Music: Addresses for Concerts, Opera and Culture
Berlin is a leading city for lovers of classical music, opera and ballet. Many visitors come to Berlin because of its eventful history or because of its rather alternative culture, but they forget that the German capital has always been a top address for culture in Europe. Here are the most important orchestras in Berlin
National Opera Unter den Linden
In 1741 Knobelsdorff, architect and friend of King Frederick the Great, build the opera house "under the lime trees" according to the wishes of the enlightened monarch and lover of the arts. Actually it was the first musical theatre ever to be built outside a palace. The opera, currently directed by Daniel Barenboim, still has an excellent international reputation and, in the 2004 ranking of a specialist magazine, won the awards for the best orchestra and best choir. Operas are performed in the original language, with subtitles in German. Tickets available already from € 14. Photo © Staatsoper Unter den Linden / Marcus Ebener
• The prices vary depending on the program and places, from 14€
• The Magic Flute with stage sets by K.F. Schinkel
• Program : www.staatsoper-berlin.de
Berlin Philharmonic
It is one of the concert halls with best acoustics worldwide! One of the building's peculiarities is that the orchestra is located in the centre, surrounded by the audience. Another reason to visit the phlhHier sind also zwei von vielen anderen Gründen, warum Sie während Ihres Besuchs in Berlin die Philharmonie genießen sollten. Sie wurde zwischen 1960 und 1963 von Hans Scharoun entworfen, der der Architekt des Wiederaufbaus von Berlin in der Nachkriegszeit war. The Berlin philharmonic orchestra became very famous under the direction of Herbert von Karajan, who was the head of the orchestra from 1955 until his death in 1989. Photo © Berliner Philharmoniker
• Tip : From September to June, Tuesdays on 1pm, free lunch concert
• Program : berliner-philharmoniker.de
Deutsche Oper
The former West Berlin Opera under the direction of Donald Runnicles offers you the advantage of excellent acoustics and a good view from all seats and should be included in your programme. Photo © Leo Seide
• The opera is located at the underground U2 Deutsche Oper
• Program : deutscheoperberlin.de
Concert Hall Gendarmenmarkt
One of the most beautiful neoclassical halls in Berlin from architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel from 1820, rebuilt in 1984 by the GDR. Christoph Eschenbach has been a conductor since 2019.
• There are many restaurants around the house
• Tour of the house will be organised Saturdays at 1pm
• Program : www.konzerthaus.de
Comic Opera
Located on Unter den Linden and built in neo-baroque style, it specialises in German-language operas, operettas and musicals. It will be restored between 2022 and 2027. Photo © Komische Oper Gunar Keller
• Concert between 10 € and 96 €
• Ticket Unter den Linden 41 Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm Sun. 1pm-4pm
• Program : komische-oper-berlin.de
ORANGERIE at CHARLOTTEBURG PALACE
Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Charlottenburg Palace, the elegance of a candle menu and a baroque concert in historical costumes. Here are some important monuments in Berlin.
• Concert between 34 € and 79 €
• Concert and menu arrangements between 73 € and 118 €
• Program : residenzkonzerte.berlin
Ballet national
Thanks to o rganisational restucturing, today the ballet offers an ample programme cooperating, at the same time, with both the National Opera and the German Opera. Tickets can be booked online. Photo © Yan Revazov Staatsballett
• The ticket offices are at the opera Unter den Linden, the comic opera and the Deutsche Oper or online.
• Program : www.staatsballett-berlin.de
Salle Pierre Boulez
The new concert hall, built by Frank Gehry in honour of the composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, offers intimate concerts of young international musical talents and is often led by its creator Daniel Barenboim.
Photo © Volker Kreidler
• Barenboim-Said Akademie / West-Eastern Divan orchestra
• Program : www.boulezsaal.de
Theatre & Shows: Our suggestions for a successful evening
Berlin has a long tradition of theatre and cabaret, especially in the twenties. Below you will find the best addresses for those who speak Goethe's language and if not, then spend an evening in the Friedrichstadtpalast (the largest stage in the world) or for a variety show in the Wintergarten with the possibility of a dinner before the show.
