Long planned visit to the Reichstag building
In the afternoon the major stop is a visit we reserved online some time ago to the Reichstag building to see the famous cupola and enjoy the views
Hackesche Höfe area exploration
From Alexanderplatz we move to the Hackesche Höfe a historic area with interesting architecture and lots of shops
Short visit to Alexanderplatz
Back to exploring downtown Berlin we start with Alexanderplatz and the famous TV Tower as well as the Marienkirche and the Rotes Rathaus
The sobering Stasi Museum
We spend the morning exploring the Stasi Museum to better understand one of the most infamous secret police units from the Eastern Block
The haunting Topography of Terror exhibit
One last stop before our hotel is at the Topography of Terror exhibit built on the former location of the Gestapo building
Visiting Checkpoint Charlie along the way from the Dom
From the Dom we return via a different route to the hotel in order to reach the famous Checkpoint Charlie on the border between East and West Berlin
Famous and impressive Berliner Dom
The major visit today is the Berliner Dom a huge Protestant Church that was built early 20th century to counterbalance the Vatican basilica
Unter den Linden from Brandenburger Tor to the Dom
We stroll on the impressive Under den Linden boulevard today from Brandenburger Tor to the Dom taking in the many imposing buildings on the way
Potsdamer Platz to Brandenburger Tor
We walk a few times from Potsdamer Platz to Brandenburger Tor to explore Berlin and also visit the Memorial to the killed Jews on the way
Two special nights at the Ritz Carlton in Potsdamer Platz
Using some rewards we score a two night stay at the Ritz Carlton relatively cheap and enjoy the stay in luxury and good food while exploring Berlin