Architecture · Modern
Potsdamer Platz
A modern square of glass and steel, rebuilt in the 1990s on a former stretch of the Wall.
Before the war, Potsdamer Platz was one of the busiest traffic hubs in Europe, but during the division it lay as desolate wasteland right on the Wall strip. After 1990 an entirely new district of high-rises, cinemas, shops and squares rose here on one of the largest construction sites in Europe, and it still stands for modern Berlin today.
Around the square are grouped the Sony Center with its striking tented roof, large cinemas, restaurants and shopping arcades. Remnants of the Berlin Wall and a marker set into the ground recall the division that once ran through here. The place is a good example of how quickly Berlin changed after reunification.
The square is freely accessible and especially appealing in the evening, when the illuminated architecture comes into its own. Nearby are the Tiergarten, the Kulturforum and the Holocaust Memorial. For families and anyone who wants to see present-day Berlin beyond the historic buildings, Potsdamer Platz is a fitting stop.
Frequently asked
What to know about Potsdamer Platz
What is there to see at Potsdamer Platz?
The Sony Center with its tented roof, modern high-rises, cinemas, shops and remnants of the Berlin Wall that recall the division.
Is there anything left of the Wall?
Yes, preserved wall segments stand on the square and a marker in the ground shows the former course of the border.
When is the best time to visit?
In the evening, when the glass facades and the roof of the Sony Center are lit, the modern architecture looks especially impressive.
Nearby & related
Pairs well with this
More attractions that combine nicely with a visit to Potsdamer Platz.
Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, with 2,711 concrete steles near the Brandenburg Gate.
Großer Tiergarten
Berlin's green lung in the center of the city, with wide lawns, lakes and shady avenues.
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin's most famous landmark on Pariser Platz, transformed from a symbol of division into a symbol of unity.
More in Mitte
More attractions in Mitte
Other highlights in the same district that pair well with a visit to Potsdamer Platz.
Reichstag Building
Seat of the German Bundestag, with a walk-up glass dome by Norman Foster and views over the government quarter.
Museum Island
Five world-famous museums on an island in the Spree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Berlin Cathedral
A monumental Protestant church on the Lustgarten with a walk-up dome and views over Museum Island.
Berlin TV Tower
At 368 meters the tallest structure in Germany, with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
Stay in the neighborhood
Find hotels in Mitte
Planning a visit to Potsdamer Platz? Here you'll find places to stay in the Mitte district.
Tours & tickets around Potsdamer Platz
Guided walks, skip-the-line tickets and experiences around Potsdamer Platz. A curated selection from GetYourGuide, bookable directly.
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