DK Travel : Berlin : Central Berlin: Unter den Linden

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.

For more on Unter den Linden (see Unter den Linden) Konzerthaus in Gendarmenmarkt: www.konzerthaus.de Museum für Kommunikation Berlin: www.museumsstiftung.de/berlin/d211_rundgang.asp