Friedrichstadt Palast
The best stage in Germany and even the biggest in the world! In the Friedrichstadtpalast it is a show of superlatives that makes this evening an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking staging, the beauty of the costumes, the international artists leave you no time to repose. Photo © Robert Grischek
• The ticket office is open from 10am to 6:30pm (7:30pm days with show)
• Friedrichstraße 107, 10117 Berlin
• Program : www.palast.berlin
Wintergarten Variété
With a long tradition, Wintergarten perfectly combines a variety show with some of the world's most famous artists with a culinary experience and a menu specially tailored to the theme of the show. You can also participate without dinner. The show changes every 5-6 months with a different and original motto. Photo © Wintergarten Veriété
• Tip : Take the Show & Diner arrangement, it's worth it!
• Potsdamer Straße 96, 10785 Berlin
• Program : wintergarten-berlin.de
Tipi am Kanzleramt
In a tent next to the Chancellery you can enjoy a variety of shows, sometimes musical (Dominique Horwitz sings Brel) or theatrical (Mrs. Luna) in German (or English sometimes). It is worthwhile to see the program for your stay. You can dine on site. Photo © Barbara Braun
• Some shows are only in German, others are international
• Große Querallee, 10557 Berlin
• Program : tipi-am-kanzleramt.de
Bar jeder Vernunft
As in the tipi at the Chancellery, you will find music and theatre for every taste, with dinner on request. The English website will inform you about upcoming shows. If you speak German, you will find the best actors and musicians in Germany, but in a very Berlin atmosphere. Photo © Dirk Plamboeck
• Schaperstr. 24, 10719 Berlin
• Program : bar-jeder-vernunft.de
Chamäleon
Chameleon is located in the famous courtyards of the Hackesche Höfe and is an appreciated address for all new forms of circus and variety shows. The box office is located directly at the entrance of the courtyards, which you should not miss during your stay in Berlin, so that you can inform yourself about the show.
• Rosenthaler Straße 40, 10178 Berlin
• Program : chamaeleonberlin.com
Theater des Westens
The Theater des Westens, next to the train station Zoological Garden, is a Berlin theater dedicated mainly to operettas and musicals. The theatre in various architectural styles was built in 1895. The great musicals are available in German or English.
• Kantstraße 12, 10623 Berlin
• Program : stage-entertainment.de
Zoos, aquariums and nature in the city
As you all know, Berlin is a very green and airy city, which makes your stay in Berlin even more pleasant. So don't miss a walk in parks like Tiergarten or a visit to one of Berlin's zoos (the two largest in Europe) on your next holiday in Berlin. You can also book a bike tour with your Berlin Guide.
Zoological Garden (West)
Germany's oldest zoo and the world's largest zoo in terms of the number of animals awaits you in the City West. The current stars of the zoo are Pandas Jiao Qing and Meng Meng, for whom a park and a 5-star complex were built. Foto © 2018 Zoo Berlin
• Entrance from the side of the station Zoo or Europa Center
• Daily from 9am to 4:30-6:30pm (depending on month)
• Information : www.zoo-berlin.de
Tierpark (Ost)
Berlin has all zoo records: The zoo, located in the east of Berlin, was built in competition with the west and with 160 hectares Europe's largest zoo on the surface. The public facilities with lemurs are particularly worth seeing. Foto © 2018 Tierpark Berlin
• Underground U5 (from Alexanderplatz) to Tierpark
• Daily from 9am to 4:30-6:30pm (depending on month)
• Information : www.tierpark-berlin.de
Aquarium im Zoo
The Berlin Aquarium is also one of the most renowned in Europe and behind the historic facades of the building there are more than 800 different species of fish, but also reptiles, amphibians and insects. It is located at the entrance (south) of the zoo. Photo © 2018 Aquarium Berlin
• On the site of the Europa-Center and the Memorial Church
• Daily from 9am to 6pm (24.12 2pm)
• Information : www.aquarium-berlin.de
Sealife aquariums
Sea Life Berlin is a unique ensemble of aquariums, ideal for a family outing. The great attraction is the cylinder aquarium, which you will see from the inside with an elevator, 25 meters high, 1 million liters of sea water, 1500 fish of 97 different species. Photo © Sealife
• Spandauer Str. 3 - Between Berlin Cathedral and City Hall
• daily (except on holidays) from 10am to 7pm. Variable price
• Information : www.visitsealife.com
Botanical Garden
Der Botanische Garten Berlin ist besonders bekannt für seine monumentalen Gewächshäuser aus dem Jahr 1905 auf einer Fläche von 1.728 m². Der Garten hat 22.000 verschiedene Pflanzen. Photo: © I. Haas, Botanical Garden und Botanisches Museum Berlin
• Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin
• daily (except in exceptional cases*) from 9am to 7pm
• *Information : www.bgbm.org
Gardens of the World Marzahn
In the gardens of the world, landscape design is divided according to themes or regions: Chinese, Oriental, Australian, Korean, European, etc. Since the International Garden Show 2017, a cable car has been running over the 43 hectares. Photo: © Grün Berlin GmbH
• Metro U5 (from Alexanderplatz) Station Kienberg Gärten der Welt
• Varying*, in summer from 9 am to sunset
• *Information : www.gruen-berlin.de
The Great Tiergarten
Berlin's 210 hectare green lung is a recreational area used by all Berliners for walking or sunbathing (often nudism). A former hunting ground, it became a public park under Frederick the Great, and it was above all its romantic (English) landscaping in the 1840s that gave it its charm today.
