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Berlin Escapades: Top Places to Visit and Nearby Cities to Explore from Berlin, Germany

September 5, 2024

Travels & Escapades
Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic arts scene. Located in northeastern Germany, Berlin is a city that has transformed dramatically over the past century. Once divided by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, it is now a symbol of unity and resilience.

The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall, alongside modern attractions like cutting-edge museums, galleries, and a lively nightlife. Berlin is also a hub for innovation, technology, and creativity, making it a popular destination for travelers and expatriates from around the world. With its multicultural atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage, Berlin is a city that embraces both its past and its forward-looking spirit.

Places to Visit in Berlin and East Berlin

Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of German unity, this historic gate is a must-see in Berlin. It’s especially beautiful when illuminated at night.

Berlin Wall Memorial: Located on Bernauer Strasse, this site offers insight into the history of the Berlin Wall with preserved sections, a documentation center, and a viewing platform.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel): A UNESCO World Heritage site, it includes several renowned museums, such as the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum, showcasing ancient and modern art collections.

East Side Gallery: The longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air gallery featuring murals by artists from around the world, commemorates freedom and the fall of the wall.

Alexanderplatz: A central square in East Berlin, known for its TV Tower (Fernsehturm), which offers a panoramic view of the city, and the World Clock.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum: This museum near the former border crossing between East and West Berlin documents the history of the Berlin Wall and the various escape attempts.

Hackescher Markt: A vibrant area in the heart of Berlin, known for its cafes, restaurants, and the nearby Hackesche Höfe, a series of beautifully restored courtyards with shops and galleries.

Berlin offers a rich blend of history, culture, and festive activities, making it a wonderful destination during the holiday season and beyond.
Travels & Escapades
The pale pink building is the Zeughaus, once an artillery arsenal for display of cannon in the 15th century, converted to Military Museum in 1875 and at present houses the Deutsches Historisches (German History) Museum.

It was in this museum a suicide bombing happened in an attempt to assasinate Adolf Hitler by Rudolf von Gersdorff in March 1943.

During the Christmas season, the area around the Berlin Cathedral, especially near the Altes Stadthaus and the adjacent Museumsinsel (Museum Island), often hosts festive Christmas markets. These markets are popular during the day and offer a variety of seasonal goods, food, and decorations in a beautiful historical setting.

The river along the pink building near the Berlin Cathedral is the Spree River. The Spree runs through the heart of Berlin, passing many key landmarks, including the Berlin Cathedral, the Museum Island, and several historic buildings like the Altes Stadthaus. It is a significant river in Berlin, providing scenic views and opportunities for boat tours and other activities.
Travels & Escapades
Oberbaumbrücke or the Oberbaum bridge is one of the Berlin's landmark. Not only does symbolize the reunification of the East and West, photo opportunity with the bridge tower. It is a two level bridge crossing the Spree River. The U-Bahn trains (U1 and U3) cross the Oberbaum Bridge on the second level. The bridge links the two boroughs that were once divided by the Berlin Wall: Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg
Travels & Escapades
The first Christmas Market we have visited this trip, the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Markets. This place is more known as the Berliner Weihnachtszeit. It is situated between the St. Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) and the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall).

Free ice skates, skating around the Neptunbrunnen. Skates shoes available for rent if you did not bring your own.

The fountain was designed with Neptune, the Roman God of the sea and freshwater, in the center with four (4) women around that represents the four rivers in Prussia (when it was constructed in 1891). Elbe represented by the allegorical figure holding fruits and ears of corn, the Rhine is the one with fishnet and grapes, Oder- goats and animal skin and Vistula- wooden blocks. At present, Vistula River is now in Poland and the Oder, part is in Poland on the border between Poland and Germany and the other part is in Czech Republic.

The Giant Ferriswheel. London eye like, offers panoramic view of the city from up to 50 meters high

We had more of the Thuringian bratwurst (sausage), mulled wine (GLÜHWEIN) and hot chocolate (Heiße Schokolade/Trinkschokolade). I suggest to learn the basic terms, not all could speak English. I remembered I was asking if the one in the picture is hot chocolate, no one understood me and I could see they wanted to ignore me to accommodate the que behind me. I still bought the drinks, unsure though.- fortunately, my guess was right
Travels & Escapades
The most visited in the gallery is the Fraternal Kiss painted by Dmitri Vrubel. It depicts Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing. The Russian words at the top says "God! help me stay alive"; and the one at the bottom "Among this deadly love."

The second day of our tour, second and last day in Berlin. We were off to Nuremberg at 3pm by ICE train. I and our eldest woke up early to avoid the crowd at the East Side Gallery to have a good capture (with me of course!) of the famous and controversial graffiti painting on the Berlin Wall , the Socialist Fraternal Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel’s.

