The beating heart of Berlin is Alexanderplatz.
When I first set foot on the busiest square in Berlin, I couldn’t help but wonder why is Alexanderplatz famous.
It’s the beating heart of Berlin, and whether you want to or not, you’ll inevitably end up going here.
Personally, it wasn’t my favourite place to visit while living in Berlin. It’s very touristy, and not pretty to look at. But, if you understand its history you might be intrigued. You might also be curious to see some of its famous landmarks like the TV Tower.
In this article, I’ll share the intriguing past of Alexanderplatz, highlight the best things to do, and recommend some fantastic shops and restaurants.
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Berlin Alexanderplatz: History Timeline
Here’s a snapshot of Alexanderplatz’s long history through key milestones:
- 13th to 17th Century: it was home first to the ‘Heiliger Georg’ hospital, which gave its name to the ‘Georgentor’ city gate where over time it became a key entry point to the city.
- 17th Century: Alexanderplatz expanded to include a quaint market square called “Ochsenmarkt” or “Oxen Market,” where merchants traded livestock and goods.
- 18th Century to 19th Century: though it remained a market, Alexanderplatz also became a popular site for Prussian military parades. In 1805, it was officially renamed “Alexanderplatz” in honour of Tsar Alexander I of Russia, who visited Berlin that year.
- 19th Century: Alexanderplatz grew in importance, becoming a central transportation hub with the arrival of horse-drawn trams in the 1860s, and it emerged as a cultural and entertainment hotspot, with theatres and cinemas.
- 20th Century: the construction of the U-Bahn (subway) station in 1913 modernized its transportation.
- 1930s: under the Nazi regime, the square was renamed “Adolf-Hitler-Platz” and underwent radical transformation plans, but many of these changes were never realized due to the outbreak of World War II.
- Post-War Reconstruction: The city was heavily damaged, and during the East Berlin era, Alexanderplatz was rebuilt, including the notable construction of the iconic TV Tower in 1969.
- 1989: Alexanderplatz was pivotal during the Peaceful Revolution, serving as a central gathering point for protests. The square was filled with East Berliners demanding freedom and change, playing a significant role in the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989.
- 1990s: after German reunification, Alexanderplatz underwent rapid modernization and commercialization with the expansive Alexa shopping center in 2007.
Alexanderplatz is now home to one of the many Christmas Markets throughout Berlin, as well as any other city festivals.
Landmarks on Berlin’s Alexanderplatz
There’s no denying it, Alexanderplatz’s lively atmosphere is infectious. As Germany’s biggest public square, it’s buzzing with people all hours of the day. Here are the landmarks you’ll find on “Alex”- what we locals like to call it.
The World Time Clock (Urania-Weltzeituhr)
“Meet me at the clock” is a saying you’ll hear often in Berlin, making this a popular and well-known meeting spot. Movie-goers might recognize it from The Bourne Supremacy where Bourne meets an agent under the world clock at Alexanderplatz.
Fountain of Friendship Between Nations
The second popular meeting place on Alexanderplatz is this large fountain, meant to represent unity, diplomacy, and international peace.
TV Tower (Fernsehturm Berlin)
The tallest building in Germany at 368 m is the iconic TV Tower. The viewing experience from its observation deck provides some of the best panoramic vistas of the city. From 10 am to 10 pm, you can fast-track your way to the top and enjoy the view, or better yet dine at the restaurant where they offer breakfast, afternoon tea or sunset dinner.
Park Inn Berlin-Alexanderplatz
Overlooking Alexanderplatz is the Park Inn by Radisson, a 37-floor skyscraper and one of Berlin’s tallest buildings. Here’s a little secret: there’s a public viewing platform on the roof offering fantastic city views and a great look at the TV Tower. Just enter the hotel lobby, take the elevator to the 35th floor, climb 2 flights of stairs, and pay a €6 entry fee—much cheaper than the €25 fee for the TV Tower.
Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen)
This is one of my favourite fountains in Berlin. It depicts the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, surrounded by mythological sea creatures.
St. Mary’s Church (St. Marienkirche)
This historic church dates back to the 13th century and is free to enter, so I recommend you pop in for a quick look.
Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
It’s easy to see how it got its name. This neo-Renaissance building is the seat of the mayor and Berlin senate.
The Shops at Alexanderplatz
The Alexa shopping center stands out with its eye-catching red Art Deco façade. It offers a typical mall experience with around 180 stores, a bowling alley, and an escape room, making it a popular hangout for teens.
The Galeria Kaufhof is a well-known German department store, prominently located with the Fountain of Friendship Between Nations in front. Primark attracts a younger crowd for affordable fashion, while Decathlon in the Rathauspassage is a go-to for sporting gear.
Note that while most shops in Berlin are closed on Sundays, those at Alexanderplatz remain open.
You can reach Alexanderplatz by Berlin’s extensive public transportation network:
- U-Bahn: Alexanderplatz, lines U2, U5 and U8.
- Train: Alexanderplatz, lines S5, S7, S9 and S75.
- Bus: Alexanderplatz, lines TXL, M48, 100, 200 and 248.
- Tram: M4, M5 and M6
Things to Do Near Alexanderplatz
I found myself visiting Alexanderplatz frequently while living in Berlin because it’s a central hub you often pass through on your way to nearby sites and restaurants. Here are some of my favourite places nearby.
Nikolaiviertel: Berlin’s oldest district is oh-so-charming with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings with old medieval iron signs above the doors.
Old City Hall: sits on the square called Molkenmarkt, as the city was expanding in the 19th century, so was the need for Berlin’s government.
Museum Island: home to five world-class museums and visit on the weekend for the popular book, antique and art flea market.
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): the incredible Berlin Cathedral with awe-inspiring interiors and dome look-out observation deck allowing you to see down the famous Unter den Linden boulevard.
Best Restaurants Near Alexanderplatz Berlin
You are bound to spend a lot of time in this area, and one of the draws will be the restaurants. Here are just a few that I dined at and recommend:
Zur Letzten Instanz: Berlin’s oldest restaurant, renowned for its traditional German cuisine, offers a cozy and historic atmosphere that adds to its charm.
Brauhaus Georgebrau: experience the German beer culture at Brauhaus, a brewpub along the Spree River, serving hearty Bavarian fare. Don’t miss the delicious vegan German potato salad—it’s a perfect complement to your beer.
Ephraim: a sought-after terrace along the Spree River, or quaint old-fashioned charm on the insider, either way, this is a favourite of mine for atmosphere and food.
As a Holidaymaker
As you are starting to plan your trip, and want to know other great places to visit in Berlin, I invite you to check out a few of my other articles next:
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