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Abenteuerspielplatz Marie

This Prenzlauer Berg adventure playground's main attraction is hut building. Campfires are also regularly lit for the kids to barbecue on. A small surcharge includes extra activities such as felt design, weaving and woodcarving. More »

Acud

One of the last buildings in the area not to have been completely restored, the Acud possesses a real sense of history. A lonesome building standing on a plot of land which was almost completely reduced to rubble during the War, the home of the Acud Society houses a cinema, gallery, pub and the 'Lizard Lounge' dance club. The cinema concentrates on highbrow films for people with no interest in the latest Hollywood trash. Unsurprisingly, the centre is frequented by culture-vultures, especially students. Admission costs EUR2.50-EUR5. More »

AEG Turbinenhalle

The AEG Turbine Hall - a turbine production factory built in 1909 for the German electronic giant "AEG" - is deemed to be one of the most revolutionary architectural constructions of the early twentieth century. With its visible steel supports and enormous glass windows, the factory celebrates its function as an industrial workplace rather than hiding behind a mock neo-baroque facade.

The huge steel building was designed by architect Peter Behrens (1868-1940), who is credited as being the forefather of modern industrial design. Behrens designed numerous other classic buildings, but the AEG Turbine Hall is regarded as his most important work. Behrens worked on the design of the building together with other influential turn-of-the-century architects such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, designer of the Neue Nationalgalerie. More »

Alexander Ochs Gallery

Come, take a peek into the world of some intriguing Chinese artists. Alexander Ochs, an expert on contemporary Asian art, has set up this venue to throw light on these interesting works, thus bringing China closer to Europe. The gallery is now one of the most prominent addresses in world, and has participated in some international art fairs as well. Several government institutions, museums and private galleries are now affiliated with it. A branch has also openeed up in Beijing. More »

Alexanderplatz

The original Alexanderplatz (affectionately known as 'Alex' by Berliners) was completely flattened during the War. Its present day appearance is a prime example of East German town planning: a huge, windswept pedestrian area surrounded by featureless 1960s high-rises. But those who are familiar with Alexanderplatz from Alfred Döblin's novel of the same name will find that none of the hustle and bustle of the square has disappeared. Alexanderplatz is still very much a commuters' thoroughfare and is regarded by locals as the true centre of Berlin.

Named after Russian Tsar Alexander I who visited the Prussian capital in 1805, Alexanderplatz was at the centre of the mass-demonstrations which brought the Berlin Wall tumbling down in November 1989. Massive redevelopment has now begun under the direction of architect Hans Kohlhoff, but no completion date has been set. The main attraction of the square is the 365m-high TV tower, which offers great panoramic views of the city. The World Time Clock is also worthy of mention, but is, in all fairness, really only useful as a convenient meeting-place. More »

Alliierten-Museum

It wasn't just food that the Allies airlifted into Berlin during the 1948/49 Russian blockade. Huge amounts of coal, petrol and even cars were flown in to help keep the strategically important Western outpost of Berlin intact. One of these huge four-engine planes now stands in front of the former Outpost Cinema along with a few pieces of the Wall and a French train carriage.

The Museum of the Allies recounts the fascinating history of Berlin from the end of the War to the fall of the Wall in 1989. The story is told from the perspective of the three Allies (USA, Britain and France) who occupied Berlin during these years. This moving story of peacemaking and confrontation, of hope and despair is well worth a visit. More »

Alt-Tegel

Although it can't compete with the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the Greenwich Promenade in Alt Tegel is a pleasant place to relax and get away from the stress of city life. Stretching along the shores of Lake Tegeler See and with a good selection of restaurants in the town centre, Alt Tegel has the atmosphere of a seaside resort. One of the most interesting parts of the area is the old port which also the starting point for boat trips to Wannsee. And best of all - Alt Tegel is just twenty minutes train ride from Berlin's city centre. More »

Alte Bibliothek

Formerly the royal library, this elegant baroque building on Bebelplatz is affectionately known by Berliners as the 'commode', in reference to the building's similarity to an antique chest of drawers. Less cruel is the comparison with classic Viennese architecture: the design was based upon plans drawn up for the majestic Hofburg Palace in Vienna and as the Prussians worked faster than the Austrians, the copy was finished before the original! A fine example of Viennese flair combined with Prussian grandiosity, the building was severely damaged during the War, but was reconstructed and reopened in 1969. The Alte Bibliotek is now used as a lecture theatre by the Humboldt University. More »

Alte Nationalgalerie

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) rises up over Museum Island like an ancient Greek temple. The imposing, neoclassical edifice was designed and built by architect F.A. Stüler between 1866-76 and contains an extensive collection of works by both German and international artists from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can admire masterpieces by French impressionists such as Cézanne, Manet and Renoir, the surreal works of Van Gogh and Münch, and sculptures by the likes of Schadow and Rodin. More »

Alter Fritz

Located near Alt-Tegel in the north-west of the city, Alte Fritz is just the place to bring kids to. Parents can relax over a glass of freshly brewed beer and a plate of hearty German grub while the little ones amuse themselves in the playground or play with the ducks in the pond. Live bands appear on Sundays and bank holidays. Food costs around EUR3-EUR7 and beer and wine around EUR2-EUR3. More »

Alter Garnisonsfriedhof

Berlin's oldest cemetery was re-landscaped and turned into a park many years ago. But here and there, iron crosses and tombstones arise from the lawn between the small gravel walkways, the branches of old oak trees hanging overhead. The faint sound of traffic encroaches only slightly over the high cemetery walls. In the late 19th century, authorities ordered that all cemeteries in the city centre be closed due to fears about hygiene. Yet military commanders successfully prevented the closing down of this particular cemetery, which is home to generations of Prussian officers. The Alter Garnisonsfriedhof remained in use until the end of WW II and was re-landscaped in the 1950s. A small exhibition in the building near the entrance documents the history of the cemetery. More »

Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof

If you expected the graves of the Brothers Grimm to remind you of their fairytales, you'll be deeply disappointed. Instead of romantic reminisences, you will discover protestant simplicity, the tombstones of the four-member family blackened with time. Situated on the top of a hill, the graveyard is nevertheless a pleasant oasis sealed off from the hustle and bustle of the city. More »

Altes Museum

Nineteenth century architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel provided Berlin with many of its greatest buildings, including the magnificent Konzerthaus and the equally striking Altes Museum. The museum, which opened in 1830, was the first to be built on Museum Island. It now houses rotating special exhibitions and is home to part of the Antique Collection, a breathtaking collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts excavated by the famous German archeologist Hildesheimer. Admission costs EUR4; concessions EUR2. More »

