Built in the late 19th century in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm I, the once magnificent, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche was gutted by fire after a British air-raid in November 1943. The only parts left standing were the nave and half a spire. Nowadays, the spireless ruin and the modern chapel next door provide the city with more than just a famous landmark - they are also a poignant symbol of the senselessness of war. The 'Stalingrad Madonna' in the futuristic blue-glass chapel next to the ruin is worth a visit, as is the exhibition documenting the history of the church on Breitscheidplatz.
Hidden slightly away from the stream of tourists working their way along Unter den Linden, the Maxim-Gorki Theatre is situated behind the Alte Wache (old guard house) and is one of Berlin's biggest theaters. A treat for visitors, this theater showcases plays that cover a huge spectrum of genres. Expect to see classic dramas such as Maxim Gorky's The Lower Depths on the main stage and contemporary plays and dramas, such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant on the smaller 'Probebühne' stage.
This imposing monument was built in memory of the 20,000 Soviet soldiers who died during the battle for Berlin in 1945. It took 1,200 workers over three years to build (1946-9) and is constructed from the granite which had been previously ordered by the Third Reich for their own victory monuments. Located in leafy Treptower Park, the sheer size of the memorial is striking. A broad path leads to the enormous entrance portal, sculpted with lines of grim faced Soviet soldiers. Spread out before you is a long walkway, decorated with friezes depicting the Red Army's heroic struggle and culminating with a gigantic statue of a sword-wielding Soviet soldier, standing stoically on a plinth bearing friezes of cheerful peasants and workers. The memorial is impressive at any time of year, but is particularly imposing in the winter, when the snow absorbs all sound, lending the area a surreal, awe-striking atmosphere.
The botanical garden and botanic museum's large and sedate park in the southwest of Berlin provides the perfect respite to a hard day's slog through the hectic inner-city. One can admire the English gardens and a collection of flora from all over Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The many greenhouses here are home to many rare plants from around the globe. Visitors shouldn't miss the unique Botanical Museum at the entrance.
Located in the charming borough of Kreuzberg, Berlinische Galerie lies in close proximity to the Jüdisches Museum. Established in 1975, the gallery is fully devoted to exhibit and promote modern art in Berlin. Showcasing exhibits related to photography, architecture and contemporary art, the museum sees a lot of art aficionados, coming in from various parts of the globe. Apart from the changing installations and exhibitions, the museum's best collection includes the works of Berlin Secession, Georg Baselitz and Junge Wilde.
Stop by and admire the windowless concrete 1960s facade that is the Deutsche Oper Berlin, but once you step inside you'll discover some of the best entertainment in Berlin. Deutsche Oper Berlin is Germany's second largest opera house and its repertoire is extensive and features classic German and Italian works as well as contemporary pieces. Along with opera, the Deutsche Oper Berlin also has ballet performances, orchestra concerts, and more.