It’s Alexanderplatz, a square in Berlin, Germany. It’s iconic locally and not just a transportation hub but also a vibrant cultural and commercial center known to locals as “Alex.” Alexanderplatz has a lot of rich history and now has many modern attractions that let both locals and tourists dive into it.
The History of Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz has been named after the Russian emperor, Tsar Alexander I. A cattle market in the Middle Ages, it grew in 19th century to become a leading commercial area.
But it was really during the Cold War era that Alexanderplatz made its name. Under the German Democratic Republic was the square in East Berlin a symbol of socialist architecture and urban planning. The major landmarks of the time were built at this time such as infamous Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and infamous Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock).
A Panoramic View of Berlin
The Fernsehturm was one of the most recognizable landmarks in Berlin with its height of 368 meter. Given that the tip is quite a fair way up, you get completely breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Some 200 meters above the ground, visitors can enjoy the stunning vistas with a trip to the observation deck and then eat in the revolving Sphere Restaurant.
Tip: To prevent waiting in long lines, you should purchase your tickets prior to arrival online. Watching Berlin change from day to night is an interesting reason to visit, but especially during sunset.
A Symbol of International Time – the Weltzeituhr
The unique landmark at Alexanderplatz is the Weltzeituhr, or World Time Clock. The time machine is a designed object of the 1960s representing different time zones and showing today’s time in the main cities of the world. It is a great rendezvous point for locals and tourists so before venturing into the buzzing surroundings, locals and tourists often meet at this popular meeting spot.
We are Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment.
The shops on Alexanderplatz range between huge department stores and luxury boutiques. Here, you will find whatever it is, whether high end fashion or cheap souvenirs. The world famous Galeria Kaufhof is a must see with so much to offer from clothing to home goods.
When you have been shopping all day you can enjoy a culinary trip to one of the many restaurants and Eateries around Alexanderplatz. Any taste will be catered to ranging from traditional German cuisine all the way to international delights. In addition to snacks street food vendors also offer a huge variety of delicious snacks for a quick bite on the go.
Alexanderplatz isn’t as much just a daytime location — the vibrant nightlife comes to life when the sun sets. Bars, nightclubs and theaters are as frequent as you can find, with entertainment forms for all tastes. Relax with a drink and take in the lively atmosphere or jump up and dance the night away to the latest beats and catch a live performance.
Transportation Hub
It’s much more than a cultural hub, but also a transport hub of major proportions centered in Alexanderplatz, it is. Various modes of transport serve the square, so it’s easy to explore the city and beyond. Many other bus and tram lines make Berlin very easy to get around and the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations offer very good connections to other parts of Berlin.
Alexanderplatz makes an excellent base from which to do a walking tour around Berlin’s various neighbourhoods, if you prefer to wander on foot. From here, you can see the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, and Brandenburg Gate amongst other notable things.
Things to do when You are in Alexanderplatz
- Alexanderplatz is a big area to explore and wear comfortable shoes.
- If you do visit the TV Tower then the idea is to buy a combined ticket including a fast entry.
- If you see the side streets around Alexanderplatz, then take your time to go and see. They hide comments and gesheft shops.
- At Alexanderplatz, for instance, pickpockets are a reality — so watch your belongings.
- A Christmas market takes place in the square in December.
- In general Alexanderplatz is a big place to walk around, so wear comfy shoes.
- If you are planning to visit the TV Tower, consider getting a combined ticket that includes fast track entry, as well.
- Alexanderplatz has plenty of side streets to explore, take your time around and see what they hold.
- If you visit one of the more crowded areas such as Alexanderplatz be aware of your belongings, as it is known that there are pickpockets.
- The square transforms into a European style Christmas market in December and it’s worth considering making a destination out of the visit.
That’s why, if you have an interest in history, shopping, or just wanting to get lost in the electric atmosphere of Berlin, then Alexanderplatz is a must visit. Visit the best known landmarks, do some retail therapy, eat lots of different cuisines, stay until dark and discover what makes this truly remarkable square so fabulous.
