Gendarmenmarkt
Concert hall between the German and French cathedrals
The Gendarmenmarkt is considered Berlin’s most beautiful square: the Schinkel concert hall in the middle, the domed towers of the German and French cathedrals on either side. In Advent it hosts one of the city’s best-known Christmas markets.
The French Cathedral commemorates the Huguenots who came to Berlin at the end of the 17th century; the tower has a museum and a viewing platform. In the German Cathedral the Bundestag shows a free exhibition on the history of democracy in Germany.
From us walk north along Friedrichstraße or take the U6 one stop from Kochstraße to Stadtmitte. Everything around the square costs more, which is why many people pick up coffee and cake with us beforehand.
Our tip
The exhibition in the German Cathedral is free and rarely crowded.
Frequently asked
How do I get from the Weltballon to the Gendarmenmarkt?
About 12 minutes on foot via Zimmerstraße and north along Friedrichstraße, or take the U6 from Kochstraße to Stadtmitte.
Also nearby
- right next door
Weltballon (World Balloon)
Tethered balloon, 150 metres above Berlin
The Weltballon is the big white tethered balloon you can see from half of Berlin. It takes off at the corner of Zimmerstraße and Wilhelmstraße, right next to our café.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Checkpoint Charlie
The most famous crossing point of the Wall
From 1961 to 1990 Checkpoint Charlie was the crossing point for foreigners, diplomats and Allied soldiers between East and West Berlin. Today a replica of the guard house stands on Friedrichstraße, with the famous sign “You are leaving the American sector”.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Topography of Terror
Documentation centre on the former Gestapo and SS site
Between Niederkirchnerstraße and Wilhelmstraße stood, until 1945, the headquarters of the Gestapo, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office. Today a documentation centre with open-air grounds tells the story of the perpetrators of National Socialism. Admission is free.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Trabi Museum
The car of East Germany, up close
The Trabi Museum on Zimmerstraße shows the Trabant in all its versions: saloon, estate, open “Kübel”, racing version and conversions. Plus original adverts, brochures and stories about waiting years for your own car.
Read more
Coffee before, cake after
Typisch Berlin, Wilhelmstraße 42, right at the Weltballon. Daily from 09:00, two floors, Wi-Fi, toilets, terrace. Berliner from €2.20.
