Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square), Berlin

51

Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square), Berlin

Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square), Berlin

An important public square and traffic hub at the heart of Berlin, Potsdam lies about 1 km (1,100 yd) to the south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag (Parliament Building), and close to Tiergarten Park. Over a little more than a century, it evolved from a rural crossroads into Europe's busiest traffic intersection; however, it was completely destroyed during WWII and remained desolate during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall divided its former site. Since German reunification, Potsdam has undergone significant redevelopment, becoming a vibrant hub for commerce, art collections, theaters, dining, festivals, social gatherings, and a remarkable range of architectural styles.

The square is notably dominated by the ultramodern Sony Centre, known for its three floors of technology and a tent-like roof inspired by Japan's Mount Fuji. Other attractions include the Panoramapunkt, offering one of Berlin's best aerial views; a replica of Europe's first semi-automated traffic light tower from 1924; the 'Boulevard des stars', Berlin's version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame; a small section of the Berlin Wall; amazing public art installations around Marlene Dietrich Platz and beyond; FACIL, a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative cuisine; and numerous exciting events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Chinese New Year, Summer Movie Sessions, Festival of Lights, and one of Berlin's most popular Christmas Markets.

Tip:
Before visiting Potsdam Square, it's worthwhile to view photos of its post-WWII condition when it was mostly rubble, with only the traffic tower remaining after Allied bombings.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square) on Map

Sight Name: Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square)
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Berlin, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Berlin

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Berlin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Berlin Introduction Walking Tour

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The German capital, Berlin, is known for its turbulent past. Today, this sprawling metropolis is filled with a mix of historical resonance and modernity manifested in creative industries, popular media, and diverse cultural tourism.

The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of...  view more

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Tiergarten Walking Tour

Tiergarten Walking Tour

Known for the huge park of the same name, which once was a royal hunting ground, the central district of Tiergarten (German for “Animal Garden”) is home to the Berlin Zoo, the Victory Column with its winged statue and the lively, lakeside Café am Neuen See.

Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Berlin Food Walking Tour

Berlin Food Walking Tour

While Berlin may not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, recent years saw a growing number of decent places to eat, serving both German and international cuisine. At some point, the city has even earned itself the title of a vegetarian capital of the world, contrary to what one may have expected. Amid all this renaissance in creativity and culture, coupled with the influx of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Third Reich Walking Tour

Third Reich Walking Tour

The “Third Reich” and “Nazi Germany” are the common English names for Germany between 1933 and 1945, when it was a totalitarian state led by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. For any visitor to Berlin, the Nazi surrender that ended World War II is still a point of interest, but matching locations to those moments of history can be a challenge. On this special...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Alexanderplatz Walking Tour

Alexanderplatz Walking Tour

One of Berlin’s cosmopolitan hearts, Alexanderplatz (or Alexander Square) is a true hive of activity. There is always something going on here: Christmas markets, Easter fairs, buskers, performances, Oktoberfest, and the list is countless. Easily accessible, with lots of transport connections and all manner of drink and food outlets, it’s a great place to hang around, take photos, and enjoy...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Museum Island Walking Tour

Museum Island Walking Tour

One of Berlin’s most visited attractions, the Museum Island ("Museumsinsel") complex was established by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1841 and houses several world-famous museums kept in close vicinity of each other. The island itself is spectacular for a walk, with wonderful architecture, statues, gardens and trees, so enjoy the atmosphere and make at least a day...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles

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