Altstadt Spandau

Situated to the west of Berlin, the ancient town of Spandau has long since been engulfed by its larger neighbour. Spared during the war, the historic town centre situated around Reformation Square and St. Nicholas Church is one of greater Berlin's most beautiful spots. As it is closed to traffic, visitors can wander undisturbed though the narrow lanes and admire the small, bourgeois town houses. Old Spandau is particularly romantic in the winter months when visitors can browse around the Christmas Market, accompanied by the sound of trumpet concerts performed on top of St. Nicholas church. More »

American Church in Berlin

This church was originally constructed in 1763 during the reign of Friedrich the Great. Home to the American Church in Berlin (part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) since 1969, services are held in English and are based upon the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Sunday Services: 9.30am: Sunday school for children aged 3-16 in the Paulus Gemeindehaus (Teltower Damm 4-8). 9.30am: Instruction for adults in the Dorfkirche. 11.00 am: Worship in the Dorfkirche, followed by coffee. More »

Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek

Located in the heart of Kreuzberg, the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek library is a large lending library with a broad selection of national and international newspapers and magazines. Several rooms (almost the entire basement area) are devoted to children, with computers, video games, comics and fish tanks. More »

Anhalter Bahnhof

The ruins of this railway station, once Berlin's largest, and one of the biggest in Europe, would seem to be a reminder of war damage this city sustained. In fact, the building was only partially destroyed during WWII, but it was decided not to rebuild it, and instead the remnants were blown up. Nowadays the sad façade is the only reminder of this station's former grandeur. More »

Anti-Kriegs-Museum

A quiet side-street lined with Victorian houses in the working-class district of Wedding is home to the tiny Anti-War Museum. A broad collection of rusty steel helmets, modern land mines, old photos, and an original air raid shelter bear witness to the major catastrophes of the twentieth century. Yet the museum, established in the 1920s, also has another fascinating story to tell -- its own. Several adjacent rooms are used for temporary exhibitions which deal with topics relevant to the museum. More »

Aquarium

Noses pressed against the panes of the huge glass tanks, groups of wide-eyed children stare and shriek at the sharks and giant eels which swim silently by, oblivious to all the fuss around them. The aquarium is fantastic for adults and children alike, making the mysteries of the underwater world come alive before your very eyes. With piranhas, sea horses and tropical fish of all colours, shapes and sizes, the aquarium boasts all you have ever dreamed of, plus some unexpected surprises. There is even more to see in the reptile house upstairs. Motionless crocodiles size you up through unblinking eyes, snakes slither along the grass and the creepy crawlies in the insect section will make your skin turn cold. More »

Arboretum

These five-acre English gardens were designed by Johann Gustav Heinrich Meyer, a student of master landscape architect Lenne, designer of the Tiergarten). Originally a private park, it was later used for scientific research. The Humboldt University's Institute of Biology now cares for the large collection of trees (arbor is the Latin word for tree), as well as the wealth of other plants, bushes and herbs which can be found in the garden. A system of paths and informative signposts guide the visitor through the garden. More »

Archenhold-Sternwarte

The observatory was founded in 1896, in the heyday of astronomy. Its major claim to fame is having the largest telescope in the world, a 21 metre mammoth built by Friedrich Simon Archenhold, after whom the observatory is named. In 1915, Albert Einstein gave his first public lecture on the theory of relativity here. The museum encompasses two permanent exhibitions on the history and instruments of astronomy. A stargazer's paradise - may the force be with you! Admission costs around EUR3. More »

Ars Vitalis

The shopping mall which used to connect Hauptstrasse and Akazienstrasse was never a success and was transformed several years ago into a health and fitness centre. Made up of Ars Vitalis fitness club, Linea fitness studio for women, Chudy's hairdressers and Alessandro's beauty shop, the facilities also include a gym, an indoor pool, a sauna, solarium, restaurant and bar. All the above facilities are included in the basic entry ticket. Extras such as aqua gym, yoga and various massages cost an additional fee. More »

Ballsaal des Hotel Esplanade

The Sony Centre on Potsdamer Platz is always good for a surprise: Inside the ultra-modern, high-tech building you'll find one of the most splendid monuments of Berlin's Golden Years - a 19th century ballroom, known as the "Emperor's ballroom", which was originally attached to the legendary Esplanade Hotel.

The original building was moved, at great expense, 100 metres across Potsdamer Platz to the plot of land owned by Sony, and has now been incorporated into the Sony Centre. Visitors can once again admire its splendour, albeit from behind glass walls.

P.S. Cinema lovers may be interested to know that the final sequence of Wim Wender's classic film about Berlin, Wings of Desire, was shot here. More »

Bauhaus-Archiv

This distinctive, modernist building was purpose-designed by legendary architect Walter Gropius to house the Bauhaus Archive. The archive exhibits a historic collection of works incorporating all aspects of the influential Bauhaus school of design (1919-1933). A reading library offers access to a comprehensive collection of documents. Special exhibitions of contemporary design and architecture are also regular features. If you need a rest, you can take a break in the cafe or browse the museum shop which sells replicas of original Bauhaus designs (e.g. salt-shakers or lamps). More »

Bebelplatz

Friedrich II liked his architecture to mirror his political programme: Bebelplatz was designed to be a meeting place for science, art and political power. An academy, an opera house and a royal palace were planned, yet only the Opera House was finished in the king's lifetime. Later additions (the Royal Library and the Humboldt University buildings) are a testament to Freidrich's original project - all of them imposing classical buildings which unite to form one of Berlin's most impressive squares. Science and art are still represented; political power only to an extent: in the middle of the square an underground memorial (visible through a glass screen) bares testimony to the site where the Nazis burnt the books of political and philosophical opponents in May 1933. More »

Berliner Dom

Built as late as 1905, this cathedral originally served as the private chapel for the Prussian royal family. Designed by Julius Raschdorff in the Italian renaissance style popular at the time, its impressive dome is strikingly similar to St Peter's in Rome. Inside, it boasts a stunning altar and royal box designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the Berliner Dom remained a ruin until restoration work finally began in 1973. The crypt is of particular interest, housing the graves of over 90 members of the Hohenzollern royal family. Admission EUR2.50. More »

Berliner Gruselkabinett

It's eerie enough just walking down the damp and gloomy tunnels of the World War II bunker near Anhalter Bahnhof. This is a scary place even without the creep show which the shelter now houses. With gruesome groans echoing through the maze of tunnels and a hoard of vampires following you around - this is certainly no place for the weak-hearted. The first floor includes a horrific section on medieval medicine. The monsters and skeletons on the second floor are a cup of tea in comparison. The basement contains an exhibition which recounts the fascinating history of the bunker. This gives you a vivid idea of what it was like to live here at the height of the War, when the shelter was inhabited by tens of thousands of war-weary civilians. More »

Berliner Mauer

Anyone visiting Berlin today would find it hard to imagine that this vibrant and cosmopolitan city was until only recently divided: through its heart ran a wall made of concrete and barbed wire, patrolled by armed guards and protected by a heavily mined death-strip. Erected on 13 August 1961 to halt the outflow of disaffected East German workers, the Wall broke up families and friendships, divided Germany and split Europe in two for nearly three decades. Over 200 people died in (often ingenious) escape attempts.

