Berlin: a city to discover

In September, for all consumer electronics professionals, Berlin is the reference city. Like every year, in fact, it hosts a fixed appointment, the IFA, which this year will be held from Friday 6 September – Tuesday 10 September. 

In this article, however, our goal is not to tell the story of the fair, but rather to give some ideas of the must-see places for those who will visit it in the coming days. The capital of Germany, in fact, is a city that tells a unique and fascinating story. With its mix of modernity and tradition, historical monuments and contemporary culture, Berlin is a place that deserves to be explored in depth. This city has experienced crucial moments in European and world history, and today presents itself as a lively metropolis, rich in art, history, and an ever-evolving cultural scene. Let’s see together five of the most emblematic places that every visitor should absolutely see during a trip to Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate: The Symbol of Unified Germany

We begin our journey at the Brandenburg Gate, the undisputed symbol of Berlin and a unified Germany. Built in the 18th century as the entrance to the city, this monumental neoclassical structure has witnessed many of the most significant events in German history. During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate was located near the Berlin Wall, becoming a symbol of the division between East and West. Today, it represents peace and unity, and is one of the most photographed sites in the city. Walking through the Brandenburg Gate is an experience that allows you to touch history firsthand and appreciate Berlin’s rebirth as a global city.

Reichstag: The Seat of Power and the Panoramic View

A short distance from the Brandenburg Gate is the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament. This imposing building is not only a place of political importance, but also an architectural masterpiece thanks to its modern glass dome, designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster. The dome is open to visitors and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Berlin, making it a must-see attraction. Walking inside the dome, with a view of the Bundestag plenary chamber, allows visitors to immerse themselves in German political life and appreciate the harmony between the building’s historic past and its modern present. Be sure to book your visit in advance, as admission is free but in high demand.

Museum Island: A Journey Through Art and History

For art and history buffs, Museum Island is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to five world-class museums that offer a wide range of collections from antiquity to the 19th century. Among the most famous museums is the Pergamon Museum, which houses priceless archaeological finds such as the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. The Altes Museum, with its impressive collection of Greek and Roman art, is another highlight of the island. Wandering through these museums allows you to take a journey through millennia of history and culture, admiring some of the greatest works of art in human history.

Holocaust Memorial: A Reflection on History

Berlin is a city that does not hide its past, but rather embraces it as an integral part of its identity. A moving example of this is the Holocaust Memorial, located near the Brandenburg Gate. This memorial, designed by architect Peter Eisenman, is composed of 2,711 concrete blocks of different heights, arranged in an undulating field that creates an atmosphere of deep reflection and introspection. Walking through the memorial is an intense experience that invites contemplation of the atrocities of the past and the need to remember so as not to repeat the mistakes of history. Next to the memorial, there is a documentation center that offers further information and testimonies about the Holocaust.

Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery: A Symbol of Freedom and Creativity

No visit to Berlin would be complete without exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Once dividing the city in two, the wall is now one of the most powerful symbols of the Cold War and the subsequent reunification of Germany. One of the most famous sections is the East Side Gallery, a 1.3-kilometer-long open-air art gallery where artists from around the world have transformed the wall into a canvas celebrating freedom and unity. The murals at the East Side Gallery are full of meaning and emotion, and walking along the wall allows you to reflect on the power of art as a tool for expression and resistance.

So if you are in Berlin for IFA don’t miss the chance to explore its Thousand Faces

Berlin is a city that has much to offer to every type of visitor. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply visiting Berlin for the IFA fair, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most dynamic metropolises. Berlin will captivate you with its energy, culture and history. These five places are just the beginning of what the city has to offer, but they are essential stops to understand the complexity and beauty of Berlin. Every corner of the city tells a story, and every visit will lead you to discover something new and unexpected. Berlin is not just a city to visit, it is a city to live and discover.