If you find yourself in Berlin and you wish to tour this great city on foot without hurting your pocket then the best way to go is to take a free walking tour. One of the great things of Berlin is easy accessibility of all its sightseeing and extraordinary architectural landmarks as well as cultural districts which are perfect for walking tours. In this blog post, we will consider and discuss some of the most famous attractions which can be visited in Berlin during a Free Walking Tour.
1. Brandenburg Gate
Among the main attractions of Berlin the Brandenburg Gate can be numbered as one of the indispensable objects for a walking tour. This neo-classical structure was constructed in the Eighteen Century and is also encompasses the reunification of Berlin. It stands at the beginning of the Avenue of the Linden Trees, which gave the Union name in English for this street in German: Unter den Linden.
2. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is yet among those significant places that could be discussed when mentioning the history of Cold War. Standing in Friedrichstadt this former Checkpoint in Berlin used by East and West Berliners offers information about the division of the city and the many who tried to flee across the divide.
3. Berlin Wall Memorial
The tour that involves strolling though the remains of the Berlin Wall is quite thought provoking and gives full sense of the city ’ s story and division. Bernauer Strasse has a preserved part of the actual wall; there is an exhibition area; there is a documentation center at this place where one can understand the effect of this wall on the whole of Berlin and its people.
4. Museum Island
Culture lovers will be able to spend hours at this place as there is a range of historical objects there starting from it’s own Museum Island. Located on the Spree River, this 26-hectare complex houses five star attractions of the city: the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Bode Museum. It is however important to note that entrance to these museums is not free, but during your walking tour you can at least tour around the exterior of these architectural marvels.
5. Gendarmenmarkt
This place is among the most beautiful squares in Berlin, so it is worth stopping here if you are walking through the city. With the German and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus Berlin taking the places at its sides, this is situated in the Mitte district. The architectural ensemble and the amount of people rushing through and staying there for a moment makes this place perfect for that.
6. East Side Gallery
The longest surviving stretch is the East Side Gallery that has been turned into an open-air art precinct where painters from different parts of the globe can freely paint murals on the wall. Stroll along the Painted Walls and have a feeling of hope to be witnessed on this historical structure.
7. Reichstag Building
The Reichstag Building is where Germany’s Parliament meets and an architectural landmark as well. The most attractive from that guests’ point of view is the huge glass dome of the Reichstag which provides the excellent view of Berlin. Although there is no charge for getting into the dome proper, the exhibition’s regular entrance requires pre-registration. It will be advisable to factor this gorgeous building into your walking tour.
8. Tiergarten
Tired of the noise and activity in the city, then the Tiergarten, which is the largest park in Berlin, should interest you. This park is also aesthetically pleasing with its green trails for walking, lovely gardens and an opportunity to spot wildlife. And it is here that one can definitely agree to take a walk and enjoy the view of this beautiful city in Berlin.
9. Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is essentially the centre of East Berlin and is formed of shops, restaurants or even monuments like the TV Tower. Swallow a coffee in one of the outdoor cafes, get through the World Clock, and enjoy the great energy of this active square.
10. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz is a lively and contemporary traffic island which represents the city’s resurrection. This has changed from being a ‘no go zone’ during the time of the falling of the Berlin Wall to becoming one of the most developed, containing the best architectural building, shopping mall and fun centers. As may be expected, there is no better place to disperse after your walking tour than in the middle of the cities vibrant buzz.
As for these attractions, the mentioned sights can be visited during the free walking tour, but, of course, it is always nice to tip the guide who will reveal the interesting information to you. Please, wear comfortable shoes, take a bottle of water with you, as well as cameral to snap the most memorable sights of the historical and cultural Berlin!
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