Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is undoubtedly Berlin’s most famous landmark. Until 1989 symbolising the division of Berlin and Germany; nowadays it is a national symbol of unity. This unique remaining city gate in Berlin was built by Carl Gotthard Langhans in 1789–91 as the first significant example of Berlin classicism. It boasts its splendid facade ornamentation and famous “Quadriga,” the four-horsed chariot at the top. Severely damaged during World War II it was restored in 1956. At the time of the Berlin Wall , the Gate stood alone and isolated. Today it is again integrated into the Pariser Platz, also housing the Dresdner Bank (Gerkan, Marg & Partner) and the French embassy (de Portzamparc). On the south side of the Gate stands another Berlin's highlight, the luxury Adlon Hotel. Reichstag
The Reichstag building was the seat of the original parliament of the German Empire, opened in 1894 until 1933. It again became the seat of the German parliament in 1999 after a reconstruction led by famous architect Norman Foster. He decided to add a glass dome over the plenary hall. The Reichstag is one of the most visited attractions in Berlin. Its huge glass cupola provides a magnificent view over the city, especially at night. From the cupola, you can also see the main hall of the parliament. When there are no parliamentary sessions, tourists can visit the building and admire Berlin’s beauty while walking up the spiral stairway to the top of the dome. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz is the most bustling traffic centre in Europe, set near the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and close to the southeast corner of Tiergarten Park. This important square marks the point where the old road from Potsdam passed through the city wall of Berlin at Potsdam Gate. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it became a glittering new heart for the city and the most visible symbol of the new Berlin. It boasts fantastic modern skyscrapers like the impressive Daimler-City with numerous cafés, restaurants, shopping centres and the amazing steel-and-glass Sony Centre, consisting of seven separate buildings with offices, apartments, cinemas and a film studio. In the middle of a triangular area of surrounding office blocks, there’s a square with a beautiful fountain which is lit up at night. Alexander Platz
The famous Alexanderplatz is undoubtedly the most popular square in former East Berlin. Originally a cattle market, it owes its name to a visit from Russian Emperor Alexander I to Berlin in 1805. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, it gained its present appearance after several reconstructions, which still retained its Socialist character. The Fernsehturm TV Tower, the second-tallest structure in Europe, is located here. The square also houses the Park Inn Berlin and the World Time Clock, a continually rotating installation showing the time around the globe.