Located in the west of Berlin, Kurfürstendamm, or Kudamm for short, is one of the most beautiful and renowned areas of the city. A visit to Berlin isn’t complete without taking a stroll down the 3.5-kilometer-long boulevard and indulging in some shopping. Kurfürstendamm is filled with high-end shops, luxury furniture stores, restaurants, cafes, showrooms, and tall buildings that represent the poshest area of the city. Shortly, it’s a Beverly Hills of California, Kensington of London, and Soho in New York…well, you get it.
But even if your main aim is not to shop (or your wallet doesn’t allow it), there are still plenty of other things to do in Kurfürstendamm and Zoological Garden. The best part is that many of those activities won’t cost you a cent. Let’s explore some of them!
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Memorial Church
The Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church is a must-see landmark in Kurfürstendamm. It was built in the 19th century to honor the first German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm I. The church was one of the most impressive Protestant churches of its time and symbolized the power of the country. However, it suffered severe damage during the bombings of World War II. Instead of being demolished, a new church was built next to the old one, representing the new Berlin with its modern design. Today, the “old lady” with her half-destroyed roof serves as a strong reminder of the dangers that war and conflicts bring. You can visit the church daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and entry is free of charge.
Breitscheidplatz
Breitscheid Platz is an interesting square to visit, as it is home to the Memorial Church. It is full of artful objects, such as a fountain, and amusing animal sculptures, like a monkey and a turtle. It is a great place for kids to run around and for adults to relax on a sunny day.
What makes this place particularly special is the Christmas market that takes place during the winter holiday season. More than a hundred food and drink stalls are set up, offering delicious currywurst and warming mulled wine. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly caramelized almonds and people are in a festive mood. Sounds amazing, right?
Unfortunately, a dark shadow was cast over the market when a terrorist attack occurred in 2016. Dozens of people were killed and injured. In their memory, candles are lit each year during that time.
Europa Center
On the same square, opposite the church is another place of interest. Europa Center is a small shopping center on the top of which proudly rotates the Mercedes-Benz sign. It was built in the 1980s and has several interesting restaurants, cafes and, of course, shops.
What is interesting about this mall is not the shops but the special clock located on the ground floor. The Clock of Flowing Time is a 13-meter-high water clock that extends over three floors. The clock was designed by Frenchman Bernard Gitton and installed in 1982. In this clock, the time is displayed in a circuit using liquid-filled glass balls, the smallest of which are filled every 144 seconds. It’s a cool construction, especially interesting for the youngest one.
Bikini Berlin
Unlike typical malls that house the same old chain stores, Bikini Berlin offers a unique shopping experience with many small pop-up stores that sell individual and sometimes unusual products. The mall is also less crowded, giving you space to explore. In the lobby, you can enjoy a great view of the Zoo Garden, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the monkeys playing outside!
The food options are diverse, with restaurants and cafes from around the world. On the top floor, you’ll find the 25 Hours Berlin hotel, the Monkey Bar, and a terrace with a stunning view of the Memorial Church and the Zoo Palast. If you’re looking for a different kind of shopping and dining experience, Bikini Berlin is worth checking out!
Berlin Zoo
Berlin Zoo is one of the most popular and largest zoos in the country. It boasts the title of being the first zoo in the world by the number of species kept here. The zoo is a great source of entertainment for people of all ages. Visitors are attracted by the wide range of animals that are enclosed here, from the giant pandas to the wild animals. You can find animals from every corner of the world in this zoo! Additionally, the animals are well taken care of, which is why this zoo is so popular.
There are several restaurants and cafes inside the zoo, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. However, it is important to note that weekends can be quite busy and crowded, and there are usually always queues outside. Therefore, buying a ticket online would be a better idea. Also, a combined ticket for the Zoo and Aquarium is cheaper than buying separate tickets on the spot.
Tauentzienstrasse and Wittenbergplatz
Tauentzienstrasse is a street that absolutely should not be missed. It starts at Breitscheidplatz and ends at Wittenbergplatz, and is a must-visit for anyone in Berlin. Constructed in the 19th century based on the model of Parisian boulevards, it has become one of Berlin’s most popular and diverse shopping districts. Notable addresses like KaDeWe and Europacenter are just a couple of the many reasons to visit this street.
Wittenbergplatz is a smaller square located at the end of the street. Although not a classical landmark, there are several fascinating things to see and explore here. Firstly, the underground station is one of the oldest subway stations in the world and has a controversial design from the early 20th century that is sure to pique your interest.
Opposite the subway stands a magnificent chrome-nickel steel sculpture created in 1987 by Brigitte and Martin Matschinsky-Denninghoff. The monumental gate-like sculpture is a powerful symbol of the division of Berlin into two intertwined but separate parts. There are several seating areas around the sculpture that you simply cannot miss, where you can relax and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
KaDeWe
“The star of the show” at the Wittenbergplatz is the shopping center Kaufhaus des Westens or more popular KadeWe. This gray building with its luxury display windows it’s a loud call for those with bigger pockets. If you come to Berlin, a visit to KaDeWe is a mandatory thing to do. If not for buying, then just browsing around.
The mall has almost everything your heart desires if you have the money. Luxury brands, such as Dior, Gucci, Miu Miu, and others are presented here. The top floor with the delicacies is more interesting for the tourist. Here you will find restaurants and a very fine and large selection of food. As always, the gourmet department is an absolute highlight and if you don’t buy anything, you can always feast and enjoy it here.
Explore bars in Kudamm
What is a trip to Berlin without enjoying a nice drink at a cool bar in the evening? Fortunately, several bars in Kudamm guarantee a good time. “Hildegard’s”, “Bristol Bar”, “Pavement”, “The Pure Lounge”, and “Bellucci Bar”... are just a few examples of bars that offer amazing cocktails, delicious food, and great entertainment. My personal favorite is “Monkey Bar”, which is located in 25 Hours Bikini Berlin. Situated on the 10th floor, the bar offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Zoo and Tiergarten on one side, and the Kaiser-Wilhelm Church and Waldorf Astoria Hotel on the other. With its spectacular view and cool atmosphere, visiting this bar is a must-do activity when in Kudamm!
Savigny Platz
Although not as close to the other sites mentioned above, Savigny Platz is one of the places that should not be missed out when in Kudamm.
Savigny Platz is a place in Berlin that offers a Parisian atmosphere, reminiscent of St Germain des Prés. Many shop owners in this area are of French origin, such as the antique shop Duval and the drugstore. The location is perfect for travelers as it is conveniently situated under the S-bahn stop. The area is bohemian with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, creating a nice and relaxing ambiance. Furthermore, there is a small park that provides open space to sit and enjoy the shade on a hot summer day.
Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Kurfürstendamm served as the heart of West Berlin and was famously known as the “shop window of the Western world”. The Kurfürstendamm legend, which is associated with the boulevard’s rich history, is also attributed to the distinctive ambiance of ease, pleasure, innovation, and glamour that exudes from this internationally recognized street.
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