Pariser Platz, Berlin - Find me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moigonzz/
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Pariser Platz Berlin

4.6
·491k reviews·Berlin, Germany

Historic square in Berlin, home to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and grand embassies.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
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Pariser Platz, Berlin - Find me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moigonzz/

Pariser Platz Berlin

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic square in Berlin, home to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and grand embassies.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Brandenburg Gate at Pariser Platz is an absolute must-see, a powerful symbol of Berlin's past and future."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Gate at Dawn

Visit early for unobstructed photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Sunrise offers magical light!

🧐 Look for the Slanted Windows

Notice how the French Embassy windows slant towards the gate – a curious architectural detail!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate

Pariser Platz

Berlin's iconic neoclassical monument, a symbol of peace and unity.

French Embassy

French Embassy

Pariser Platz

An impressive architectural presence on the square, with unique window designs.

American Embassy

American Embassy

Pariser Platz

Another significant diplomatic building, contributing to the square's international feel.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Pariser Platz

Pariser Platz is a bustling hub, especially near the Brandenburg Gate. To avoid peak crowds and capture the best light for photos, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. Weekdays often offer a slightly calmer experience than weekends.

Understanding the Square's Significance

Pariser Platz is more than just a beautiful square; it's steeped in history. It's a key landmark connecting the Brandenburg Gate to the Reichstag Building and Unter den Linden. Understanding its past adds depth to your visit.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Atmospheric lighting, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Slightly less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

To reach this alley you obly need to walk 15 minutes from Alexanderplatz! Grab a drink, visit Anne Frank museum, look at the art on the walls and visit Monsterkabinett! #berlin #berlin2023 #germany #g...
@lifeinthebackpack
39.4K likes • 567.6K views

📸 Capture the Gate at Dawn

Visit early for unobstructed photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Sunrise offers magical light! TikTok

🧐 Look for the Slanted Windows

Notice how the French Embassy windows slant towards the gate – a curious architectural detail! Reddit

5 places you NEED to visit in Berlin 🇩🇪 ⬇️ 📌 Save this for when you visit Berlin 🖤 📍DARK MATTER 📍Reichstag Building 📍East Side Gallery 📍Holocaust Memorial 📍Checkpoint Charlie #berlincity #travelguide ...
@helloangelia
19.2K likes • 1.1M views
reddit.com

Question About the Brandenburg Gate and the French Embassy

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Unter den Linden

Extend your visit by walking down the historic Unter den Linden boulevard from Pariser Platz. TikTok

💡 Understand the History

Learn about the square's role in German history for a richer experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Gate at Dawn

Visit early for unobstructed photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Sunrise offers magical light! TikTok

🧐 Look for the Slanted Windows

Notice how the French Embassy windows slant towards the gate – a curious architectural detail! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Unter den Linden

Extend your visit by walking down the historic Unter den Linden boulevard from Pariser Platz. TikTok

💡 Understand the History

Learn about the square's role in German history for a richer experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pariser Platz is universally praised for its iconic Brandenburg Gate and its central role in Berlin's history. Visitors love the grandeur of the square and its proximity to other major attractions. Some find it can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, and suggest visiting early or late to fully appreciate its atmosphere.

What People Like

Iconic Brandenburg Gate
Historic atmosphere
Central location

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pariser Platz is easily accessible via public transport. The closest U-Bahn station is 'Brandenburger Tor' (U55 line), and several bus lines also stop nearby. Many visitors arrive on foot from other central Berlin attractions like the Reichstag Building. TikTok+1

Yes, Pariser Platz is a very prominent and central location in Berlin, directly in front of the Brandenburg Gate. It's hard to miss! TikTok

Driving directly to Pariser Platz can be challenging due to pedestrian zones and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport or park in a nearby garage and walk. Reddit

Walking is the best way to experience Pariser Platz. You can easily explore the square, admire the Brandenburg Gate, and then stroll down Unter den Linden. TikTok

Absolutely! Many guided walking tours of Berlin include Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate as a key stop, offering historical context. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Pariser Platz itself is a public square and is free to enter and explore. You can walk around and admire the Brandenburg Gate and surrounding buildings without any charge. TikTok

Pariser Platz is open 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, the surrounding buildings like the Brandenburg Gate may have specific visiting hours if you wish to go inside or to their observation decks (though the gate itself is primarily an exterior monument). TikTok

There is no entrance fee to view the Brandenburg Gate from Pariser Platz. It's an iconic landmark meant to be admired from the outside. TikTok

