Reichstags Kuppel / Stop Reichstag
The dome of the Berlin Reichstag is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin and an architectural highlight that is worth a visit at any time of the year. The world-famous British architect Norman Foster is responsible for the design of the dome, from which you can not only catch a glimpse of the Bundestag’s plenum, but also have a unique view over Berlin’s roofs.
A wide-angle lens comes in handy for photos inside the dome. However, if you want to take some close-up shots of other Berlin landmarks, like the nearby Potsdamer Platz, you should also have a zoom lens on hand. You can visit the Reichstag and the dome free of charge, but make sure to secure a ticket for a certain time slot a few weeks before your visit, as these are often fully booked several days in advance.
The best time to take photos: early in the morning when it is not too crowded, or at sunset
This link takes you to the Reichstag website where you can book a ticket.
Siegessäule / Stop Siegessäule
285 steps lead to this wonderful viewpoint in the middle of Berlin's Tiergarten. The entrance ticket to the 50 meter high viewing platform, which is located right under the 35 ton Victoria statue, costs only €3. The efforts of the ascent are rewarded with a 360° panoramic view, which makes any photographer’s heart beat faster.
A visit to the Victory Column, jokingly called "Goldelse" (Goldilocks) by Berliners, is especially worthwhile on a sunny autumn afternoon, when the trees in Tiergarten park glow in the most beautiful colours.
Best time to take photos: Late afternoon
Here you can find more information about prices and opening hours of the Victory Column.
Monkey Bar / Stop Zoo / Elefantentor
The Monkey Bar is located on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Berlin, near the Zoologischer Garten (Zoological Garden). If you are looking for a few sunset photos of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the City West, this is the place to be.
However, the magnificent view that you can enjoy from here is no longer a real insider tip and since you can not reserve a table, it is recommended to be there at least half an hour before sunset. In any case, you won't get bored waiting for the sunset while enjoying the view with a fancy cocktail in hand.
The best time to take pictures: At sunset
Click here for the official website of the Monkey Bar.
Panorama Punkt / Stop Potsdamer Platz
Once the largest construction site in Europe, Potsdamer Platz is now home to some of Berlin's highest buildings. Framed between Forum Tower, designed by Italian star architect Renzo Piano, and DB Tower, stands the 103-meter-high Kollhoff Tower.
On the 25th floor you can find “Panorama Point”, one of Berlin's best and highest vantage points and an extremely popular spot with photographers. The wraparound terrace / observation deck offers a view of the entire city and it is even allowed to bring a tripod. However, take care when setting up your tripod and try not to get in the way or block the view of other visitors.
The best time to photograph this spot: At sunset
Click here for the official website of Panorama Punkt Berlin.
Französischer Dom / Stop Gendarmenmarkt
Together with the German Cathedral and the Schauspiel- or Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral frames Berlin's perhaps most beautiful square, the Gendarmenmarkt. In addition to the Huguenot Museum, you can also visit the observation balustrade of the French Cathedral at a height of 40m.
From here you have a wonderful view that stretches to Alexanderplatz on one side, and all the way to Potsdamer Platz on the other. This photo spot is particularly suitable for panoramic shots. If you want to get a little more creative, you can also include the balustrade in the foreground of the composition and use it to create a frame for the German Cathedral or the TV Tower.
The best time to photograph this spot: Late afternoon
On the official website of the French Cathedral you can conveniently reserve Tickets online.
Park Inn Hotel / Stop Alexanderplatz / Park Inn Hotel
For only €6 you can visit Berlin's best sunset photo spot. The view from the observation terrace of the Park Inn Hotel at Alexanderplatz, at a height of 120m is simply magnificent. If you time your visit well and have some luck with the weather, you can get some fantastic photos with the TV tower in the foreground and the sun setting right behind it. A small bar offers a handful of cold and hot drinks. What more do you need for a successful sunset photo session?
It is allowed to set up a tripod, but the net that is stretched out as a fall protection often proves to be quite disturbing. However, with a bit of dexterity, almost any lens will fit through one of the meshes. If you only have time to hit one of the photo spots mentioned in this guide, you should make it this one.
The best time to photograph this spot: At sunset
Click here for the Park Inn Hotel website with more information on rates and opening hours: Park Inn Alexanderplatz
Hopefully these tips and tricks on some of Berlin's most beautiful and photogenic vantage points have inspired you to grab your camera and capture some shots of Berlin. Check out TravelPixelz.com for more tips on great photo spots in Berlin as well as guided photo tours and portrait shoots.
