Germany’s vibrant capital city is a location rich in historical and cultural landmarks. A complex conglomeration of past and present people and events, Berlin embodies the spirit of a traditional European city transformed into a modern metropolis. With Gray Line, you can explore this incredible urban wonderland from the comfort of a double-decker bus. Hop On Hop Off passes allow you to disembark and reboard at any of our route stops, a service that provides the utmost flexibility for exploring the sites that you’re most interested in. Listen to captivating stories from knowledgeable Gray Line guides and get recommendations for the best attractions, restaurants, and night clubs from our local team members. Don’t miss out on this journey through one of the most significant places in German, European, and — indeed — international history!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Berlin
Known as the Brandenburger Tor in German, the Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument located in the heart of Berlin. Constructed between 1788 and 1791, the gate was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a symbol of peace. It also marked the entrance to Berlin along the Unter den Linden boulevard. With Athens’ Acropolis as his inspiration, architect Carl Gotthard Langhans included 12 Doric columns that form five passageways. During the Cold War, this landmark was rendered inaccessible to both sides of divided Berlin due to its placement directly next to the Berlin Wall. The Quadriga, a chariot statue with a storied history of its own, sits at the top of the gate and is clearly visible to tourists.
Museum Island is a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Spree River in Berlin. Home to five renowned museums, this historical and cultural installation holds an extensive collection of artistic works and significant artifacts spanning from antiquity to the 19th century. Highlights include the Pergamon Museum — where visitors can see the architectural fragments of Babylon’s Ishtar Gate — and the Neues Museum’s famous Egyptian Bust of Nefertiti.
Be impressed by the incredible transformation of what was once Tempelhof Airport into Tempelhofer Feld! As one of the oldest airports in the world, Tempelhof Airport opened in 1928 and played a critical role in the famous Berlin Airlift of 1948 and 1949. With a significant military presence dating back to the 18th century, this location underwent major changes in 2008 and is now one of the largest urban parks in the world. Go cycling, engage in some kite flying, have a picnic, and check out the impressive community gardens when you stop by.
Erected in 1961, the Berlin Wall is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the post-World War II Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States. Dividing Soviet-occupied East Berlin from its Western counterpart, the wall officially ‘came down’ on November 9, 1989. Today, a significant stretch of the physical barrier has been transformed into the East Side Gallery with approximately 106 murals expressing themes of freedom, unity, and resilience in the face of hardship. The longest open-air art gallery in the world, must-see installations include “The Fraternal Kiss,” “Test the Rest,” and the “The Wall Jumper.” Declared a National Monument in 1992, the Berlin Wall is easily accessible to travelers staying in the city.
Perhaps the beverage most associated with Germany is — you guessed it — beer! Berlin’s craft beer scene is no exception to this nationwide stereotype, particularly as recent years have seen a veritable renaissance of new breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms popping up alongside more traditional venues. Since 1516, German laws have been passed to regulate the ingredients that can go into beer recipes, but the 21st century has seen the rise of innovative brews that both diversify and complement more traditional menu options. Locations like BRLO Brwhouse, Vagabund Brauerei, and Heidenpeters are particular Berlin standouts.
You haven’t experienced Germany until you’ve tried one of its signature pretzels, known as Brezel. This beloved, doughy staple has origins tracing back to the Bavarian regions of Germany. Traditionally part of German baking since at least the Middle Ages, Brezel-making became industrialized and widely available for the whole country (and later, world). The Brezel Company offers both conventional and creative variations that include anything from poppy seeds to cheese. Although Berlin has many Brezel-serving establishments, check out the city’s street food markets for a homemade, fresh version of the snack.
The Berlin TV Tower is one Berlin’s most prominent landmarks standing at 368 meters (1,207 feet) tall. Constructed in the mid-1960s, the Fernsehturm (as it’s known in German) was designed to be a television broadcast facility and a symbol of the Soviet Union’s power. Beginning as a symbolic representation of Berlin’s division into two cities, the tower now serves as a popular attraction that benefits the entire region by driving over a million tourists a year to its beautiful panoramic deck. The observation deck allows guests to get 360-degree views of Berlin, with visibility reaching up to 42 kilometers (26 miles) on clear days.
Known locally as “Checkpoint C,” Checkpoint Charlie was established in 1961 as the principal crossing point between divided East and West Berlin. The checkpoint was named using the letter “C” from the NATO phonetic alphabet. Soviet construction of the Berlin Wall happened suddenly and traumatically separated numerous families literally overnight. Constructed as a means to deter mass migration from Soviet-occupied territory to the West, Checkpoint Charlie now holds the extensive Museum of the Wall. With displays and artifacts that tell the many stories of individuals who made escape attempts from East Germany, Checkpoint Charlie is a popular visitor destination as are its free open-air exhibits.
For a poignant conclusion to your Berlin trip, visit the city’s memorial to victims of the Nazi regime: the Topography of Terror. In the early 20th century, the site occupied the principal offices of Nazi terror organizations, including its programmatic surveillance, repressive, and execution divisions. After the war, the buildings were largely destroyed until excavations in the 1980s led to the discovery of the Gestapo prison. With both indoor and outdoor sections, the Topography of Terror museum allows guests to wander around exposed remnants of the foundation’s original walls while also exploring its extensive collection of photographs, documents, and multimedia. The museum’s ultimate goal is to educate future generations about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving human rights and individual dignity.
For a poignant conclusion to your Berlin trip, visit the city’s memorial to victims of the Nazi regime: the Topography of Terror. In the early 20th century, the site occupied the principal offices of Nazi terror organizations, including its programmatic surveillance, repressive, and execution divisions. After the war, the buildings were largely destroyed until excavations in the 1980s led to the discovery of the Gestapo prison. With both indoor and outdoor sections, the Topography of Terror museum allows guests to wander around exposed remnants of the foundation’s original walls while also exploring its extensive collection of photographs, documents, and multimedia. The museum’s ultimate goal is to educate future generations about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving human rights and individual dignity.
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