Berlin
Berlin is a vibrant and bustling city with exciting attractions, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to explore the city’s past, discover its unique architecture, or wander around the markets and parks, Berlin offers something for everyone.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the many attractions the city has to offer, from museums and monuments to theatres and parks:
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks and symbols of Berlin, Germany. Located on the western side of Pariser Platz, it’s also one of the oldest surviving city gates. It was once a part of the city wall but was dismantled during World War II.
Officially known as the Quadriga, a sculpture of four horses pulling a chariot stood atop the gate since its completion in 1791. Designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans, it has become an enduring symbol of peace and freedom – between East and West Germany in particular – while also serving as a central meeting point to celebrate national festivities.
Today, visitors can take in its dramatic beauty, explore its history with interpretive displays that line its walls, or add a unique touch to their vacation photographs by visiting Pariser Platz – which provides views down Unter den Linden Boulevard to Museum Island at night. So whether you’re looking for iconic ideas or a fascinating history lesson on German culture and politics, the Brandenburg Gate should be top of your list when visiting Berlin.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial marks the location of the former Berlin Wall. It is one of the most historic sites in Germany and has become a popular attraction for visitors looking to learn more about East and West Germany before reunification. The memorial consists of an open-air exhibition area and an indoor information center.
The open-air exhibition area contains multiple surviving portions of the wall, which visitors can walk alongside and observe. Some of the segments are covered in graffiti left by those who dared to cross from east to west during the 45 years that divided Germany. Visitors can also see some of the control posts that stood along the wall, which symbolize both terror and hope: although they were set up to keep people apart, they also provided them with a sense of security while facing uncertainty. The outdoor portion also features a memorial chapel dedicated to those who lost their lives at the wall due to various physical attacks or other circumstances.
The indoor information center at Berlin Wall Memorial provides visitors with detailed information about life before, during, and after division. It exhibits photographs, documents, objects, and other archival materials related to this historical period. It offers insight into how people lived through a time marked by division and despair yet animated also by collective hopes for reunification. In addition to exhibiting artifacts from throughout this turbulent history, it also includes video rooms where visitors can watch interviews with survivors plus conversations between citizens from both sides of the divided city as they speak about crossing the wall during those fateful years.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany’s turbulent modern history. It was located in the historical center of Berlin and was one of the three crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It gained its famous name, Checkpoint Charlie, from Allied military operations during World War II (where A and B indicated a clear line between Allied forces).
Today this busy crossing symbolizes freedom and unity, which were hard-won during difficult times. Checkpoint Charlie remains an integral part of Germany’s proud past and is sure to stand as a testament to the courage and strength of Berliners who fought valiantly for their rights.
Visitors can explore this relic right in the heart of Berlin – getting close to its painted cushions, mock barbed wire walls, and exhibits about espionage at the Cold War museum adjacent to it – offering a firsthand account from both sides of history.
Munich
Munich is a beautiful and vibrant city in Germany with something for everyone to enjoy. From its rich history and culture to its modern attractions, Munich is an excellent destination for tourists of all ages.
You can explore historical sites like Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace, sample Bavarian cuisine in picturesque beer gardens, and participate in world-famous annual events like Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets.
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is an essential municipal square and one of the most iconic attractions in Munich, located at the heart of the city. The name “Marienplatz” was established in 1854 and derived from the Marienßule monument in its center, a Marian column crowned by a golden statue of Mary. The plaza bustles with daily activity, hosting locals and visitors for shopping, sightseeing, or simply people-watching.
At Marienplatz, there is plenty to admire, such as the traditional old buildings surrounding it, including the glistening gothic town hall called “Neues Rathaus,” where the Glockenspiel chimes every day at 11 am and 12 pm in summer and during weekends all year round. On certain festive days, such bottle dances are performed with jolly medieval sounds accompanied by colorful costumes to create a carnival atmosphere around Marienßule.
