The 10 Best things to do in Berlin, Germany

things to do in Berlin Germany

Berlin is Germany’s capital city and stands out as one of the most historic, cultural and contemporary cities in the world. As the city that played a crucial role in the history of Europe, Berlin has changed from the symbol of the Cold War division to the multicultural mecca. Today it presents to the guests a rather diverse program – from historical monuments that give an idea of the hardships of the past to modern art museums and vibrant districts that embody the spirit of the present. Whether it is history or art that interests you or you are a traveler looking to discover new places to visit in Europe, Berlin is a place to be.

To tourists, Berlin is a vibrant city with one of the best contrasts of the ancient and the modern. The city’s past is reflected in the Brandenburg Gate and the parts of the Berlin Wall, but it is also the home to the Museum Island and creative hubs across the city. From monuments, historical sites and art galleries to neighbourhoods that are teeming with cafes and shops, the top Berlin attractions can be serious and meaningful or simply and joyfully frivolous. The city’s cultural attractions and richness combined with the rapidly developing art scenes make it a perfect destination for tourists who are looking for both fun and knowledge.

To visit Berlin, it is not enough to have a desire to see the place and attractions – one has to think about it. Germany visa is a crucial factor any time you are planning for your trip, especially if you are from India. If you are planning to apply for a Germany visa from the India then it is wise to collect all the required documents and submit the application early. With a little forward thinking, you’ll soon be enjoying the myriad activities in Berlin – a place that is sure to cast a spell and educate you at the same time.

Here are top activities to do in Berlin and how to go about getting your German visa

1. Go to Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery

Once a symbol of Cold War, the Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 and stood for almost three decades. Today only fragments of the wall are preserved and the longest section can be seen at the East Side Gallery. The one point three-kilometer long passage is painted with murals and artwork that celebrate the theme of the fall of the wall and symbolizes peace. The East Side Gallery is not just an emotional and educational trip that is, arguably, one of the must-do things in Berlin. Another important place that will help to get more information about the wall is the site of the Berlin Wall Memorial located on Bernauer Strasse.

2. Explore the Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate is an iconic structure in Berlin and represents the reunification of Germany. This is a neoclassical gate which has the history of the country especially during the Cold War era. A walk around the Gate, especially at night when it is well illuminated is one of the Best things to do in Berlin.

3. Tour Museum Island

Museum Island is one of the oldest and most preserved cultural areas in the world, which is home to five significant Berlin’s museums. Whether you visit the Pergamon Museum with its archaeological artifacts or the Altes Museum with its classical art, there is much to appeal to the visitor. The best things to do in Berlin usually entail a deep exploration of the cultural history of the city, and Museum Island does not disappoint.

4. A Stroll through Tiergarten Park

The Tiergarten is not only the biggest park in Berlin but also one of the most calm areas in the city. This park occupies more than 200 hectares and is suitable for jogging, picnicking, or just walking in the fresh air. It is situated close to most of the attractions in Berlin, so it is very advisable to take a break there after visiting the city. It is a park where tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature but at the same time is not very far from the hustle and bustle of the city – a great list of things to do in Berlin for those who do not want to stay indifferent.

5. Climb the Berlin TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is one of the tallest in Europe with a height of 368 meters. The observation deck gives a spectacular view of the whole city and gives one an opportunity to view the city from a different angle. In a clear weather one can see the famous buildings like the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and even the Spree River. It is among the best activities that one can undertake in Berlin Germany since it gives an amazing experience especially when seeking the best view.

Check out: Everything you need to know about Germany Tourist visa

6. Learn about the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building in which the German Bundestag is located is not only a beautiful piece of architecture but also a symbol of democracy in Germany. The guided tour is available or tourists can visit the glass dome independently; it has an excellent view of the skyline. The dome of the building was constructed by Norman Foster and remains one of the chief attractions of the Reichstag. A visit to it is recommended to anyone who has an interest in history and architecture; therefore, it should feature on the list of things to do in Berlin.

7. Berlin Cathedral: A Peek at the Religious Past of Berlin

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a magnificent baroque church situated in the middle of Museum Island. It’s beautiful from the outside with its dome and the interiors are also very beautiful to behold. One can ascend to the dome’s apex for a bird’s eye view of Berlin with a charge being all that is required. For those who want to study religious history and architecture of Berlin, the Berlin Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Berlin.

8. Watch the Berlin Philharmonic

For lovers of classical music, the Berlin Philharmonic is a place you should not miss. It is ranked among the best orchestras and gives concerts at the Philharmonie Hall, the building that can surprise an observer with its architecture. Regardless of the fact that the visitor is going to watch a show, or just take a guided tour, it is one of the best things to do in Berlin Germany for music lovers.

9. Visit the Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) is the symbol of the memory to millions of victims of holocaust. It is made of 2,711 concrete blocks of different heights, and it is very confusing and rather gloomy to wander through the structure. The memorial is situated close to the Brandenburg Gate, and therefore, there is always an opportunity to visit more attractions in one place. A visit here will make the visitors to have more time to think and should be on the list of the things to do in Berlin.

10. Shop at Kurfürstendamm

Kurfürstendamm or Ku’damm is the best known shopping avenue of Berlin that is home to luxury shops, world-renowned brands and Berlin local stores. If you go shopping, take a break at one of the numerous cafes to have a cup of coffee or a snack. This is an ideal place for people who like to explore native people’s life since it is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment places. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting activities to do in Berlin Germany if you are a shopping enthusiast and love active cities.

How to Apply for Your Germany Visa from India

Before you embark on the Berlin tour to find out what to do in Berlin, make sure you have your travel papers in order. If you plan to go to Germany, then the Germany visa will be required.

For Indians, the procedure to get a Germany visa from India is not complicated, but one must begin early enough. The most popular type of visa for tourism is the Schengen visa, which grants the holder a possibility to enter several countries of the Schengen zone, including Germany.

To apply for a Germany visa from India, follow these steps

Complete the Application: Download the visa application form from the website of the German Embassy or the German Consulate.
Prepare Required Documents: Photocopy your passport which must be valid for at least 6 months; travel insurance; proof of accommodation; flight bookings; and financial statements.
Schedule an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the German Consulate or with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) – VFS Global.
Attend the Visa Interview: Go for an interview in which you can be asked about the intended purpose of your trip and your itinerary.
Wait for Processing: Once you have applied and gone through the interview, wait for your visa which should take approximately 10-15 business days to be processed.

It’s always wise to Apply Germany visa from India several months before your travel date so that you don’t have to rush at the last minute and so that your travel plans run smoothly.

Conclusion

There is always so much to see in Berlin, from monuments and landmarks to cultural events and activities. Visiting the Berlin Wall to having a look at the Berlin TV Tower and many more things to do in Berlin will make your trip an unforgettable one. Please do not leave this without obtaining your Germany visa to ensure that your trip to this lively city is smooth. Have a good trip and have a good time discovering the wonders of Berlin.

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The 10 Best things to do in Berlin, Germany

Here are top activities to do in Berlin and how to go about getting your German visa