1. Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)
The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1790 and has become Berlin's most Symbolic landmark - it's also the focal point of the city's turbulent history. The impressive 6m high Quadriga sculpture sits proudly above the central arch - and represents the goddess of peace.
The Brandenburg was built to celebrate Prussian victory in the Seven Years' War and now stands proud in the centre of stylish Pariser Platz (an elegant part of the city) - close to world embassies and upmarket hotels. The gate has been a powerful and political symbol of Germany for many decades, with rulers, military parades, Statesmen, and demonstrators all feeling compelled to march through the Brandenburger Tor.
Top Tip: For a great photo opportunity, visit the Brandenburg Gate on a clear day just before sunset, as the sun can catch the monument beautifully.
2. Reichstag Building
Visit the Reichstag Building - the ultimate German and political history museum. Instantly recognisable by the addition of a large and impressive egg-shaped glass and steel dome on its roof. The Reichstag is an important historic government building housing the Bundestag, the German federal parliament, it also houses an interesting exhibition on parliamentary history. Originally built in 1884 and bombed during the war the building is now transformed into one of the world's most modern parliamentary buildings.
The Reichstag is easily reached via public transport - the nearest U-Bahn station is the Bundestag, with the city's main rail station (the Hauptbahnhof) being just a short distance away.
Top Tip: The roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag Building are open to visitors, they provide spectacular views of the parliamentary and government buildings plus the Tiergarten (the city's largest and most popular park.)
To Visit the Reichstag, you have to register in advance. For further information and to register online to visit the Reichstag, click here.
Top Tips: Visit the popular Käfer roof garden restaurant located on the Reichstag's roof terrace. The restaurant offers modern German cuisine made with fresh, regional products and has great views across the city. To visit the Dome you must book and register in advance (preferably at least 2-3 days or a few weeks during the main holiday season). Remember to take your passport as you will need it to enter the building.
3. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz stands as a symbol of new Berlin - a modern city within a city. Potsdamer Platz is a central entertainment hub and meeting place where modern skyscrapers meet the old town. The city's modern heartbeat can be found in Potsdamer Platz, with a build cost of around €17 billion. The area is full of shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas and is conveniently close to the southeast corner of Tiergarten Park. The square contains the following landmarks:
- The Sony Centre is Sony's German HQ. The centre is an impressive modern and futuristic development with a world-famous roof structure. The structure spans a column-free plaza that can be lit with an interesting display. The centre houses advanced cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants.
- The Kollhoff Tower, the tower stands on the northern edge of the Potsdamer Platz. On the 24th and 25th floors, there's an open-air viewing platform and a café.
- The Arkaden is a flagship shopping centre. The centre contains over 130 shops, a food hall, 15+ eateries, plus exclusive boutiques, nearby you'll find CinemaX and the Casino Spielbank.
- Visit the Deutsche Kinemathek at Potsdamer Platz, it holds interesting exhibits relating to the Babelsberg and classic Hollywood eras, including Marlene Dietrich's costumes. You can join a guided tour guide that takes you through more than 100 years of German film history
