Things to See Near Alexanderplatz: Culture, History & Hidden Gems

Things to See Near Alexanderplatz: Culture, History & Hidden Gems

Just steps from Alexanderplatz, Berlin’s sprawling central square, you'll find a rich tapestry of sights — from medieval corners to cutting-edge museums. While Alexanderplatz itself is packed with things to do, the surrounding area offers even more to explore, especially for history lovers, architecture buffs, and culture seekers.

If you're planning a day around Alex, don’t miss these must-see sights within easy walking distance.

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🏘 1. Nikolaiviertel – Berlin’s Oldest Quarter

Tucked just behind the river Spree, the Nikolaiviertel is a charming reconstruction of Berlin’s medieval heart. Cobblestone lanes, traditional German taverns, and the St. Nicholas Church give the area a village-like feel, offering a peaceful contrast to the modern bustle of Alexanderplatz.

Tip: Check out our full blogpost on “Things to Do in Nikolaiviertel” for deeper insight.

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🏛 2. Humboldt Forum & Museum Island

Cross the river to discover Humboldt Forum, a cultural space housed in the rebuilt Berlin Palace. It hosts rotating exhibitions, world art collections, and debates on colonial history.
Just next door lies Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to five of Berlin’s most prestigious museums — including the Pergamon and Neues Museum. A paradise for culture lovers!

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🕵️‍♂️ 3. DDR Museum

This interactive museum brings life in former East Germany into sharp focus. Try your hand at typing on a GDR typewriter, sit in a Trabant, or peek inside a recreated Plattenbau apartment. Located directly on the Spree, the DDR Museum is both fun and deeply informative.

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🌿 4. Alte Münze & Garden Café

Berlin’s former mint, the Alte Münze, is now a creative hub with exhibitions, events, and a tranquil café garden tucked inside its courtyard. It’s a great hidden gem for coffee, art, and a quick break away from the crowds.

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🧱 5. Ruins of the Franciscan Monastery Church (Franziskaner-Klosterkirche)

Tucked away on Klosterstraße, the Ruine der Franziskaner-Klosterkirche is a hauntingly beautiful Gothic shell of a church bombed during WWII. It now serves as a public space for open-air concerts and art installations.

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⛪ 6. Parochialkirche on Klosterstraße

One of Berlin’s lesser-known gems, the Parochialkirche features a striking mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau interiors. The church bell tower offers lovely views, and its peaceful courtyard is perfect for quiet reflection.

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🎬 7. Babylon Cinema

A true Berlin icon, Kino Babylon near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz is an Art Deco cinema from the 1920s, known for its silent film screenings with live organ, independent films, and retro charm. A cultural treasure for film lovers. Silent films are accompanied by a live orchestra, a cinema-organ improvises soundtracks at midnight screenings, as well as events and showings of new and old films. 
Check out their programme here: https://babylonberlin.eu/

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🎭 8. Volksbühne

Across the street from Babylon, you’ll find the bold, avant-garde Volksbühne Theatre. With its roots in socialist history and experimental performance, it’s a Berlin institution for cutting-edge drama, dance, and visual art.

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⚖️ 9. Amtsgericht Berlin Mitte (District Court Interior)

Not your average courthouse — the Amtsgericht Berlin-Mitte, located on Littenstraße, features a majestic Neo-Renaissance interior with stunning staircases and woodwork. Entry may be limited, but architecture fans should peek inside when possible.

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🐠 10. Radisson Blu Hotel Lobby & AquaDom Memory next to CityQuartier DomAquarée

While the famous AquaDom aquarium sadly burst in 2022, the Radisson Blu Hotel lobby has recently reopened with an architectural replacement named "The Living Tree" as a tribute to the beloved vertical tank. 

Nevertheless the CityQuartier DomAquarée next to the Radisson offers plenty of food and shopping opportunities. 

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Make the Most of the Area Around Alexanderplatz

From hidden monasteries to bold theatre and historic alleys to world-class museums, the surroundings of Alexanderplatz are packed with surprises. Whether you're stepping back into medieval Berlin or diving into GDR history, these attractions are all within a 10–15 minute walk of the square — perfect for adding depth to your visit.

