In Germany, you definitely can't help but visit the capital Berlin, where historical imprints and great cultural and culinary features are kept. So where is Berlin, an overview of this city and if you only have a few days to stay in Berlin, where should you go is the most reasonable.
Introduction to the capital Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany both in terms of area and population. A large area of the city is covered by forests, parks, rivers and lakes. Since its founding, Berlin has been the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701-1918), the German Empire (1871-1918), the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) and the Third Reich (1933-1945).
However, after World War II, Berlin was divided into two parts: East Berlin became the capital of East Germany, and West Berlin, which became the capital of West Germany, was surrounded by the Berlin Wall from 1961-1989. After German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of the whole of Germany.
Furthermore, Berlin is a city of politics, science, economics, culture and media. Berlin's economy is largely based on the service sector which includes industry and media along with air and rail transport.
Important industries include IT, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, optoelectronics, transportation engineering and renewable energy. In addition, Berlin is also home to world-class universities, research institutes, sporting events, museums, characters, international film productions and orchestras. In general, the city is recognized for its diverse architecture, festivals, nightlife and contemporary art. Moreover, it is an important tourist destination in Europe.
Berlin - Europe's fastest growing city
Berlin, June 27, 2013 The German capital is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe in terms of tourism, as shown by the latest figures from the European Cities Marketing (ECM) benchmark study.
With an 11.4% increase in the number of overnight guests in 2012, the German capital took the lead in the other cities in the study. By comparison, registration growth in London and Paris during the same period was only 3.1% and 0.1% respectively. With this result, Berlin has established itself as one of the top 3 city destinations in Europe, after London and Paris.
The German capital is also showing its long-term tourism potential: the ECM describes Berlin as a “boom town” that has seen an average annual increase of 8.8% in overnight visitors over the past five years. Berlin owes this success to its high proportion of international visitors, with 42.5% of all visitors coming from outside Germany in 2012.
The economy of the city of Berlin
Berlin can be content with rapid economic growth. Both the growth in gross domestic product and the number of people employed were higher than the national average.
In 2022, gross domestic product increased by 4.9% year-on-year in adjusted price terms (2021: 3.2%). This means Berlin has the second highest growth rate in a national comparison. This is 1.9% higher than in 2019, a year before the Corona pandemic began.
The number of people in employment increases by 3.4% year-on-year in 2022. This puts Berlin in first place nationally. The national average is +1.3 percent. Compared to 2019, an increase of more than 89,000 employed people (+4.3%).
Top education in Berlin
Introduction to Berlin - the capital of Germany with the best quality of life in recent years because of its advantages in educational programs and effective learning methods. At present, there are many universities, educational institutions, research institutes, providers - educational training, skilled craftsman ... for domestic and foreign students to choose a career suitable to their capacity.
When studying in this capital, you will not only be able to do specialized research in a modern training environment, but also be given the opportunity to do internships at large companies and enterprises to support study costs as well as for students to have solid skills after graduation. Therefore, in recent years, studying abroad in Berlin Germany has been chosen by many Vietnamese students.
Climate weather in Berlin Germany
Berlin has a temperate continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The average annual temperature of the city is 12oC. The warmest months of the year are usually June, July and August with the highest average temperature of 24oC. The coldest months of the year are usually December, January and February. The average low easily drops below freezing: -1.9oC. If possible, we recommend traveling to the German capital between May and September, as temperatures are most pleasant.
History of the establishment of the capital of Germany - Berlin
Berlin's history is one of the richest in Europe, and the city was the stage for many of the most important historical events of the 20th century.
The city was first mentioned in 1244 and was part of the double city Berlin-Cölln.
The Hohenzollern lineage was based here until 1918, first as the Elector of Brandenbrg, then as King of the Kingdom of Prussia and finally as Emperor of the German Empire.
The Thirty Years' War from 1618 to 1648 brought heavy consequences for Berlin.