The group ticket we had purchased yesterday has already expired. We bought two day ticket at the Central Station. We took the first Sbahn arrived that could take us to the East Side of Berlin. We alighted at Warschauer Str. and walked to the start of the Wall Gallery. It was a walk for 1.3km on the banks of the Spree River. The open air gallery on the East Side of Berlin are collections of paintings made on the preserved part of the Berlin Wall by at least 118 artists from at least 21 countries after the fell of the 12 ft high tall Berlin Walll in November 1989 that had divided the country of Germany between the communist East Side and the capitalist West Side since 1961 (almost 3 decades).
Travels & Escapades
Holocaust Memorial or Memorial of the Murdered Jews is opened to the public since 2005. The memorial is near the Brundenburg Gate. We stopped by here for a few minutes before our scheduled time to visit the Reichstag Building

We spent the 2019 holiday season in Europe, Beijing being the first stop. I did the preparation for almost a year. Looked forward to visit the best Christmas Markets in the world, likewise, the Cathedrals. The trip started on 21 December 2019 and ended on 06 January 2020. We were very thankful we arrived back to Singapore safely, no hint a pandemic was about to start or might had started in the other countries.

We flew with LOT, a polish airline, departed Singapore at 00:20 on 21 December 2019. We arrived Frederic Chopin, Warsaw at 05:55 (local time) on the same day- 12 hours and 35 minutes haul. We continued the flight at 08:20 via LOT regional plane from Warsaw and have arrived Tegel Airport, Berlin at 09:45. One month before the trip, we have purchased in Singapore internet data that can be used all throughout Europe and UK. Our girls were heavy users, they once top up when we were in Belgium.

At the airport, we purchased the day ticket for small group at 23.50 euros. The ticket was good for group of 5, available for Zone A and B and for an unlimited trips for the day as long as we travel together. Tegel Airport is in Zone B and the the central Berlin is in Zone A.

From the airport, we took the TXL bus to the city. Our accommodation was a walking distance from the Belin Haubtbanhof (Central station). We chose this area because we were taking the train to Nuremberg the next day.

We had stayed at MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof - quadruple room for 80 euros. With that cheap price in the city, the place was basic and more like of a hostel. We did not mind though, we just stayed overnight and the location is without a doubt the best. I paid additional 15 euros for late check out. The schedule of our train to Nuremberg was at 3pm.

Apparently, we arrived before the check in. We left our luggage in their storage. Latter was opened every 30 minutes. If you have arrived there just as they just opened, you got to wait for half an hour which happened to us.

The first in our list was to Brandenburg Tor. We walked to the central station to take the S Bahn. You could opt to take the bus. We bought sausages and drinks in one of the bakeries inside the Central Station building before we boarded the train.
Travels & Escapades
Wow! I can't believe we were in this place. Brandenburg Tor or the Brandenburg Gate is a famous neoclassical monument built in the 18th century where significant number of historical events held from the time it was built (between 1788~1791), through the World Wars period and during the division of Berlin.

The arch consists of 12 Doric column and crowned with statues known as quadriga, Latter was once taken to Paris by Napoleon after his triumphal procession through the gate in 1806 which marked the defeat of the Prussians. The quadriga was restored back in 1814 when the great Napoleon was finally defeated likewise, the occupation of the Prussian in Paris. The design of the monument was inspired by the Propylea,, the gateway to the Acropolis in Greece. We have been to Greece in 2015. I will share later our visit to the Acropolis.
Travels & Escapades
The Berlin Victory Column was built with the bronze sculpture of Victoria, the goddess of Victory, to commemorate the victory of the Prussians against the Danish (1873), France (1870~71) and Austra and German allies (1866).

The Victory Column is one of the major tourist spots in Berlin with an observation deck to view Berlin. Entrance: 4 euros / 3 euros adult/reduce
Travels & Escapades
The Reichstag building was originally constructed and opened in 1894 to house the Parliament of Germany. In 1933, four weeks after Adolf Hitler had been declared as the Chancellor of Germany, a Dutch communist set fire in the building. It was refurbished in the 1960's, full restoration though started after the German reunification in October 1990. The restoration was fully completed in 1999 and at present, Reichstag Building is again the meeting place of the German Parliament.
Some areas in the building are opened for public viewing especially the roof top which offers wide view of the city, Berlin.
There was no entrance fee, however, you have to register the day and the time of your visit in advance.

From the top, we can view the Brundenburg Tor and the Memorial for the Murdered Jews from rooftop of the Reichstag Building. Likewise, the few city's landmarks, stood out the Berliner Fernsehturm or the Television tower and the 25 storey's International Trade Centre. We can view also the Berlin Cathedral, Red Town Hall and the Marschallbrucke (Marschall bridge), one of the bridges crosses the Spree River.
Travels & Escapades
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

The Berlin Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, located on Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. Officially known as the Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church, it is the largest church in Berlin and a stunning example of Baroque and Renaissance Revival architecture. Built between 1894 and 1905, the cathedral is known for its impressive dome, beautiful interior, and historical significance. It houses several important features, including the Hohenzollern Crypt, where members of the Prussian royal family are buried, and a magnificent organ by Wilhelm Sauer.

