A popular saying in Berlin is: "Poor but sexy," a quote from the former mayor Klaus Wowereit. This statement perfectly encapsulates Berlin's unique allure: a city that, despite its challenges and often rough edges, possesses an undeniable charm and a rich cultural life. Whether you're interested in history, art, music, politics, or simply urban life, Berlin has something to offer for everyone.

• Historic landmarks: Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the impressive Brandenburg Gate, and the historic Reichstag building.
• Cultural diversity: Enjoy a wide range of museums, theaters, and galleries, including the world-famous Museum Island and the East Side Gallery.
• Vibrant nightlife: Experience the exciting nightlife in the city's legendary clubs and bars, known for their innovative music and art scenes.
• Green oases: Relax in the expansive parks and gardens, such as the Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that is now used as a recreational park.
• Culinary adventures: Indulge in Berlin's diverse culinary scene, which offers everything from traditional German dishes to international cuisine.

• Area: Berlin covers an area of 891.8 square kilometers.
• Population: Around 3.7 million people live in the capital (as of 2021).
• Foundation: Berlin was first officially mentioned in 1237.
• Districts: The city is divided into 12 districts, each having its own identity and atmosphere.
• Languages: In addition to German, many languages can be heard in Berlin, including Turkish, English, Arabic, and Russian.
• Density of Museums: With over 170 museums, Berlin is one of the richest cities in the world in terms of museums.
• Landmarks: The Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and the TV Tower are just some of the iconic landmarks in the city.
• Education: Berlin is home to over 30 universities, including the renowned Humboldt University of Berlin.
• Transportation: Berlin has one of the densest public transport networks in Europe, including S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses.
• Multiculturalism: About 25% of Berlin's population has a migration background, making the city a melting pot of cultures.

The city was founded in the 13th century through the merger of the trading towns of Berlin and Colln. Over the centuries, Berlin developed into a significant metropolis and became the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia in the 19th century.

Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

In the Middle Ages, Berlin was an important trading hub and a member of the Hanseatic League. The city grew rapidly and experienced its first peak in the 16th century under the Hohenzollerns. However, during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Berlin, like the rest of Germany, suffered significant destruction and was only slowly rebuilt.

Prussian Rule and Industrialization

In the 18th century, Berlin became the residence city of the Prussian kings and later German emperors. The industrialization in the 19th century brought tremendous economic growth, making Berlin one of the leading industrial cities in Europe.

20th Century and World Wars

The 20th century brought great upheavals for Berlin. After World War I, the city became the center of the Weimar Republic. World War II again resulted in enormous losses, leading to Berlin being divided after the war. The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 marked a dark chapter in German history, as it separated families and friends and symbolized Germany's division like never before.

Reunification and Modern Era

In 1989, the Berlin Wall was ceremoniously torn down. Things started to improve, as the reunification of Germany brought both political and economic changes. Today, Berlin is a vibrant metropolis known for its creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity, and is happily visited by people from all over the world.

Berlin is divided into a total of 12 districts, each composed of a variety of neighborhoods. Every district has its own character and offers different experiences and attractions. Some, like Neukölln or Prenzlauer Berg, are even known beyond the borders of Berlin.
 

Famous Actors from Berlin

Famous Musicians from Berlin

Famous Scientists from Berlin

Famous Artists from Berlin

Brandenburg Gate – The Symbol of Unity

The Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of division, is today the most famous landmark of Berlin and a symbol of German unity. It stands at Pariser Platz and previously marked the border between East and West Berlin. The gate was built in 1791 on the orders of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II and is designed in the neoclassical style. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it became a symbol of the reunification of Germany and is now a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike.

Interesting Facts:

• The Brandenburg Gate is 26 meters high, 65.5 meters wide, and 11 meters deep.
• The Quadriga, which crowns the gate, depicts the goddess of victory, Victoria, in a chariot pulled by four horses.

Berlin Wall – Memories of Division

The Berlin Wall was perhaps the most famous symbol of the Cold War, dividing the city from 1961 to 1989 into East and West Berlin. Today, only a few sections of the wall remain, but they serve as important memorials of history. The most well-known sections are the East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Straße.

Interesting Facts:

• The wall was 155 kilometers long and completely enclosed West Berlin.
• At the East Side Gallery, artists from around the world have left impressive artworks on a 1.3-kilometer-long section of the wall.

Reichstag Building – Seat of the German Bundestag

The Reichstag building, constructed between 1884 and 1894, is the seat of the German Bundestag. The glass dome added after reunification offers a spectacular view of the city and symbolizes the transparency of democracy.

Interesting Facts:

• The Reichstag dome has a diameter of 40 meters and is 23.5 meters high.
• Visitors can tour the dome for free, but prior registration is required.