The plaza also contains many other attractions providing hours of entertainment for tourists. A historic carousel dating back to 1905 sits on one side, as well as numerous modern stores and bars allowing travelers to try some traditional Bavarian flavors like Weissbier or Brez’n (pretzels). In addition, traditional Christmas markets are held at Marienplatz during winter months overflowing with handcrafted goods that make excellent souvenirs. Lastly, Rahel-Hirsch-Strasse runs along one side of the square, allowing visitors to see an exciting array of street art on both sides, which can provide a pleasant stroll after visiting all other attractions inside this iconic Warsaw destination.
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque-style royal palace located on the western outskirts of Munich. It was built by Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, in 1662 as a gift for their birth son Maximilian II Emanuel. The palace was extended over several generations and now consists of four pavilions in the center and four more that form an octagonal shape around it.
It houses an impressive collection of memorabilia, including furniture, paintings, and sculptures, making it a great place to learn about the history of Bavaria.
The palace also contains many beautiful works of art, including:
- formal Great Hall with enormous frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology
- exquisite German porcelain collections at the Porcelain Museum
- antique carriages and original coaches at the Marstallmuseum (Royal Stables Museum)
- one-of-a-kind gardens with sculptures and grottoes
- extravagant chandeliers at the Schlosskapelle (Chapel)
- elaborately decorated bedrooms in which members of royalty used to sleep
Even if you aren’t interested in visiting all areas, walking through its halls or admiring its façade from outside can be enjoyable enough for anyone wishing to learn about Bavarian architecture or explore one of the most stunning palaces in Germany.
English Garden
Munich is a great city to explore, with plenty to see and do, oriented between tradition and contemporary life. The English Garden, or Englischer Garten, is one of the attractions that should not be missed. It is the world’s largest public park and covers an area three times the size of Central Park in New York City! Visitors can enjoy vast grass fields, a lake, several temples, and monuments, and even surfers can enjoy their favorite pastime here in this unlikely place!
Visitors may also take advantage of mini-courses on how to make a proper Bavarian pretzel. Local breweries occasionally offer even beer-tasting classes. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are three swimming pools nearby for those who want to take a break from all the sightseeing and various playgrounds for children. For those wishing to indulge in photography, larger animals such as deer or buffalo are regularly seen grazing around Chinesischer Turm or Chinese Tower near the lake before heading into the Eisbach River for additional fishing enjoyment.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a vibrant city located in the heart of Germany. It is home to some of the country’s finest attractions and activities, such as the famous ‘Old Town’ and the imposing Römerberg.
Frankfurt’s museum district is also home to some of the world’s best museums, theatres, and galleries. Let’s explore some of the best attractions that Frankfurt has to offer:
Römerberg
A key landmark of Frankfurt is the Römerberg, a square in the city’s historic center. The square formerly housed many of Frankfurt’s most important civic buildings, including the home of the mayor and a range of guild halls. Unfortunately, large portions of the old structures were destroyed during World War II, and today they have been rebuilt to resemble their original form.
The “Alte Nikolaikirche” (old St. Nicholas Church) stands in the center of the Römerberg and is an iconic representation of old Frankfurt culture. Other reconstruction includes an impressive statue known as “Justitia,” which stands near the entrance to the grounds and symbolizes justice held in high regard by earlier citizens.
Located adjacent to Römerberg is Historische Glockenspiel (Historical Carillon), a clock tower owned by several generations of master clockmakers that dates back to 1560. Each day at noon, 24 figures can be seen ringing bells and reenacting scenes from Frankfurt’s history as rediscovered relics are placed around it for public viewing. Also within this block is one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, “Zum Römer,” where you can enjoy a meal in authentic surroundings from 1705 or taste its traditional Grüne Soße cuisine recipe combining seven herbs with a hard-boiled egg. Bread croutons – traditional establishments such as these are still famous among residents who frequent them for events or on their days off work!
Goethe House
While in Frankfurt, visiting the Goethe House is a great way to learn more about the city’s most famous son and arguably Germany’s most renowned poet and playwright, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The house is located in the Altstadt district and was bought by Goethe’s father in 1773. Here, Johann wrote some seminal works, including the classics ‘Faust’ and ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’.
