Guide to Visiting Gendarmenmarkt Square in Berlin

Gendarmenmarkt is often considered one of the prettiest squares in Berlin. It’s conveniently located near several other attractions, so it’s easy to visit. Whether you want to go inside one of the buildings or simply stop by for some photos, this guide to visiting Gendarmenmarkt will tell you everything you need to know.

Note: Gendarmenmarkt is currently under construction, so it is almost entirely blocked off and doesn’t look at nice as it usually does. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Until then, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this square.

History and facts about Gendarmenmarkt

The square that is now called Gendarmenmarkt did not always go by that name. It was built in the late 1600s and renamed several times over the next century: first Esplanade, then Lindenmarkt, Friedrichstädtischer Markt, and Neuer Markt.

In 1799 the name changed again, and this time it became Gendarmenmarkt. From 1736 to 1782, a Prussian military unit of French Huguenot soldiers had their guardhouse and stables here, and they were called “Gens d’arms” which led to the name Gendarmenmarkt.

The square and the buildings located on the square were badly damaged during World War II, but over the following decades, they were gradually reconstructed. In 1950 it was renamed Platz der Akademie, but in 1990, a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the square was once again called Gendarmenmarkt.

The square owes much of its beauty to the three gorgeous buildings that frame it. They are the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), and Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin Concert House).

Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral)

The German Cathedral – which should not be confused with the more famous Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) – was built in 1708. The church no longer holds religious services, but now serves as a museum.

The museum holds an exhibition from the German Parliament entitled “Wege, Irrwege and Umwege”, which translates to “Milestones – Setbacks – Sidetracks”. The museum is free to enter, and guided tours are given three times a day.

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Französischer Dom (French Cathedral)

The French Cathedral was built from 1701 to 1705 for the French Huguenot community that lived in this area. It holds the French Church of Friedrichstadt, and church services are still held here regularly.

This gorgeous building houses the Huguenot Museum, where you can learn more about the French immigrants who came to Berlin. You can also climb 236 stairs in the tall tower for views of Berlin and views over Gendarmenmarkt.

I climbed this tower and the Victory Column within a week of each other, and I found the French Cathedral to be much easier (aside from fewer steps) perhaps because the stairs are shorter. But the views from the Victory Column are probably better and definitely farther reaching.

Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin Concert House)

The Konzerthaus sits in between the two nearly identical churches, giving the square nice balance. It was built in the early 1800s on the foundation of the National Theater, which had burned down.

The Konzerthaus holds performances regularly, so if you are a music lover, try to plan to see a show here. Otherwise, you can join a free 30 minute walk through of the Konzerthaus to see the impressive interiors, which take place almost every day.

They also offer longer guided tours for 3 euros per person, but these tours are only offered in German.

Events at Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt square hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin, the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. It’s also one of the few Berlin Christmas markets open after Christmas, so if you’re here at the end of December, you can still enjoy the holiday cheer, and more importantly, mulled wine.

Note: Due to construction, the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt will take place at nearby Bebelplatz from 2022 to 2024. Bebelplatz is on Unter den Linden, about halfway between the U5 stations Unter den Linden and Museumsinsel.

This square also hosts a musical event called the Classic Open Air Concert every summer. It’s several days of music performed in the square.

How to visit Gendarmenmarkt

Visiting this gorgeous square is easy since it’s so close to many other important Berlin attractions. If you’re doing some sightseeing along Unter den Linden, turn south on Charlottenstr for a quick detour to see Gendarmenmarkt.

Or if you’re coming from Topography of Terror and Checkpoint Charlie, hop on the U6 at Kochstr, go north for one stop to Stadtmitte, and then it’s a short walk from there.

>>Read: How Many Days in Berlin Do You Need?

What to wear on your visit

Since Gendarmenmarkt is outdoors, and it’s likely only one stop on a big day of sightseeing, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

How to get to Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt square is located in Mitte and is bordered by four streets: Markgrafenstr, Französische Str, Charlottenstr, and Mohrenstr. The closest Ubahn station is U Hausvogteiplatz on the U2 line.

The square is also a short walk from the street Unter den Linden, or from the Ubahn station by the same name, where you can use the U5.

Or if you’re on the U6, it’s a short walk from the Stadtmitte station. The U2 also goes to Stadtmitte, but Hausvogteiplatz is closer if you’re on that line.

>>Check out these great places to eat in Berlin Mitte.

Things to know before you go

Before you visit Gendarmenmarkt, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy one of the prettiest squares in Berlin.

How much does it cost to visit Gendarmenmarkt?