Things to Do at Berlin Alexanderplatz: History, Highlights & Hidden Gems

Things to Do at Berlin Alexanderplatz: History, Highlights & Hidden Gems

Berlin’s Alexanderplatz — affectionately called “Alex” by locals — is one of the city’s most iconic and dynamic squares. Once a medieval cattle market, then a showcase of socialist urban planning, and now a buzzing mix of history, shopping, and entertainment, Alexanderplatz is the beating heart of Berlin’s Mitte district.

Whether you're visiting for the views, the food, or a taste of Berlin’s unique culture, Alexanderplatz offers something for everyone. Here's a guide to the best things to do in and around Alexanderplatz — from landmark attractions to hidden treasures.

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🗼 1. Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)

You can't miss it — literally. Soaring 368 meters into the sky, the TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany. Built by the GDR in the 1960s to showcase East German engineering power, it now offers 360° views of the capital. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

🍽 2. TV Tower Restaurant

Why just admire the tower from below when you can dine inside it? The revolving restaurant Sphere serves up panoramic views along with modern German and international cuisine. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes — enough time for dessert with a view of Brandenburg Gate.

🚇 3. Alexanderplatz Underground Station (U-Bahn)

History runs deep — quite literally — beneath the square. The U-Bahn station, dating back to 1913, is one of the city’s oldest and was a crucial hub in Cold War Berlin. Architecture buffs will appreciate the Bauhaus-influenced design and retro signage.

🏙 4. DDR-Era Buildings on the Plaza

Stroll around the square to spot GDR-era architecture, including the Haus des Lehrers and the former Centrum department store. These buildings are iconic reminders of East Germany’s vision for a modern socialist city.

🛍 5. ALEXA Shopping Center

For retail therapy, head to ALEXA, a vast mall just steps away. With over 170 stores, restaurants, and even a bowling alley, it’s a one-stop shop for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs — rain or shine.

🕰 6. World Time Clock (Weltzeituhr)

A classic meeting spot and Berlin photo-op, the World Time Clock has been spinning since 1969. It shows the current time in 148 cities around the world and remains a symbol of internationalism and East Berlin's utopian aspirations.

🧱 7. Marx-Engels-Forum

This public park features statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, founders of Communist theory. It's a contemplative space near the Spree, offering insight into Berlin’s ideological past.

⛲ 8. Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain)

One of Berlin’s most ornate fountains, this 19th-century sculpture shows Neptune surrounded by sea creatures. Originally located in front of the City Palace, it now sits between St. Marienkirche and the Red City Hall, perfect for a rest in the shade.

⛪ 9. St. Marienkirche

One of the oldest churches in Berlin, St. Mary’s Church dates back to the 13th century. Step inside to admire medieval frescoes and the Baroque organ. Free to enter and a peaceful escape from the busy square.

🪂 10. Park Inn Swing (Base Flying)

Adrenaline-seekers, take note: Atop the Park Inn Hotel, you can try base flying — a controlled freefall from 125 meters above Alexanderplatz. It’s one of the most unique urban thrills in Europe.

🎬 11. CineStar Berlin-CUBIX (English Movies)

Looking for a movie night? CineStar CUBIX shows a wide selection of films in English (OV) with German subtitles — perfect for international visitors wanting a break from sightseeing.

🎨 12. IKONO Berlin

Located inside ALEXA, IKONO is a modern interactive art space offering immersive photo zones, colour rooms, and sensory installations — ideal for Instagram moments and families alike.

🌀 13. DeJa Vu Museum

Step into a world of illusions at this playful museum full of optical puzzles, mirrors, and mind-bending exhibits. The DeJa Vu Museum is a hit with kids and curious adults alike.

🍺 14. Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin

Experience Bavarian beer hall culture right in the heart of Berlin. With traditional food, live music, and steins of beer, Hofbräu Berlin is perfect for hearty meals and festive vibes.

🏛 15. Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)

The Red Town Hall, named for its distinctive brick façade, is the seat of the Berlin Senate and Mayor. You can admire its Neo-Renaissance design or join a guided tour when available.

🧠 16. Illuseum Berlin

A fun stop for the whole family, the Illuseum offers illusions, puzzles, and interactive exhibits that challenge your perception and perspective — all within walking distance of Alexanderplatz.

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A Historic Square That’s Always Evolving

From its medieval roots to its role in Cold War history and its current status as a shopping and cultural hub, Alexanderplatz tells the story of Berlin itself. Whether you’re climbing to the top of the TV Tower or catching an indie film, you’ll experience the energy, complexity, and creativity that make Berlin unique.

