Is that the Weltzeituhr I hear? We are standing at the View to Alexanderplatz. This is Germany’s largest square. It has been one of Berlin’s liveliest places for centuries. Shops, cinemas, restaurants, and attractions surround us.
Alexanderplatz is in Berlin Mitte. Most people simply call it Alex. The square was named after Tsar Alexander I. He visited the Prussian capital in 1805.
Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s eastern center. It is also an important transport junction. The S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains, trams, and buses converge here. This makes it an ideal starting point for a tour of Berlin.
Up to the 1850s, Alexanderplatz was a military parade ground. Farmers also sold their produce here. The railway station opened in 1882. This transformed the square into a major transport hub.
The central market hall was built in 1886. The Tietz department store followed between 1904 and 1911. Alexanderplatz became the city’s main shopping center. Alfred Döblin’s 1929 novel made it world-famous. It is also popular as a film location. Many scenes from Babylon Berlin are set here. In The Bourne Supremacy, Bourne meets an agent under the world clock.
Alexanderplatz is not just a transport hub. It is also a historic site. Street fighting occurred here during the March Revolution of 1848. In November 1989, peaceful demonstrations culminated here. These demonstrations preceded the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The square was largely destroyed in World War II. It was not rebuilt until the 1960s. Alexanderplatz became a pedestrian zone. Busy roads surrounded it. The Centrum department store was built then. So were the Alex-Passagen, the Weltzeituhr, and the Fountain of International Friendship. The Fernsehturm, East Berlin’s TV tower, also went up. After its completion in 1971, the square hosted large events.
Alexanderplatz has been in constant change since reunification. A shopping center and a multiplex cinema have been added. Also more shops and hotels. There are still gaps. Plans exist for high-rise buildings around the square. Only one thing is certain: Alexanderplatz remains Germany’s biggest public square.
The Weltzeituhr is a real eye-catcher. It reminds us of GDR times. The clock was installed in September 1969. It was restored after reunification. Some cities had been assigned to wrong time zones during GDR times. These mistakes were corrected. Since 2015, the World Time Clock has been a listed building. It is still a popular meeting place.
Many sights are near Alexanderplatz. Museum Island and the Berliner Rathaus are within walking distance. So is the Berlin Cathedral. The Brandenburg Gate is not far away. Visit Berlin’s historic district, the Nikolaiviertel. The Hackesche Höfe offer relaxed shopping. Take a walk Unter den Linden. The Berlin TV Tower offers great views.
Next to Alexa Shopping Mall are many big department stores. Alexanderplatz is a pedestrian zone. It is busy day and night. Parking is scarce. Public transport is recommended.
Alexanderplatz station is an important traffic junction. The German Railway and regional trains stop here. You can transfer to the S- and U-Bahn, buses, or trams. There are also shops for your daily needs. Plus a large travel center and an exchange office.
In winter, you will find Christmas markets here. There is the Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Rotes Rathaus. There is also a Christmas market around the world clock and Alexa shopping center.
Alexanderplatz has seen cattle markets and political demonstrations. It dates back to the 13th century. At that time it was known as the Ochsenmarkt. That means Cattle Market. The square was renamed in 1805. This was to honor Tsar Alexander I of Russia.
During the city’s division, Alexanderplatz was in East Berlin. It became a showcase for East German architecture. The peaceful protest on November 4, 1989, took place here. Over half a million people demanded political reforms.
Enjoy the special Berlin vibe at View to Alexanderplatz.