Leisure tips and places of interest - Victor's Residenz-Hotel Berlin

This is the city's best-known landmark: the Brandenburg Gate. Built between 1788 and 1791, it has seen and survived much. The monument has long been considered the symbol of reunited Germany. Do not miss it!

Anyone who visits Berlin absolutely must walk under the Brandenburg Gate. Originally commissioned by the Prussian king Frederick William II, it is the architectural conclusion to unter den Linden, Berlin's central boulevard. The legendary Hotel Adlon and the US Embassy are located here, and it's just a few minutes' walk to the Reichstag building, home of the German parliament. The Brandenburg Gate was so badly damaged in WWII that it had to be replaced by a copy. Our tip: visit the "Room of Silence". It is housed in a side wing of the Brandenburg Gate, and is the perfect spot to withdraw to for some peace and relaxation away from the bustle.

The Federal Chancellery is located at the heart of Berlin-Mitte, and is not only the supreme centre of power in Germany but is also an impressive architectural highlight of post-modernism.  

The building ensemble by the architects Axel Schultes and Charlotte Franz was designed during Helmut Kohl's time, and was completed after a construction period of four years. The site measures a total of 73,000 square metres in size. It houses many works of art of classical modernism, including an iron sculpture by the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Incidentally, the construction of the building cost in the region of 465 million euros.

The air of Berlin's history blows here: this historic square is often referred to as the most beautiful one in Berlin. But why not come and check it out for yourself? You won't regret it!

The Gendarmenmarkt is located in the suburb of Friedrichsstadt. It was created in 1688 to plans by Johann Arnold Nering. Frederick the Great was responsible for its current appearance. He also had the stables demolished that originally surrounded the square. The Gendarmenmarkt is bordered by the Deutscher Dom, the German Church, to the south, and the Französischer Dom, the French Church, to the north.

The Hackesche Höfe are located in the suburb of Spandau, and have been under monumental protection since 1972. Stroll through its winding courtyards, take a seat in one of the many quaint pubs or explore the small but very special shops and exclusive studios.

Those who enter the Hackesche Höfe can still feel it today: the spirit of the turn of the century. And it's no wonder: the complex of buildings was opened in 1906. The eight courtyards on a total of 27,000 square metres are home to 40 commercial enterprises and many cultural institutions, including a cinema and the Varieté Chamäleon. With the architectural mix of Art Nouveau and historicism, the Hackesche Höfe are a very special highlight on a sightseeing trip.

The memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe is located near the Brandenburg Gate. Impressive and at the same time frightening, it is a reminder of Adolf Hitler's reign of terror.

The memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe was designed by Peter Eisenmann. Walk across the 19,000 square metres of the area with its grey concrete blocks, or stelae, and you will inevitably be gripped by the narrowness that makes the horrors of National Socialism understandable and at the same time sensitively recalls this dark chapter in Germany's history. 

Sophisticated and elegant: this is what this renowned luxury department store is known for by its customers and those who want to join them. From elegant wristwatches and exquisite perfumes to the finest culinary delights, it has absolutely everything that is sure to make life lovelier. 

The luxury department store opened in 1907. It was rebuilt after WWII to the original building plans. Further conversions and additions followed. Today, in addition to world-famous designer goods, it also has a huge food hall on the eighth floor. Around 500 people are employed there alone. One hundred and ten chefs, 40 confectioners and lots of chocolatiers are looking forward to your visit. And incidentally: measuring a total of 7,000 square metres, the food hall of the KaDeWe is the biggest one in Europe.

The Museum Island is situated right in the historic centre of Berlin, and is extremely popular with tourists. Its five museums house archaeological collections and art of the 19th century.

Not far from our hotel, on the northern tip of the Spree island, beats the pulsating heart of Berlin's museum landscape. The Museum Island is home to five museums, including the "Altes Museum" (Old Museum) with an extensive collection of antiquities, and the "Neues Museum" (New Museum) which is home to the Egyptian Museum. Do call in and have a look; admire the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti, and embark on an exciting journey of discovery into the land of the ancient Pharaohs. Then you'll come to the "Alte Nationalgalerie" (Old National Gallery) with sculptures and paintings and – last but not least – the "Bode Museum". Incidentally, the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pergamon Museum is currently closed due to extensive renovation (duration: until 2027).

Berlin's new centre. Innovative and lively, the Potsdamer Platz, between the districts of Tiergarten and Mitte, has long been the German capital's place-to-be – with restaurants, cinemas, shopping opportunities and much more.

Once the busiest transport hub in Berlin, today a vibrant lifestyle centre with an entertainment factor: that's the Potsdamer Platz. Be amazed by the gigantic, free-floating roof of the Sony Center, which offers plenty of space for art and culture, shop under the arcades or ride the fastest elevator in Europe – just 20 seconds to travel 100 metres – up to the 24th floor of the Kollhoff Tower Berlin at Potsdamer Platz 1. From here there are breathtaking views of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the Memorial Church. 

The name of the palace – "without concerns" – describes how Frederick the Great, the man who had it built, felt about it. Its beautiful location, the famous vineyard terraces and the elegant rooms still bear witness today to the splendour and glory of days gone by.

Sanssouci is without doubt one of the most famous of the Hohenzollern palaces. It is situated in Potsdam, the capital of the federal state of Brandenburg. Frederick II had the Rococo-style castle built as his summer residence. It has been a World Heritage site under the protection of UNESCO since 1990. The palace also has wonderful, uniquely landscaped gardens where various events regularly take place. We will be pleased to provide you with further information.

Volkspark Friedrichhain is the oldest park in Berlin. The highlight of this green oasis of leisure, which lies directly opposite our hotel, is the fairytale fountain.

The Volkspark Friedrichshain is much more than an idyllic park with walks and old trees. There are plenty of sports and playgrounds for youngsters – lots of action guaranteed! The park itself reflects German history in its design: numerous monuments and design elements bear witness to historical milestones, starting with the March Revolution in 1848 to the "Wende" in 1989. Incidentally, the Volkspark Friedrichshain was the first park in Berlin that was not only reserved for the nobility. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1846. The Volkspark Friedrichshain includes a sunbathing lawn, a monument to Frederick the Great, and the Hippodrome. Be sure not to miss the fairytale fountain in the style of an Italian water theatre. It is located at the western tip of the park. 

Pack your swimmers, because Berlin has become a real water city with a wide range of water sports on offer. Lake Wannsee is one of Berlin's best-known lakes, and is the perfect spot for some activity or relaxation.

The Großer Wannsee (Greater Wannsee) is in the Berlin suburb of the same name. As well as sailing and rowing, it is also perfect for windsurfing. Incidentally, it has a maximum depth of nine metres. The Wannsee lido is listed, and is considered one of Europe's greatest inland water pools. For those who prefer it, a boat trip is ideal for sightseeing: see and admire sights such as the magnificent waterfront villas, the home of the Wannsee Conference and the church of Ss. Peter and Paul on the Nikolskoe.