There are two sides to this city, which was, of course, once physically split into two halves by the Berlin Wall. It’s a modern place bursting with creativity, where deviating from the norm is positively encouraged. Still, reminders of its turbulent past are evident - landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate should be part of every visitor’s itinerary. A trip to Berlin will be eye-opening and, with four wheels at your disposal, can enjoy day trips out of the city, too.
Humming with history
There is a stark reminder of Berlin's history around nearly every corner. First on your must-see list should be Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most important and iconic landmarks, having stood in the capital since the 18th century. Once a symbol of a divided city during the Cold War, today it’s instead a symbol of peace and unity. Admire its grand architecture from Pariser Platz, the vibrant square it looks over.
Likewise, the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse can help you get an understanding of what it was like for residents who were unable to travel freely through their own neighbourhood and how their lives changed. It’s the last piece of the Berlin Wall, which was pulled down in 1989, to be preserved in its full depth.
A city of art
Berlin, a once grey and dowdy city, is now something of an open air art gallery. Wander around and you’ll find splashes of colour covering buildings in each district, from politically-fuelled graffiti in Friedrichshain to iconic tags in Kreuzberg.
Make your way to the East Side Gallery, which once formed part of the border between East and West Berlin. Today it’s an artistic landmark, with more than 100 political paintings to see, created by artists from all around the world.
Beyond the streets, art can also be found in galleries spanning much of Berlin. Sammlung Boros is one of the finest, housed in a former air-raid shelter. Meander through the private collection of contemporary works and you’ll find art in all forms – sculptures, light installations and paintings included.
A poignant trip to Sachsenhausen
More of Germany’s past can be uncovered at Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, just a short drive from the capital.
Built as a Nazi concentration camp in 1936, the site held more than 200,000 people until 1945 when the war came to an end. This sombre experience will open your eyes to this period of time, portraying what life was like in a way that a history textbook can't.
Take the guided tour to find out more about the horrors of World War II's holocaust and listen to the stories of its prisoners as you walk among the remnants of the concentration camp.
Car hire in Berlin will enable you to soak up the atmosphere of Germany’s fascinating capital city before exploring the rest of Germany if you’re set on a road trip.