No one will forget the night of 9 November 1989 when the Wall came crashing down. A peaceful revolution put paid to the bankrupt East German regime and Berliners from East and West met in their hundreds of thousands to dance on top of the Wall and celebrate the end of division. In the months following its fall, the Wall was bulldozed to the ground and the land where it stood auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Not much of the original Wall is left today, with only one or two sections saved as a permanent reminder of the past. The longest and most impressive stretch can be seen at the East Side Gallery, while another section – this time full of chisel holes and graffiti – runs along Niederkirchner Straße just south of Potsdamer Platz. Hoards of tourists still flock to Checkpoint Charlie, but there is not much left to see except a gripping exhibition at Haus am Checkpoint Charlie. The Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße is well worth a visit, while a more sombre moment could be spent contemplating the line of white crosses on Ebertstraße behind the Reichstag, dedicated to all those who died trying to flee East German tyranny. More »

Berliner Mauer Dokumentationszentrum

If you're looking for remnants of the Berlin Wall, you may have to search for a long time. There is little left of this Cold War relic in present-day Berlin, due to a popular desire among Germans to eliminate all traces of their previous division. Just a handful of sites are left, one of which is the recently erected memorial at Bernauer Straße, the scene of some of the most spectacular and tragic escape attempts.

What you see here is, in fact, a reconstruction of the original Wall. Two walls run parallel to one another down the street, and in the middle, a strip of no man's land. This serves as a potent reminder of what many Germans regard as a symbol of totalitarian evil. The museum itself documents the history of the Wall in a series of moving and disturbing photographs.

Admission: free More »

Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum

The dentist's chair in the entrance hall barely prepares you for what is about to come. The centrepiece of the museum is a fine collection of human limbs preserved in glass jars filled with formalin. Other objects on display range from deformed embryos, Siamese twins and a human Cyclops to a wonderful selection of pickled organs disfigured by terrible disease. Medical students and sadists may admire the swollen intestines and squalid tumours; 'normal' visitors may leave clutching their stomachs! Children under 16 are not allowed to enter the museum. Admission:EUR 2.50 More »

Berliner Rathaus

The 'Red City Hall' is how Berliners refer to their town hall. Seat of the Mayor and the Senate since reunification in 1990, the building was also home to East Berlin's local government in the GDR era, although the name actually stems from the reddish colour of its walls rather than from the political leanings of its politicians! Built in 1861-69 by H. F. Waesemann, the design reflects a strong Tuscan influence. Two years after building work was completed, Germany was unified by Kaiser Wilhelm I. Consequently, Berlin became the capital of Germany and its new city hall the supreme administrative building. More »

Berliner Schloss

An intense debate has been going on for years as to whether the Royal Palace should be reconstructed, and now it finally will be. There are plans to make a hotel out of the Palace, with shops and a business center. Built in 1451, the magnificent palace was the residence of the Prussian royal family for centuries. Badly damaged during the War, the East German administration demolished the building in the 1950s, not because the structural damage was irreparable, but because the palace was a much-maligned symbol of 'imperialism'. The space created was used for the East German equivalent of Red Square, known as Schloßplatz, which is dominated by the Palast der Republik, the closest thing the East Germans had to a parliament.

The only part of the palace which survived demolition is the famous portal from which Karl Liebknecht proclaimed a Free Socialist Republic in 1918. The portal was moved a few hundred metres and integrated into the Staastsratsgebäude (see photo). Otherwise, visitors can see the foundations, recently unearthed by archaeologists, but they are a poor reminder of what once was. More »

Berliner Stadtmauer

Berlin is famous for its Wall - built by East German authorities in 1961 and torn down by the people in 1989 - yet the city also has a second, lesser known wall: the original city wall dating back to the 14th century. The remains of the medieval wall run along Waisenstraße in the district of Mitte, and although not as impressive as in other European cities, the ramparts still create a genuine old city touch that is otherwise difficult to find in Berlin. The most atmospheric part of the wall is located close to the Parochialkirche where several medieval houses back onto the wall. One of these old town houses contains Berlin's oldest restaurant - Zur letzten Instanz - a great place to sample a bit of typical Berlin fare. More »

Berlinische Galerie

Though founded as a private institution in 1975, the newly public Berlinische Galerie moved to a new home in October 2004, a significant change for the young museum, and one which has contributed to its "new" feel. The gallery is a combination of national gallery and city museum, and its exhibitions focus on the city of Berlin and its role in an international community.

Covering the years since 1870 and on, there are a number of interesting themes to learn about and explore in the museum: secessionists, Dadaism, Russians in Berlin, Berlin under the Nazis, the metropolis, and so on. It is home to a history of the city in art, sure to please historians and art-lovers alike. The museum also has movies, music, lectures and other academic resources to attract visitors, and an art school, the “Atelier Bunter Jakob,” with fun activities for everyone, from child to adult.
More »

Bierpinsel

Steglitz's Restaurant Tower - known as Bierpinsel - is strangely reminiscent of the bridge of an aircraft carrier, rising up from the city motorway which connects with Schlossstraße, one of Western Berlin's busiest shopping streets. Built in 1972-76 by the same architects that constructed the futuristic International Conference Centre (ICC), the bright red Restaurant Tower has become one of Steglitz's most recognisable landmarks. The restaurants on the upper floors offer great views over the bustling shopping street below. More »

Blindenmuseum

In most museums it is absolutely prohibited to touch anything. In Berlin's Museum for the Blind it is exactly the opposite. Visitors are actively encouraged to touch, to feel, to understand how those who cannot see come to terms with today's image-dominated world. The exhibition focuses on how education for the blind has changed over the years and what sort of work blind people are particularly good at. Visitors can also experiment with reading and writing Braille. More »

Blockhaus Nikolskoe

The log cabin close to Pfaueninsel on the River Havel wasn't built by lumberjacks as you may have expected, but by a king. In 1819, King Friedrich Wilhelm III successfully married off his daugther to the Russian Tzar and when the imperial couple visited Berlin, Wilhelm presented them with this picturesque replica of a Russian farmhouse.

