13 Tips for Visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

The official name of Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Quite a mouthful, right? So it often gets shortened to the Berlin Holocaust Memorial.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is one of the most popular things to do in Berlin because of its significance and the history it represents.

Though it is a somber sight, it’s one of the most important World War II attractions in Berlin. This guide to visiting the Berlin Holocaust Memorial will give you all the details you need to visit this popular memorial.

History and facts about the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is Germany’s main Holocaust Memorial, created to honor and remember roughly 6 million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. The memorial was opened on May 10, 2005.

This outdoor memorial is a group of 2,710 concrete blocks, called the Field of Stelae, and it was designed by Peter Eisenman. The blocks are in varying heights, ranging from 0.2 meters to 4.7 meters high.

The design of the memorial also includes a sloped ground. As you walk around among the blocks, you’ll notice the ground goes up and down throughout the site.

There’s also an indoor exhibition that you can visit to learn more about the history of the Holocaust and those who were murdered during that time. The exhibition includes photos, documents, diaries, and many other items to help bring a personal touch to the exhibit and so that visitors can better understand the horrors of this history.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe remembers people from the Jewish community who died in the Holocaust. But there were other victims, and they are remembered nearby at other memorial sites. They are:

• Memorial to European Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism: Simsonweg, 10117 Berlin
• Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism: Ebertstraße, 10785 Berlin
• Memorial to the Victims of the Nazi Euthanasia Murders: Tiergartenstraße 4, 10785 Berlin
• Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag: Scheidemannstraße 5, 10557 Berlin

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

How to visit the Berlin Holocaust Memorial

The outdoor section of the Holocaust Memorial is easy to visit any time you wish. It’s a simple but meaningful memorial, and since it borders right up to the sidewalks, you can enter from anywhere along the perimeter.

If you’re interested in visiting when there are fewer people around, try coming early in the morning or in the evening.

You can explore the indoor exhibition on your own or with an audio guide, but keep in mind the opening hours (see below). There could be a wait to enter if it’s a busy time of day, so be patient.

Photography is allowed, but no flash inside the information center.

>>Read: Fun Facts About Berlin

What to wear on your visit

Since the Berlin Holocaust Memorial 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 the Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is located at Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin. It’s located a few minutes south of Brandenburg Gate and across the street to the east of Tiergarten.

The closest transport is S&U Brandenburger Tor. But it’s also not far from Potsdamer Platz, so you could walk north from there to reach the Holocaust Memorial as well.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Things to know before you go

Before you visit the Holocaust Memorial, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy one of the most popular places to see in Berlin.

Be respectful

Please remember that this is a site that honors people who died and were victims of a dark period of history. This is not a place for boosting your Instagram account or taking selfies.

It’s also not appropriate to sit or stand on the cement blocks. You’ll probably see people doing it, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.

Keep in mind the sadness the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe holds, and be respectful during your visit.

How much does it cost to visit the Holocaust Memorial?

Often people ask what is the entrance price to visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin. Well, luckily there is no cost to visit – it’s free.

And it’s one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin.

Holocaust Memorial opening times

The outdoor part of the memorial is outdoors with gates or specific entry points, so you can visit any time day or night.

But if you’re interested in going inside, there are opening hours to follow. They are:
October – April, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 7pm
May – September, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 8pm
Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Holiday hours may vary.

How long do you need at the Holocaust Memorial?

If you’re only visiting the outdoor memorial, you can see it pretty quickly. Take your time to wander through the cement blocks and really think about what they represent.

For visiting the indoor information center, you probably need an hour or so. The audio guide takes an hour and a half.

Things to do near the Berlin Holocaust Memorial

With so many other things to do near the Holocaust Memorial, you’re spoiled for options. And besides the things I’ve listed below, you’ll have easy access to public transport at the nearby Brandenburger Tor S&U station, so you can get to another part of the city for sightseeing.

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Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor in German, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany, and it’s just a few minutes walking from the Holocaust Memorial. It was one of the old city gates marking the edge of Berlin, though today it’s very much in the center of the city.

When the Berlin Wall stood, Brandenburg Gate was on the East but only barely. The Wall was built around it, making it inaccessible by residents of either side.

This is a great place for pictures, and one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

Tiergarten

Tiergarten is a huge inner-city park — the largest of its kind in Germany. Originally a hunting ground dating back to 1527, this vast green space has become a favorite park for Berlin locals over the years.

Throughout the park there are statues, memorials, ponds, tree-lined thoroughfares, and lawns. When the weather’s warm in Berlin, it’s here that people flock for strolling, picnicking, and generally hanging out, making it a great spot to people-watch.

Tiergarten is located just west of the Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. Read my full guide to Visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin for more tips.

Other memorials for victims of the Holocaust

Although the Jews are the most well known victims of the Holocaust, they weren’t the only victims of the Nazis genocide. They also murdered homosexuals, people of Roma and Sinti origin, people with mental and physical disabilities, and even a number of government officials.

Memorials for each of these groups have been created to honor these victims. The one for the murdered members of the Reichstag stands in front of the Reichstag building, and the others can be found in Tiergarten park, not far from the Holocaust Memorial.

• Memorial to European Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism: Simsonweg, 10117 Berlin
• Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism: Ebertstraße, 10785 Berlin
• Memorial to the Victims of the Nazi Euthanasia Murders: Tiergartenstraße 4, 10785 Berlin
• Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag: Scheidemannstraße 5, 10557 Berlin

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column, or Siegessäule in German, is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city. It sits at a roundabout in the middle of Tiergarten Park, and it was initially built as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war.

The column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) high and has an observation deck you can reach by paying a small entrance fee. It’s a tough climb up 285 stairs, but once you reach the top, the tower provides excellent views of the surrounding park and the city of Berlin.

This is one of my favorite inexpensive things you can do in Berlin.

Reichstag Building

Opened in 1894, the Reichstag Building is a unique piece of architecture. It is also where the German parliament meets.

You can take a tour of parts of the building, mainly in the glass dome, where you can learn more about the history of Germany and the German government. This building also has a rooftop terrace and restaurant, which provides panoramic views of Berlin.

Tours into the glass dome are free, but advanced booking is required. The Reichstag Building is located north of the Holocaust Memorial and 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 check out some of the top sights in Berlin.

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.

For more info, read about what to do on Unter den Linden.

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most gorgeous squares in Berlin, and it’s less than 15 minutes walking from the Holocaust Memorial. This historic square is home to an impressive trio of buildings: the French Church, the German Church, and the Konzerthaus.

Sadly the square was badly damaged during World War II, but today its beauty has mostly been restored. Gendarmenmarkt is a great place to wander, and you can climb the French Church to the viewing platform.

If you’re here over the holidays, you can visit one of the most popular Berlin Christmas markets here.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!