In 1701, Friedrich I was crowned king of Prussia.and had its capital in Berlin.
During the reign of King Frederick II, Berlin became one of the centers of European Enlightenment philosophy., but the city was also occupied by Russian and Austrian armies during the Seven Years' War.
The Industrial Revolution changed the face of the city in the 19th century; The city's economy and population expanded significantly and the city became the economic center and railway hub of Germany.
After World War I, in 1918 the Weimar Republic was established here.
After the Nazi party came to power in 1933, it became the capital of the Third Reich.
The climax of the East-West conflict was reached with the erection of the Berlin Wall by the German Democratic Republic on August 13, 1961, separating East and West Berlin.
It was not until 1989, under the pressure of the East German people's struggle, that the dividing wall was demolished.
In 1990, the two Germanys reunified into the Federal Republic of Germany and under the Unification Treaty the city became the capital of Germany.
Beginning September 1, 1999 parliament and government began to work in Berlin.
Berlin's population
Berlin's 2023 population is currently estimated at 3,573,938. In 1950, the population of Berlin was 3,337,621 people. Berlin grew by 3,188 in the last year, representing an annual change of 0.09%. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the United Nations World Urbanization Outlook.
These estimates represent Berlin's urban agglomeration, which typically includes Berlin's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas. Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany.
It is also the largest city in Germany. It is also the second most populous city and the seventh most populous metropolitan area in the European Union. Berlin is located in northeastern Germany along the river Spree. In 2016, Berlin's population was estimated at 3.5 million.
Famous tourist attractions in Berlin
1. Reichstag Government Building
The Reichstag is a silent witness to Berlin's tumultuous history and one of the city's most important historic buildings. The Reichstag is an internationally recognized symbol of democracy and is the current seat of the German parliament. Every year, thousands of visitors visit the Reichstag.
The historic Reichstag building is the seat of the German Parliament (German Bundestag). Founded in 1894 and restored by Norman Foster in 1990 it has an almost "classical temple" façade, flanked by a large modern dome, open to the public.
The highlight of the tour is the impressive glass dome, which sits directly above the Plenary Hall of Parliament. The dome, redesigned by renowned architect Norman Foster, is an iconic element to show that the Reichstag building is at the heart of parliamentary democracy.
Citizens, from above, can check whether all matters are made transparent. The dome is decorated with many old photographs depicting the history of the mansion. There is an observation deck with city views at the top of the dome. However, the view is not as impressive as from other landmarks such as the TV Tower or Berlin Cathedral.
2. Gendarmenmarkt . Square
It is considered the most beautiful square in Berlin, if not in Europe: the Gendarmenmarkt. It is located in the historic center of Berlin, covers 3.3 hectares and is one of the most important hotspots in the German capital.
The Gendarmenmarkt has been at the top of every tourist's list for a long time: More than a million visitors visit Gendarmenmarkt each year, as well as a number of business people and, of course, Berliners. The market is by far the most diverse and exclusive the municipality of Spree has to offer: numerous restaurants and cafes that invite you to linger.
Luxury shops and boutiques line the square as well as the nearby shopping district of Friedrichstrasse. Culture buffs will get their money's worth of performances in the concert hall. And for international business people, the square, home to famous hotels, famous banks, law firms, clinics and real estate agents, is Berlin's most important center.
3. Potsdam . Square
The Potsdam, once one of the busiest public squares in Berlin, was razed during Allied bombing at the end of World War II. It was later divided in the middle by the Berlin Wall and left vacant. Today, the square has been completely restored and has regained its status as one of the most attractive squares in Berlin.
Since German reunification, Potsdamer Platz has been the site of major redevelopment projects, to the point that it is now home to exciting commercial venues, art collections, theatre, food, festivals, a multitude of architectural styles and great areas to relax and hang out with friends.
