Alexanderplatz, Berlin Overview

Alexanderplatz is a popular tourist and transport hub in the Mitte district of Berlin, Germany. This large public square is home to various shopping hubs, food outlets and other entertainment venues.

A lot of important attractions are situated nearby, making Alexanderplatz a recommended staging point while touring Berlin. With more than 360000 daily visitors, the square is the most visited place in Berlin. Situated at the central district of Mitte in Berlin, Alexanderplatz is a huge public square mostly visited by both the locals and travellers. One of the buzzing areas in Berlin filled with shops, restaurants and various attractions Alexanderplatz is a must visit place for entertainment purpose. Known as the initial point for touring, this popular square is at close proximity to other main attractions in Berlin.

The square is named after the former Russian Tsar, Alexander I who visited the Prussian capital in 1805. Till the same year, it was a military parade base and an exercise ground, also minimally called Alex. Back in the 19th century, Alexanderplatz was transformed into a transit junction in 1882 for S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, trams and buses. During the Second World War the street continued its reunification as many buildings in this area were shattered by the Red Army; later Alexanderplatz was reconstructed with a pedestrian zone during 1960. Even after the fall of Berlin wall in November 1989, the square a historic place now is home to attractions like Fernsehturm (TV tower), Rotes Rathaus, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Unter den Linden, Nikolaiviertel all located in close proximity.

Sightseeing in and Around Alexanderplatz

1. Fernsehturm, the TV Tower

Fernsehturm, the TV Tower, Berlin — Source

Among the most prominent attractions which one can spot from Alexanderplatz is the Fernsehturm, a giant TV tower. The 368-meter iconic tower was launched in 1958 and offers breathtaking views of the city. It is among the tallest buildings in Europe. The Observation deck and bar, at a height of 203 m offers panoramic views of the capital along with a wide selection of drinks to choose from. One can also visit the Sphere Restaurant located above the Observation deck, which is a luxury dining restaurant that serves local Berlin and Brandenburg cuisine.

2. Berlin City Hall

Rotes Rathaus, Berlin City Hall, Berlin — Source

Rotes Rathaus or Berlin City Hall is the seat of the Mayor and Senate of Berlin. Named for the usage of red brick clinkers in its construction, Rotes Rathaus boasts of many impressive rooms which are worth a visit. The heraldic hall here is meant for state visitors meeting while the great banquet hall holds all the official events and ceremonies. On the third floor corridors, there are portraits of prominent personalities of Berlin.

3. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate or the Branderburger Tor is a symbol of peace and of the unity of reunified Germany, which was formerly East and West Germany during the cold war era. One can opt to visit Pariser Platz, a square in front of the Gate and the Raum der Stille (Room of Silence), a meditation room to relax.

4. Museum Island

Berlin’s Museum Island or Museumsinsel is an ensemble of five beautiful and popular museums praised for outstanding art work. Here is a brief about all the five museums:

Pergamonmuseum: Though this museum is undergoing restoration and is expected to complete its fourth wing, visitors can still view rest of the wings. Ishtar Gate, Roman Market Gate and collections of Islamic Art are the famous things to see here.
Bode-Museum: Is home to Byzantine Art, also has a collection of Numismatic and figurines belonging to the medieval period.
Neues Museum: the renowned bust of Nefertiti, an ancient Egyptian queen houses here.
Old National Gallery and Altes Museum both opened in 1876 and 1830 respectively hold paintings and sculptures of neoclassical, Biedermeier, ancient Greece and Roman period.

Shopping in Alexanderplatz

With more than 180 stores spread across 56000 square meters, Alexanderplatz happens to be one of the largest shopping areas in Berlin. Offering cosmetics, fashion, souvenirs, entertainment goods, there are multiple splurging options available for tourists. BVG Shop has a variety of souvenirs that you can select from mainly selling keepsake items in remembrance of Berlin’s transport system. Lala Berlin is a fashion store reflecting chic pieces in the form of clothes, ornaments and accessories in an unconventional way. Started only as a single store in Berlin, the label is now a global brand with over 200 fashion stores. The Galeria Kaufhof is another large departmental store and one stop for all your daily needs. Alexanderplatz is also home to several local and international brands with Billabong, Cartier, Prada being just a few of them.

Entertainment in Alexanderplatz

1. Loxx Miniature World

Loxx Miniature World is a must visit place for children with their families where one can witness live miniature models of the world’s largest railway. The models showcase more than trains, including tiny cars running on the roads, planes taking off the runway and various landmarks of Berlin.

2. Nightclubs in Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz also has popular nightclubs making it a great place to experience the nightlife in Berlin for the tourists. Some of the best ones are:

House of Weekend: Located on 12th and 15th floors of Haus Des Reisens building, this rooftop terrace club is near the TV tower. It usually opens at 11 pm, and the club generally plays electro and Hip-Hop music.
M-Bia: This underground club is a favourite amongst the trance lovers and is under the entrance of S-Bahn station.
A-Lounge Berlin: A combination of a bar, restaurant, club and lounge, this place is perfect for people in their 30’s, offering them a relaxed atmosphere to socialize in.

How To Reach Alexanderplatz

Train/S-Bahn: S9, S45 is the urban railway trains running every 10 minutes

Regional Railway: Available from the Schonefeld Airport to City centre following trains RE 7, RB 14 and RB 22 run twice every hour.

Bus: Use Flixbus coaches right from the Schonefeld Airport to travel to Alexanderplatz bus station located opposite Hotel Park Inn. You can check the Flixbus website online to receive accurate details about the timings and destinations they serve to.