9 Educational Things to Do in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is the capital of Germany and there is a lot of history. For this reason, there are lots of places to see that are educational in Berlin. I do particular things wherever I travel and trying to understand the history of a place is one of them. It’s important to learn while we travel and visiting educational places is imperative for learning.
Below is a list of places to see in Berlin to help you understand some of the city’s history. Of course, you’re not going to completely grasp everything whether you have 3 days in Berlin or 3 years as you can study the history for years and years. While in the city, though, you can do some of the things below to at least give you an idea. The places listed are free to visit unless stated so.
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Places to see that are educational in Berlin: How to find them
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In whichever area you are staying, the places below will be easily accessible. I stayed in Kreuzberg neighbourhood and so frequently used the bus system. You can also use the train systems (S-Bahn and U-Bahn) or the tram system.
Here is a map with highlights (in yellow) of most of the places listed below. I always use Google Maps for finding where to go and this is a screenshot from Google Maps.
Places to see that are educational in Berlin about the Holocaust and WWII
The horrors that took place during WWII can be studied extensively. When visiting Berlin, there are many memorials and remembrances across the city that help you learn more about this time in history.
Reichstag – A building that has been part of Berlin since 1894, it has seen many historic events including its own fire. After a free visit inside, it has a large area of grass which is a good place to sit and reflect on previous learning in front of this grand architecture.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – This place is also known as the Holocaust Memorial and found near the Brandenburg Gate. This area is a place to show respect to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Topography of Terror – Not just a museum but a place of remembrance. There are many exhibitions here to help with learning about what happened in Berlin during WWII. You can also pay for guided tours here.
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Places to see that are educational in Berlin about the Cold War
Parts of the Berlin Wall – Before the falling of the wall in 1989, Germany was divided into East and West Germany right through the centre of Berlin. Across the city you can still find parts of the wall that remain and with it are boards of information you can read, as pictured below.
East Side Gallery – A long open-air gallery consisting of paintings by artists from around the world, you can walk past and gaze at the expressions/comments/art.
Checkpoint Charlie and Wall Museum – A historic landmark, Checkpoint Charlie is one of the former border crossings. There is a lot of free information to read here to learn about the Cold War. There are also stories about attempted escapes from East Germany. It is an educational place to visit to Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate – An iconic building of Berlin, Brandenburg Gate is a usual spot for tourists visiting the city. Like the Reichstag, it is a landmark that symbolised the former divide in Berlin. In front of the gate is a long walk way. When I visited, it held giant TV screens showing the FIFA World Cup with food and drinks on offer.
DDR Museum – An unique type of museum, this place portrays what life was like in former East Germany for around €10.
From the peoples’ perspective…
Throughout the entire city, there is an abundance of incredible street art. Along with the East Side Gallery, it’s another way to learn about history in Berlin. Expression through art is a creative outlet of frustrations, concerns, debates, pride, joy and love. Keep an eye out for the street art on walls, trains, buildings, electric boxes, phone booths, parks and anything with room to spray.
There is a wide variety of museums, memorials, statues and other educational places to visit but I’ve outlined some of the most-visited things to see that are educational in Berlin, considered essential on a visit.
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Hannsa Studio near Potsdam Platz is a fantastic tour. Bowie’s masterpieces Low and Heroes were recorded here with Eno and Fripp. Other fantastic records produced here are from Iggy Pop, U2’Achtung Baby, REM, Depeche Mode, etc.
Great post! All of these places look so incredibly interesting but especially the Reichstag, Checkpoint charlie and wall museum, and DDR.
Thanks Kara.
They really were interesting, Berlin is a great place to travel for educational purposes.