Berlin has experienced periods of glory and decline throughout its history, yet it has retained the magnificent charm of an ancient capital. When visiting this city, we recommend not only enjoying a local beer but also visiting its five top attractions.

Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is the main symbol of Berlin. It opened in August 1791. Construction lasted almost 10 years. Military parades were held through the gate numerous times. After Germany’s surrender in World War II, the gate fell to the GDR side and was blocked by the Berlin Wall. Only after the Wall’s fall in 1990 was the majestic gate reopened and a new parade was held to celebrate German reunification.

Museum Island
Museum Island consists of five Berlin museums, which took almost a century to build. Spreeinsel Island is the most visited in Berlin. A single lifetime would be insufficient to see all the exhibits in the museums. You’ll have to choose between the Pergamon Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum.

Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum opened to the public in 1900, but just seven years later it was closed for reconstruction. The organizers decided to present ancient buildings to the world in life-size form, complete with real artifacts. Bas-reliefs, columns, and entire facades are silent witnesses to history. Here you’ll learn about the excavations and discoveries of famous ancient structures.

Reichstag
The Reichstag building has burned down several times in its history. The first time was in 1933. Hitler blamed the Communist Party for the fire, launching a wave of repression against its representatives. Incidentally, Hitler had planned to build a new parliament building, but the plan never came to fruition. In 1945, the Reichstag building was captured by the Red Army. All the inscriptions of Soviet soldiers on the building’s walls were preserved. Restorers coated them with a special transparent varnish to preserve these historical messages for posterity.

Admission to the Reichstag is free, but you must register on their website and undergo a rigorous security check before visiting.

Charlottenburg
Charlottenburg Castle is the former residence of German rulers and is still the presidential residence. It is also a museum complex open to the public. Tourists enjoy strolling through the royal park.

The royal apartments contain unique tapestries, furniture, Rococo paintings, portraits of monarchs, and a porcelain collection.