This area is dominated by the park with the same name, and is flanked along its southern fringe by some fine museums, a zoo, the reborn diplomatic quarter and the Potsdamer Platz. Charlottenburg also has plenty to offer for visitors (see our Charlottenburg section). The shop-rich area around Bahnhof Zoo and the Ku'damm was the centre of old West Berlin. To the west, the historic Schloss Charlottenburg and its surrounding museums are a major attraction.
TiergartenThis is the largest park in the city. It offers more than 23 km (14 miles) of pathways which makes it popular for those who are looking for a leisurely place to stroll.
For many years, however, the park wasn't open to the public. It was first intended as a preferred hunting ground for the electors of Brandenburg. Friedrich I, the first Prussian king, opened the park to the general public, providing easy access to the Tiergarten by building roads and thruways.
These days, the park remains popular with walkers, joggers, and those seeking a little sun. However, there's more to see in the Tiergarten than just trees and flowers.
What to see and visit:
Berlin ZooBerlin Zoo completely restored and occupying the southwest corner of the Tiergarten. The zoo boasts thousands of animals whose antics can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
Victory ColumnVisit the Victory Column (Siegessäule), the statue of a golden goddess that stands upon a column made out of red granite. If you're up to climbing about 69m (226 ft.) to the top, you'll be rewarded with an observation deck that provides excellent views of the area.
Bellevue PalaceNot far north from the Victory Column you'll find the Schloss Bellevue or Bellevue Palace. This white 18th century palace was built in 1786 for the Prussian Prince August Ferdinand. Today it is the official Berlin residence of the German President.
Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures)Another eyecatcher in the Tiergarten is the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures). The building with curved roof was built in 1957 as a contribution of the United States for the International Architecture exhibition in Berlin. It currently houses exhibitions on world cultures.
