 18th century. There is also a huge Concert Hall, at the entrance to which there is a monument to Schiller, one of the most famous Germans.
Checkpoint Charlie
Before leaving the main street, we will get acquainted with two more sights. Checkpoint Charlie is of great historical importance. It is surprising that this checkpoint has been preserved from the time when the country was divided into two parts by a huge wall. Here you can also visit a museum dedicated to that historical period, within the walls of which you can find many more symbols of the unspoken confrontation between the two superpowers.
Brandenburg Gate
Well, at the end of this part of the walk, you will see the world-famous Brandenburg Gate, the construction of which was completed in 1791. They are also a kind of symbol of distant times, when Germany as a single state did not exist. Every self-respecting tourist who has visited Berlin is obliged to take some memorable pictures against the backdrop of this grandiose creation of the era of classicism.
Berlin WelcomeCard: transport, discounts and guide – 23 € €
Hop-on hop-off bus tour for 24 or 48 hours – from 26 €
TV tower speed ticket – 21.50 €
Priority entry: Berlin TV tower with window seat – 24.50 €
Coffee at the Käfer restaurant on the roof of the Reichstag – 19.90 €
Panoramapunkt ticket – 11.50 €
Museum pass: 3-day pass to 30+ museums – 29 €
Reichstag
Of particular importance in our journey is one of the most famous government buildings in the world. The Reichstag is located next to the Brandenburg Gate towards the river. The author of the architectural project is the genius of his time, Paul Vallot. We all remember very well that during the last war the buildings were almost completely destroyed. But the Germans managed in a short time not only to restore the Reichstag, but also to restore its former power and lost respect. Today, decisions are made here that are not only important for the country, but can also significantly affect the course of world history. Germany today is one of the strongest members of the European Union.
The only thing that could not be restored on the Reichstag building is its famous dome. A few years later, another glass dome appeared in its place, which also includes an observation deck. By the way, anyone can get on the site. It is enough just to go through a simple registration on the government website.
Berlin Zoo
While exploring Berlin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the local zoo, which is located immediately behind the Tiergarten park, not far from the mentioned gate. The impressive variety of representatives of the world of animals represented in the zoo makes this place the third most visited place in the city. By the way, at the same time, the zoo bears the title of the first menagerie in Germany. Just think, over 15 thousand animals from all over the world are represented on an area of more than 35 hectares. And unlike other similar establishments, animals are allowed to feed.
Shopping center
We advise all lovers of quality shopping to visit the huge KaDeWe shopping center, which first opened its doors to customers back in 1907. Of course, over the past century, this building has been expanded and rebuilt several times, making it another landmark of Berlin. According to sources, the total retail area of the institution exceeds 60 thousand sq.m. Phenomenal dimensions (an eight-story building), an impressive assortment and loyal prices make this place the most popular trading platform not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.
The first floor is entirely dedicated to cosmetics, perfumes and fashion jewelry. Here you can also find boutiques with an impressive range of watches from world brands. Anyone who wants to replenish their wardrobe with fashionable and stylish things should visit the second and third floors (there are pavilions for men's and women's clothing, respectively). The fourth floor of the shopping complex is reserved for shoes, accessories and underwear. Here you can also find excellent products for the interior and design. Well, for those who want to make a high-tech gift for themselves or their loved ones, it is worth going up one floor. The best electronics novelties are presented here, as well as pavilions where you can buy an exciting game or an ultra-modern toy for children.
Well, on the last two floors you can buy delicacies or other culinary masterpieces from the country's leading chefs. The product range is represented by excellent confectionery delights, food and drinks. The ground floor is reserved for a restaurant, which can accommodate up to a thousand visitors at the same time.
Kaiser Wilhelm Church
When you are tired, leave the shopping center with packages of new purchases, find the strength in yourself for the “final push”. It is worth visiting a few more unique sights that will complement your impressions of an exciting walk. Not far from KaDeWe is the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, the building of which is made in the neo-Romanesque style. Today this place is a symbol of peace after the war.
Boulevard Kudamm
Do not miss the opportunity to end your trip with a walk along Kudamm Boulevard. It is here that the boutiques of leading fashion designers – Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and many others – are located. And, of course, it is worth visiting the open-air exposition, which includes the most famous fragment of the Berlin Wall.
We want you to enjoy your time!
In Berlin, tourism.com.de recommends the following hotels: