The Spirit Of Berlin: A Place You Must Feel

Given that I lost almost two days of my stay due to a missed flight, it's practically impossible to describe everything in Berlin in just a few lines.

I’ll just stick to the classic tourist spots I got to see and the fun facts that really stood out to me. Berlin has about 4 million people and covers almost as much area as New York, which is surprising but true! It’s such a spacious city with a low population density, so there’s barely any traffic - huge win! Honestly, it feels a bit odd at first - the city almost seems empty, especially if you’re used to places packed with cars and people. Here, it’s like Berlin’s in chill mode.

First stop, the most famous landmark: the Brandenburg Gate. It’s not only the center of the city but a big historical symbol for Germany too.

Right in front of it, Otto von Bismarck’s army celebrated after winning the Franco-Prussian War. Built back in 1791, the gate eventually became the line between East and West Berlin. It got pretty beat up in WWII, and when the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, the gate ended up in no man’s land, with no one crossing it for almost 30 years. After WWII, as you probably know, Berlin and Germany were split in two. East Berlin was under Soviet control, while West Berlin was split into French, British, and American sectors.

The absence of a physical border between the zones led to conflict and mass crossings of citizens (especially valuable specialists for the USSR) from East Berlin to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

On August 13, 1961, amid heightened tensions and deteriorating relations between the USSR and the US, the construction of the Berlin Wall began, with "Checkpoint Charlie" becoming the most important crossing point between East and West Berlin, later becoming a symbol of the Cold War.

Many Germans tried to cross illegally from East to West Germany, with a significant number of them losing their lives in the attempt.

When Kennedy and Khrushchev visited Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin was seen as one of the most perilous places in the world.

At Alexanderplatz, a popular spot among tourists, it's hard to miss the old building made of red bricks.

This is the City Hall, known locally as the Red City Hall. It houses the mayor’s office and the Senate’s meeting hall.

On the same square stands the original Neptune Fountain, the oldest fountain in Berlin.

It was created by the sculptor Reinhold Begas as a gift from the citizens to Kaiser Wilhelm II.

In the fountain's composition, Neptune, holding a trident, gazes towards the City Hall, while four seated female figures represent Germany’s rivers- the Vistula, Elbe, Oder, and Rhine.

The Neptune Fountain is surrounded by various marine animals that enhance the overall atmosphere.

The symbol of Berlin is the TV Tower, built in 1969, and it ranks among the tallest buildings in the world. Its height is 368 meters.

Of course, I had to snap a photo of the Reichstag too - that’s the building that today serves as the seat of the German Parliament. Completed in 1894, it became the parliamentary home after the German parliament had previously been housed in various other buildings across Berlin.

Today, people use "Reichstag" to refer to the building and "Bundestag" for the actual parliament. The glass dome is a famous feature of the building, and when it was built, it was seen as a real masterpiece.

Berlin Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral in the city and the central location for the biggest Christian events in Germany.

The Altes Museum, finished in 1830, was created to protect the crown jewels and additional royal treasures.

Nikolajviertel is boldly called Old Berlin or “the beginning of Berlin.”

This charming spot is a true gem amidst the sea of modern buildings in the urbanized capital.

It feels like time is frozen here, keeping the spirit of the past alive and reminding us to remember our roots.

This part of the city is easy to walk around, with nice little cafes that have outdoor seating, signs on the cobblestone streets, pretty craft shops, restaurants, the Church of St. Nicholas, and lots of other lovely spots.

Heinrich Zille was a popular artist and cartoonist known for showing life in early 1900s Berlin, especially the tough experiences of ordinary people. He even became an honorary citizen of the city. His work was bold and often left Berliners a bit shocked.

Located in Mitte, the Marx-Engels-Forum park was created in 1986 by the former East German government. It honors Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the authors of the Communist Manifesto from 1848, both of whom are seen as major influencers in socialism.

Flowing right through the city center, the Spree River offers boat tour lovers a chance to see Berlin’s historic landmarks alongside its contemporary buildings.

And let’s not forget the fans of the world’s most popular drink. I probably don’t need to say it, but here you’ll be in beer paradise.

Cheers )))

Berlin truly enchants you from the very first visit, and if you didn't fall in love with it the first time, you absolutely need to go back.

You’ll find a huge variety of sights, and what I’ve mentioned is only a sneak peek of its allure. If you’re into art, street art, history, nightlife, and an exciting city vibe, this place should definitely be on your list.

I’d call it a great mix of cultures. One thing I really appreciate is how you can be yourself without fear of judgment.

People here are just going about their day, and we become a small part of their colorful lives.

Enjoy!