Often people ask what is the entrance price to visit Gendarmenmarkt. Well, luckily the cost to visit is zero – it’s free!

The museum in the German Cathedral is also free to visit.

The Konzerthaus offers a free 30 minute walk through, or a longer tour (only in German) for 3 euros. Tickets prices vary for seeing a concert here.

Entrance to the French Cathedral costs 6.50 euros per person.

Check out more amazing and free things to do in Berlin plus some fantastic cheap things to do in Berlin.

Gendarmenmarkt opening times

Gendarmenmarkt is outdoors with no barrier to entry, so you can visit any time day or night. I recommend getting there early in the day to avoid crowds, but people generally don’t hang around for too long, so you’ll be fine no matter when you arrive.

If you’re interested in going inside the one of the buildings, they do have opening hours, and you should plan your visit accordingly.

Konzerthaus Berlin opening hours:
March to October: Daily 11am – 6pm, except when there’s a concert or other event taking place

French Cathedral opening hours:
Daily 11am – 6pm

German Cathedral opening hours:
October to April: Tuesday – Sunday and public holidays 10am – 6pm
May to September: Tuesday – Sunday and public holidays 10am – 7pm
Guided tours: daily at 11am, 1pm and 4pm

How long do you need at Gendarmenmarkt?

This varies greatly depending on what you want to do while you’re here. If you simply want to see Gendarmenmarkt and get some pictures, you only need about 5-10 minutes.

But if you want to go into either of the churches to see their museums, you’ll need more time. I’d recommend at least an hour per museum, and at least 20 minutes for climbing the tower of the French Cathedral.

Things to do near Gendarmenmarkt

With so many other things to do near Gendarmenmarkt, you’re spoiled for options. And besides the things I’ve listed below, you’ll have easy access to public transport, so you can get to another part of the city for more of Berlin’s top sights.

Brandenburger Tor

Brandenburg Gate was constructed in the late 1700s but its meaning has transformed over the years. It’s located a few minutes west of Gendarmenmarkt Square.

During the Cold War, when Berlin was divided in two, the Brandenburg Gate stood at the border between East and West. To many people, it represented the separation of the two sides.

President Reagan gave his famous “Tear down this wall!” speech from the western side of the gate, where people on the eastern side could hear.

Today the gate represents unity. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin, and even in all of Germany.

Check out my guide to visiting Brandenburg Gate.

Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is the street that runs between Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. It’s a lovely tree-lined street that’s great for a stroll as you do some sightseeing.

Be sure to stop by Bebelplatz, a gorgeous square next to the Berlin State Opera House. Here you can see the Nazi book burning memorial – look down and you’ll see empty shelves under the glass.

Museum Island

Museum Island is both the name of the island in the Spree River and the group of UNESCO museums located there. You can also see the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) here.

These are bucket list attractions for many Berlin visitors, and it’s a short walk from Gendarmenmarkt.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, honors the large number of Jewish people who died at the hands of the Nazis. It’s one of the most important World War II sites in Berlin, and it’s a few minutes west of Gendarmenmarkt.

The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

Entrance is free. Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful.

Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Ritter Sport

Ritter Sport is one of the most well known chocolate brands in Germany, and they have a shop near the northwest corner of Gendarmenmarkt. Here you can learn about chocolate making and where chocolate comes from, and kids can make their own chocolate bar.

>>Read: 51 Tasty German Foods to Try: What to Eat in Germany

Rausch Schocoladenhaus

Because one chocolate shop is never enough, check out Rausch Chocolate House near the southwest corner of Gendarmenmarkt. This one is a little fancier than Ritter Sport and sells loads of different types of chocolates, plus there’s a cafe on the upper level.

They also have large chocolate sculptures of Berlin landmarks such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and more. It’s worth stopping by just to see these impressive chocolate creations.

Checkpoint Charlie

Though the sight today is pretty cheesy, Checkpoint Charlie has historical significance. This was once an important border crossing point between East and West Berlin.

Fake guards stood here for photo ops until recently, but they aren’t allowed to be there anymore.

After a quick look, go to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum (next on our list) to learn more about the history.

Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror Museum sits on the location of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS between 1933 and 1945. They organized the persecution and killings of Nazi opponents and coordinated the genocide of Jews, Roma, and Sinti from here.

It now serves as a museum for remembering history and warning us from repeating the terrors of the past. The exhibits here use photographs and documentation to tell visitors about the crimes that were organized here, plus there are excavation sites you can view through glass windows.

>>Read: Guide to Visiting Topography of Terror in Berlin

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