Local Attractions
A city brimming with diversity, Berlin is a hub of historical, cultural, and artistic activities. Here we’ve put together a list of some of Berlin’s most popular attractions on a budget, with the majority of these being free to the public.
- Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of unity and peace, Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most famous and iconic landmarks. Built in 1971, it used to serve as a dividing point between West and East Berlin. Nowadays, this popular attraction can be visited at any time.
- Reichstag Building: Another prominent monument in Berlin is The Reichstag Building, with its unique architectural style and large glass dome with an interior view of the parliament chambers. The dome’s primary appeal, however, is its impressive 360 view of the city.
- Museums: Berlin houses plenty of museums to help you get to know the city’s dynamic history. UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Island, the Palace of Tears, the Topography of Terror, and the Berlin Wall Memorial are some of the most widely visited.
- East Side Gallery: After the fall of the Berlin wall, 118 artists from 21 countries redesigned part of it into the longest open-air gallery in the world. One of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions, it’s a remarkable artistic landmark reflecting on the past.
- Tiergarten: The Tiergarten park and former royal hunting ground is one of Berlin’s oldest, biggest, and most popular public parks. It houses various famous sculptures and offers residents a green place to relax and enjoy recreational activities.
- Postdamer Platz: Another top attraction is visiting Berlin’s urban centre, Postdamer Platz. Home to high-rise skyscrapers and many famous shops, restaurants, theatres, architecture, and the fastest elevator in Europe, it’s one of the city’s liveliest areas.
Besides sightseeing, Berlin offers a wide range of activities to help you to relax and enjoy your free time in between your studies.
- Gyms: If you want to stay fit while you study, Berlin has a few affordable gym memberships to choose from. McFit and FitX are located near the university and are the least expensive of the bunch, with monthly rates of 16.99 and 20.00 euros respectively.
- Movie theatres: You can catch the latest blockbusters just a 10 min walk away from the university at CinemaX. If you’re a true cinephile, you can check out some of Berlin’s many arthouse or indie theatres, such as Kiez Kino in the heart of Kreuzburg or Kino International on Karl-Marx-Allee.
- Pubs and clubs: Nearby neighbourhoods Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Neukolin make up part of the cultural heart of Berlin. Nightlife meccas for students, they offer a variety of options, from drinking hotspots to live music experiences. Klunkerkranich is one popular cultural venue in the area which combines a beautiful view of the city with a rooftop terrace, cocktail bar, and indoor club.
Whether you want to get to know the local history, admire unique architecture and art, or get in on some leisure time, Berlin is the city that can fulfill your every whim. Across almost every corner of the capital there’s something compelling waiting for you to discover.
If you would like to continue to explore our Berlin Student Guide, please click here.