Best Places to Get a Bird's-Eye View of Berlin

If you want to get a different perspective of Berlin and its sights, how about really getting up there and seeing the German capital from a bird's eyes perspective? Take your pick from these unique places for a stunning view of the Berlin cityscape.

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The Victory Column

The slender Victory Column in the midst of Berlin’s park Tiergarten is a 230 feet high monument, commemorating Prussia’s victory over France in 1871. The column is topped by the golden statue of goddess Victoria, fondly called Goldelse ("Golden Elsi") by the locals. You have to climb 285 steep stairs to get to the open-air viewing platform set right below the giant goddess, but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista of the surrounding park and Berlin.

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The TV Tower

A view of TV Tower and the skyline — Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

The TV Tower is Berlin’s highest building (1,207 ft) and visible throughout all central districts. Nicknamed Telespargel ("tele-asparagus"), the TV Tower was built in the former GDR between 1965 and 1969. An elevator takes you up to the silver-tiled sphere, where you find a viewing platform and a little rotating cafe with a charming 70s atmosphere. On clear days, your can see as far as 26 miles.

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The Reichstag

The Reichstag, the traditional seat of the German Parliament, is adorned with a modern glass dome, which offers a look into the parliamentary proceedings as well as panoramic views of the Berlin skyline. Come here in the late afternoon or evening: The lines to get in will be shorter, and the view at sunset is spectacular. On top of the Reichstag, you’ll also find a restaurant with a rooftop garden, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at reasonable prices—sweeping views included.

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House of Weekend

For a hip vibe with sweeping views of the cityscape, hit the House of Weekend, located on the 12th and 15th floor of an old office building at Alexanderplatz. With the bar and furniture at the center of the club, the panoramic windows looking out onto Berlin are the signature of this hot spot. Make sure to take the elevator all the way up to get a breath of fresh air on the club's rooftop terrace.

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Kollhof Tower at Potsdamer Platz

The sky scrapper buildings at Potsdammer Platz — Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

The red clinker-clad Kollhoff tower is with its 338 feet the highest building at Potsdamer Platz; the fastest elevator in Europe takes you up to the skyscarper’s viewing platform on the 24^th and 25^th floor, where you’ll have an unparalleled vista of the futuristic architecture that Potsdamer Platz is famous for.

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Welt Hot Air Balloons

A Welt hot air ballon taking off in Berlin — Air Service Berlin / Andreas Klug

For the adventurous traveler, a ride in the High-Fly Balloon, one of the largest helium balloons in the world, offers a unique bird’s eye perspective of Berlin's center. The gondola, which can hold up to 30 people and is securely attached to a long cable, silently rises up to 490 feet in the air. The ride is especially romantic at night, when the balloon is illuminated and Berlin’s lights sparkle all around you.