The building was turned into a restaurant after the war, but burned down in 1984. The cabin was immediately reconstructed and is now a popular destination for day-trippers. More »

Bodemuseum

Situated on Museum Island, the Bode Museum features a wide collection of Byzantine Art. Originally conceived as a 'Museum for the Christian World', the building now houses several smaller collections. The Children's Gallery is a cultural centre that makes art and cultural history accessible to children and young people. The Münzkabinett, the coin collection, houses a permanent exhibition of over 50,000 coins from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Museum of Ancient Antiquities and Byzantine Art contains pieces from 3rd-19th century Russia, Asia Minor, Greece and Eygpt. An extensive collection of sculpture includes works from the Prussian Kunstkammer Collection, which have been housed in the Bode Museum ever since the Berliner Schloß was demolished by East German authorities. More »

Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum

This large, sedate park in the south-west of Berlin provides the perfect respite to a hard day's slog through the hectic inner-city. One can admire the English gardens and a collection of flora from all over Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is also worth taking a look inside one or two of the huge tropical greenhouses. Visitors shouldn't miss the unique Botanical Museum at the entrance. More »

Brandenburger Tor

Germany's most recognisable symbol is not as large as many visitors expect, yet its history is rich and fascinating. Built in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was modelled on the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. The Quadriga statue on top of the Gate - designed by sculptor Gottfried Schadow - represents Victoria, the Goddess of Peace, riding a four-horse chariot. This was one of Berlin's original 14 city gates, yet the only remaining evidence of the other gates are the names of underground stations such as Kottbusser Tor and Schlesisches Tor. The Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz have played centre stage to numerous turbulent historical events. In 1806 Napoleonic troops took the Quadriga statue back to Paris as a war trophy, only to have it returned to Berlin when the French lost the war. And during the Nazi era Pariser Platz was the Nazis' favourite backdrop for torch-lit processions and military parades. The Gate sustained heavy damage during World War II and was restored in the 1950s. After the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate became inaccessible to the citizens of both Germanys and came to be regarded as the symbol of Cold War divisions. When the Wall fell on 9 November 1989, hundreds of thousands flocked here to celebrate the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new world order. The north wing of the Gate houses a 'quiet room' where visitors are invited to sit and contemplate in peace. The south wing houses a tourist information office (10a-6p Monday-Sunday). More »

Breitscheidplatz

Breitscheidplatz is the true heart of Western Berlin. The ruin of the Memorial Church which dominates the square serves as a potent reminder of the destructive forces of war. Tourists stream here from nearby Ku'damm to mingle with artists, street musicians and young skateboarders. Surrounded by outdated fifties architecture, the square gains a cosmopolitan touch around the Weltkugelbrunnen, one of Europe's most innovative modern fountains.

Plans are afoot to transform the square into a sculpture of light. Visitors will then be plunged into a haze of blue light, but thankfully only after dark. More »

Britzer Garten

Home to the German Horticultural Show in 1985, Britzer Gardens has now been turned into an attractive park with beautiful lawns and atmospheric lakes. Families with children flock here during the summer, as the park has great children's facilities including several playgrounds, a miniature railway and organised events at the weekend. There are also several snack bars and restaurants which sell refreshments. More »

Bröhan-Museum

This museum houses the priceless collection of Jugendstil and art deco ceramics and furniture once owned by German industrialist Karl Bröhan. The exhibition also includes industrial design paintings from the twenties and thirties as well as contemporary works by local artists. The museum is a good alternative to the larger collections (the Egyptian Museum and Berggruen Collection) which are located in the same area around Schloss Charlottenburg. Admission: EUR3; concessions EUR1.50. More »

Brücke-Museum

This small museum is worth the trek out of the city centre. It houses the works of the Brücke Group, considered to be Germany's pioneers in Expressionism. The group was founded in Dresden in 1905, but later moved to Berlin. The permanent exhibition includes works by all the members of the group - Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emile Nolde, Otto Müller, Erich Heckel, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Max Pechstein. Nazi repression in the 1930's lead to the destruction of many of the group's works - but what has survived is fascinating. Admission EUR4. More »

Bucher Forst

Bucher Forst is a forest in the northernmost part of Berlin, ideal for long, relaxing walks. Forty per cent of the 435 hectar forest is coniferous, sixty percent deciduous. There are also two fish farms where carp are bred. The forest is dotted with tables and benches for picnics. More »

Buddhist Center Berlin

The Buddhist Centre Berlin follows the teachings of the Karma Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. Using the Diamond Way method which relies heavily on meditation, practitioners aim to experience the spiritual clarity of mind known as Buddha Nature, resulting in Mahamudra - a feeling of compassion and joyful fearlessness.

Programme (in German): 7.15pm Mon: Dharma Evening - teachings, seminars and discussions 8.30pm Mon: Meditation & explanation of the 16th Karmapa 8pm Thu: Brief introduction to Diamond Way Buddhism 8.30pm Thu: Meditation & explantion of the 16th Karmapa More »

Café Kranzler

Not much is left of the original Café Kranzler. Founded some 175 years ago, Café Kranzler swiftly gained the reputation of being one of the city's finest cafés and went on to become a major tourist attraction in its own right. But the café has now fallen victim to the massive redevelopment programme which has been changing the face of Berlin since the fall of the Wall. While the new location offers splendid views over Berlin's most prestigious shopping street, the decor is devoid of charm. More »

Carillon

This is not necessarily a sight to see, but rather a sound to hear. When Berlin celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1987, the city gave itself a special present. If you're in the Tiergarten park or up on the roof of the Reichstag, you'll be able to hear it at midday and at 6pm. Following the sounds with your eyes, you may be able to see the 42-metre tower, clad in sparkling granite and with an elegant wing-shaped roof. This is the Carillon, designed by musicologist Jeffery A. Bossin. With 68 bells chiming in four octaves, this is the forth largest carillon in the world and the biggest in Europe. More »

Carrousel

This building is proud to be Germany's biggest theatre for children and teenagers, having been established in 1950 as Theater der Freundschaft (Theatre of Friendship) in the former GDR. It has today successfully made its way into the FRG, and in 1991 it even acted as host, together with its rival from the West, the Grips-Theater, of the First German Meeting of Theatres for Children and Teenagers. As befits a theatre financed by the German government, performances are educational here, as teaching through theatre is a big issue. Tickets cost from EUR6. More »

Centrum Judaicum - Neue Synagoge

This imposing building, with its striking golden dome, is one of Berlin's most instantly recognisable landmarks. Designed by architect Eduard Knoblauch in 1859, the synagogue was the centre of Jewish life in Berlin until the the night of 9th November 1938 (Kristallnacht), when it was attacked by Nazi stormtroopers. After an Allied air raid in 1943, the synagogue lay in ruins for around 40 years after the end of the war. It was then restored and reopened as a museum of Jewish culture on the fiftieth anniversary of Kristallnacht, in 1988. Admission costs EUR2.50; concessions EUR1.50. More »

