THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Brandenburg Gate

It is the site of so much history. Conquering armies from as far back as the late 1600’s have marched across this ground to declare their victories, their triumphs, and/or maybe just their arrival. It is said that if you draw a line on a map of Berlin connecting this locale to those of the other Berlin gates (i.e. “Tor”s) that once existed you would have a circle mirroring the wall that once defined the boundaries of the city. But this one is special. Completed in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate has seen the rise and fall of kings and countries, Napoleon and Hitler, The Axis, The Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall. It was here after the fall of the Wall and the collapse of the Russians’ control that embassies and coffee shops, offices and hotels took root. And it was here (or just about) that Michael Jackson dangled his 9 month old son from a balcony of the Adlon Hotel. Don’t ask. Today, it is the site of pro-Palestinian protests, tour group departures (in every language and dialect), and a dunkin' outpost serving the strangest croissants this side of any other "tor" you might find. Other than the dunkin’ and it's immediate neighbors (all coffee shops, and a surprisingly compact souvenir stand) this isn't an overly commercialized plaza. There is one of the ubiquitous doner (pronounced "Don Err" - as in the ill fated California conestoga catastrophe) kabob kiosks nearby but no curry wurst stands on the day we visited. Beyond lies the Reichstag (I mean the Bundestag. All hail our loyal ally - with apologies to Tom Lehrer) to the right and the Tiergarten straight ahead. It is where Unter Van Linden becomes Bundesstraße and heads West. I must warn you that, much like the Mona Lisa, and James Dalton (from the original Roadhouse movie) I thought it would be bigger.

Initially constructed between 1788 and 1791, this famous landmark holds the title of Berlin’s first Greek revival building, inspired by the Acropolis gateway in Athens. It stands at 26 metres tall. The Quadriga statue crowns the gate (added in 1793), a statue that Napoleon captured during his victory in Berlin, later to be returned. The gate and statue have since been reconstructed, following damage from WWII. Today, it is seen as a symbolisation of a reunited Germany, following its location within a restricted area allowing no access for East or West Germans during the Cold War. We arrived here via the underground metro (very simple to locate), but because of Euro 2024 it was inaccessible due to the temporary building of a fan zone and broadcasting tower. We were there for Euro 2024 so had no real issues with this. From a distance, it was a spectacular monument and a beautiful setting for any celebration! We were lucky enough to spend many hours in the fan zone and enjoy the tournament with this backdrop continually embellishing our view of the big screen. Basked in over two centuries of history, we probably didn’t quite absorb the true meaning of the structure but it certainly stood out architecturally as the sun set behind the large screen.

We had a wonderful time at the Brandenburg gate, an absolutely iconic European landmark. We visited earlier this week when the sun was shining and the weather was warm. I thought the whole atmosphere of the location was lovely with lots of happy visitors taking photos in front of the gate. There was even a saxophonist playing music and a magician performing to the crowds.

When we got off the subway at Pariser Platz, we were immediately overwhelmed by the majestic appearance of the Brandenburg Gate. Our children marveled at the size and impressive columns as we told them about the history of the gate and its importance for the reunification of Germany. It was a wonderful moment to bring the past to life and bring the story to our children. We took many photos in front of the gate, and the quadriga on the roof was particularly fascinating. The children loved walking around the square and watching the many other tourists. The atmosphere was alive and full of energy, but there was also enough space for us to admire the details of the architecture and enjoy some quiet moments. After the visit, we strolled through the surrounding area, enjoying the view of the Reichstag and the nearby Holocaust Memorial. It was an educational day that brought us all closer together and gave us a deeper understanding of the history of Berlin. Overall, our visit to the Brandenburg Gate was a highlight of our trip to Berlin – a perfect mix of education and fun for the whole family! 🌟

Brandenburg Gate is more than just a landmark; it’s a symbol of unity. Standing there, I could feel the significance of this place in Germany’s history. The architecture is grand, and the gate is lit up beautifully at night. It was a bit crowded when I visited, but it didn’t take away from the experience. I’d recommend coming early in the morning if you want some quiet time to really appreciate it. Definitely one of Berlin’s highlights!

