Pariser Platz

The basics

Because of its location in front of the Brandenburg Age, Paris Platz is among the most visited attractions in Berlin. It's also one of the most significant historic sites in a city full of them and a common stop on tours focusing on World War II and Cold War history. These tours tend to travel on foot and visit other historically significant sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, and Reichstag Building.

Things to know before you go

• Bring your camera—Paris Platz is the best place to take photos of the Brandenburg Gate.

• The Berlin Wall once ran through the middle of the square.

• The square is closed to car traffic at all times.

How to get there

The square lies directly in front of the Brandenburg Gate at the end of Unter den Linden. Walking is the best way to get around central Berlin—the square lies steps from Brandenburger Tor station, serving S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines and local bus lines. The Bundestag, Berlin Friedrichstraße, and Berlin Central stations are also within walking distance.

When to get there

The public square is among the most visited attractions in Berlin and is full of tourists looking for unobstructed views of the Brandenburg Gate—to avoid these crowds, visit in the morning or after sundown when the gate lights up. If you're in Berlin between May and September, it's a great time to visit the square, see the gate, and continue to the walking trails in the Tiergarten.

What’s near Pariser Platz

Pariser Platz is in central Berlin among many of the city's most important historical sights. In addition to sitting in front of the Brandenburg Gate—one of the most known landmarks in Germany—the square lies within walking distance of the Tiergarten and Soviet War Memorial, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Berlin Cathedral, and many museums.