Berlin is renowned for many nicknames, and one of the most eminent ones is the "GREY City." Have you ever wondered why? This city has a deep historical background concerning post-World War II and Cold War division. In particular, the grey color symbolizes the problematic past and represents the wide range of emotions and experiences Berlin has experienced during wartime. This color reflects the history of struggle and division and symbolizes sadness, hardship, and resilience.
What is Berlin known for?
Berlin is Germany's capital, the largest city, and the second-largest metropolitan region. In addition to its intriguing history, this city has a rich cultural heritage and enticing artistry. The thriving street art scene, lively music, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse range of unique museums are just a few reasons why this city is the most highly visited one in Germany and Europe. Read ahead to discover how you can make the most out of your Berlin trip, such as the best places to visit and the estimated budget.
Why is Berlin called the grey city?
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is often known for its astonishing museums, cultural heritage, and iconic buildings. The city is also referred to as "Grey City " because of its profound historical background. It has faced several wars, one of which was the Cold War, during which it was divided. There is no doubt that the city has gone through hurdles and had its own struggles, especially during World War II. After World War II, Berlin was shattered, but it was again reconstructed by utilizing the concrete building that appeared grey in color. Let's understand the Grey City's history a little more.
History of Berlin
- World War II: World war II happened between September 1st, 1939, and September 2nd, 1945. Several cities were affected by World War II and Berlin was one of the war's victims. The city, which used to be vibrant and lively, became devastated. Be it buildings, houses, or monuments, everything was left in ruins. However, the city was rebuilt and became more elegant than earlier. Today, the buildings are more practical and functional, focusing on people's comfort. This architecture gave a new look to the grey concrete buildings.
- Cold War: The Cold War occurred between March 12th, 1947, and December 3rd, 1989. At the time of the Cold War, Berlin was divided into two parts: East and West. In East Berlin, there was the Soviet Sector, and in West Berlin, the American, French, and British Sector. In1961, the city was built and as a result of the war, the aesthetic of the city was called grey color.
- Berlin's Architecture: Most of the Berlin's architecture is grey, showing repression, separation, and struggle. Raw concrete was used in the making of the building, a symbolic representation of supporting the movement of Brutalism. This movement came into the existence from the 1950s to 1970s.
Is it cheap or expensive to travel to Berlin?
The most concerning question for budget-conscious travelers is how much their trip would estimating cost. Having a fair idea of your tour is a must to ensure you can plan and manage your funds accurately and enjoy your trip to its fullest without worrying about money. Generally, a one-week trip costs around $1,288 for one person and $2,576 for two people. The mentioned budget ensures decent accommodation, sightseeing, local transportation, food, and other travel-related costs.
What are Berlin's prominent tourist attractions?
Do you know which city is the most visited one in Germany? Berlin features the most amount tourists from all across the globe year-round. What makes this city so special? Its unique history, vibrant culture, and a multitude of tourist attractions make this place a teeming and preferred tourist spot for domestic as well as international visitors. Below are the highlights of some of the most prominent tourist attractions of Berlin that are a must-add to your trip:
- East Side Gallery memorial is a permanent open-air gallery on the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall in Mühlenstraße. It features a series of murals painted on a long remnant of this wall, commenting on the political changes of 1989-90. This gallery is the world's longest open-air gallery, comprising over a hundred paintings by 118 artists from 21 countries. Fraternal Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel and Trabant Breaking Through the Wall by Birgit Kinders are some of the most popular works.
- The Holocaust Memorial is a one-of-its-kind tourist attraction in Berlin because of its unique historical significance, abstract design, and underground information center. This memorial is a poignant reminder of the Holocaust and the six million European Jews's deaths during the wartimes. Its abstract design, curated by Peter Eisenman, encourages tourists to interpret the memorial in their own and distinguished way.
- Berlin Zoo, officially called the Berlin Zoological Garden, is a perfect place to visit for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. This zoo is considered one of the most species-rich zoos in the world because it houses a wide variety of animals. It consists of over 20,000 animals from almost 1,300 species and is home to some rare species, such as Giant Pandas and Bao Bao. This zoo operates from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
- 12th Tiergarten is a large urban park in the heart of Berlin, offering a serene escape from daily life. This park features vast green spaces, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions, such as the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures), a center for international arts and exhibitions, and the Brandenburg Gate. It also houses several significant monuments and memorials, including the Soviet War Memorial.