As Berlin's most famous landmark, it's always packed with tourists. We chose to visit at sunset, with the golden sun shining on the neoclassical architecture, which was spectacular. The evening lights were also beautiful, and we sat in a nearby cafe and felt the city's history change. It is recommended to set aside plenty of time to slowly appreciate the atmosphere.

Our recent visit to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin proved to be a truly unforgettable experience for my family. Steeped in history and grandeur, this iconic landmark captivated us from the moment we arrived. As we approached the gate, its imposing neoclassical design commanded our attention, standing as a symbol of unity and resilience. The sheer magnitude of the structure left us in awe, its majestic columns reaching skyward against the backdrop of the bustling city. Gathering in front of the gate, we marveled at its intricate details and ornate sculptures, each telling a story of the city's rich past. From the Quadriga atop the gate to the finely crafted reliefs depicting scenes of triumph and turmoil, every element spoke volumes about the gate's significance in shaping Berlin's history. Capturing the perfect family photo against this iconic backdrop was a highlight of our visit, immortalizing the moment for years to come. The joyous laughter and shared excitement as we posed in front of the gate will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Exploring the surrounding area, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Pariser Platz, soaking in the energy of street performers and bustling crowds. The nearby Tiergarten provided a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle, offering peaceful green spaces for leisurely strolls and picnics. As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our time at the Brandenburg Gate with fondness and gratitude. It was more than just a tourist attraction; it was a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Berlin. In conclusion, our family excursion to the Brandenburg Gate was an experience we will cherish forever. From its awe-inspiring architecture to the sense of history that permeates its surroundings, the gate left an indelible mark on our hearts. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or simply seeking a memorable family outing, a visit to the Brandenburg Gate is a must-do when in Berlin. Gus Woltmann

Visiting the Brandenburg Gate during my solo trip to Berlin this August was a truly memorable experience. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, standing before the gate felt like a powerful connection to both Berlin’s rich history and its vibrant present. The gate itself is stunning, with its neoclassical architecture and impressive scale. Seeing it up close, especially in the warm summer light, was breathtaking. I spent some time just taking in the details, from the towering columns to the intricate sculptures that crown the gate. It’s easy to see why this spot is so popular with both locals and tourists. What made the visit even more special was the atmosphere around the gate. There were street performers, tourists snapping photos, and a general buzz of activity, but it never felt too crowded. I found a quiet spot nearby to sit and reflect on the significance of the Brandenburg Gate—how it once symbolized division and now stands as a symbol of unity and peace. Being there alone allowed me to really absorb the moment and appreciate the history that has unfolded in this very place. The Brandenburg Gate is more than just a sightseeing spot; it’s a powerful symbol of Berlin’s resilience and its journey through time. If you’re visiting Berlin, especially on your own, the Brandenburg Gate is a must-see. It’s a place where the past and present come together in a truly inspiring way.

Our visit to the Brandenburg Gate last year was truly unforgettable and deeply impressed us. This famous landmark in the heart of Berlin is not only architecturally impressive, but also a powerful symbol of history and unity. As you get closer you can feel the majestic radiance of the gate. The neoclassical architecture with its massive columns and magnificent quadriga is a real eye-catcher. It is impressive how well the gate has survived time and continues to shine as a proud symbol of the city. The historical significance of the Brandenburg Gate was particularly enriching for us. It has witnessed many important moments in history, from the Prussian era to the partition of Berlin and the reunification of Germany. There are informative boards on site explaining the history of the gate and its role in German history, which made our visit even more interesting. I even had the opportunity to act as an interpreter for our tour of Berlin. The surroundings of the Brandenburg Gate are also impressive. Paris Square, which surrounds the gate, is a vibrant meeting place full of energy and offers many photo opportunities. Nearby are also other important sights such as the Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial, which perfectly complemented our cultural excursion. Another highlight was the evening lighting of the gate. At nightfall, the Brandenburg Gate is artfully illuminated, giving it a very special atmosphere. This magical moment will be remembered for a long time. Overall, our visit to the Brandenburg Gate was an absolute highlight of our Berlin trip. A must-see for any visitor to the city, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture and impressive architecture. We look forward to coming back and relive this impressive landmark.

Its sheer size is impressive, but the artistic details are what captivated us. Every neoclassical column and sculpture tells a story, making you want to linger and soak it all in. Photos don't do it justice! This landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin.