This is how Berlin's landmarks are classified

Smile, marvel, and think for a moment: When you read travel guides, everything always seems so wonderful and often so full of experience. At least if you're not a local yourself. But once you look at the corresponding reviews on the Internet, you can quickly lose interest…

The truth – as is often the case – is probably somewhere in the middle, and unlike descriptions in a travel guide, online reviews are often emotional. Our suggestion: Take a look for yourself.

We've scoured the internet and found travel guides for you. Read the mixed reviews of Berlin's sights and attractions – flowery messages versus toxic Google reviews, welcoming words versus authentic experiences.

It doesn't matter whether you are a native Berliner or visiting the capital, whether you want to compare your knowledge and experiences or get an impression. It's always entertaining…

Berlin…

… “An exotic mixture of reasonable costs of living, urban life including castles, lakes and forests in the local recreation area,” travel book publisher Dumont wrote on his website.

Travel review platform Tripadvisor cites Berlin as “a dynamic, unique and undeniably fascinating city”. “Science lovers should definitely check out the world clock, which features a model of the solar system.”

The online community sees it differently. “The world clock, which is now 50 years old, can easily be overlooked,” writes Jörg from Essen. It shows the time in different countries and is not necessarily beautiful in terms of design. It was certainly of great use at one time, but by the time this function has become available on every smartphone, this GDR-era monument is no longer really useful.

“The clock is running… Unfortunately, you can't see anything anymore,” says one person from Germering. “Some hip-hop artists perform their dances live to the music you like. The clock alone is not a reason to come here.”

TV tower

Berlin Guide says: “The TV Tower is the tallest building in Germany and offers a magnificent view of Berlin from its viewing platform at a height of 203 metres. Elevators take you upstairs. In good weather you can see up to 80 kilometers. A few meters away there is a restaurant where you can enjoy the panoramic views in peace and quiet.

This Berlin landmark has 4.4 out of a possible 5 stars from over 43,500 reviews on Google. Tekin B. writes: “You should definitely buy tickets in advance during holidays and weekends, otherwise waiting times of up to two hours are quite normal. Inside, you first have to wait for a bag check and then again for one of the two elevators. We were with us for 20 minutes in general”.

Stefan J.: “Great view and good service. Unfortunately, a star has been deducted because step 856 has a slight bend. The so-called Sphere Bar is more of a drinks outlet, which is not very convenient, but the elevated location makes up for that.

Andreas Schutz: “We imagined going there in the early evening to see the city at dusk/evening in its lights. Unfortunately, the interior lighting was so bright that the windows were very reflective.

East Side Gallery

Berlin.de: “Hardly any visitor to Berlin leaves the city without taking a selfie in front of the East Side Gallery. The 1.3-kilometre-long remnants of the Berlin Wall were painted by different artists after reunification. (…) Artists transformed gray The somber light of the wall turns into images that constantly convey a mood of freedom and reconciliation.

4.6 out of 5 stars possible from over 53,800 reviews on Google like this: “It's worth seeing, but be careful of cyclists. To see the photos you have to step back a little. There's no way to stop people using the path designated for cyclists. So please consider Left and right first, it is healthier.

Carlos Klein: “The grass is always greener on the other side of the wall – in this case this slightly modified saying is actually true: If you walk around the wall from the brightly painted side of the East Side Gallery, you arrive at the park with the hotel promenade, hotel ships and lawns to relax with View of Spree.”

Felicia Power: “Some of the photos were really cool and interesting, but the path itself is completely unsuitable, especially for tourists: you walk along the sidewalk next to the wall. Cars everywhere. The road is dirty and doesn't smell particularly good. Quite congested at times.” “The sun has finished everything.”

Brandenburg Gate

Marco Polo: When the Berlin landmark was unveiled on October 3, 2002 after years of restoration, a million spectators cheered. Berliners are associated with the symbol of their city, which was initially called the Gate of Peace.

4.7 out of 5 stars possible from over 161,00 reviews on Google. Local guide: “You feel the size of the place and at the same time realize that there is nothing exciting.”

Attila Radnay: “A great goal. Certainly one of the best in Berlin: the golden ratio in proportions. Spacious enough for double strollers from Prenzlauer Berg, cargo bikes from Kreuzberg or double-decker buses from the BVG warehouse. It's vegetarian, vegan, Gluten and lactose free. But also with curry. One star was deducted because the name is misleading. It borders Brandenburg neither in the west nor in the east.

