There are an almost limitless number of interesting things to do while visiting Berlin, Germany — but it might surprise you that many of the sights you are about to take in have a certain Greek influence to them.
That’s right, there are tons of Greek-inspired monuments and artifacts to check out when you visit the iconic German city of Berlin.
Let’s take a look at the top places to go, things to see and places to stay while in Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate
One of the most obvious Greek-inspired structures in Berlin is the famous icon of the city itself, the Brandenburg Gate.
Built between 1788-1791 and located in the very center of the German capital, it was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans and is based on the Propylaea of the Acropolis in Athens. If that’s not Greek enough for you, look closer and you will find that on both sides of the monument there are scenes from Greek mythology.
Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum is our next stop on this unique, Greek-inspired tour. Here you will find Greek artifacts including reconstructions of Greek buildings from the ancient city of Miletus in Ionia.
Here you will encounter priceless Greek history, as the brilliant collection of antiquities includes the altar of Pergamon which dates from the 2nd century BC and its 113-meter-(370-foot) long frieze, as well as the gate of the market at Miletus, which dates back to the Roman period.
The Topography of Terror
At the outdoor/indoor history museum in Berlin called the Topography of Terror, you will see compelling exhibits documenting the many atrocities of the Nazi regime. The museum is built on the site used by the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945 as the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS.
The Nazi occupation of Greece not only was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people but also destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure. Nazi troops sometimes completely destroyed many Greek villages. This darkest time in the history of Europe is documented through photographic and audiovisual materials which feature a special section dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Greece.
Besides history and monuments, there are a great deal of other relaxing ways you can enjoy your stay in Berlin.
For example, why not finish off your day by stopping at Taverna Ousia, located at Grunewaldstraße 54, 10825, Berlin?
You can really get your Greek on here after a culture-filled day in Berlin by enjoying a Greek meal washed down with ouzo, or if you prefer, a great, cold German beer. And don’t forget to stay on a while for a Greek coffee after dinner.
Where to Stay:
While visiting Berlin the best place to stay is in the old heart of the city, Potsdamer Platz, or Potsdam Square. Here you will find yourself in a prime location, located just one kilometer south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, the German Parliament. The best accommodations, in our opinion, are at the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz.
This modern hotel, located beside the Potsdamer Platz entertainment district in the center of Berlin, offers very spacious rooms featuring contemporary Scandinavian design.
Besides being centrally and conveniently located, another perk is that the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz boasts a Scandinavian-style restaurant serving local Berlin specialties as well as international dishes and offers a buffet breakfast with organic options.
There is even a gym on the 8th floor where you can work out while enjoying the panoramic views of Potsdamer Platz.
For more information about the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, please check out their website here.
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