Berlin is an amazing city with contrasting architecture.  Due to the impact of the wars, you will find that some parts of the area still show the scars of times gone by.   There is so much to see and do in Berlin but here are a list of 5 things to see in Berlin that should be on everyone’s to do list if you happen to spend a weekend in the area.

The Berlin Wall

The Berlin wall was erected in 1961 in order to create a physical barrier between the Soviet controlled East Germany and the democratic West Germany.  Actually the wall was designed to keep the so called East Germans inside the city.  The only way to leave was to cross the border.  However not many people were allowed this opportunity.

Many people attempted to escape over the wall and this led to deaths in the unconfirmed amount of up to 200 people.

During the late 1980s there was a lot of civil unrest and demonstrations which led to fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of the country.

Photo credit: Siyublog

Checkpoint Charlie

This used to be the most famous border crossing between West Germany and East Germany.  The Berlin wall was erected in 1961 in order to stop people escaping from the communist side of the country into the West.  This Checkpoint soon became a symbol of segregation of the East from the West during the Cold War.

Finally, due to the reunification of Germany in 1989 -1990, the Checkpoint finally ceased its duty.  It has now become a tourist attraction and there is a museum which holds a fascinating array for photos and history about the different ways in which people tried to escape from the East.

Checkpoint Charlie is located at Friedrichstrasse 43-45, Berlin

Tel: 030 253 72 50

Photo credit: Will Palmer

The Brandenburg Gate

As well as Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate also divides the city of Berlin into East and West.  It is an impressive monument which is situated west of the City centre and is part of the boulevard of Linden trees (Unter den Linden).

It was constructed between 1788 and 1791 for King Frederick William of Prussia as a symbol of peace.  Since then it has been played an important role during the course of history, including visits from Presidents Kennedy and Regan as well as Mikhail Gorbachev.

Find the Brandenburg Gate at Pariser Platz

photo credit: Werkunz1

Kreuzberg

The area of Kreuzberg is known as the area that represents the alternative culture in Berlin. It used to be one of the poorest sections of the City until the reunification of Germany.  After the 1990s more people and money flooded into the area.  It now has one of the youngest populations of any city.

The musical influences that can be found in the area ranges from punk rock all the way to African American hip hop, all of which is enjoyed by the young people of both German and Turkish descent.

Every year there is a street party that celebrates the different cultural diversities in the town.  This involves street music, good food and street parades.

The Jewish Museum

If you have the time you should try to get along to the Jewish Museum.  This consists of two buildings which holds the history of the Jewish race that covers over centuries.  One building used to be a former courthouse.  It was built in the 18^th century.  The second building was created after the reunification of Germany.  It was public opened as a museum in 2001.

The original Jewish museum was closed down during the Nazi era and wasn’t reopened until the 1970s.  During the 1990s the museum faced a threat of complete closure due to lack of funding.  However, there was enough political pressure that forced the decision to close the building to be overturned.

Find the Jewish Museum Berlin at: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin

Info: +49 (0)30 259 93 300