Bucket list experience:
Credit Shutterstock.com/Matyas Rehak
East Germany’s darkest past is on show at this former prison of the Stasi, the notorious East German secret police.
Thousands of inmates, ranging from student activists to leaders of the 1953 uprising, were interned here. Now a memorial, tours are usually conducted by former inmates offering a more vivid – and chilling – first-hand account of prison conditions and the interrogation methods employed by the GDR’s Ministry of State Security. It recounts stories of prison life and inmates suffering through over 300 photos and nearly 500 artefacts, including prison clothes and letters from inmates.
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Destination Guide >Take tram M5 from the S-Bahn stations at Alexanderplatz or Landsberger Allee to the Freienwalder Strasse stop. The Memorial is then about a 10-minute walk down Freienwalder Strasse.
Note that it is only possible to visit the memorial on one of the guided tours. The English-speaking public tour runs three times daily. You can just turn up, but it’s better to book in advance via the website.
The memorial is open all year round, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Berlin, Germany[5.5 miles]
Clever Manhattan-style blend of hostel and upmarket hotel in post-industrial surroundings, with an excellent in-house organic restaurant. Great for singles, the socially-minded and hip partygoers.
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Berlin, Germany[6.4 miles]
A superb apartment hotel, with 72 self-contained luxury apartments, conveniently located for Berlin best attractions, bars and shopping.
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Berlin, Germany[6.8 miles]
A quirky chic boutique hotel that blends simple luxury and hip Spanish design in a killer Mitte location. In the heart of the city’s buzz.
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Berlin, Germany[6.8 miles]
The gorgeously understated Amano offers a soothing, affordable designer option in uber-trendy Mitte.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Germany
Europe’s hippest capital boasts non-stop nightlife, cutting-edge fashion, cosmopolitan eats and museum treasures galore.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Berlin, Germany[5.8 miles]
Visually captivating, mile-long segment of the former Wall, now adorned with paintings by 118 artists. The largest open-air gallery in the world.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Berlin, Germany[7 miles]
Germany’s most fertile art city spans all eras, from ancient treasures to cutting-edge contemporary. One of the world’s great art destinations.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Berlin, Germany[7.2 miles]
An extraordinary UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site home to five world-class museums, covering 6,000 years of cultural and art history. An essential stop on any Berlin itinerary.
Best for ages: 18+ | £20
Berlin, Germany[7.3 miles]
This gallery showcases one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century sculpture and paintings, with additional collections of neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist and early Modernist artwork.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Berlin, Germany[3.1 miles]
A museum dedicated to the harrowing operations of the ‘Stasi’, East Germany’s dreaded secret police. Located in the Stasi’s chilling former headquarters.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Berlin, Germany[5.2 miles]
This renowned techno nightclub has become an iconic institution in the city – and Europe’s – nightlife scene. Housed in a former power plant, it’s known for its industrial aesthetics, massive dance floors, an exceptional sound system, and a strict door policy – leading to its reputation as one of the most exclusive and selective clubs in the world.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Berlin, Germany[5.8 miles]
This repurposed cargo container moored in the Spree river is Berlin’s quirkiest swimming option. Daytime is perfect for a relaxed swim and sunbathing. DJs are let loose in the beach bar after nightfall, when parties spill over from the Arena disco opposite. In winter, it transforms into a spa with heated pool, two Finnish saunas and cocktail lounge under a series of tunnel-like tents. Open daily, all year round.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6 | 1+ hours
Berlin, Germany[6.4 miles]
Berlin’s main foodie hub is this vibrant food market showcasing a wide array of fresh local produce and international delicacies. Downstairs, you’ll find craft brewery Heidenpeter’s.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