Chamissoplatz

If you're looking for peace and quiet before heading out for the night, Chamissoplatz is the area to visit. This town square is located next to Bergmannstraße, where a more lively and eccentric crowd lingers. Chamissoplatz is an area of Berlin that managed to remain intact during the war, so it's possible to see how Berlin looked and how people before the city was reconstructed after several attacks. There are a few restaurants to dine in, a playground and park to rest in, and a peaceful atmosphere to relax in. More »

Checkpoint Charlie

The ultimate symbol of the Cold War which divided Europe and the world for four decades, the Berlin Wall is still the main tourist attraction in the German capital. And Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing, is the place many tourists head for first. Yet this world-famous monument is slightly disappointing on first sight. The original border post was demolished and all that remains nowadays is a signpost bearing the words, 'You are now leaving the American sector' and a replica of a watchtower from 1961. The only thing really worth seeing is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie museum. More »

Contemporary Fine Arts

The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery (previously known as Bruno Brunnet Fine Arts) has occupied a studio in the Sophien-Gips-Höfe in Mitte since 1996. Artists who have exhibited here over the years include Maike Abetz, Oliver Drescher, Thomas Riff, Blixa Bargeld, Sarah Lucas, Jonathan Meese and Raymond Pettibon. All of these are contemporary artists whose work reflects avant-garde themes as well as the influence of pop culture. Pleasantly situated between two Hinterhöfe (courtyards found in many of Berlin's older buildings), you can sit in one of the outdoor cafés after your visit and enjoy watching the world go by. More »

Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin

Located in the headquarters of the Deutsche Bank on Unter den Linden, the latest addition to Berlin's museum scene is a far cry from the architectural masterpieces in New York and Bilbao. Yet the works on show in the Berlin branch of the legendary Guggenheim Museum are no less impressive than in its more established peers. The museum houses rotating exhibitions concentrating on 20th century and contemporary art. Every year, a particular artist is given carte blanche to organise an exhibition. Admission costs EUR3, concessions EUR2. More »

Deutscher Dom

Together with its twin, the Französischen Dom (French Cathedral), the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) provides a stunning backdrop to Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin's prettiest square. The original structure was completed in 1708, but it was not until 1785 that the impressive dome by Karl Gontard was added. The cathedral was totally renovated in 1996 and now houses an extensive exhibition entitled 'Questions on German History'. The display, which covers three floors, deals with the glories and the tragedies which have defined German history since the French Revolution.

Admission: free More »

Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin

Berlin's Technical Museum is fantastic for kids and adults alike. The attractions include a solar energy station, a windmill and several historic trains and planes. The vast museum grounds also contain an historic brewery, a replica TV studio and thrilling exhibitions about air, space, sea and road travel, textile production and printing. The main children's attraction is the multi-storey Spektrum building, where kids can take part in hands-on experiments in physics, electronics, optical science and music. The museum also hosts fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Admission: EUR 2.50; concessions EUR 1 More »

Deutsches-Russisches Museum

On the evening from May 8th to May 9th, 1945, German generals signed the unconditional surrender of Germany in the dining room of their officer's club. The club subsequently served as the Berlin headquarters for the Soviet military. The capitulation room is well preserved and the rest of the building has become a museum about the German invasion of Russia in 1941 and the Russian occupation of Berlin and East Germany. More »

Domäne Dahlem

The well-to-do district of Dahlem is not the place you would expect to find a farm. But Domane Dahlem is not a normal farm, but an open-air museum open to the public. It displays many historical and contemporary items associated with agriculture. The farm has crop-fields, cows, pigs, horses and hens as well as artisans' workshops, an agriculture museum and a farm shop. The real highlights, however, are the regular market festivals with home-grown food and music. Kids can ride on a four horse coach or on the trailer of a tractor. Please check website for festival dates. Festival: EUR 1; children EUR 0.50 More »

Dorfkirche Alt-Marienfelde

Centuries ago, the village of Marienfelde was idyllically situated in the middle of rural Brandenburg. The nearby city of Berlin has long since gobbled up this little village, but with its cobble-stone streets, 19th century street lamps and imposing bourgeois villas, Marienfelde is still one of the prettiest places in the region.

The centrepiece of the village is the Romanesque church, one of Berlin's oldest churches and one of the few remaining medieval buildings in the area. Erected in 1220, villagers used to flock here to escape marauding bands of robbers. Nowadays, Berliners flock here to flee the fumes and the chaos of the inner city. The nearby Manor House Park is also popular with day-trippers. More »

East Side Gallery

When you think of Berlin, the first word likely to spring to mind is Wall. But over a decade after being torn down by angry East Germans, there is not much of the Berlin Wall left standing in present-day Berlin.

The longest section of the Wall to be spared (1.3km) runs parallel to the River Spree between Kreuzberg in the West and Friedrichshain in the East. In the months following the fall of the Wall in 1989, 118 artists from all over the world flocked here to pay their artistic tribute to the downfall of communism. The result - an open-air gallery containing a host of colourful and imaginative images - some satirical, some shocking and others unintelligible.

The East Side Gallery is a must for first-time visitors to the city. The barren wasteland which surrounds the Wall is oddly fitting and gives you a good idea of how the Wall, surrounded by a 10 metre-wide, heavily mined death strip, would have appeared several decades ago.

Yet the current condition of the gallery gives cause for concern. Many of the paintings have been disfigured by souvenir-hunters keen to take a chunk of Wall home with them, while the weather has taken its toll on the rest.

Admission: free More »

Elisabethkirche

Behind an old, rusty fence lies one of the city's most atmospheric ruins. Constructed two centuries ago by Berlin's most influential architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, all that remains of Elisabethkirche today is the church's skeleton. Wind whistles through the window frames and plaster peels off the brick walls. For more than half a century after its destruction in the War, nobody seemed interested in restoring the neoclassical masterpiece - presumably due to lack of funds. However, there are now plans to transform the building into a major art gallery. Until then, 'ruin enthusiasts' can enjoy the phantom of a church. More »

Erholungspark Marzahn

The Marzahn recreation park is situated in Berlin's north-east. Besides two large ponds, a Chinese garden and a number of playgrounds, the park has several animal compounds where donkeys, goats, sheep and chickens are kept. If you are lucky, you may also get to see some of the wild deer, hare, partridges, pheasants and snakes which live in the park's wilderness area. Special events such as concerts, theatre and 'playshops' are organised in the summer. Easter weekend is also a treat, with traditional 'egg hunts' for the kids. More »

Ernst-Reuter-Platz

Named after the mayor of West Berlin in the 1950s, Ernst-Reuter-Platz is a public square in the middle of the city. In spring and summer time, this is a place to rest your feet on the grass while walking from one side of the city to the other. You can even dip your toes in the water fountain to help you cool off. The square was built in 1902, but remodeled in the 1950s in the style of modernism. You can expect a large open space surrounded by skyscrapers, traffic noise, and the bustling vibe from the city, but it's place to take a short rest nonetheless. More »