• The Victory Column gives you a beautiful view of the city and there is also a nice exhibition
• The beer garden at Am neuen See invites you to take a break.
• Jean-Pierre Andreae offers you guided bike tours .
Teufelsberg
The Devil's Mountain with 120 meters lies next to the Teufelssee (hence the name) and today consists of 12,000,000 m3 of Berlin rubble (World War II), green space and forests. On a hill (city side) the view is magnificent and the access is free. The other, the highest, is known for its former western espionage center with radar facilities, today it is a street art hotspot in Berlin, which you should definitely visit.
• Railway station "Heerstr." line S3 S5 S7 S9 then 15 min. on foot
• Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin
• Information : teufelsberg-berlin.de
Activities for Familys and children
For young and older, Berlin is a city for all generations, of course for young people who can better understand their history classes, but also for the younger ones with many attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. To save money, there are special prices if you visit several attractions: Sea Life, Legoland, Madame Tussaud, Berlin Dungeon and Little BIG City Berlin.
Zoological Garden
Germany's oldest zoo and the world's largest zoo in terms of the number of animals awaits you in the City West. The current stars of the zoo are Pandas Jiao Qing and Meng Meng, for whom a park and a 5-star complex were built. Foto © 2018_Zoo_Berlin
• Entrance from the side of the station Zoo or Europa Center
• Daily from 9am to 4:30-6:30pm (depending on month)
• Information : www.zoo-berlin.de
tropical island
An unimaginable place of superlatives, in a 360 meter long and 107 meter high hall, which was originally built for the construction of dirigibles, is one of the largest tropical spaces in the world. You can spend a day there or sleep in tents or in luxury. Huge swimming pools, slides and water playground. Inform yourself, it can be worth it!
• 50 kilometers south of Berlin. By car or train
• Information : www.tropical-islands.de
Aquarium Berlin Zoo
The Berlin Aquarium is also one of the most renowned in Europe and behind the historic facades of the building there are more than 800 different species of fish, but also reptiles, amphibians and insects. It is located at the entrance (south) of the zoo.. Foto © 2018_Aquarium_Berlin
• On the site of the Europa-Center and the Memorial Church
• Daily from 9am to 6pm (24.12 2pm)
• Information : www.aquarium-berlin.de
Sealife aquariums Berlin
Sea Life Berlin is a unique ensemble of aquariums, ideal for a family outing. The great attraction is the cylinder aquarium, which you will see from the inside with an elevator, 25 meters high, 1 million liters of sea water, 1500 fish of 97 different species. Foto ©Sealife
• Spandauer Str. 3 - Between Berlin Cathedral and City Hall
• daily (except on holidays) from 10am to 7pm. Variable price
• Information : www.visitsealife.com
Legoland
At the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz, immerse yourself in Berlin's most colourful LEGO® indoor playground, with many attractions for all LEGO fans, big and small. Photo: © Legoland
• Potsdamer Straße 4 , 10785 Berlin
• Open every day from 10am to 7pm (5pm)
• Information : legolanddiscoverycentre.de
Museum of Transport and Spectrum
Close to Potsdamer Platz, this technical cultural forum has its unmistakable location: at the Gleisdreieck on the site of the former Anhalter Güterbahnhof. You can find this museum and others on the page "Museums in Berlin". © SDTB / Foto: Clemens Kirchner
• Trebbiner Str. 9 - 10963 Berlin
• Information : www.sdtb.de
Berlin Museum of Natural History
The Berlin Museum of Natural History is an international reference with more traditional presentations of animal species, a particularly impressive exhibition of dinosaurs and interactive areas for children.
