The postcard shows the lively city of Berlin with its amazing heritage, art, and the present time contemplating. In the case, you have limited time but would like to at least try to grasp the atmosphere of this city, a Free Walking Tour will give you a brief yet rich overview of what you can see in Berlin in one day. Here we will guide you through the most interesting places (or must-see attractions) in Berlin and offer some useful pieces of advice.
Planning Your Day: Time, Route, and Essentials
When taking your free walking tour, there are several things that one needs to do to ensure that they make the best of their days. Berlin is a large city with many interesting places, it’s reasonable to choose an itinerary that will include main attractions while coordinating them in terms of time.
Time Allocation
Your walking tour should take about six to eight hours to make sure that you will suffice the amount of time that you need to visit each of the sight. Some of the most popular Berlin’s attractions are located in different areas of the city, so bear this in mind if planning to visit most of them. It is advisable to devote more time to the landmarks that are of much concern and mainly attractive to an individual.
Choosing the Right Route
If you don’t have time to strictly adhere to this schedule, there are suggested walking tours that touch most of the main attractions. There is a approximate tour that cover, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Wall, and Alexanderplatz. This route offers both cultural and historical sites complemented by wonderful pieces of architecture.
It pays to use map application or to print out a map before plotting your course. Such maps come in handy especially when one is on a tour and there is no connectivity issue in the area of the tour.
Essentials to Bring
Before starting on a walking tour, there are several things one should be ready to handle. Here are a few essential items you should have:
Comfortable shoes: Be ready for a lot of walking, so try not to wear shoes you are not comfortable in for extended periods.
Weather-appropriate clothing: The weather of the city is fairly changeable so it’s better to dress in several layers and take an umbrella or a coat with you.
Sunscreen and hat: Stay under the sun if it is sunny out there.
Bottle of water and snacks: When choosing what to pack, don’t forget your refillable water bottle and something to munch on during the tour.
Camera or smartphone: Juxtapose the picturesque moments and outstanding impressions on the way at your convenience.
Guidebook or digital guide: A guidebook will enrich your knowledge or, if you have a boring smartphone with a rather good application that offers description of every SIGHT.
Comfortable shoes: Also, it is advisable to be prepared for many walking activities so as not to have feet issues.
Weather-appropriate clothing: The climate is somewhat changeable, so be prepared for each kind of climate and always have an umbrella or raincoat with you.
Sunscreen and hat: For fine weather cover yourself against the sun.
Bottle of water and snacks: Better take a bottle of water with you and some snacks because when attending the tours, people usually get dehydrated.
Camera or smartphone: Take pictures of the great views and all other interesting discoveries seen on the move.
Guidebook or digital guide: You can travel with a guidebook to add to your understanding or download a good application that gives information on the sights.
Discovering Berlin’s Top Sights
Now that you’re well-prepared, let’s dive into the top sights you’ll encounter on your free walking tour of Berlin.
1. Brandenburg Gate
You can begin your tour at the central of Berlin and the center of German reunification, the Brandenburg Gate. This is one of the monuments of the 18th century, the architecture of which refers to the neoclassical style. Take a look at this imposing structure and have your pictures taken in front of this stunning building. The final important thing to check out is the Quadriga on the gate we see.
2. Reichstag Building
If you take a ten minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate, you will find yourself at the Reichstag building; the home of the German Parliament. It is a complex designed in both historical and contemporary architectural styles and standards. Although visiting the Reichstag dome involves prior registration, it is worth visiting only the exterior part of the building. Visit and the futuristic glasstal desinged by Sir Norman Foster and observe the views of whole city.
3. Museum Island
Go to the Museum Island, which is a part of UNESCO world heritage list, that contains the majority of the famous Berlin’s museums. Visit the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Bauhaus Archive, New Museum, Old National Gallery and the Old Museum. There is a great number of museums in Berlin, all of them hosted great collections of art, artifacts, and historical pieces.
4. Checkpoint Charlie
If you fancy a slight turn from your walking tour, you can visit one of the most popular Cold War borders, Checkpoint Charlie. Full details of what occurred at this strategic river crossing are revealed. Have your picture taken with people dressed as Cold War soldiers and learn more about the story behind the Berlin Wall.
5. Berlin Wall
Coming to Berlin without a view of the remaining Berlin Wall is incomplete. Situated close to Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery presents stunning exploring art and history, where applied fascinating murals which painted on the segment of the wall. Spend some time and read the strong messages brought out in the artwork and ponder on the history of this great city.
6. Alexanderplatz
The last site you should visit is Alexanderplatz, a busy city square occupying the central place in Berlin. Take a view of the provocative Berlin TV Tower which is one of the symbols of the city, have a nice view at the bustling city. If you get free time then to go for shopping sites and you can also taste the coffee or any German pastries in the cafes.
A Few More Recommendations to Follow When on Your Walking Tour
Here are a few extra tips to make the most of your day in Berlin:
To avoid big crowds it is advisable to start your tour in the morning.
It is advisable to take breaks an rest as often as needed. Take pleasure to the local cafes and parks along the way of traveling.
Ask your tour guide or people you are traveling with or even with yourself. They may be helpful in suggestions and recommendations on some locations.
It is also suggested to take a guided walking tour that will give more insights and information about the city.
During touring at memorials and areas of historical significance, be polite. Obey any other rules or regulation in so far as you are concerned.
This way you won’t be caught off guard when some places are closed for the day and you have not seen that specific sight.
This tour often attracts a large number of tourists, so it would be advisable to start it early in the morning.
Rest and break as much as needed, take your time to recover. Have some snack at any of the cafes along the way or have a picnic at some of the beautiful parks found along the way.
Talk with your guide or other travelers and don’t hesitate to ask questions. They can also offer some useful information and recommendations related to this region.
It may be helpful to take a professional guided walking tour of the city to learn more about the place.
Remember to respect the sites where the events of September 11 happened when you have a visit there. Any specific instructions should be followed strictly.
These are specially advisable when accompanying children; it is always useful to know beforehand when attractions are open.
That is all from this guide and so you are now equipped to take on an exciting trip through some of the best tourist attractions in Berlin. Experience a great historic and cultural atmosphere, check the outline of the facades and details of houses, buildings and other structures during the Free walking tour . Have fun, make some beautiful souvenirs and learn a lot about this amazing city – Berlin!
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