Alexanderplatz Walking Tour (Self Guided), Berlin

Often referred to as 'Alex' by Berliners, the epicenter of the old East is inevitable to run across while exploring the city. Originally a cattle market in the Middle Ages, the square was named in honor of a visit by the Russian Emperor Alexander I in 1805. It evolved into a significant commercial hub in the 19th century and, alongside Potsdam Square, became the heart of Berlin's nightlife in the roaring 1920s.

Today, Alexanderplatz has a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of the 1960s and the heyday of East Germany (GDR), offering a unique opportunity to glimpse what high-rise flats looked like before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Notably, the largest demonstration against the GDR regime took place here in the autumn of 1989, with half a million citizens demanding freedom of speech and press freedom.

The large area around the iconic TV Tower is often teeming with tourists but also serves as a venue for interesting events; for instance, during the Christmas season, a significant portion is transformed into a Christmas village. The bustling train station is surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants, providing plenty of options for visitors.

Don't miss the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples and the Neptune Fountain located past the TV tower; both offer great opportunities for photos. Another intriguing sight is the Weltzeituhr, a massive 16-ton clock built in 1969 that displays the times in 148 cities worldwide. This attraction perfectly complements Alexanderplatz's role as a central meeting point: no need for discussing the correct time when a friend arrives late.

Tip:
Before your visit, it's worthwhile to view pictures of how the square appeared in the early 20th century and during the Cold War era.

For those in search of a shopping fix, GALERIA Alexanderplatz has you covered with just about everything you could desire, all conveniently located under one roof. This classy oversized department store is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of quality products at reasonable prices. It's well worth your time to explore the extensive selection available across its five floors, each equivalent in size to a football field.

On the ground floor, you'll find a gourmet supermarket offering every food and drink under the sun; from Vietnamese soups to Japanese sushi, German wines to Italian desserts, the options are plentiful. The selection of chocolates and cakes is particularly impressive, and you'll also find a variety of other delectable items to take home, including fresh dairy, baked goods, meats, smoked fish, vegetables, and more. For those interested in accessories, perfumes, and makeup, there's something to catch your eye as well.

As you explore the other floors, you'll discover a well-curated mix of luxurious high-end products and mid-priced items. Whether you're in need of a thoughtful gift, a stylish handbag, or various accessories and stationery items, GALERIA is the place to visit.

Looking for a pit stop in the bustling, globe-trotting metropolis that is Berlin? Well, look no further than TUDO, a long-standing darling of Alexanderplatz. Sporting a contemporary and cheery design, it's famed for its spick-and-span vibes, adorable decor, top-notch service, and, naturally, its tantalizing array of bubble tea concoctions. They've got a treasure trove of milk teas and fruit teas, all primed for your customization whims. And if that weren't enough, they've got Vietnamese banh mi that packs a punch of authentic, lip-smacking flavor. All in all, this place caters to the younger crowd but doesn't discriminate – there's a little something for everyone to savor.

The Berlin Television Tower was built by East Germany in the late 1960s. Inaugurated on October 3, 1969, it is the tallest structure in Germany and the third-tallest in the European Union.

Designated as a monument in 1979, the tower attracts around 1.2 million visitors annually and is one of Germany’s top tourist attractions. It has an observation deck at 203 meters and the rotating restaurant “Sphere” at 207 meters, offering panoramic views of the city, extending up to 40 kilometers (or 25 miles) on a clear day.

The tower’s height increased from 365 to 368 meters in 1997 after a new antenna was added, making it the fourth tallest free-standing structure in Europe, surpassed only by Moscow's Ostankino Tower and TV towers in Kiev and Riga. If you have a mild fear of heights, fear not—the elevator whisks you to the top in a mere 40 seconds. You can also opt for a more adventurous ascent via 985 steps.

Inside, enjoy the authentic Sputnik-era ambiance complete with period-appropriate decor and finishes. If you have specific dietary preferences, particularly as a vegetarian, it's advisable to peruse the restaurant menu on their website before making a reservation. The dining experience itself is quite lovely otherwise, comprising a starter, main course, and dessert, plus a glass of sparkling wine and two glasses of red or white wine, along with unlimited water. Moreover, the restaurant rotates slowly, affording you a comprehensive view of Berlin, making it an ideal setting for photography. A full rotation takes about half an hour, offering ample opportunity to capture the city from a bird's-eye perspective while sipping a coffee.

Presently dubbed "the toothpick" by locals, the tower previously earned the nickname “Pope’s Revenge” because sunlight reflecting off its dome forms a Greek cross, which some saw as a rebuke to East Germany’s anti-religious stance, and was mentioned by the former US president Ronald Reagan in his 1987 “Tear down this wall” speech. For the same reasons, it was also jokingly called "Saint Walter" after Walter Ulbricht, leader of the Socialist Unity Party which governed East Germany.

