Alexanderplatz, Berlin
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Alexanderplatz - by Stefan Widua on Unsplash
Description
Alexanderplatz is Berlin's largest public square and one of its foremost commercial centres. It was named in honour of the Russian Tsar Alexander I when he was welcomed to the city on the parade grounds in front of the old King's Gate in 1805 and up until the back end of the 19th century it was used for military parades and drills and by local farmers as a marketplace. This changed with the opening of the railway station there in 1882 which transformed it into a major transport junction, quickly followed by the development of a market hall and department store. As part of East Germany, it was fully pedestrianized and the tram was only reintroduced in 1998. Since the reunification, there has been continuous developments and plans are afoot for additional skyscrapers and commercial centres.
Access & Transport
The square is in the Mitte district, just north of Museum Island the Old Berlin neighbourhood (Alt-Berlin). There is an underground (U2, U5, U8), tram (M4, M5, M6) and train stations (S3, S5, S7, S9 and regional lines). The square is also walking distance to many other highlights of the city.
Instructions & Recommendations
Sunday is not the ideal day for shopping as many stores typically close. We suggest combining this activity with the Berlin TV Observation Deck for the highest views over the city, a visit of the Alt-Berlin / Nikolaiviertel neighbourhood or a museum on Museum Island.
Environmental & Social
No environmental data for the area but there is a lot of asphalts, concrete, glass, metal and electricity consumption involved. Socially slightly negative because of the heavy focus on commercial activities driven by big brands / chains and advertising.
Conclusion
Alexanderplatz is so central that visitors are bound to transit through it. Shoppers and urban explorers may enjoy it but for everybody else there is little to see and do - besides reflect on the impact consumerism is having on our surroundings...
Key positive
Fantastic transport network and central location
Good place for standard mainstream brands shopping and some good restaurants
Key negative
Grey and soulless
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and no accessibility issue.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo