The Spreetunnel Friedrichshagen is a heritage-protected pedestrian passage running 120 meters beneath the River Spree. Built with pneumatic caissons, it was Germany’s first ferro-concrete tunnel constructed using this method, marking a milestone in early 20th-century engineering.
Pneumatic caissons allowed workers to build sections of the tunnel under air pressure, stabilizing the riverbed while concrete was set in place. This approach made it possible to create a durable, watertight structure at a time when tunneling beneath waterways was still a complex challenge. The result is a solid, curved corridor that has served generations of pedestrians and cyclists.
From the south entrance, the tunnel leads toward two nearby beaches along the Spree. Paths fan out to sandy banks and shady stretches of riverside, where the water and trees shape a calm, open landscape. The tunnel’s north–south link makes it a practical route between neighborhoods and a direct way to reach the waterfront.
A small but interesting collection of decorative arts from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods
Places with markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays are popular with locals at Winterfeldplatz. Buy a coffee and browse amongst the stalls; this is a place to unearth hidden gems. Breakfast is served usually until 14:00-15:00.
The building houses the personal offices of the Chancellor and the Chancellery staff. The Berlin Chancellery is one of the largest government headquarters buildings in the world. By comparison, the new Chancellery building is ten times the size of the White House. A semi official Chancellor's apartment is on the top floor of the building. The 200-m², two-room flat has thus far only been occupied by Gerhard Schröder chancellors since then have lived elsewhere. It is usually not possible to visit the building, but on occasion there are tours, usually around August. The building was deliberately designed in a way to symbolize the German constitutional system - it's in the line of sight of the Bundestag and lower in height, symbolizing the role of parliament in controlling government and "the people's house" being the higher power in the relationship between the two. Or at least that's the idea.
The last Mies van der Rohe building (a dwelling house) in Germany before his emigration to the U.S. (1938). Now there are small contemporary/modern art exhibitions.
Designed by Hans Poelzig in 1929, it is the first self-contained broadcasting house in the world and it is still in use today.
The largest aquarium in Germany with over 9000 animals that are presented on three storeys in a historic building. Aquarium Berlin is found on the premises of the Zoo, but can also be visited separately. One of the best places on a rainy day with children.
The complex consists of eight interconnected courtyards. Plenty of designer boutiques can be found here.
A museum dedicated to everyday life in communist East Germany. The museum has very relaxed rules and you are allowed to touch and examine almost every object, which adds greatly to the experience.
Take a stroll for a few kilometers along this canal which runs right through the heart of Kreuzberg. It's peaceful and mostly traffic-free, but full of life in summer. Some parts are lined with bars and restaurants with terraces. Sit on a bench or terrace and watch the world go by on a summer evening.
The town hall of Berlin is known as such because it is made of red brick, not due to its former political persuasion. There are nice Prussian rooms inside, which are worth a look.