Places You Cannot Miss in Berlin

One of the most interesting cities in Europe is the capital of Germany, Berlin. Here you find fantastic sights, great cooking, interesting modern art and a wild nightlife. Many buildings were damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they are all rebuild.

After World War II, Berlin was divided into four sectors: a French, American and British sector in West Berlin and USSR sector in East Berlin). After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city merged together and again became the capital of the reunified Germany.

The Brandenburger Tor is the landmark of Berlin. The 26 meter (85 feet) high building was originally the main gate to Berlin. Under World War II it was standing in a waste part of the Eastern part of Berlin. In 1990 it reopened as a symbol of the German reunification.

The German Parliament Building called the Reichstag Building is also a very important historical building. When a fire I 1933 destroyed the dome, Hitler used the accident to declare state of emergency, and 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof. After a major renovation (including a new, spectacular glass dome) the building reopened I 1999. You should be prepared for long lines and heavy security checks, if you visit the building in the high season.

Berlin has many reminders of the Cold War. Check Point Charlie is one of them. The border post was originally the crossing point between the Eastern and Western part of Berlin. Today you can see reminders of a tough time in the Haus am Checkpoint museum. Here you find photos and original devices used for escapes for East- to West Berlin.

Berlin is also a shopping paradise. You can find everything for yourself or your home in the largest department store in Europe, KaDeWe. But the most exciting part is the food and beverage department located on the sixth floor. Here you can chose between 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and 800 types of bread. Even deer and wild boar can be found here. And before you buy, you can taste samples of almost everything.

Berlin is also a city with many weekend markets. The best ones are: Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten, Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz. Around Christmas you can also taste sausages, waffles and the German Glhwein at one of the many Weinachtsmrkte around the city.

Today Berlin is also famous for its art scene. Around the city you find great galleries and fine modern art museums. For a look at the best ones visit the Museumsinsel and the Neue Nationalgalerie. The famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art is also worth a visit.