Berlin, with many museums, momuments, parks and 'Street Art' to be visited on the daylight, and various differents types of bars and clubs for the 'moonlight time', is a city that never sleeps.
I'd like to start by saying that if you are deciding to learn German in Berlin, GLS is the right school for you, not only because of the good teaching and the great central location ( Prenzlauer Berg ) but even because with GLS, you have the opportunity, with the 'after class activities', to explore and enjoy the best parts of Berlin.
Furthermore, on weekends, the school organizes excursions out of Berlin, to cities like Dresden or Leipzig.
I've been having a great experience at GLS, being sorrounded by great students and teachers and a helpful Staff.
You even have the opportunity to stay at the school campus ( situated right in front of the school ) or at the apartments ( 5 minutes away ) which is one of the many facilities.
And why not having a meal at the School restaurant while waiting for the afternoon classes or for the activities?
Below, you'll find my top 10 'must-see' in Berlin;
The worldwide famous Berlin Wall (1961-1989) divided Berlin East from Berlin West , and now is one of the main attractions, full of differents, meaningful and deep Graffiti, it's a ' must-see ' in Berlin.
The 'Brandenburger Tor'( symbol of German reunification), being one of the most important munuments in Berlin, is the must-see sight in Berlin.
Gendarmenmark, situated in the core of Berlin, is the most beatiful square in Berlin and the site of an architectural ensemble including the 'Concert Hall' and the French and German Churces. A statue of Friedrich Schiller ( Germany's renowned poet ) stands in the centre of the square.
In winter the square transforms into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market.
Berlin Anne Frank street art, Hackescher Markt.
The portrait of Anne Frank, painted by Jimmy C, can be found in Haus Schwarzemberg, right in front of the entrance of the Anne Frank Zentrum.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, located in Charlottemburg, and still standing despite being bombed during the war. It has beautiful art inside, is worth seeing it.
It was Christmas time when I took this picture, and as you can see, below on the picture you can see a Christmas Market.
Molecule Man, in front of the Treptowers.
If you are visiting Treptower Park, it is worth making the small deviation to see the Molecule Man statue. On returning from Treptower Park, go past the station, under Oberbaum Bridge and walk along the river bank. You can’t miss the statue, which is sited actually in the Spree river. It was created in 1999 by American sculptor Jonathan Borofsky. It consists of three large stylised men. From different angles 2 or more of the men appear to merge. Apparently the 3 men represent the 3 old districts of Berlin which used to merge at this point.
Monbijou Park, with a great view on the Berlin Dom, it's a nice place where you could take a sit after a long walk in the city centre.
The Oberbaum Bridge, Warschauer Straße, considered one of the city's landmarks, is a double-deck bridge crossing Berlin's River Spree. The upper deck of the bridge carries Berlin U Bahn line.
Potsdamer Platz is a shopping and nightlife district with shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. From its very beginning, it has been uniting tradition and modernity.A must for all the visitors.
The Berlin Wall Memorial ( Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer ) is the cetral memorial site if German division, and is located in the middle of the city.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is a memorial in Berlin to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It consists on 2711 rectangular blocks ( slabs ), and they vary in height ans size, ideal for quiet contemplation.
So, this was my top 10 'must-see' list, but of course, there's more and more to see, there's something hiding around each corner, or maybe underground either. Each 'metre square' of Berlin it's a mistery box, there's always going to be something new to discover.
And by the way, just a few days ago I watched a movie called ' Transit', directed by German film director Christian Petzold. The movie is about the plight of the German exiles who found themselves trapped in Marseille, circa 1940-1941, trying desperately to get out of Europe before the Nazis caught up with them. I found this movie very interesting, and I was waiting for it to come out because I'd read the book before, which is one of the best novels about this plight and it's written by Anna Seghers. I'd suggest you to watch it.
I hope you'll find my 'Reportage' useful for your stay in Berlin.
Enjoy.