• Invalidenstr. 43, 10115 Berlin
• Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm
• Information : museumfuernaturkunde.berlin
Other: Panoramic views, thermal baths and essentials
Below you will find some of the places you should visit for your Berlin vacation. Here you have the most beautiful panoramic views of Berlin, where you can relax with a good massage and sauna. In addition, we have some tips for you from original tourist attractions. Write us, if you have other ideas.
Tropical Island
An unimaginable place of superlatives, in a 360 meter long and 107 meter high hall, which was originally built for the construction of dirigibles, is one of the largest tropical spaces in the world. You can spend a day there or sleep in tents or in luxury. Huge swimming pools, slides and water playground. Inform yourself, it can be worth it!
• 50 kilometers south of Berlin. By car or train
• Information : www.tropical-islands.de
SPA VABALI
The Vabali SPA Centre in Berlin offers you the opportunity to relax after your Berlin expeditions. It is a magical oasis of peace and relaxation. A village in the style of Bali on an area of 20,000 m2 with sauna, swimming pool and various types of massage that you can book. Note that in the sauna culture swimsuits are forbidden, just a towel! Photo: © Vabali
• The prices vary depending on the duration between 21,50 €-36,50 €. The massages are available for 36 € for 25 min. or 66 € for 55 min. (2019).
• Information : www.vabali.de
Liquidrom Swimming pools and sauna
The Berlin Liquidrom is especially appreciated for its warm saltwater swimming pool with water music, in which you can float to music. There are also various saunas, a friendly bar and massages are also possible by appointment. Photo ©Liquidrom
• Open every day from 9am to 12pm (Friday Saturday 1am)
• Price varies according to duration and days (from 17,50€ without sauna)
• Information : www.liquidrom-berlin.de
Panorama from the Daimler Tower
One of the most beautiful panoramic views of Berlin from Daimler Tower (red brick) at the intersection of Potsdamer Platz. There is a beautiful romantic restaurant. You can buy tickets in advance, but the queue is never very long. Photo ©Panoramapunkt
• Summer 10am-8pm (Kaffee 11am-7pm) - Winter closes at 6pm coffee at 5pm
• Prices : 7,50 €, Familys 17,50 €, VIP 9 €
• Information : www.panoramapunkt.de
Panorama from the Victory Column
We highly recommend a walk in the Tiergarten and you can take the opportunity to climb the Victory Column with its beautiful view. You will also have an exhibition on the history of the monument and on the great national monuments in Germany and all over the world.
• Opening times depending on month, but at least from 9:30am to 5:30pm
• Price : 3 € and reduced 2,50 €
• Information on the page "sightseeing" von LatLon
Panorama from Monkey Bar
To relax from shopping in City West to Berlin, go to the Bar Monkey to enjoy a small cocktail and sweet potato chips (my preference) with a magnificent view of Berlin, the Gedächtniskirche, the Zoological Garden and the main shopping streets like the Ku'damm.
• To bypass the queue, leave in the afternoon (from 12 noon)
• Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin
• Information : www.monkeybarberlin.de
Teufelsberg
The Devil's Mountain with 120 meters lies next to the Teufelssee (hence the name) and today consists of 12,000,000 m3 of Berlin rubble (World War II), green space and forests. On a hill (city side) the view is magnificent and the access is free. The other, the highest, is known for its former western espionage center with radar facilities, today it is a street art hotspot in Berlin, which you should definitely visit.
• Railway station "Heerstr." line S3 S5 S7 S9 then 15 min. on foot
• Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin
• Information : teufelsberg-berlin.de
Olympia Stadion
Not far from Teufelsberg, the stadium built from the Third Reich for the 1936 Olympic Games impresses with its architecture and, of course, its history. At the rear of the stadium, you can climb the large bell tower to admire the view and visit the exhibition on the history of the stadium and the 1936 games. Guided tours are also organised there
• For the stadium, opening hours depending on matches and concerts
• For the tower: Open from April to October from 9am to 6pm
• Olympischer Platz 3, 14053 Berlin
• Information : olympiastadion.berlin und www.glockenturm.de
Trabis Safari
The old cars of the former GDR have become a symbol of Berlin, they are called Trabant or Trabi and it is a unique experience to be able to make a city tour with these oldtimers. Every day different trips are organized, there is a guide car that drives you through Berlin and you have comments on the monuments.. Photo: ©East Car Tours
• Trabi World is just a stone's throw from Check Point Charlie and the topography of terror. See also the Trabi Museum.
