Berlin is a fairly child-friendly city with many things to occupy the kids. When going sightseeing, remember to watch for your children as it is easy to lose them in the crowds, particularly if their attention is easily caught by interesting sights. It is very common to go out in Berlin for breakfast or brunch and many restaurants can have indoor playgrounds or other supervised activities for children.
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City overview
Berlin is a fairly child-friendly city with many things to occupy the kids. When going sightseeing, remember to watch for your children as it is easy to lose them in the crowds, particularly if their attention is easily caught by interesting sights. It is very common to go out in Berlin for breakfast or brunch and many restaurants can have indoor playgrounds or other supervised activities for children.
the most famous of the gates between former East and West Berlin. The attached museum (Friedrichstrasse 43-45) gives some background with stories of successful and failed attempts to cross the checkpoint. Website: http://www.mauer-museum.com/. Telephone: 2537250
the river Spree divides Mitte into North and South sections and in the middle of it is the grandiose Museum Island, holding about 20 galleries and museums that will definitely leave you reeling. Do some research before going and decide which ones you want to see most. Each has admission fees (except for special days such as Lange Nacht der Museen and the first Sunday of every month, when entry is free) so plan how much you want to spend. Highlights are the Pergamonmuseum, the Altes Museum (Old Museum) and the Museum of photography.
is a beautiful building made as a castle in the 16th century. Entry is €2.50. Telephone: 354 94 42 00.
the largest, and arguably one of the most famous squares in Berlin. It historically had markets so was an important square for many centuries. In World War II, almost all of the area was bombed but it has been beautifully restored. All public transport lines now have stops here and the TV tower rises up from the center. The Fernsehturm (or TV asparagus, as the Berliners call it) is 368m tall and has a revolving café at the top. If it is a clear day, it is worth paying the €6 admission to see Berlin from up there.
the large central park in Berlin is a beautiful escape from the busy life of the city. The principal road through it is Strasse des 17 Juni which runs East to West. It was originally a hunting reserve and has several lakes in it. The garden was divided by the Berlin Wall in the late 20th century.
is the main boulevard, which includes the Freidrichstrasse shopping area. It turns into Strasse des 17 Juni at the Brandenburg Gate.
the symbol of Berlin and definitely the most photographed monument in the city. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans in 1791, it was a symbol of power and prestige (note its similarity to Grecian architecture) but was used as a division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Now however, it is seen as a triumphant icon of reunification.
is the burial place of many of the kings of the Prussian empire and the largest church in the city. The beautiful church is worth visiting just for the scale and the age of it. Admission is around €5 and free guided tours are available. Telephone: 2026 91 36.
the seat of government in Berlin. Built in 1894, this building has had several political scuffles and has been on the world stage so many times. Most notably, the reunification of Germany was enacted here in October 1990. The tourist crowds can be annoying so visit early or late if you wish to avoid them. Guided tours can be arranged. Telephone: 22732152
this collection of museums, art galleries and concert halls was planned as a cultural center in the South of the main city. The State Library (Neue Staatsbibliothek), The Berliner Philharmonie, The Gemäldegalerie (Gallery of over a thousand European paintings), The Belin Music Hall, and the Bauhaus Archiv are all found in this single complex. Most of the museums have an admission charge of €2-4. Check opening times before going as some are only open at odd days such as Wednesday-Monday.
near Warshcauer Strasse Station in Freidichshain is a 300m stretch of the remains of the Berlin Wall. A haunting reminder to the events that took place only in the recent past. Artists have created the East Side Gallery on one side of the wall, a testament to the resilience of Berliners.
This eye-opening collection of artefacts are a must-see for visitors who want to know the real past of Jews in Germany. Items from over 2000 years ago are displayed. Although the holocaust is only a small section of the museum, its presence pervades the entire place. Website: www.jmberlin.de Lindenstrasse 9-14, Telephone: 25993300.
The large luxury shopping precinct is located in this borough. More information in the ‘Shopping’ section
is the largest surviving palace in Germany. It was initially built as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick I. it is a beautiful piece of architecture and gives an insight into the lives of the royals in the 17th century. The large grounds are also good to wander through. A whole day can even be spent there, as there are some adjoining museums. The crowds can be difficult to handle, especially if you choose a peak time such as a Saturday morning. Telephone: 320911
are a fascinating place, and the most visited of all the zoos in Europe. More details in the ‘What to do with kids’ section.
located in Schloßstraße 70, this museum houses a mesmerizing collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the famous bust of the queen Nefertiti. Check the website for the exhibitions currently running. Telephone: 34357311. Open: Tues to Sun 10AM-6PM.
this multimedia presentation gives a good background to the city and is recommended if you are not one for reading. Open daily 10am-8pm, Telephone: 887 20 100. Admission is about €10 per person but cheaper fares for groups can be sought. Very clear and informative
this small museum near the palace displays artworks by Matisse, Giacomet