Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is one of the world’s great success stories in urban renewal. After World War II, when Berlin was divided along political lines, Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square) became a no-man's-land. Once the busiest traffic intersection in Europe, it was suddenly stranded between East and West Berlin. When the Wall came down, the reunified city was desperate to return the square to its former glory. Design competitions were held and the entire area became Europe’s largest building site. Today it’s filled with daring architecture, corporate headquarters, residential areas, shopping plazas, cinemas and public spaces. Most importantly it has created a healing link between the once divided city.

Potsdamer Platz lends its name to the original square and several adjoining blocks. To get your bearings, ride Europe's fastest elevator to the Panoramapunkt, an open-air observation deck on top of the Kollhof building. Here you’ll see some of the best views of Berlin, including two of the platz’s most striking buildings, the Sony Center and the Debis Tower.    

Catch a movie at one of the Potsdamer Platz’s many cinema screens. The Sony Center is also home to The Filmhaus, Berlin’s Film and Television Museum. Just a short stroll away is Marlene Dietrich Place, the home of the Berlin International Film Festival.

Pick up the latest European fashions from the Potsdamer Platz Arcaden, a three-level, glass-covered arcade housing more than 150 boutiques and restaurants. Step outside and head to the nearby Tilla-Durieux-Park. This highly manicured grass strip looks more like an enormous piece of modern art than a park. Try the gigantic seesaws in the park’s center.

Potsdamer Platz is located in central Berlin, just south of the Tiergarten and Brandenburg Gate. Berlin Potsdamer Platz station, a major local and regional railway hub, is located underneath Potsdamer Platz.