The German capital boasts numerous landmarks: from the Reichstag to the Siegessäule with its victory angel, as well as the Berlin Television Tower, the country’s tallest building. The Brandenburg Gate, however, symbolises German reunification like no other attraction – having once represented the city’s division into East and West. Berlin’s only remaining city gate is also an architectural gem, and is considered one of the best examples of German classicism. All sorts of events are held throughout the year around the Gate. And many other interesting attractions and highlights are easy to reach from here by foot.

The architecture and history of the Brandenburg Gate

The legendary Hotel Adlon, the embassies and the elegant townhouses lining Pariser Platz all keep the Brandenburg Gate in good company.

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The Gate was built between 1788 and 1791, and the Gate’s six pairs of Doric columns emulate the Acropolis in Athens. The plans were drawn up by the architect Carl Gotthard Langhans. The Quadriga, in contrast, which has crowned the Gate since 1793, is based on a design by Gottfried Schadow. It also has an eventful history, which saw Napoleon take it to Paris from 1806 to 1814. Following the city’s division after the Wall was built in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was located smack in the middle of no-man’s-land, making it inaccessible. The Gate’s opening on 22 December 1989 ushered in a new era in German history, watched by 100,000 people, with the city’s first unified New Year’s Eve party being held here just a few days later – something which has now become a tradition that you too can also experience today in the reunified capital city.

Events around Pariser Platz

Ever since reunification, Berliners and visitors to the capital alike herald in the New Year in style at the Brandenburg Gate.

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Along with hundreds of thousands of other guests, you can also take part in Germany’s largest annual New Year’s party. German and international stars entertain you with music from the stage, and at midnight a gigantic fireworks display lights up the sky above this landmark. Another major event with concerts and all sorts of family activities is held on the Day of German Unity on 3 October. The area is also transformed into a huge fan mile during the FIFA World Cup and European Football Championships. Together with innumerable other fans, you can follow the matches on large screens, sharing the drama and excitement while your team plays. You can also experience the Brandenburg Gate in a unique atmosphere when it is colourfully lit up in October during the Festival of Lights.

Attractions near the Brandenburg Gate 

The wealth of attractions and activities around this world-famous structure is incredibly varied. You can visit the Brandenburg Gate Museum right next door, where a 20-minute film gives you an overview of 300 years of the city’s history, and a series of photos documents the transformation of Pariser Platz through the ages. The Reichstag building, where you can obtain a view of the area from its glass dome, is just a few steps to the north, or you can head south to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe with its striking concrete stelae. A stroll through the adjacent Tiergarten can be combined with climbing to the top of the Siegessäule. The eastern side of the Gate merges into Berlin’s famous boulevard Unter den Linden.

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Just a few minutes’ walk will bring you to the famous waxworks of Madame Tussauds, where you will enjoy a 25% discount on admission with your Berlin CityTourCard. Continuing towards Alexanderplatz, you’ll pass attractions such as the Berlin State Opera, the Zeughaus, Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral and the Humboldt University's main building. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Berlin Cathedral to Alexanderplatz, once again profiting from the generous reductions available from other partners offering discounts – ascend to the top of the Television Tower, take the lift through the AquaDom, enjoy the weird and spooky side of the city’s history in the Berlin Dungeon, or experience history with a difference in the Little Big City. 10 partners in total will welcome you with discounts of 30%. The tourist card is also valid as a ticket for public transport, allowing you explore the city for free for anything from 48 hours to 5 days. Secure yourself the Berlin CityTourCard now and take Germany’s biggest city by storm – inexpensively and flexibly.

Click here for your Berlin CityTourCard

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