Oberbaum Bridge

Lonely Planet: “The Oberbaum Bridge, built in 1896, connects Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain across the River Spree and is perhaps the most beautiful bridge in Berlin. With its bold pointed towers, pinnacles and arches, it easily incorporates the steel middle of Spanish bridge builder Santiago Calatrava.

4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews on Google. Manuel Wolf: “It is really nice to look at the bridge from a distance, but unfortunately you notice that it is completely filled with garbage and covered in graffiti. (…) The view from the bridge is very beautiful, but it is strongly affected by the smell of urine and the large number of merchants and homeless people. And in the dark, You must also cross the bridge from the exposed side.

Victory column

Visitberlin: “From the platform you can enjoy a wonderful view of the landscape of the Tiergarten Park and of the entire city of Berlin.”

4.6 out of 5 stars from over 26,000 reviews on Google. “The scars of history are everywhere. You should definitely use the tunnel entrances to the Victory Column and not walk through the crowded roundabout.

Andrei Kornetsky: “Many cheap or even free parking spaces can be found in the surrounding area on weekends using an app. (…) Of course there is nothing here that is wheelchair accessible. But unfortunately there is Elevator there. Can't pay by card, so cash.”

Anni G.: “There are two viewing platforms, one very far down and one at the top. You shouldn't underestimate the importance of stairs, but there are always benches where you can rest.

Berghain

The Other Berlin: “The Berghain is definitely one of the most important constants in Berlin's party jungle. (…) In “Technotempel”, world-famous DJs regularly play techno, house and electro dance music.

3.8 out of 5 possible stars from nearly 4,500 reviews on Google. Ben Dej: “Despite all the love of electronic music, the circus at the door spoils the fun of the visit. Without connections, it's not fun to go dancing there. Arbitrariness at the entrance, unfriendly staff at the lock, etc. Berghain's suspended ceiling betrays the atmosphere of the hall. Unfortunately, (bad) DJs play so often at Panorama Bar, it makes you wonder how they managed it behind the DJ desk.

The Martell Family: “There's a lot of hype surrounding this club. It's a shame you can't watch it and enjoy some of it. The wait time is supposed to be up to six hours. (…) Most of them were wearing black anyway, and that queue was monotonous.” Really, is it supposed to be hip? So unlucky (…) Techno means joy of life, fun and the desire to dance.

Tom Scavo: “As soon as I entered the club I was greeted by the dark atmosphere and the overwhelming smell of sweat and smoke. The music played in this club is a mixture of monotonous beats and annoying sounds.

Alex Blappert: “If you think of techno music, you think of love, community and a great atmosphere, you are completely out of place here. Anonymity, cold and a solid door are waiting for you here. The best time to try it is lunchtime, when the queue is in the 30-45 minute range .

Parliament

Treacher Travel Guide: “The heart of German democracy beats in the Reichstag. Here people can look at the actors. Star architect Norman Foster has designed the new Reichstag dome so that visitors can look out not only into the city center, but also into the Public Hall.

4.7 out of 5 stars possible from over 8,500 reviews on Google. Eugene: “Unfortunately we couldn't get in because you have to book your visiting days in advance! If you plan everything in advance, you'll be able to manage it, but you can automatically forget about it.

Anne S: “There are already crowds of tourists in the morning. The number of toilets is not enough at all. Very high security presence, not everyone is friendly, but it is also understandable.

Schloss Charlottenburg

Berlin Travel Sightseeing: “A visit to Charlottenburg Palace is a must for Berlin tourists. An extensive park was built around Charlottenburg Palace (…). Here you can relax from the stress of the big city and enjoy the rich vegetation.

4.5 out of 5 stars from over 25,500 reviews on Google. Andreas Zaremba: “Schlossgarten is absolutely disappointing. No style, no concept, flower arrangements without rhyme or reason, beds ignored by weeds (sic). The lawn is in a disastrous state.”

Andreas van de Berg: “The museum is frankly a disgrace. The walls, windows and stairs are preserved in the original; if that's enough and you like it, you'll find it here.” VH: “Castle is like everyone else. There is something to see, but a lot of it is imitated or made up together.

Jonathan Frenzel: “My request to live there hasn't even been answered. I'll interpret that as a no.” Andreas Elegant: “No nachos, the chairs are very uncomfortable.”