While Pariser Platz is free, you might need tickets for nearby attractions like the Reichstag Building's dome or museums along Unter den Linden. It's advisable to book these in advance online. TikTok

Generally, there are no major restrictions for visiting Pariser Platz. However, during special events or demonstrations, access might be temporarily limited. Always be mindful of local regulations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer the best light and fewest crowds for stunning photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Evenings are also beautiful with the square lit up. TikTok

The Brandenburg Gate is the star, but also capture the symmetry of the embassies and the grand avenue of Unter den Linden stretching out from the square. TikTok

Tripods are generally allowed in public spaces like Pariser Platz, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways, especially during busy times. Reddit

Try to get a shot with the Brandenburg Gate framed by the historic buildings on the square. Also, consider capturing the Quadriga on top of the gate. TikTok

For daytime, a standard aperture like f/8 for good depth of field works well. For evenings, use a wider aperture and a higher ISO or tripod to capture the lights. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

Pariser Platz was once a grand entrance to Berlin and has witnessed many pivotal historical moments, from Prussian parades to the division and reunification of Germany. Reddit

Built in the late 18th century, the Brandenburg Gate was a symbol of peace. It later became a symbol of division during the Cold War and a powerful emblem of reunification. TikTok

A local legend suggests the windows of the French Embassy are slanted towards the Brandenburg Gate. Some believe this is a subtle nod to the gate, or perhaps a historical quirk. Reddit

Yes, the German Historical Museum and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are within walking distance. The Reichstag Building is also adjacent. TikTok

'Pariser Platz' translates to 'Paris Square' in English. It was named to honor the Prussian occupation of Paris in 1814. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pariser Platz is a fantastic spot for families, primarily because of the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Kids are often fascinated by its size and the statues on top. It's a great place for them to run around a bit on the open square (under supervision, of course!). The historical significance can be simplified for younger minds as a 'big door that used to divide the city but now brings everyone together.' TikTok

Consider making it part of a larger walk that includes the nearby Tiergarten, which has playgrounds and plenty of space to explore. Pack some snacks and water, as while there are cafes nearby, having your own can be easier with children. The open space makes it less daunting than navigating crowded museums with little ones. TikTok

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Pariser Platz is a dream location, especially for capturing the Brandenburg Gate. The best light for dramatic shots is during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset. Sunrise offers fewer crowds and a softer, warmer light, while sunset provides a beautiful backdrop as the city lights begin to twinkle. TikTok

Experiment with different angles: try wide-angle shots to encompass the entire square and gate, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the Quadriga. Don't forget to capture the architectural details of the surrounding embassies and the grand avenue of Unter den Linden. Consider long exposures in the evening to create light trails from passing vehicles and a sense of movement. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Brandenburg Gate: A Symbol of Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is the undisputed centerpiece of Pariser Platz and one of Germany's most recognizable landmarks. Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia, it was completed in 1791 and designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans. Its neoclassical design was inspired by the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. The Quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses and driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, crowns the gate. TikTok

Throughout its history, the Brandenburg Gate has witnessed significant events. It was a symbol of peace and triumph for Prussia, but later became a stark symbol of division during the Cold War, standing isolated in the no-man's-land between East and West Berlin. Its reunification in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, transformed it into a powerful emblem of German unity and freedom. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope. TikTok

Visitors can admire the gate from Pariser Platz, taking in its grandeur and historical weight. While you can't typically go through the gate itself as you once could, its presence on the square is commanding. The best times for photography are early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the best light. TikTok

Pariser Platz: A Historic Crossroads

Pariser Platz, located at the western end of the grand boulevard Unter den Linden, is a historic square that has served as a significant meeting point and ceremonial entrance to Berlin for centuries. Its name, 'Paris Square,' was bestowed in 1814 to commemorate Prussia's victory over Napoleon and its subsequent occupation of Paris. The square has been a stage for parades, protests, and celebrations, reflecting the tumultuous history of the city and the nation. Reddit

Today, Pariser Platz is flanked by impressive diplomatic missions, including the French Embassy and the American Embassy. The architecture of these buildings, along with the historic Adlon Hotel, contributes to the square's stately atmosphere. A curious detail often noted by visitors is the alleged slant of the French Embassy's windows towards the Brandenburg Gate, a point of local lore that adds a touch of intrigue to the square's narrative. Reddit

Exploring Pariser Platz offers a glimpse into Berlin's past and present. It's a place where history meets modern diplomacy, all under the watchful gaze of the Brandenburg Gate. The square is easily walkable and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring nearby attractions like the Reichstag Building and the Tiergarten. TikTok

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