As much as we love exploring Berlin's enchanting Christmas markets, there's so much more to Germany's fascinating capital than festive stalls and warming mugs of Glühwein. Berlin is a city with an extraordinary history, and everywhere you wander, you'll discover reminders of the events that have shaped it over the centuries. From the magnificent Brandenburg Gate and the historic Reichstag Building to the poignant remains of the Berlin Wall, there's an incredible amount to see and experience.

We particularly enjoy discovering the history behind the places we visit, and Berlin certainly doesn't disappoint. It's a city where the past and present sit side by side, with impressive architecture, thought-provoking memorials and vibrant neighbourhoods all waiting to be explored.

If you're planning a Berlin Christmas market break, we'd definitely recommend allowing a little extra time to discover the city's other attractions. Why not explore the magnificent Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wander through the historic streets or visit one of Berlin's many fascinating museums? Do bear in mind that the famous Pergamon Museum is currently closed for extensive renovations, with a partial reopening planned for June 2027.

We love combining a little sightseeing with our Christmas market adventures, and Berlin is the perfect city for doing just that. Spend your days discovering its remarkable heritage, then head back to the twinkling festive lights as evening falls. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both worlds and make your visit to Berlin even more memorable.

Just a short stroll from the Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most poignant landmarks, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial. Opened in 2005, this striking memorial commemorates the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust.

Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it consists of 2,711 grey concrete slabs, known as stelae, arranged in a grid across a gently undulating site. The slabs vary in height, creating an unusual and thought-provoking landscape that feels quite different from a traditional memorial. As Gary and I approached, we were struck by the sheer scale of the monument and its stark appearance against the surrounding city. It's certainly somewhere that makes you stop and reflect on the darkest chapters of European history.

As we wandered between the concrete columns, the pathways gradually dipped and the towering slabs seemed to close in around us. Although the memorial is open to the city, once you're amongst the taller blocks, there's an unexpected sense of isolation and unease. It's a very personal experience, and I imagine everyone takes away something slightly different from their visit. We noticed a small bunch of flowers resting on one of the concrete slabs, a simple but incredibly touching tribute that brought home the human tragedy behind this extraordinary memorial.

At times, I felt that some visitors could have shown a little more respect for the surroundings, particularly given the significance of the site. For us, it was a place for quiet contemplation rather than simply another Berlin attraction.

Beneath the memorial is the Information Centre, which explores the persecution and murder of Europe's Jewish population through historical documents, photographs and personal stories. It's an important addition to the memorial above ground, helping visitors understand the lives and families behind the unimaginable statistics.

Entry to the memorial itself is free, and we'd certainly recommend allowing time to experience it without feeling rushed. Our visit was a deeply moving part of our Berlin adventures and a reminder of why preserving these places of remembrance is so important. Although we'd travelled to Berlin to enjoy its enchanting Christmas markets, discovering the city's extraordinary history added another dimension to our trip, and this was undoubtedly one of the places that left a lasting impression on us.