Most visitors to Berlin regard the magnificent boulevard of Unter den Linden as the heart of the small historic Mitte district. Many of Berlin’s sights are concentrated along the grand avenue and around Bebelplatz, creating an impressive picture of Prussian and German history from the early 18th century until the present day. South of Unter den Linden is Gendarmenmarkt, one of Europe’s most attractive squares. In recent years, many varied and elegant restaurants and cafés have appeared around the Neo-Classical square. Not far away, chic Friedrichstraße is lined with luxury shops and department stores as well as modern offices and apartments.
A Day of Culture
Morning
Start your stroll on Unter den Linden, at the corner of Friedrichstraße. Once this spot was one of Berlin’s liveliest street junctions, and there is still plenty to see today. For breakfast or refreshments, pop into Café Einstein . Afterwards continue eastwards along the boulevard; you will pass numerous fascinating buildings, for example, on the right, the Deutsche Bank with the Kunstmuseum in Deutsche Guggenheim . From here you can already see the equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, which marks the centre of Forum Fridericianum . This area as well as Bebelplatz are right in the centre of Old Berlin, with Staatsoper, St Hedwigskathedrale, Altes Palais and Humboldt-Universität. You could have lunch in one of the restaurants based in the Opernpalais .
Afternoon
In the afternoon continue your stroll along Unter den Linden and, if you like, make a detour to the north to Museumsinsel . Afterwards, if you still feel energetic enough, you could visit Berliner Dom . Opposite the cathedral you will see Schlossplatz ; its architectural future is still being hotly debated. You could round off your day of sightseeing in Mitte with a delicious evening meal at Dressler Unter den Linden . To get there, just retrace your steps and return along Unter den Linden in a westerly direction.
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Morning
Unter den Linden begins at Pariser Platz in front of Brandenburger Tor . Stroll eastwards along the wide avenue, past Hotel Adlon Berlin. Then turn right into Wilhelmstraße , the former political nerve centre. On the right-hand side you will pass the new building of the British Embassy. In Behrenstraße you can assess progress in the construction of the Holocaust-Denkmal .
Turn left into Französische Straße, which will take you to Friedrichstraße . Here you can shop at the Galeries Lafayette or in the Department Store 206 . After your shopping expedition, you may wish to recover over a snack lunch in the gourmet food department, which is situated in the basement of Galeries Lafayette.
Afternoon
Before you continue your exploration of Friedrichstraße, make a detour to Gendarmenmarkt with its Konzerthaus as well as Deutscher and Französischer Dom. From here return to Friedrichstraße and its modern buildings. Walk down the street to Leipziger Straße. Turn left into Leipziger Straße, and on the left you will see the giant structure of the former Ministry of Aviation. Today the Federal Ministry of Finance is based here. From here you can retrace your steps to Unter den Linden or return to Gendarmenmarkt. An evening meal at the Asian restaurant Langhans is highly recommended.
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The old Admirals’ Palace is the only remaining theatre in Berlin’s erstwhile entertainment district. Today it is the home of the Metropoltheater (currently closed).
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Original Viennese restaurant serving typically Austrian food.
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An impressive classicist building designed by Schinkel and rebuilt in 2004 to house the Berlin offices of Bertelsmann.
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Almost anything you’ve ever wanted to read about Berlin as well as photographs and souvenirs are available from Herr Giebel, who knows the town like no one else.
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Best of Berlin’s trendy new restaurants, offering good French food in an historic setting.
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Berlin’s best-known landmark on Pariser Platz leads through to Unter den Linden (see Brandenburger Tor & Pariser Platz) .
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Atmospheric pub under the S-Bahn arches; courtyard.
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Small branch of a chain, selling quality men’s shoes.
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Small and cosy branch of the Café in the western city, serving excellent wines and Austrian specialities.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
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