Time Off
Berlin is now, officially, the capital of Germany and many major German corporations are in the process of relocating their headquarters to the city of political decision making. New buildings, built by world-class architects, have sprouted up throughout the 'new Berlin' and although much of its historical heritage was destroyed during the Second World War, Berlin has maintained a cultural richness, sustaining a fascinating and diverse selection of museums and monuments.
Still a city of two sides, the west embraces alternative lifestyles with a vivacious nightlife and inherent atmosphere of mounting excitement while the east is a journey through the remains of the socialist experiment: a living, breathing museum of utilitarian buildings and hidden delights. Beyond the main thoroughfares there are lively bars, all-night entertainment and interesting little cafes.
Berlin Attractions
Berlin Wall
Niederkircherstrasse and Bernauerstrasse, Berlin
160 kilometres of mainly fossil remains mark the end of the 28-year division of East and West. Parts of the wall have been preserved near the Hauptbahnof and the Reichstag. The East Side Gallery is the largest open-air gallery in the world where the longest remaining section has been painted in bright, optimistic colours.
Brandenburg Gate
Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin
Commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace, the gate was ironically embedded in the Berlin Wall and firmly locked for the duration of Communist rule. The gate now symbolises reunification and stands majestically in the centre of Berlin, physically joining the two sides of the city.
Pergamon Museum
Museumsinsel, Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin
One of the most significant museums of ancient history in the world, holding the acquisitions of 19th-century German archaeologists including the spectacular Pergamon Altar of Zeus (180 BC).
Museum Island
Museumsinsel, Bodestrasse, 10178 Berlin
This is the location of some of Berlin's best museums: the Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, the Nationalgalerie and the Bodemuseum. The Berliner Dom, church of the Hohenzollern family and built in 1894, stands next to the Altes Museum and houses the remains of 90 family members in its vault.
New National Gallery
Potsdamerstrasse 50, 10785 Berlin
Cityscapes by Otto Dix and George Grosz highlight this comprehensive collection of German paintings.
Schloss Charlottenburg
Luisenplatz 1, 14059 Berlin
Sumptuously restored palace commissioned by the future Queen Sophie Charlotte in 1695, with Karl Friedrich Schinkel providing the final touches in the early 19th century. Beautiful gardens open from dawn to dusk and a collection of romantic paintings inside provide the perfect combination for a day's relaxation.
Legoland Discovery Centre
Potsdamer Platz 4 10785 Berlin
You will be welcomed on a journey through a colourful and creative LEGOŽ world, where interaction, family fun and learning go hand in hand. See real LEGOŽ bricks being made in the Fun Factory, visit an amazing 4-D cinema show, build and test your ownmodels, visit MINILAND Berlin, enjoy an exciting ride... and lots, lots more all under one roof!
