Alternative Sights to See
The following sights are some of the more unique or off the beaten track sights to see in Berlin.
Charlottenburg Palace
Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin
Located just west of the city, the 17th century Charlottenburg Palace was formerly the home of German Royalty. Today you can explore the luxurious palace as well as wander through the extensive, manicured park-like gardens. The interior of the palace is faithful to its original appearance and you can explore the bedrooms, banqueting halls, chapel, mausoleum and more. Each lavishly decorated room contains fine furniture and great works of art, and there are collections of fine china and crown jewels. Outside, the large palace garden next to the River Spree, has taken inspiration from Versailles and is a lovely place to go for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Berliner Philharmonie
Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin
Home to the acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berliner Philharmonie is a modernist architectural masterpiece and the perfect venue to hear one of the best orchestras in the world. Designed from the inside out by architect Hans Scharoun, the outside of the Philharmonie looks like a giant yellow tent, while inside, the audience surrounds the orchestra in tiered terraces. The acoustics are world class and the orchestra puts them to good use over 100 times each year. Every Tuesday at 1pm the orchestra plays a free 45 minute concert, so pop along and experience it for yourself!
Jewish Museum Berlin
Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin
Opening in 2001, in a baroque building with striking zinc-panelled additions by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Jewish Museum Berlin is the largest Jewish Museum in Europe and is dedicated to sharing Jewish history and culture. The museum contains works of art, objects of religious use, photographs and many individual collections documenting and commemorating the people whose stories they tell. The museum’s design is modern and unique and at times you are both interacting with the artefacts on show, as well as the architectural design. While It can be sombre experience to visit this site and engage with the commemoration of the past, in particular the Holocaust, this museum serves its purpose and will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Hackesche Höfe
In central Mitte, through a tunnel off Rosenthaler Straße, you’ll find eight interconnecting courtyards, forming a hip urban oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central Berlin. Each courtyard is different, with fashion and design boutiques, a theatre and cinema. Some courtyards have gardens and fountains, while others have restaurants and bars spilling out onto the square. Surrounded by beautifully restored Art Nouveau building facades, Hackesche Höfe is a great spot to grab a coffee or do some shopping. At night the area around Hackesche Höfe becomes one of Berlin’s most popular nightlife spots.
Gendarmenmarkt
One of the largest and most beautiful squares in the city, Gendarmenmarkt is surrounded by three handsome buildings, the Konzerthaus (Concert House), Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and Französischer Dom (French Cathedral). The square is surrounded by some of Berlin’s nicest hotels and restaurants and is a lovely place to stop and sit for a while, taking in the architectural beauty. In the winter months, the square is home to one of Berlin’s most popular Christmas Markets as well as an ice skating rink. In the summer, the Konzerthausorchester, the Concert House Orchestra, Berlin play concerts on the steps of the Konzerthaus.
Ampelmann
While you are in Berlin, keep your eyes peeled for Ampelmann (the traffic light man), the East German symbols shown on pedestrian crossing signals. They have developed such a cult following there are specific shops devoted to selling souvenirs of the characters! There is even a giant 3.5 metre tall Ampelmann statue on In den Ministergärten (street) not too far from Potzdamer Platz.
