Explore Berlin and its sights
Explore the Nikolai Quarter
Just behind the Galleries Lafayette in the direction of the Nikolai Quarter and the Hotel Nikolai Residence is the Gendarmenmarkt. A beautiful and exclusive place. The center of the square is the Berlin Concert Hall flanked by the French Cathedral and German Cathedral. For a look behind the beautiful facade of the Schauspielhaus, we recommend a guided tour or a concert visit. Program Information. Either walk along Französische Straße past the Foreign Office and the future Berlin City Palace back to the hotel or take a detour along Friedrichstraße to Check Point Charlie. Our tip: short stop for a chocolate at the Rausch Schokoladenhaus at the corner of Mohrenstraße / Charlottenstraße.
Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous former border crossing between West and East Berlin. Today's historical monument to the division of the city, it was one of the links between the two German states at the time of the GDR. The history and escape attempts of the border crossing are commemorated by the Wall Museum. Walk along Zimmerstraße in the direction of Potsdamer Platz, located there is the documentation center Topography of Terror. It shows the terrible events of the German history of the Nazi regime. Right next to the site is the Martin-Gropius-Bau, an exhibition venue and museum. The building was built by the then "star" architect Martin Gropius. Once more around the corner and you are already directly at Potsdamer Platz.
Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous former border crossing between West and East Berlin. Today's historical monument to the division of the city, it was one of the links between the two German states at the time of the GDR. The history and escape attempts of the border crossing are commemorated by the Wall Museum. Walk along Zimmerstraße in the direction of Potsdamer Platz, located there is the documentation center Topography of Terror. It shows the terrible events of the German history of the Nazi regime. Right next to the site is the Martin-Gropius-Bau, an exhibition venue and museum. The building was built by the then "star" architect Martin Gropius. Once more around the corner and you are already directly at Potsdamer Platz.
Staying at Hotel Nikolai Residence in Nikolai Quarter puts you right in the heart of Berlin's historic district. You can easily reach the surrounding attractions on foot. Alexanderplatz is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Here you also have direct access to public transportation. The district of Berlin Mitte is the real center of Berlin and has much more to offer besides the government district, famous sights and attractions. The capital has a great variety of cultural offers and attractions. To help you plan your stay in Berlin a bit, we have put together some tips for sightseeing in the immediate vicinity. We wish you an exciting wonderful time during your Berlin trip or your short trip!
Friedrichstraße crosses the boulevard "Unter den Linden" and is only a few minutes walk from the Brandenburg Gate. It is also a busy street with many stores and noble boutiques. The Dussmann department store is interesting for lovers of books and music. In the northern part of Friedrichstraße is the well-known cabaret die Distel and the Admiralspalast, a beautiful venue for shows, musicals and concerts. You can reach the famous revue theater, the Friedrichstadtpalast, just behind the beautiful bridge over the Spree. The department store Galleries Lafayette is located in the southern part of Friedrichstraße directly at the U-Bhf Französische Straße. Here you will find well-known designer labels, cosmetics and a highlight is the French specialties selection located in the basement.
The magnificent boulevard "Unter den Linden" is only a few minutes walk from the Hotel Nikolai Residence. You are in the historic center of Berlin. Along the boulevard are the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the State Opera House and the world-famous Humboldt University. The avenue, with its magnificent linden trees, crosses Friedrich Strasse, leads to Pariser Platz and ends at the Brandenburg Gate. A real eye-catcher, especially in nice weather.
The Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Pergamon Museum, the Old Museum, the Old National Gallery, the New Museum and the Bode Museum. For every culturally interested musseen lover an absolute must. Further information about the National Museums can be found here
Potsdamer Platz is the new face of Berlin. An exciting and historic place which was largely destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. After a few years, a fallow square has been transformed into a modern, bustling metropolitan center. Large companies have settled there and shape the current cityscape with their tall buildings. Here you will experience modern architecture, entertainment, shopping and cosmopolitan flair. After these impressions we hope that you will have a lot of fun in a very worth seeing metropolis. We hope you enjoy discovering and experiencing.
The Berlin Cathedral is a church built in the neo-baroque style. It is one of the largest Protestant churches in Germany and one of the most important dynastic burial places. The view from the dome shows the great location of the Berlin Cathedral. From there you can see the Museum Island, the new synagogue, the Gendarmenmarkt, the Reichstag and the Red City Hall. In addition to church services, concerts and events are also held here.
Alexanderplatz is one of the most visited squares in Europe. You will find here many cafes, bars, cinema, vaudeville, nice stores and boutiques. We Berliners, call him "Alex". The square is overlooked by the 368 meter high television tower, the tallest building in the city. The TV tower offers you a good orientation for the way to the Hotel Nikolai Residence. You can reach the observation deck and the restaurant by elevator. Tickets for a visit can be purchased here.
Between Alexanderplatz and the Nikolai Quarter is the Red City Hall. It got its name because of its red brick facade. The Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) is the seat of the Berlin Senate and the Governing Mayor. On the building you will find panels with pictures of Berlin's city history, from which among other things information about the history of the building can be taken. You can find more information here.
A nice walk, just a few minutes away, are the Hackesche Höfe. The Hackesche Höfe are Germany's largest enclosed courtyard area. The Hackesche Höfe have been a listed building since 1977. You will find here many cafes, bars, cinema, vaudeville, nice stores and boutiques. From Hackescher Markt we recommend a detour through the former Scheunenviertel, between Rosenthaler Straße, Münzstraße and Torstraße, on to Oranienburger Straße around the New Synagogue. Just drift and discover, as a real highlight of Berlin is.
