t Nikolaikirche, the oldest church in Berlin.
Discover Itineraries
Start with breakfast at Sphere, the rotating restaurant inside the iconic Fernsehturm, before heading to the viewing platform for panoramic vistas of the city. Back down at ground level, experience the everyday bustle of the city as locals crisscross Alexanderplatz, emerging from and disappearing into the various underground entrances of this transport hub, and streaming in and out of the many shops around the square. Much of the surrounding architecture, built in the 1960s by the GDR, is now heritage-listed; don’t leave without admiring Walter Womacka’s mosaic frieze on the Haus des Lehrers. For further insights into East German life, head to the engaging and highly interactive DDR Museum.
After the DDR Museum, walk along the riverbank past the famous statues of Marx and Engels Heiliggeistkapelle towards the Nikolaiviertel which, despite its medieval history and character, was actually reconstructed by the GDR; look out for the tell-tale prefabricated buildings amidst the cobbled lanes and cute houses. As well as a gorgeous Rococo façade and original staircase, the Ephraim-Palais offers interesting exhibitions and a good restaurant for lunch. Other nearby sights and museums worth visiting include the 18th-century Knoblauchhaus, the Nikolaikirche – whose foundations date back to the 13th century – and the fantastic bronze statue of St George fighting the dragon.
After dropping into the Zille Museum to admire some of artist Heinrich Zille’s collection of artworks and photographs, head to the Zille-Stube for hearty German fare, a beer and a welcoming atmosphere. If you still have some energy, enjoy an evening stroll around the romantic bridges, exquisite buildings and maritime atmosphere of the small but pretty Fischerinsel, one of the earliest settlement areas of Berlin.
Discover Berlin Itineraries
t Nikolaikirche, the oldest church in Berlin.