Admission Fee

- Adults: Around €9
- Reduced (students, disabled visitors): Around €7
- Children (under 18): Free entry

These prices may vary slightly, so it’s a good idea to check the Berlin Cathedral’s official website for the most current admission fees.

Opening Hours

- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The last admission is typically 30 minutes before closing. Hours may vary slightly depending on events, holidays, or special occasions.

The Berlin Cathedral, primarily a Protestant (Evangelical) church, is not typically used for Catholic masses. Catholic masses are generally held in Catholic churches, such as St. Hedwig's Cathedral (St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale), the main Roman Catholic church in Berlin.

St. Hedwig's Cathedral (St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale) Mass Times:
- Weekdays: 12:00 PM
- Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 AM (High Mass), 12:00 PM

If you are specifically looking to attend a Catholic Mass, visiting St. Hedwig's Cathedral or another Catholic church in Berlin would be more suitable. It’s best to check the church’s official website for the most up-to-date schedule, as times may vary.
Travels & Escapades
Tips for Traveling from Berlin

Trains: Deutsche Bahn operates efficient and comfortable trains connecting Berlin with these nearby cities. Book in advance for the best prices.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring more remote destinations or traveling at your own pace.

Flixbus: This budget bus service connects Berlin to many cities across Germany and Europe.

Berlin's central location and excellent transportation links make it a perfect starting point for exploring both the city itself and its neighboring regions.
Travels & Escapades
Off to {Nuremberg, Germany](https://www.travelsescapades.com/nuremberg-escapades-top-places-to-visit-and-nearby-cities-to-explore-from-nuremberg-germany-3bed4700-e97f-4837-b38a-734594b95502/)

Nearby Cities to Visit from Berlin
Berlin is centrally located, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby cities. Here are some great options for day trips or short visits:

Potsdam (30 km, 40 minutes by train)

Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, is known for its palaces, gardens, and historic buildings, including Sanssouci Palace, Cecilienhof Palace, and the beautiful Dutch Quarter. The city is just a short S-Bahn ride from Berlin.
Leipzig (190 km, 1 hour by train)

Leipzig is a cultural and historical hub with a vibrant arts scene, beautiful architecture, and significant sites like St. Thomas Church (where Johann Sebastian Bach worked) and the Leipzig Zoo. It's easily reachable by train from Berlin.
Dresden (200 km, 2 hours by train)

Dresden, known as the "Florence on the Elbe," offers stunning Baroque architecture, art museums, and the rebuilt Frauenkirche. The city's old town is perfect for a day trip from Berlin.
Hamburg (290 km, 1.5-2 hours by train)

Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, is known for its port, Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Reeperbahn nightlife, and Speicherstadt, the world's largest warehouse district. Regular high-speed trains connect Hamburg and Berlin.
Wittenberg (110 km, 1 hour by train)

Wittenberg, the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, offers historical sites such as the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses. It is a short train ride away from Berlin.
Magdeburg (150 km, 1.5 hours by train)

Magdeburg, located along the Elbe River, is known for its Gothic cathedral, the Hundertwasser-designed "Green Citadel," and its rich history as an Imperial and Hanseatic city.
Spreewald (100 km, 1.5 hours by train)

Spreewald, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a unique landscape of canals, traditional sorbian culture, and outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and cycling. It is an easy day trip from Berlin.
Travels & Escapades
Transportation in Berlin

Berlin has a well-developed public transportation system that includes trains, trams, buses, and ferries, making it easy to navigate the city and explore nearby areas.

1. U-Bahn (Subway) and S-Bahn (City Train)
U-Bahn (Subway): Operated by the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), the U-Bahn consists of 10 lines covering the city center and surrounding areas. It typically runs from 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with a 24-hour service on weekends.
S-Bahn (City Train): Operated by Deutsche Bahn, the S-Bahn connects Berlin with its suburbs and surrounding areas. The S-Bahn runs from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM on weekdays and operates 24 hours on weekends.

2. Trams
The tram network primarily serves East Berlin, with 22 lines operating throughout the city. Trams run from approximately 4:30 AM until midnight, with night trams covering the most popular routes outside these hours.

3. Buses
Berlin has an extensive bus network, including regular buses and express buses that connect various parts of the city. Night buses (marked with an "N") run when the U-Bahn is closed.

4. Ferries
Berlin’s public ferry service operates on several routes across the city's waterways, providing scenic transportation options.

5. Bicycles
Berlin is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing services, such as Nextbike and LimeBike, making it easy to rent a bicycle and explore the city.

6. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are widely available, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are popular alternatives.

7. Berlin Welcome Card
The Berlin Welcome Card offers unlimited travel on public transportation within Berlin and the surrounding area (zones ABC) and discounts on various attractions and tours.

8. Hop on Hop off city sightseeing bus form 25EUR to 51EUR

Updated on September 27, 2024

Have safe travels and great escapades!

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