Erotikmuseum

The world's most comprehensive museum of erotica contains centuries-worth of erotic objects exhibited over three floors. These include paintings, vases, ceramics, S&M equipment and cult objects such as Balinese demons or Chinese ivory carvings. A separate section is dedicated to the work of Berlin's famous 'sexologist' Magnus Hirschfeld, who founded Germany's first gay association in the early twentieth century. The museum shop is a good place to find interesting gifts (but not necessarily for your mother-in-law!). More »

Europa-Center

The Europa-Center was, at one time, the largest shopping center in Berlin. Built in the 1960s, the mall was supposed to offer citizens of Berlin a safe place to visit, shop, dine, and relax while the outside world remained in chaos. After undergoing a recent remodel, the Europa-Center has added five movie theaters and several art exhibits, like the Lotus Fountain, the Set Theory Clock, and The Obelisk of Light. If your feet need a rest after walking through the variety of shops, check out the live music playing in the restaurants and by the fountain. More »

Fernsehturm

Located on Alexanderplatz in the heart of eastern Berlin, this 1960s structure towers over the whole city. Built by communist authorities at the height of the Cold War, West Berliners cheekily christened the TV Tower 'the Pope's revenge' because of the sparkling cross which appears on the pinnacle of the tower when the sun shines on it. Although regarded by many as an eyesore, the views from the top are hard to beat. The revolving Telecafé at 207m is a pleasant spot to stop for a coffee and a sedate gaze over the city. More »

FEZ Wuhlheide

FEZ Wuhlheide was given top marks in the 1999 campaign 'Kinder testen Berlin' ('children test Berlin'). The FEZ is a large park with woods, lakes, wildlife enclosures, swimming pools, playgrounds, a market garden, BMX track, skateboard pipes and sports fields. Older children can drive a train through the park and check the tickets themselves. A covered area offers exhibitions and other events. The only disadvantage is it's long way from the city centre. More »

Filmmuseum

What is cinema but shadows and illusions? Entering a small room with low ceilings, visitors gasp in awe as walls of mirrors transform the room into a seemingly endless hall. Film fans then wind their way along a narrow path, past huge screens with images of stars from the silent era into the universe of German film. Berlin's brightest star is undoubtedly Marlene Dietrich and the show seems to revolves around her, with countless scenes from the classic Blue Angel and from her days as a Hollywood diva. What then follows is darkness. The Third Reich's contribution to film is artistically presented in a series of austere metal drawers which line the walls. Post-war cinema is unjustly neglected and confined to just one small room with a handfull of stars. Recently opened in the spanking new Sony Centre, the Berlin Film Museum recounts the history of German film using the help of hundreds of enormous screens and projections. Objects vanish in the flood of images and sound, and explanations are sparse. At the very least, it whets your appetite to go to the cinema again. And what luck! A high-speed lift will take you straight to the Arsenal Cinema in the basement of the building. More »

Filmmuseum Potsdam

The Film Museum is often overlooked due to the pulling power of Filmpark Babelsberg, the former Ufa, later DEFA, studios, which are also located in Potsdam. This modern museum is, however, definitely worth the trip for both film fanatics and regular visitors. The exhibition includes a vast collection of memorabilia from the DEFA and Ufa days. The items are authentic and have been collected with a lot of attention to detail. Highlights include items of clothing worn by Marlene Dietrich and clips from films such as the 1920s classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Admission to the Museum is EUR2. More »

Filmpark Babelsberg

Babelsberg Film Studios in Potsdam is where many of Germany's best known and most memorable films were shot, including the legendary Blue Angel with Marlene Dietrich. Home to the UfA (the German Film Association) between the wars, Babelsberg later became the base for the Defa, East Germany's major (state controlled) film producer. The studios have recently been bought by a French Media Company. The Film Park offers visitors a peek behind the scenes with visits to film sets and prop rooms. Admission costs from EUR14. More »

Fliegendes Theater Berlin

The "Flying Theatre" has adopted a novel approach to puppet theatre. Instead of hiding behind a curtain, the cast are on stage - so you can observe how they make the puppets move. This allows a different sort of interaction between the puppet master and the audience.

Founded in 1978, the "Flying Theatre" performs for adults as well as children. The performances are accompanied by music, sound and lighting and deal with themes such as social conflict and racism as well as more light-hearted topics.

A night out at the "Flying Theatre" is a magical experience not to be missed. More »

Fort Hahneberg

Fort Hahneberg, a 19th century fortress constructed to defend the cities of Berlin and Spandau, lies on the western edge of present-day Berlin. Used as barracks during the early 20th century, the fort fell into disrepair during the years of German division because it was situated in a strip of no man's land right by the Berlin Wall. Nowadays the fort is a home to several rare species of bats. Every weekend from April to October, visitors can take a guided tour through the fort's underground tunnels and vaults. More »

Fraenkelufer

Kreuzberg has two different faces. During the 1970s, innumerable run-down 19th century buildings around Hallesches Tor and Kottbusser Tor were pulled down to make way for modern tower blocks. The result: An anonymous concrete jungle. However, in the area around the Landwehrkanal - the canal which divides southern Berlin in two - residents successfully demonstrated against the demolition of their beloved old city quarter. It is here that you'll discover the other side of Kreuzberg. Careful renovation and subtle innovation have helped preserve one of Berlin's traditional working-class quarters. The best example is to be found on Fraenkelufer, a road which runs parallel to the canal. Alongside traditional houses painted in warm Mediterranean colours, futuristic modern constructions rise up from slim concrete pillars. Space has been left between the houses for flower-beds and trees. A round of applause for the architects please! More »

Französische Friedrichstadtkirche

Even Berliners would be surprised to know that the Französischer Dom is not a really a church at all. The real church - the Französische Friedrichstadtkirche - is situated next-door. A spiral staircase made of stone leads to the entrance and once inside, many visitors are surprised. From the outside the building appears to be circular, yet inside it is rectangular. And if you were expecting baroque splendour, you will be struck by the typical protestant simplicity of the interior. The dark wooden benches contrast with the grey ceilings and the only ornamentation is the symbol of God's eye on the organ.