Originally a symbol of Communist power, the TV tower is now a unified Berlin landmark and a cultural and tourist icon, hosting events like the Festival of Lights.

BODY WORLDS offers an experience akin to a modern, artistic take on a human anatomy class. It delves into the intricacies of human anatomy and physiology, showcasing both healthy and diseased organs for real-life comparisons, making it a valuable educational resource. Its primary aim, however, is to celebrate life, the human body, and shed light on the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. For those who may find certain exhibits sensitive, there's a privacy curtain that separates them – though they can be quite enlightening for those interested. If you're a bit hesitant about seeing dissected bodies, you can check out some images online. It's also worth noting that each exhibition has a specific theme, which can be found on the website.

To make the most of your visit, take your time exploring the exhibition and make use of the provided audio guide/tour (which takes about 1.5-2 hours). If you don't plan to listen or read about each exhibit, the visit can be quite quick. It's beneficial to set aside extra time for contemplation afterward, especially if you're visiting with children or individuals who may be sensitive to the subject matter.

Little BIG City starts with a waiting room and a big countdown. A projected figure greets you in both English and German. Eventually, the doors swing open, granting you access to the main attraction. Inside, meticulously crafted models depict various moments and scenes from Berlin's history, spanning from the Middle Ages to the fall of the city's iconic Berlin Wall.

Contrary to what some may assume from its name, it's not a model of the entire city; instead, it offers a historical journey through Berlin's past using intricate models. The experience includes animatronic elements, projections, moving vehicles, buttons, levers, and interactive features that allow kids to engage and trigger various actions. Scattered throughout the attraction are storytelling boxes where visitors can activate projections of Little BIG Citizens who narrate stories in both German and English.

Given the level of detail in the models, it's like playing a game of "spot the reference". Much like Pixar movies have inside jokes for film enthusiasts, Little BIG City is filled with subtle references and details that Berlin enthusiasts will appreciate more than other visitors. Regardless, it's a model city that provides entertainment and awakens the inner child in visitors of all ages.

Tip:
Free admission with the Berlin Pass or by buying a combo ticket that includes Madame Tussauds, the AquaDom, and other attractions.

Berlin's Saint Mary's Church is one of the oldest in town. Its exact age is uncertain, but it was first mentioned in chronicles in 1292. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Lutheran after the Reformation in 1539 and later joined the Prussian Union of Churches.

The unassuming fusion of architectural styles somehow renders it one of Berlin's most appealing churches; its simplicity is a reminder of the city's humble beginnings. The oldest parts of the church are made of granite, while the majority of it is built of red brick, mirroring the design of the nearby Berlin City Hall. Severely damaged during World War II, Saint Mary’s was located in East Berlin after the war and was restored by East German authorities in the 1950s.

Once hemmed in by neighboring buildings, Saint Mary's now stands in solitude, casting its shadow beneath the imposing TV Tower. Outside the building is a statue of Martin Luther, with his right hand touching one of the Bible's pages as if uttering his renowned phrase, "by faith alone." Meanwhile, the church's interior – an excellent place to escape the buzz – reveals a rather austere Gothic design punctuated by notable Baroque embellishments.

Of particular note is the pulpit adorned with elaborately carved cherubs wielding trumpets and the baptismal font supported by three black dragon-shaped legs. In terms of carving and gilding, the restored organ tops it all off, and visitors can enjoy rousing recitals on Thursdays and Fridays, typically accompanied by an invitation to closely examine the 18th-century instrument.

Upon entering, brace yourself for a surprise: a 22-meter-tall frieze titled "The Dance of Death", commemorating the plague epidemics that wreaked havoc during the Dark Ages. Also inside, visitors can view the monumental tombs of a Prussian general field marshal and the founder of the world’s oldest Biblical society.

Tips:
Photography enthusiasts can find an ideal vantage point with a reflective fountain layout in the square, just behind the TV Tower, offering a perfect reflection of the church on the water's surface.

Perfect for those days when the weather isn't scorching hot, Waffel oder Becher serves a very nice warm waffle with a whole host of choice for toppings, including various homemade sauces or an ice cream scoop. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these freshly-made waffles are pretty much perfect, as well as an eye-treat – a bonus for Instagram enthusiasts. If you lean more towards cakes, don't miss out on trying the cheesecake. There's also a great selection of coffees, teas, hot chocolates, and fruity shakes.

On warmer days, their artisan ice cream – creamy and bursting with flavor – is worth a trip from any part of the city! Standouts among the more quirky flavors are the "Maracuja Mascarpone" and the vegan "Mandarine with Thai Basil and Ginger".

A great place to stop off, unwind, and recharge in a cozy environment, away from the tourist noise.