Bebelplatz

The basics

As an important World War II site in Berlin, Bebelplatz is often a stop on Berlin sightseeing tours—including walking tours, small-group bike tours, Segway tours, rickshaw tours, and private taxi tours. Some of these tours are themed, such as Third Reich and World War II site tours. Common stops include Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag building, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, and Humboldt University.

Things to know before you go

• Bebelplatz is wheelchair-accessible and there’s an underground car park that has disabled parking access.

• Don’t miss the Sunken Library (Versunkene Bibliothek), an underground library with empty shelves as a symbol of the book burning.

• There are lots of cafés and restaurants near Bebelplatz, such as the classic German restaurant Nante-Eck and the seafood-based Restaurant Austernback.

How to get there

It’s easy to get to Bebelplatz using public transport; if you’re traveling by bus, you can take either bus 100 or 300 to Staatsoper, which is only a 1-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can hop on the U-Bahn and U5 or U6 to Unter den Linden, which is only a 5-minute walk away.

When to get there

One of the highlights of Bebelplatz is the underground bookshelf memorial that’s visible through glass. It’s best to visit this in the late afternoon, or when lit up at night for greater visibility. Alternatively, if you want a peaceful time for contemplation, then head to the spot in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

What to see near Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz is a great launchpad for discovering some of Berlin’s architectural gems. Nearby, you can find the State Opera, one of Germany’s first opera houses; St. Hedwig's Cathedral, one of the city’s most important Catholic churches; and the Old Palace, where German Emperor Wilhelm I once lived. There’s also the Old Library, a beautiful baroque building that dates back to the 18th century.