Best of Berlin: 10 Places to Capture Photogenic Architecture
Where to take photos in the capital of Germany.
Berlin is a city that's endured years of devastation, particularly on the capital's architecture. Many of its buildings were destroyed in World War II, but since then, Berlin has rebuilt, redesigned, and revived existing and new structures. In dark times, the city's resilience has shone through and created a spotlight on the talented architects that have lent their skills to create the Berlin we know and love today.
On the Explorest app, you'll find thousands of photo locations with awe-inspiring architecture all around the globe. Specifically, we feature photos from Berlin that showcase various types of design, from Gothic-Revival to modern and everything in between.
Below, we're sharing our favorite places to capture photogenic architecture in Berlin so you can virtually transport yourself to a place of design inspiration—no matter where you are in the world. Start scrolling and join us on the journey of discovering the best of Berlin!
1. Amtsgericht Wedding
Amtsgericht Wedding was originally built in 1901 as a prominent display of Gothic-Revival architecture. The building's design took inspiration from one of eastern Germany's most famous castles, Albrecht Castle, and today, the municipal structure is one of the most photogenic locations in Berlin. Stand before the grass, in line with the middle of the structure, and you'll be able to snap a symmetrical masterpiece.
credit: @karstenkoehn — discover Amtsgericht Wedding on the Explorest app
2. Museum Island
As its name suggests, Museum Island is an islet in the Mitte district of Berlin. There are five museums situated on the island and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel from one historic building to the next, photographing the intricate detail on the framework of each museum—and don't forget: the exterior architecture is just as photogenic as the artifacts that are inside the museum. In the early morning, you can avoid the crowds and capture bold shadows (like in the featured photo below) that offer up the perfect opportunity to experiment with shadow play.
credit: @konaction — discover Museum Island Exterior Corridor on the Explorest app
3. Gendarmenmarkt
The relationship between Germany and France has always been complicated. Both places have influenced each other culturally and architecturally. At the Gendarmenmarkt, you can witness the merge of the two countries as you stand near the steps of the German-designed Konzerthaus Berlin and look onto the Französischer Dom (aka The French Cathedral), which is an 18th-century church that was first built for French Protestants who were exiled from France and found refuge in Germany. In one shot, you'll be able to photograph hundreds of years' worth of history!
credit: @karstenkoehn — discover Französischer Dom, Lion Statue, Konzerthaus Steps from Gendarmenmarkt on the Explorest app
4. Krematorium Baumschulenweg
If contemporary design is more your style, we recommend visiting the Krematorium Baumschulenweg. The structure was built over a period of two years (1996 to 1998) and was conceptualized by Axel Schultes. The stark-white color scheme features an expansive hallway, a converted room with concrete columns, and a great basin in its center, giving you ample opportunity to shoot from different angles that have varying light conditions.
credit: @urbanentdecker_ — discover Columns in Krematorium Baumschulenweg Berlin on the Explorest app
5. Kath. Kirche St. Ansgar
Kath. Kirche St. Ansgar was erected as part of Interbau, which was the first building exhibition in Berlin. After it was completed, the contemporary press praised the building for achieving a style of architecture that evoked a spatial effect, thanks to new floor plans and modern materials. The exterior was also well-liked because of its unique design and zig-zag pattern, as shown in the image.
credit: @urbanentdecker_ — discover Kath. Kirche St. Ansgar at Hansaplatz on the Explorest app
6. FORUM Adlershof
Similar to Silicon Valley in the U.S., the location of FORUM Adlershof is in an area that's known for emerging tech startups and a creative, millennial-driven environment. The abstract sculptures of the "Heads, shifting" installation stands out amongst the less innovative architecture of the surrounding corporate buildings. Even more intriguing, the structures turn slowly on their platforms as each layer of the heads spins around, resulting in a fascinating display of architecture in motion.
credit: @konaction — discover "Heads, shifting" Installation at FORUM Adlershof on the Explorest app
7. Peter-Behrens-Haus
The captivating hallway of Peter-Behrens-Haus is a strong example of architect Peter Behren's Art Nouveau style. Other buildings have surpassed its height since it was built in 1910, but at the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in Berlin. Venture inside and see the white hallway illuminated with the golden-yellow lights that bring color to the scene. It's a beautiful location, and it's also a great place to master your symmetry skills.
credit: @konaction — discover Peter-Behrens-Haus Behrensbau Hallway on the Explorest app
8. Altonaer Str. 7
The transparent staircase at Altonaer Str. 7 is a hidden gem in Berlin! Not a lot of people, including locals, know about this spot, so it's a great place to snap a photo that many others won't be able to find. It's located in the Hansaviertel Ortsteil, which is the smallest district in the city. Despite its size, the area's architecture has been an attraction since the end of World War II. Even today, Hansaviertel is one of the most popular neighborhoods among Berlin residents because of its timeless, prominent designs — which are present in Altonaer Str. 7's staircase.
credit: @karstenkimble — discover Altonaer Str. 7 Transparent Staircase discover on the Explorest app
9. Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm Zentrum University Library
The Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm Zentrum University Library is a complex, yet peaceful, place to read a book, study, or take some quiet time for yourself. The tiered levels of symmetrical workspaces have rising terraces on both sides and the open floor plan allows you to see all five sections clearly. The amount of empty space, coupled with the clear geometric structures, creates a composition any architecture photographer would want to capture.
credit: @mart.lindner — discover Study Space at Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm Zentrum University Library discover on the Explorest app
10. Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar und Gartenbauwissenschaften
The high ceilings, curved arches, dark staircases, and mural art make this agriculture and horticultural institute one of our favorite places to take photos in Berlin. The building is free to enter and you can visit Monday through Friday (excluding public holidays), but make sure that you're there when the sunlight isn't too harsh. Ideally, you'll have soft lighting conditions that will complement the muted colors of the space. If the sunlight is too strong, it could wash out the room's colors—especially the different hues in the mural.
credit: credit: @karstenkoehn — discover Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar und Gartenbauwissenschaften Staircase discover on the Explorest app
If you're looking to discover new photo spots, download the Explorest app today. We provide insider recommendations to help you capture your travels, near and far.