Nowadays, the building is home to the French Reformed Church of Berlin and Brandenburg, whose roots lie with the French protestant Huguenots who fled to Prussia in the early 18th century. Services are performed in both German and French and there are regular organ concerts. More »

Französischer Dom

The Franzosischer Dom (French cathedral) is an imposing structure which stands on Gedarmenmarkt, directly opposite its identical twin, the Deutscher Dom (German cathedral). It was designed in 1701 by architects Louis Cayard and Abraham Quesnay in order to serve the French community in Berlin and to serve as a religious home for the Huguenots who had fled persecution in France. The 55m tower is particularly impressive and its bells chime three times a day at midday, 3pm and 7pm. The cathedral houses the Huguenot Museum, which documents the life of French protestants in Berlin during the 18th and 19th centuries. Church services take place in the next-door Franzosische Friedrichstadtkirche. More »

Französischer Friedhof

Contrary to other big cities, Berlin does not have one big, city cemetery, but several smaller graveyards, scattered all over the city. The Französischer Friedhof is a particularly special place, as many of the graves originate from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also the resting place of the great German writer Theodor Fontane (1819-1898), author of such classics as Effi Briest and Walks Through the Mark Brandenburg. His French-sounding name reflects his ancestry from the Huguenots, French protestants who were persecuted in their homeland and fled en masse to Berlin in the 16th century. And as this cemetery bares the name French Cemetery, you'll find plenty of similar names scattered everywhere.

Fontane's grave lies opposite the resting place of the inventor of stenography. And if you look closely, you may well come across other famous names... More »

Freie Universität Berlin

Founded by free-thinking members of East Berlin's Humboldt Universität who could not come to terms with socialist dictates, the Free University became a refuge for academics fleeing communism in the early days of the Cold War. Situated in upper-class Dahlem, the university was originally housed in several of the beautiful villas which are abundant in the area. However, as it grew in popularity, it was necessary to expand and many new buildings were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. One of the newer constructions typical of the university is the Humanities Department, a long building made of rusty steel plates. Many despise the building with its endless corridors and impenetrable labyrinth of rooms ("your lecture will be in room JK 217/b" !!!), others are enthusiastic about the green courtyards and the rooftop terraces. Just like academia, architecture can be controversial too. More »

Friedrichstraße

Friedrichstraße is Berlin's answer to the Champs Elysées, Oxford Street or Fifth Avenue, a vibrant melting pot where history, culture, entertainment and fashion meet. Before the fall of the Wall, the southern section of Friedrichstraße was located in the West, and the northern part in the East. Beginning at Mehringplatz in Kreuzberg, the two mile-long street leads through the heart of the city centre, past the former border crossing at Checkpoint Charlie, to Oranienburger Tor, unified Berlin's pulsating nightlife district.

Historically, the area around Stadtmitte underground station used to be Berlin's premier shopping district. The crossroads at Leipziger Straße were lined with swanky boutiques before wartime bombs left their deadly mark. The new shopping district is now centred around Französische Straße underground station, and includes the fabulous Galeries Lafayette, the exclusive Quartier 206 and the awe-inspiring Friedrichstadtpassagen shopping mall - three of Berlin's new architectural highlights. The northern section of the street leads into theatre town. A magnet for theatre-goers since the 19th century, visitors still pour into places like the Friedrichstadtpalast, Berliner Ensemble, Deutsches Theater and Kammerspiele. Have fun! More »

Galerie argus fotokunst

Marienstraße isn't normally associated with art galleries. Yet with its run-down and graffiti-strewn turn of the century houses, the street is almost a gallery in itself. This small gallery of photographic art resides in one of these classic old buildings. The rickety old stairs that lead up to the gallery are made of wood, and the wooden floorboards creak as you walk over them. The whitewashed walls make the perfect backdrop for an innovative collection of black and white photographic art. More »

Galerie der Romantik

Located for many years in Schloß Charlottenburg, the Gallery of the Romantics recently moved to the Old National Gallery on Museum Island. This wonderful collection of paintings by the leading German artists of the Romantic era includes works by Casper David Friedrich, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Carl Blechen and Philipp Otto Runge. If you're into melancholy landscapes, this is the place for you. More »

Galerie Gebauer

Busy Torstraße in eastern Berlin is hardly a top address, yet Galerie Gebauer is one of the many modern art galleries to have moved there in recent years. The flight of stairs leading to the gallery, with patterned tiles and old wooden banisters, dates back almost a century and still conveys much of Berlin's pre-war charm. The gallery itself is painted in neutral white. Three large rooms with high ceilings provide plenty of space for you to wander around and admire the art works on display. Fortunately, this refuge of modern art is well away from the noisy main road. More »

galerie georg nothelfer

'Tachism, German informal, scriptural and gestural painting', is how the gallery describes its collection. If you don't know what they are on about, try to imagine the styles of Klee, Kandinsky, Braque and Toulouse-Lautrec, and you'll then have some idea of what's on display. Featured artists include Edouardo Chillida, Antoni Tàpies, Cy Twombly, Ouhi Cha, Jan Voss, Adochi, Max Neumann and Arnulf Rainer, as well as pieces by Christo and Henri Michaux. More »

Galerie im Körnerpark

When this green oasis in built-up Neukölln was created 100 years ago, no one could guess that it would one day be ruined by the noise of aircraft overhead. The building of Tempelhof Airport in the 1930's threatened to be the end of the idyllic park. Officials wanted to remove it, but the park was eventually saved thanks to protests by locals. Fortunate, because Tempelhof Airport now has little air traffic and Körnerpark has returned to its original peaceful state. The neo-classical Orangerie has a small café and an art gallery - the Galerie im Körnerpark - one of Berlin's most atmospheric exhibition centres. More »

Galerie Kienzle & Gmeiner GmbH

The gallery writes in its brochure: "The city is internationally known for representing a critical art concept, which for example, the Berlin Biennale stands for. However, the exhibitions and events seem to be less important than the place that is putting them on. With a few exceptions, the spectrum represented by galleries does not overlap with what is really happening in the art scene".

This is highly reflective of the state of art in Berlin today. Kienzle & Gmeiner deal with "communication between past and present" on the one hand, and the "realities of an art gallery" on the other hand. More »

Galerie Leo.Coppi

Located in a pavilion at the far end of the Hackesche Höfe complex in the centre of eastern Berlin, Galerie Leo.Coppi is home to exhibitions of figurative and expressive art, paintings, sculpture and graphics by local artists. The friendly proprietor will be glad to provide you with further information about the artists. More »

Galerie Maschenmode

Art isn't meant to be easy, and it's not easy to get into this gallery either. The only way of finding out what is on show is to take a look at the website. And you can't just turn up when you feel like it. Visits used to be by appointment only, but the gallery now has regular, if not particularly lengthy opening hours. Maschenmode is one of the new trend-setting galleries in Mitte. It isn't located on the main strip around Oranienburger Straße, but in Torstraße, a main road devoid of charm, where the East is still the East and where art seems exotic. More »

Galerie Max Hetzler

Previously situated in West Berlin, the gallery has since moved to the eastern part of the city, close to where the Wall used to be. One of the oldest and largest galleries in town, Max Hetzler exhibits high-quality works by well-established contemporary artists. Some of the names on show are Darren Almond, Larry Clark, Jeff Koons, Albert Oehlen, Thomas Struth, Sarah Morris, Georg Herold, Martin Kippenberger and Jean-Marc Bustamante. More »