Even today, the building portrays a sense of elegance, with its baroque façade hinting at what life may have been like for young Johann growing up in 18th-century Frankfurt. On display at Goethe Haus are memorabilia from every phase of Goethe’s life, including personal items, photographs of family members, and original editions of his most famous works, as well as pieces discovered during renovation work dating back to the 11th century!
Visitors can take guided tours throughout the house with knowledgeable guides or watch film screenings related to works by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. For those looking to dive deeper into this historic house’s secrets, educational audio-visual programs are available in various languages that explore various aspects of both Frankfurt and its writer-in-residence. Audio lingual tours are available for visitors on request as well.
Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church is one of the main tourist attractions in Frankfurt. As the main Protestant church in Germany, this grand building stands out among other buildings in the city. The church was constructed in 1789, and this Baroque-style building symbolizes freedom and a tribute to all those who resisted Nazi rule during World War II. The tall white spire rises above all of Frankfurt, creating an iconic image for visitors traveling to the city.
The interior of St. Paul’s church contains several beautiful marble sculptures and reliefs from renowned sculptors such as Jordicg von Bertathal and George Stephan Hilbertzinger. At the same time, its walls are adorned with intricate paintings and ceiling frescos by celebrated artists such as Rochus von Mechen, Egidius Sadeler, Franz Josef Weichinger, and Christian Henningen Antenbrink. Every Sunday at 8 am, a religious service takes place with organ music echoing throughout the haven. It is also possible to attend an organ concert at St Paul’s church that takes place during the week covering different centuries of genres, from Romantic classics to contemporary classical music pieces composed by modern-day composers.
During summer, visitors can even participate in early morning yoga classes held on the premises for an unconventional experience within one of Frankfurt’s most iconic sites!
Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany, is a must-see destination for any traveler. From classic German architecture to the bustling harbor area, there is something for everyone in this beautiful port city. With its world-class museums, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, Hamburg is an excellent place to explore Germany’s culture and experience its rich heritage.
Let’s find out what makes Hamburg so unique:
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland is a miniature world located in the heart of Hamburg, Germany, and it is considered the largest model railway in the world. It is truly a feast for the eyes and an experience that everyone should experience. Opened in 2001, visitors of all ages can explore an 11,000 square-meter sprawling network of intricately detailed trains and scenery with more than 220,000 tiny inhabitants.
Miniatur Wunderland showcases meticulously crafted models from various regions, including Germany, Scandinavia, America, and Italy, as well as cities like Hamburg, Las Vegas, and Venice. Experience Bridges taking off among spectacular landscapes with amazing precision or marvel at the sensational effects like thunderstorms in the Alps or trains coming out from mysterious underground tunnels. There are also many interactive displays for you to get involved including racing hot air balloons across pyramids to avoid hitting hazards.
With its awe-inspiring range of attractions and activities, Miniatur Wunderland transforms the traditional model railway into an entertaining multisensory experience that never fails to excite its spectators!
Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s Church is an iconic landmark and one of the oldest churches in Hamburg, located in the city’s heart. Construction was completed in 1838, and over the years, it has been used as a place of worship, a concert hall, and, most notably, it was one of the oldest radio broadcast venues in Germany. This Neo-Gothic church stands just over 130 feet tall, and its steeple is a landmark for miles around.
Inside you will find detailed decorations, stunning stained glass windows, and beautiful works of art from some of the greatest German painters from the 19th century. The grand pipe organ, found at St. Michael’s Church, dates back to 1867 and is still used in concerts.
With its unique history, incredible architecture, breathtaking artwork, and awe-inspiring music, St Michael’s Church is an absolute must for anyone visiting Hamburg!
Planten un Blomen Park
Planten un Blomen Park is an expansive park in Hamburg, Germany, situated between the city center and the Main Train Station. It is a popular tourist destination where visitors can find a tranquil oasis featuring more than 17 hectares of flower-filled gardens, ponds and rivers, meadows, and forests.
The gardens feature a variety of cultivars, including roses, perennials, annuals, tropical plants, and cacti in every color imaginable. There are also groves of exotic trees and Japanese-style pathways cutting through the lower elm forest. The park features several playgrounds for children, and there is never a shortage of activity; you can find art exhibitions, music events, open-air film screenings, and much more throughout the year.
