5 Must-See Attractions in Berlin

When I traveled to Berlin, I was nearing the end of a month-long tour of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and Germany. I had seen a lot of Europe (and was loving every minute of it). I had crossed countless charming canals, wandered through several centuries-old churches and seen a handful of fairy-tale worthy castles.

But when I arrived in Berlin, I distinctly remembered a different vibe about this city. I felt oddly more at home here. This buzzing metropolis felt much more like the American urban setting I was used to. Although unexpected, I was intrigued, and wanted to learn more about this city.

So. Here are my top 5 things a first-timer in Berlin must see. Enjoy.

1. Holocaust Memorial
   Starting off on a solemn note, obviously. But this is a part of our dark history that we must never forget - and never allow to happen again. The memorial itself creates a visual display that helps us see the enormity that this raid of horror took on all of its millions of victims. It's design - and more importantly, the meaning behind it, makes you stop and think. And the exhibition gives visitors more of a graphic look into the lives of those affected by this genocide. It isn't one of those feel-good attractions one might seek when traveling, but it is certainly not to be missed.

2. Checkpoint-Charlie
   After Berlin emerged from World War II, the city, rather, the entire country, entered into another challenging period. Checkpoint-Charlie is where the different sectors of Berlin met each other. After the city was divided, this is where you would cross from west to east, or east to west. The nearby museum tells visitors the fascinating and heroic stories of those who risked everything to cross from Soviet-controlled East Berlin to the west so that they could be re-united with family and be free. A visit here will put things into perspective - and make you think twice about the things you take for granted every single day.

3. East-Side Gallery

   Believe it or not, part of the Berlin wall is still standing. Serving as a visual reminder of the city's darker past. The East-Side Gallery is actually exactly what it sounds like - a beautiful gallery of artistic wonders painted on a canvas of great historic significance - the wall itself.

4. Brandenburg Gate
   The Brandenburg gate is one of those landmarks that identifies its city. Put it along with the Eifel Tower for Paris and the Statue of Liberty for New York City. If you visit Berlin, you must see it. And take a mandatory selfie with it in the background, obviously.

5. The Reichstag 
   The Reichstag claims the envied title of being one of Berlin's most significant buildings. This needs to be added to your itinerary so that you can understand the story of Berlin. Not is it only a crucial landmark in your quest to understand the history of the German capital, but all of Germany.

Berlin was bombed out in World War II, divided during the Cold War, and endured many other trials throughout history. But it remains strong today, and is a symbol to everyone who visits as to how much good the future can promise.

So even though this city felt more to me like Chicago than Munich, that doesn't mean it was any less European at all. It simply captures a piece of the region that I might not have expected I might see during my visit. And that in itself, has me excited to go back.