The square features the ultra-modern Sony Center (worth a visit thanks to its three floors of technology), the tent-like roof of Japan's Mount Fuji that forms the setting for many film premieres at the Filmhaus Museum.
Other highlights include the Panoramapunkt for one of the best views of Berlin from above; a copy of the first semi-automatic traffic light tower (1924) in Europe; 'Avenue of Stars', Berlin's version of Hollywood's famous Walk of Fame; a small section of the Berlin Wall; great public art around Marlene Dietrich Platz and beyond; FACIL's 2-Michelin-starred restaurant serves stunning modern and creative dishes, and many exciting events and festivals are held year-round, such as the Lunar New Year, the Summer Film Show...
4. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century monument in Berlin, built on the site of an old city gate that marks the beginning of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg.
In its history, the Brandenburg Gate has been the site of important historical events. It is considered a national symbol of Germany, and represents not only the country's responsible past but also a symbol of peace and unity for the whole of Europe.
The Neoclassical gate is 26 meters high and was inspired by the Acropolis of Athens. In 1795, the monument was crowned by a chariot drawn by four horses into the city, known as the Quadriga.
The bronze statue represents the Goddess of Victory. The original sculpture was destroyed during World War II, so it was replaced with an exact replica made in West Germany in 1969. The gate is held together by twelve columns with five passages. From its inauguration until 1918, the entrance to the center was open only to members of the German Imperial Family and members of the bourgeoisie.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most important monuments and offers one of the best views over the city. Visitors gather at the foot of the Gate to take the most iconic photo of the holiday.
5. Fernsehturm . TV Tower
The TV tower on Alexanderplatz is Berlin's most prominent landmark, it's not only the tallest structure in Germany but also the city's iconic landmark. Every day, many visitors take the high-speed elevator up to the tower ball to enjoy the wonderful view of the whole city. Best of all: you don't even have to move to enjoy the panoramic views as the observatory rotates itself once every hour.
The TV tower on Alexanderplatz is a must-see for visitors to Berlin. In good weather, you can see as far as 80 km. The observatory is located at an altitude of 203 meters. An upstairs is a restaurant. If you manage to win a window seat here (reservation is recommended), you can see Berlin from any direction while enjoying a delicious meal.
At over 200 meters above the rooftops of Berlin, visitors to the TV tower observatory can enjoy magnificent views. If you like, you can enjoy a unique experience with delicious cocktails and snacks at the highest bar in town.
Just a few steps up, the revolving restaurant promises unforgettable impressions. Here guests enjoy fine Berlin and Brandenburg cuisine, while the panoramic restaurant rotates 360 degrees clockwise and thus presents the capital from all sides from a panoramic perspective.
6. Berlin Cathedral – BERLINER DOM (Cathedral)
The Berlin Cathedral and the Hohenzollern family crypt are a truly remarkable wonder. Once you've seen it for the first time, chances are you'll be tempted to visit again.
The magnificent Neo-Renaissance building is located in the heart of the capital, near the Lustgarten park. With its majestic architecture, four towers, almost 100-meter-high dome and golden cross, the building is visible from afar and has become one of Berlin's famous landmarks. The immediate vicinity is also home to world heritage sites such as Museum Island, the Deutsches Historical Museum (German History Museum) and the new Humboldt Forum in Berlin Palace (Berliner Schloss).
Daily worship services, daily prayers, children's worship services and spiritual services are available to all who wish to adhere to the Christian faith. You are also very welcome at the largest Protestant church in Germany!
More than 100 concerts and events take place every year at the Berlin Cathedral. For music lovers, the Cathedral ranks highly with other Berlin institutions such as the Philharmonie, the Konzerthaus at the Gendarmenmarkt and the city's opera houses.
The Hohenzollern Family Catacombs located under Berlin Cathedral are considered the most important dynastic burial sites in Germany and are considered one of the major dynastic burial sites in Europe along with the Capuchin catacombs in Vienna, the royal crypt in St Denis Cathedral in Paris, and the mausoleums of the Spanish kings at the Royal 'El Escorial' site near Madrid.
7. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the largest outdoor gallery in the world. Between February and September 1990, 1316 meters of the Berlin Wall in Mühlestraße East Berlin were pictorially painted.
More than 118 artists from 21 countries have created 106 unique motifs, expressing joy before the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 and the end of the Cold War in Europe. In November 1991, these images and part of the wall were declared a national monument, but have since been exposed to the weather and to the discretion of visitors.
Since 1996, artists in the Artists Guild's East Side Gallery have taken care of the preservation of the wall. After some 1996 (two photos) and 2000 (40) local renovations, the entire wall and paintings were restored in 2009.
All remaining artists were once again invited to Berlin to repaint their original designs from 1990 for the previously rebuilt wall. As a result, the East Side Gallery was re-established. As before, artists are fighting for the long-term preservation of the wall, against the constant threat of new gaps posed by new construction projects.
8. Spandau . Citadel
Spandau is separated from the rest of Berlin by the Havel River. This leads to a very special atmosphere and distinct local patriotism: the people of Spandau are very proud of their district and prefer to call themselves Spandau rather than Berliner. This attitude is justified: the center of Spandau's old town, known as Kolk, is older than Berlin itself.
The lively old town of Spandau features small shops, department stores and restaurants. There are areas with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The shopping street is the largest pedestrian area in Berlin.
An important monument of the district is the Acropolis of Spandau, one of the oldest buildings in Berlin that attracts many tourists. In the summer, the citadel becomes an outdoor concert venue that has hosted some of the great musical artists of the past and present: Stevie Wonder, Rammstein, the Beach Boys, Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, Iggy Pop and Lionel Richie are just some of the many artists who have played here.
With the local district Siemensstadt, Spandau also has the largest industrial site in Berlin. Neighborhoods Neu-Staaken and Falkenhagener Feld have an urban flair, while other parts of Spandau have a smaller-town atmosphere. In Gatow and Kladow, two neighborhoods composed of detached houses and villas, the area is almost like a village. Local recreation is also abundantly provided: 25% of Spandau is covered by forest and water.
9. Jewish Museum Berlin
The Jewish Museum Berlin, opened to the public in 2001, exhibits the social, political and cultural history of Jews in Germany from the fourth century to the present, presenting for the first time clearly and integrated in post-war Germany the aftermath of the damage. The new building is adjacent to the site of the original Prussian Court of Justice building completed in 1735, which now serves as the entrance to the new building.
Daniel Libeskind's design, created a year before the fall of the Berlin Wall, is based on three profound realizations: it is impossible to understand Berlin's history without understanding the enormous contributions of its Jewish citizens; the meaning of the Holocaust must be integrated into the consciousness and memory of the city of Berlin; and finally, for its future, the City of Berlin and the country of Germany must admit the eradication of Jewish life in its history.
Visitors enter the Baroque Kollegienhaus and then descend by stairs through the impressive Void Entrance, into the ground. The existing building is attached to the new extension, which penetrates the ground, thus preserving the contrasting autonomy of both the old and new structures on the surface. The way down leads to three underground backbone routes, each telling a different story. The first leads to a dead end – the Holocaust Tower. A second path leads out of the building and into the Garden of Exile and Migration, commemorating those forced to leave Berlin. The third and longest path, following the path leading to the Stairs of Continuity, then up to the museum's exhibition spaces, emphasizes the continuity of history.
The void cuts across the zigzag plan of the new building and creates a space that represents absence. It is a straight line whose impenetrability becomes the central focal point around the exhibitions held. To move from one side of the museum to the other, visitors must cross one of the 60 bridges that open the gap.
10. Berlin Zoo – Zoologischer Garten Berlin
With one of the largest and most extensive species in the world, the Zoological Garden is a prominent Berlin attraction. Highlights include hippos, gorillas, tropical birds, penguins, and even polar bears, giving you the chance to see creatures you might never see in the wild.