Galerie Parterre

Prenzlauer Berg's residents did everything they could to save the historic gas works on Danziger Straße. Yet the socialist city authorities were hell-bent on building even more grey tower-blocks and knocked down the industrial landmark in the early eighties. Only the former administration centre with its yellow brick facade and wooden balconies was left untouched. Now a cultural centre, Galerie Parterre occupies the ground floor of the building and exhibits works by contemporary artists. The building is also home to Theater unterm Dach, Wabe Club and Café Voltaire. More »

galerie wieland

"This gallery is one of the latest additions to Berlin's arts scene. The first exhibition included an installation entitled The loss of the centre - referring to the neglect of craftsmanship in modern-day Germany as well as to the negative changes taking place in the central Berlin district known as Mitte. Other early exhibitions included unusual works using a variety of artistic techniques, including a puppet show and light show." More »

galerie wohnmaschine

Wohnmaschine (meaning "living machine" is a gallery in artist Friedrich Look's own home. Since opening in 1988, Look has worked intensively with young artists from Berlin and elsewhere. Between 1995 and 1997, he put on a series of thematic exhibitions, one of which can be viewed at http://www.plueshow.de/bild-malerei/ The gallery normally exhibits works which refer to the context of art and deal with photography and space as well as individual and collective roles (eg. in exhibitions such as Architecture and the Modern Mask, 1998). More »

Gedenkstaette Deutscher Widerstand Museum

During World War II, this complex was the headquarters of the German Army's High Command. Scores of its officers were involved in the July 20th, 1944 plot to assassinate Hitler. Three plotters, including Claus von Stauffenberg, who planted the unsuccessful bomb, were executed in the command's courtyard the same night. Today the museum documents not only this story, but that of other resisters of the Nazi regime, including artists, clergymen, and people distinguished by their moral fiber. More »

Gedenkstätte Plötzensee

Surrounded by blossoming trees and peaceful lakes, Plötzensee seems a pleasant place on first appearances. Yet Plötzensee prison was the scene of some of the most monstrous crimes in the Third Reich. Over 2,500 political prisoners were executed here in 1933-45, including the members of the July 1944 bomb plot to assassinate Hitler (see Gedenkstätte deutscher Widerstand). Hitler ordered that the plotters be hanged with chicken wire so that they would be slowly strangled rather than dying quickly of a broken neck. He then watched films of the executions at his home in the evening. Of all Berlin's memorials to Nazi crimes, Plötzensee is perhaps the most horrific and the most chilling. The main building is still used as a prison for young offenders, but the execution chamber has been turned into a museum. More »

Gemäldegalerie

Beginning in the glass-roofed central courtyard, visitors can move at will through every epoch of art from the medieval era to the 18th century. Each section is divided from the others by different coloured partitions, yet there are also views which allow visitors to see the relationship between works from different eras. This museum in the Kulturforum was opened in 1999 to great public and critical acclaim, finally bringing together East and West Berlin's great art collections (including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Breughel and Canaletto) under one roof. The only people to disagree are the experts, who point out that the museum was originally intended to house modern art and not the current collection of 13th-18th century European paintings. Admission: One day pass EUR 4; concessions EUR 2. More »

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is considered by many to be Berlin's prettiest square. Flanked by the twin churches Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom, the square is crowned by Schinkel's neoclassical masterpiece, the Konzerthaus. The name of the square comes from the 'Soldier King' Frederick William I, who housed his cavalry (gens d'arms) here in the early 18th century. The Französischer Dom (French cathedral) offered refuge to the French Huguenot community who fled to Prussia to escape persecution in 18th century France. The ground floor now houses a museum, while the dome offers fantastic panoramic views over the city. More »

Georg-Kolbe-Museum

This museum is located in the former home of Georg Kolbe, who is considered by many to be one of the greatest sculptors of the early twentieth century. His works draw heavily on the natural human form, while later sculptures were influenced by Nazi ideology. The museum contains over 200 sculptures and 1,500 sketches, as well as his original sculpting equipment, furniture and other personal effects. Admission: EUR 3 More »

Glienicker Brücke

For decades it bridged the River Havel without ever really connecting one side with the other. This was where West Berlin ended and East Germany started, the inpenetrable Iron Curtain drawn through the middle of the bridge. During the Cold War, this was the place where spies were exchanged on foggy November mornings. Then suddenly, ten years ago, this majestic construction underwent a sudden changed of image - becoming one of the most potent symbols of reunification: A bridge that connected and unified. Situated between Berlin and Potsdam, it now offers visitors a unique view over the River Havel and the surrounding forests where you can spot the occasional castle, church or pavilion. More »

Glockenturm des Olympiastadions

Although just 77m high, the Olympic Stadium's bell tower actually appears to be much higher than it really is. Built on a hilltop, Nazi architects knew a thing or two about designing imposing buildings. From the top of the tower, visitors get a stunning view of the surrounding area, from Potsdam in the west to the Müggel mountains in the east. It also offers a good overview of the entire Olympic complex including the impressive Waldbühne amphitheatre and the Maifeld arena, designed by Hitler's architects to resemble the original ancient Greek Olympic site. More »

Görlitzer Park

Once the site of one of Berlin's main railway stations, the whole area was reduced to rubble during the War and remained that way until being transformed into a park during the 1980s. The eighties weren't known for their beautiful landscape gardens, as is clear from this example, but Görlitzer Park is full of life and is a popular weekend retreat for Kreuzberg's multi-ethnic community, when it becomes a football field, a dance floor, a picnic spot and meeting place for families and friends.

The only architectural feature worthy of mention is the Pamukkal Turkish fountain. Built in 1998, the fountain has recently been turned off due to technical problems. Typical! More »

Gotisches Haus

Built in the mid-fifteenth century, the Gothic House is one of historic Spandau's oldest buildings. The red brick facade hides its medieveal origins to passers-by, yet those entering the building will immediately notice the Gothic ceilings with their characteristic arches. The first floor contains a small museum which recounts the history of Spandau from the thirteenth century until the present day. As well as a selection of archaeological treasures displayed in shiny glass cases, the museum incorporates a nineteenth century kitchen and bourgeois living room.

Admission: free More »

Großer Wannsee

Take a day to rejuvenate from a busy vacation while soaking up rays from the sun on the shoreline of the Großer Wannsee, the great lake of western Berlin. Relax on the beach while the waves lap over your feet and your kids swim in the water. If you're looking for more adventure, rent a sail boat or sign up for one of the two hour boat cruises that take you on a tour around the lake. Your kids can take a ride on the slide over the water, or grab an ice cream cone at one of the shops on the promenade while you spend time people watching, as this place gets busy when the sun comes out! More »

Gründerzeitmuseum