• Information : www.trabi-safari.de
Berlin Unterwelten
Over the past decades, the Verein Berliner Unterwelten has discovered many remains of Berlin underground tunnels: In addition to the old sewers, these are above all the bunkers from the Second World War and the years of the Cold War, which you can visit with members of the association.
• The reception centre is located next to the Gesundbrunnen railway station (Brunnenstraße 105). Please refer to the website for the schedules of the various guided tours and languages. Buy tickets on site about 45 minutes in advance. - Information : berliner-unterwelten.de
Sammlung Boros Berlin
Christian Boros' private collection of contemporary art is one of the most important in Berlin and is housed in a former air bunker from the National Socialist era. Hitler wanted to transform the bunker after a German victory into a national monument, which fortunately is not the case today and is a centre of culture and toleraBook on the site 1-3 months in advancence.
• Buchen Sie auf der Website 1-3 Monate im Voraus - Photo ©NOSHE
• The guided tours start from Thursday to Sunday (15 €)
• Information : www.sammlung-boros.de
Fondation Feuerle
Mystery, mystery! What is behind the name "The Feuerle Collection"? We won't tell you anything! If you are a fan of Asian and contemporary art, if you like unusual places or the Zen atmosphere, but also if you are interested in the relics of the Second World War, then this is a place we highly recommend...
• You have to buy the tickets online and go at the time you booked.
• Hallesches Ufer 70, 10963 Berlin
• Information : thefeuerlecollection.org
Visit of the Reichstag dome
The Reichstag was built between 1884 and 1894 by German architect Paul Wallot. Today, the “Bundestag”, i.e. the parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany is housed here. The Reichstag dome can be visited daily from 8 am to 12 pm (last admission 10 pm), admission free.read more ...
• On our page "Berlin Sightseeing" you will find practical information about visiting the Reichstag and the most important monuments in Berlin.
Jean-Pierre Andreae offers you a guided tour with the Reichstag.
Television Tower
After some years of uncertainty about what would be the adequate monument to represent “the unity and the workforce of the people of the GDR” and the site where it should be constructed, the East Berlin authorities finally decided to erect this tower in the very centre of the city, as a symbol of progress and success of the socialist system. read more ...
• On our page "Berlin Sightseeing" you will find practical information about the television tower and the most important sights in Berlin
Flea Market at Mauerpark
Berlin has a tradition of flea markets. The most original, multicultural, musical and enjoyable is the flea market in Mauerpark. With its popular folk festival, every Sunday. Apart from those who don't like large crowds of people, Mauerpark has become a must in Berlin. A very famous karaoke is organized in the amphitheatre by Joe Hatchiban.
• Every Sunday (except two in November) From 10am to 4-6pm
• Metro U2 Eberswalder Str. / Tram M10 Wolliner Str.
• Visit Bernauer Str. and book a guided city tour
Flea Market at Straße des 17. June
The other famous flea market (since 1973), the more traditional, but also with an art market, is organized on Saturday and Sunday on the Street of 17 June. Nearby you can take a walk in the Tiergarten and enjoy the Berlin beer garden like "am neuen See" or "Schleusenkrug" on the way to Bahnhof Zoo. Below you will find two more interesting markets.
• S-Bahn Tiergarten - Sat. Sun. from 10am to 5pm
• Also: Turkish market Tuesday and Friday 10am-5pm Maybachufer Kreuzberg
• "Markt Halle Neun" in Kreuzberg - Information
City guided tours with Jean-Pierre Andreae in Berlin
Your private guide will give you good tips during the personalised sightseeing tour for you and your family in Berlin
A city tour in English is the best way to understand and appreciate a city, especially in Berlin, a city with many facets and such a rich and complex history that you can experience with your personal tour guide.
Jean-Pierre Andreae and a team of passionate professional guides offer you personalized and private city tours as well as thematic tours. For groups and travel agencies, we offer various services and guided tours tailored to your needs.
To book your guided city tour
• By email to andreae@premiumguideberlin.com
• or by telephone to +49 (0)151 25 37 37 37
• Jean-Pierre Andreae - Raabestraße 10 - 10405 Berlin
• Please enter your desired city tour, how many people you are, your contact details and possibly the name of your hotel.