13 Things to Do in Berlin When It’s Raining

13 Things to Do in Berlin When It’s Raining – Museums, History & Hidden Gems

Berlin weather can be unpredictable, but rainy days don’t mean your plans are ruined. This city is packed with fascinating indoor attractions that let you dive into history, culture, and innovation while staying dry. Here are 13 amazing things to do in Berlin when it’s raining, from world-class museums to unique hidden gems.

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1. Visit the Futurium
Located near Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the Futurium is a free, interactive museum dedicated to the future. Explore exhibitions on AI, climate tech, robotics, and sustainable living. Its “Thinking Space” invites visitors to consider future challenges through hands-on exhibits, making it perfect for curious minds of all ages.

https://futurium.de/en

Instagram Bits of Berlin Blogspot

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2. Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)
This emotional museum at Friedrichstraße Station offers a gripping look at Berlin’s divided past. Once a border crossing point during the Cold War, the Tränenpalast features personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia displays about the separation of East and West Berlin. Entry is free, and it’s a moving way to spend a reflective rainy afternoon.

https://www.hdg.de/en/traenenpalast/visitor-information

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3. Nordbahnhof Ghost Station Exhibition
Hidden beneath a working S-Bahn station, this free exhibition at Nordbahnhof tells the story of "ghost stations" — subway stops that were sealed off during the Berlin Wall era. It’s a short but deeply fascinating visit that brings Cold War history to life in an authentic setting.

https://www.berlin.de/mauer/en/sites/museums-and-exhibitions/ghost-stations-exhibition-at-the-nordbahnhof-s-bahn-station

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4. Fotografiska Berlin
Berlin’s newest major art destination, Fotografiska is a contemporary photography museum housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building in Mitte. The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics — from documentary to experimental work — and often touch on social justice, identity, and culture. There's also a stylish café and rooftop bar perfect for rainy day views.

https://berlin.fotografiska.com/en

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5. Boros Bunker Collection
This private contemporary art collection is housed in a World War II bunker near Friedrichstraße. The Boros Collection offers guided tours (by appointment only) showcasing bold, sometimes provocative installations from artists like Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson. The contrast between modern art and the raw concrete of the bunker makes for an unforgettable experience.

https://www.sammlung-boros.de/en/bunker

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6. Pergamon Museum
One of Berlin’s most visited museums, the Pergamon houses monumental ancient architecture like the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus. Located on Museum Island, it’s the perfect place to escape the rain and time travel through ancient civilizations.

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7. DDR Museum
This hands-on museum offers a deep dive into life in East Germany. From reconstructed apartments to interactive exhibits on surveillance and propaganda, the DDR Museum gives you a tangible sense of the GDR’s daily life, making it a favorite for families and history lovers alike.

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8. Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Take shelter inside the Berliner Dom, an architectural masterpiece with stunning interiors, mosaics, and a fascinating crypt. If the rain lets up, brave the dome climb for panoramic views of the city.

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9. Berlin Story Bunker
Housed in a WWII-era air raid shelter, the Berlin Story Museum offers an in-depth look at the city’s history, especially focused on Adolf Hitler and the rise of Nazi Germany. It’s a somber but essential experience for understanding Berlin's 20th-century past.

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10. German Spy Museum
This interactive museum near Potsdamer Platz is great for kids and adults alike. Learn about real-life espionage during the Cold War, test your code-breaking skills, and even navigate a laser maze at the German Spy Museum.

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11. C/O Berlin
This photography and visual media gallery, located in the Amerika Haus near Zoo station, features rotating exhibitions by globally recognized photographers and emerging talent. A perfect cultural stop for art lovers on a grey afternoon.

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12. Markthalle Neun
Warm up with comfort food at this indoor food market in Kreuzberg. Markthalle Neun features local vendors, international street food, and occasional special events like Street Food Thursday — ideal for foodies seeking shelter from the storm.

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13. Visit a Cozy Berlin Café
No rainy day is complete without relaxing in one of Berlin’s cozy cafés. Try The Barn, Five Elephant, or Silo Coffee for third-wave brews and a slice of cake. Many cafés offer free Wi-Fi and a chill atmosphere, making them great spots to unwind or get some reading done.

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Don’t let the rain slow you down — Berlin is just as exciting indoors. Whether you're into history, modern art, or just good food, there’s always something fascinating to do in Berlin when it’s raining.