Built on sand on around the banks of the river Spree, Berlin has been one of Europe's most influential economic, cultural and political centres - for better or worse - since it's origins as a trading post in the 13th century. It was capital of both the Prussian and the German Empire until World War I uprooted the Hohenzollern dynasty, which had ruled since the 15th Century. After the War the Weimer Republic was established and Berlin enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity and creativity - known as the 'Golden Twenties'. In the 30s however the German economy was collapsing and a accumulation of socio-political reasons saw Hitler and the Nazi party seize power.

There are so many things to do in Berlin it’s hard to choose. But there are 10 things to do in Berlin you should definitely not miss when you’re in Berlin. If you’ve been to Berlin you probably know the following. I hope you do. If not or if you’re a first-timer these are the top ten things for you to see and do in Berlin.

 

The Brandenburger Tor is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks and an icon of the city of Berlin. During its more than 300-year history, it has played many different roles. It has been a symbol for peace, war, victory, terror and war all over (that time the cold one) and since 1989 it stands for the reunification of Germany. 

 

The Fernsehturm was built in the late 1960ies in what used to be East Berlin. With its 368 meters it’s the tallest structure in Germany. From the observation deck you have a breathtaking view over Berlin, at clear visibility up to 42 kilometers

 

There are about 200 museums in Berlin. You will find some of the most important ones all in one spot at the “Museumsinsel”, the Museum Island in the Spree river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museums there mostly display important historical artifacts from antiquity such as the famous Ishtar gate of ancient Babylon or the bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti.

 

If there is anything you really need to eat in Berlin – it’s a Currywurst. A hot sausage cut in slices with ketchup and curry powder. Invented in 1949 by Herta Heuwer in Berlin, it’s Germany’s most popular fast food. So where will you find the best one? Well, I think Konnopke’s in Prenzlauer Berg is the best but just eat your way through Berlin and you will find your favorite!

 

Having been the best known border crossing point between East and West Berlin, this checkpoint is a symbol of the Cold War. Many GDR citizens left East Berlin through this loophole. After the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961 this was the place where the famous standoff between US and Soviet tanks happened