TV Tower – The Tallest View of Berlin

The TV tower at Alexanderplatz is, at 368 meters, the tallest structure in Germany and offers a fantastic view of the city. The observation deck and the revolving restaurant are popular attractions for tourists.

Interesting Facts:

• The TV tower was opened in 1969 and is a landmark of former East Berlin.
• The restaurant "Sphere" revolves 360 degrees once every hour.

Victory Column – A Historic Monument

The Victory Column, also known as "Goldelse," stands in the Großer Tiergarten and was erected in 1873 to commemorate the Prussian victories in the wars of unification. It is 67 meters high and offers a magnificent view of the Tiergarten and the government district from its observation platform.

Interesting Facts:

• The Victory Column was originally erected at Königsplatz (now Platz der Republik) and was relocated to its current location in 1938.
• The golden statue on top, the goddess of victory Victoria, is 8.3 meters tall and weighs 35 tons.

Berlin is traversed by numerous waterways, which give the city a special atmosphere. You can stroll along them, visit the bars and cafés, take a small canoe tour, or use them for great photo sessions.

Berlin is one of the most diverse cities in Europe. People from over 190 different countries live here, making the city so colorful. But how is Berlin "structured" in detail? Let's take a look at the Berlin residents!

to provide a clear overview of the various facets of this diverse city.
 

Berlin is not only a cultural center, but also an important economic location. The main industrial sectors are:

• IT and software development
• Media and creative industries
• Biotechnology and healthcare
• Transportation and logistics
• Tourism

Berlin is known for its numerous events and activities that take place throughout the year. From film festivals to major sporting events, there is always something to experience.

Famous Major Events in Berlin

Berlin offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy boutique hotels. Here are three recommendations:

1. Hotel Adlon Kempinski: A luxury hotel right at the Brandenburg Gate with top-notch service and elegant rooms.
2. The Circus Hotel: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Berlin-Mitte, known for its excellent customer service and stylish decor.
3. Michelberger Hotel: A trendy hotel in Friedrichshain with uniquely designed rooms and a vibrant atmosphere.

Berlin is a family-friendly city with many activities for children and parents:

1. Berlin Zoo: The oldest zoo in Germany offers an impressive variety of animals and a beautiful petting zoo for the little ones.
2. Legoland Discovery Centre: An indoor playground and adventure center with numerous LEGO-themed worlds and attractions.
3. Tierpark Berlin: The largest landscape zoo in Europe with expansive enclosures and a variety of exotic animals.

Berlin is also a wonderful travel destination for couples:

1. Boat trip on the Spree: Enjoy a romantic boat trip on the Spree and admire the city from a new perspective.
2. Picnic in the Tiergarten: An idyllic park in the middle of the city, perfect for a relaxing picnic for two.
3. Visit to the Botanical Garden: Stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens and greenhouses and enjoy the tranquility and nature.

There is a lot to experience in Berlin for singles as well:

1. Explore Kreuzberg: A vibrant neighborhood with many bars, cafés, and an alternative scene.
2. Museum visits: Dive into the diverse museum landscape of Berlin and discover the cultural treasures of the city.
3. Club night at Berghain: Experience the legendary Berlin nightlife in one of the most famous clubs in the world.

Berlin has a wide variety of educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to universities. The city offers a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and is known for its renowned higher education institutions such as Humboldt University of Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin.

Schooling in Berlin

Early childhood education in Berlin begins in daycare centers, which serve as an important preparation for the educational path. The city places great emphasis on high-quality early childhood care and education. After primary school, students in Berlin transition to secondary schools. The Berlin school system offers various types of schools that cater to the diverse talents and interests of students.

Vocational Education and Trade Schools

Berlin also offers numerous opportunities for vocational education. Vocational schools and trade schools play an important role in training specialists in various industries.

From Colleges and Universities to Research Institutions

Berlin is a significant center for higher education and research. The city is home to some of Germany's most prestigious universities and colleges, and it is also a hub for scientific research.

International Education and Exchange Programs

Berlin attracts many international students and researchers. The city offers numerous opportunities such as Erasmus programs and international educational and research experiences. For this reason, around 17 percent of the students at Berlin's higher education institutions come from abroad.

Educational Institutions by the Numbers

How to get to Berlin

• Traveling by car: Berlin is connected to other German and European cities via a well-developed highway network. The main highways are the A100 (city ring), the A10 (Berlin ring) and the A115.
• Traveling by public transportation: Berlin's central station is one of the largest train stations in Europe and offers numerous connections within Germany and to other countries. Additionally, there are two international airports: Berlin Tegel and Berlin Schönefeld, both of which are well connected to the city center.

Berlin is a city full of contrasts and opportunities. Whether you want to explore the history of the city, enjoy the diverse cultural offerings, or simply experience the vibrant life of the capital – Berlin offers all of that and much more. The dynamism and versatility of this city make it a unique travel destination that everyone should experience at least once.