Take some time to explore the unique attractions throughout Planten un Blomen Park such as:
- Hokkaido-Kan Pavilion houses traditional Japanese shrubbery artfully constructed by master craftsmen from Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Garden.
- A large rose garden filled with hundreds of varieties from all around the world.
- An herb garden featuring many medicinal plants used by herbalists since times past.
Dresden
Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony and one of the most visited cities in Germany. It is known for its baroque architecture, art galleries and museums, and vast cultural attractions. Dresden is filled with history, romance, and plenty of activities. The city has a lively cultural life, a wide range of creative interests, and plenty of exciting things to do when visiting Dresden.
Let’s explore the attractions Dresden has to offer:
Zwinger Palace
Zwinger Palace is a Baroque palace complex in the old town of Dresden, overlooking the River Elbe. It was built in 1709-1719 and originally intended as a pleasure palace; Zwinger Palace houses art collections and museums today, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister), the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon and Porcelain Cabinet with Japan Collection, among many others.
Spread over 6 acres (25.000 sqm.), Zwinger Palace is home to some grand architecture, including fountains and grand pavilions such as Semperbau, Taschenbergpalais, or Kronentor. The most impressive of these is the Crown Gate (Kronentor), a three-winged gate crowned by an allegorical statue of glory in bronze; The Grand Pavillon (‘Grosser Gartensaal’), which forms the exterior facade of Zwinger; and ‘Semperbau’ or ‘Semper Gallery,’ built in 1847 by architect Gottfried Semper.
A visit to Zwinger Palace can be combined with other top attractions around Dresden such as Frauenkirche, Dresdner Residenzschloss, Brühl’s Terrace on Elbe, Altmarkt Square with Saxon Stall Market or old clock maker’s workshop at noon time, Grosser Garten Park and Japanese Palace (‘Japanisches Palais’) or Schloss Pillnitz on Elbriver banks.
Semper Opera House
The Semper Oper, or Dresden Opera House, is one of Dresden, Germany’s most iconic and beautiful tourist attractions. Built by famed civic planner Gottfried Semper and finished in 1841, the opera house is regarded as one of the most beautiful venues for opera in Europe.
The building features a mix of Neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles with Renaissance Revival exterior facades that feature two main towers flanking an arched entryway.
Inside, the auditorium is some of the most abundant seen anywhere. The seats and walls are painted to match a spectacular fresco ceiling, while gold accents on select wall carvings stand out prominently against velvet seats. A massive organ sits on one side at the back of the auditorium, contributing to a truly unique atmosphere that transports audiences back to 1870 when it was first installed.
The acoustics within Semper Opera House has made it renowned among music lovers, with visitors traveling worldwide to experience performances in this spectacular venue firsthand. Its long history includes time hosting prestigious events such as the European Cultural Awards Ceremony with guests like Princess Diana and figures like Bill Gates attending shows over its long history.
Whether you’re looking for classical music performances or modern theatrical plays today, you’re likely to find both at Semper Opera’s must-see attraction in Dresden!
Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche is a unique symbol of the city of Dresden. Located in the heart of the historic old town, it is renowned for its lush baroque architecture and intricate stone façade. Built-in 1726, the Frauenkirche epitomizes Dresden’s rich culture and history and has emerged as one of the most iconic landmarks in Eastern Germany.
Since its construction, the Frauenkirche has stood as a beloved symbol of religious devotion, with many citizens who grew up in the area making a pilgrimage to it throughout their lifetime. Its spires are so iconic that they are often visible throughout central Dresden and beyond.
The more than 200-foot tall building underwent extensive renovations following decades of World War II bombing, transforming what was once a nearly destroyed ruin into a beautiful monument to faith and fortitude. Present-day visitors will find:
- an open-air side chapel;
- stained-glass windows that span more than 25 feet across;
- ornate mosaics made from red chalkstone;
- impressive fresco paintings;
- and an incredible pipe organ that is considered by some to be one of Europe’s largest instruments.