Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

Discovering Berlin: Germany’s Vibrant Capital

by | Nov 4, 2024 | Original Berlin

Examining Berlin’s Political Situation

About the Berlin political situation, numerous people sometimes ask whether Berlin is a city or a state. This is an extremely interesting question of response. Unlike most classic capitals, Berlin is a city as well as a state in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Touring Berlin as a State

Berlin, like a state, boasts an Abgeordnetenhaus, or parliament, constitution, and government. Managing city-state affairs including education, transit, and healthcare falls to the state government. Representing Berlin at the national level, its Mayor—also known as the Governing Mayor—heads the state administration.

Abgeordnetenshouse

Berlin is the smallest state in Germany by area—roughly 891 square kilometers—an interesting fact about which is Still, its population of more than 3.7 million makes it the most populous city in Germany, which adds to its dynamic and varied vibe.

Berlin’s Special History

One can only fully see Berlin’s situation politically by examining her particular past. After World War II, the Allied powers—United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, and France—too being triumphant, divided Berlin in four sections. Finally, this resulted in 1961 building the infamous Berlin Wall.

In 1990 the Berlin Wall fell and East and West Germany were re-united, Berlin returned to be the capital of a united Germany. But much of Berlin’s identity as a state and a city is given by its historic relevance.

Identifying Berlin as a City

Beyond its political standing as a state, Berlin is among the most fascinating and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It is well known for its historical sites, active nightlife, and strong artistic scene.

An Arts and Cultural Hub

Ever since Berlin has long been a magnet for artists, musicians and creatives from all over the world. There are many art galleries, museums and shows the city hold including the famous Altes Museum and its Pergamon Museum on Museum Island.

Besides the regular cultural events and celebrations Berlin also hosts the Christopher Street Day Parade in commemoration of LGBTQ+ rights, the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) and the Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures).

Historical Significance

Berlin is like getting into time. Many historical sites dotted around the city’s stormy past. What was once a Cold War symbol of separation is now also a symbol of freedom: the Brandenburg Gate. The Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie Museum are also notable honouring the sites of Berlin’s turbulent history as well as the Holocaust Memorial.

Berlin’s vibrant night scene

At sundown, when you couldn’t find Berlin if you tried, its famous nightlife scene is bursting to the brim. Rooftop bars, little beer gardens, subterranean clubs, it’s there for you. The spectrum of techno music in Berlin attracts electronic music aficionados because it’s a wide place, open to all kinds of techno.

In conclusion

Berlin is finally in a way a special city state one can’t really simply classify. Germany is both a state of Germany and the capital. As a result, the administrative system of Berlin is simply a matter of politics: the metropolis enjoys its reputation as being a world class metropolis as a result of its culture, its historical relevance.

No matter what you are interested in – learning about its rich past, absorbing its diverse culture or going out and enjoying the (always lively) nightlife – Berlin has it all. You should experience this city, and it’s worth seeing.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free