As well as offering a fun day out, the Berlin Zoo is committed to the conservation of endangered species and aims to provide the animals with the best possible standard of living. Centrally located, the zoo is easily accessible by public transport.
The Berlin Zoological Garden is famous for its many beautiful and rare species, many of which can only be seen in this particular zoo. Among the endangered species cared for here are red pandas, orangutans and okapis.
In addition to encountering the zoo's animals, visitors can also watch exciting shows and feeding sessions, with harbor seals being the star performers. For rest and refreshments, you will find many restaurants, picnic areas and a well-stocked shop. Enjoy more animal encounters with a visit to the amazing Aquarium next door.
11. Linh Thuu Pagoda
Linh Thuu Pagoda was built by the Vietnamese Buddhist community in Berlin, in addition to being a place of worship, it is also a quaint oasis on a rather quiet street.
Built in the traditional style, the ornate walled temple is surrounded by an oriental sculpture garden designed to aid contemplation.
A staircase flanked by carved dragons leads into the temple itself, where incense wafts in the air and giant golden Buddhas sparkle in the soft light.
You'll need to take off your shoes before entering, but the marble floors are heated in winter – it's one of Berlin's newest places of worship as well as one of Berlin's most beautiful.
In fact, a visit to the Vulture is like taking a mini trip to the Far East, and is definitely worth considering if you happen to be in the far west of Berlin.
You might even have passed by before without knowing it – IKEA, the other temple of cheap, cheerful homeware, is actually right down the street.
12. Natural History Museum
The Museum of Natural History Berlin (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin) was founded in 1810 with the Humboldt – Universität and has been housed in the Invalidenstrasse since 1889. With over 25 million objects, it is home to Germany's largest collections in the fields of zoology, paleontology and mineralogy. Its most famous exhibits include the skeleton of Brachiosaurus brancai – over 13 meters tall, the largest dinosaur skeleton on display worldwide – and a Berlin replica of the original Archeopteryx bird.
In 2007, the newly designed dinosaur room was opened concurrently with a number of new permanent exhibits on the universe, the solar system, the emergence of the earth, and the mechanism of evolution. With about 3,000 specimens already prepared, the museum's "Biodiversity Wall" sheds light on how new species emerge.
There are 1,077 minerals on display in a preserved 19th-century room, including pieces from Alexander von Humboldt's collection. The museum also displays domestic animals in large depth paintings.
Since 2010, visitors have had access to the research collection located on the museum's east wing: this zoology collection contains about a million objects preserved in ethanol, including fish, spiders, crabs, amphibians and mammals.
13. Manuerpark Market
If visiting Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg, you should take a stroll through the famous Mauerpark flea market. Berlin's biggest and most popular second-hand shop is open every Sunday from 9am to 6pm and has as many stalls as possible on a warm day.
The market has a strong focus on second-hand fashion. Dozens of commercial and private vendors sell elegant bags, fine handcrafted jewelry and luxury clothing that often matches the styles of the 60s and 80s in vogue.
Even vintage furniture and accessories, from antique floor lamps to exquisite coffee service, as well as second hand cameras (especially Polaroid cameras) and other luxury souvenirs can be purchased at one counter or another for a reasonable price.
In the midst of these second-hand stalls, local artists and manufacturers sell their paintings and sculptures, as well as other regional products such as wine. Furthermore, all genres of music, especially those laminated on vinyl, can be found here in abundance.
Thanks to the many food stalls, your second-hand shopping can last all day. For hungry travelers, there are signature raw grilled sausages, delicious potato skewers, as well as Turkish and Arabic specialties.
Guide to Berlin Germany tourist destinations in detail, complete information about Berlin, hope to bring you the most sincere advice. With the amount of information we provide, we wish you a happy trip to Berlin.
