east side gallery tours

9 Tips for Visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin +Map

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Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

If you’re coming to Berlin for the first time, visiting the East Side Gallery is probably high on your list for a trip to Berlin. It’s the most famous section of the Berlin Wall that’s still standing, and it’s really worth seeing in person.

Visiting the East Side Gallery is pretty straight forward, but it’s helpful to have some background information and some tips that will improve your experience at one of the most popular things to do in Berlin . I’ve also got a short video showing you how to get to the East Side Gallery from the two closest public transport stations, plus a look at the Wall itself.

What you'll find here

Where to stay near the East Side Gallery

If you’re interested in where to stay near the East Side Gallery, you have lots of options that are within 10 minutes away on foot or on public transport. Here are some recommendations for hotels near the East Side Gallery Berlin.

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Tours of the East Side Gallery

A tour can be a great way to learn about the history of a place from an expert. It can also help you see more places in less time than on your own.

Here are a few tours we recommend that involve visiting the East Side Gallery:

• 3-Hour East Berlin Walking Tour
• Alternative Berlin Bike Tour – Off the Beaten Tracks in Small Groups
• 2 hour 15 min Berlin Wall Self Drive Trabant Tour

About the Berlin Wall

For those of you who don’t know much about the Berlin Wall, it separated East and West Berlin for more than 28 years. After World War II, East and West Germany became two different countries, with the East backed by the Soviets.

Berlin was also divided into East and West, and after more than a decade of East German residents migrating to the West, the East German leadership tried to control the situation by putting up physical barriers in the city. On August 13, 1961, fences and barbed wire went up along the border dividing East and West Berlin.

These fences were quickly replaced by a concrete wall, and the border area became more and more fortified. That single Wall became multilayered and included a no man’s land, dubbed the death strip because it’s where people trying to escape could end up being shot to death.

Watch towers, guard dogs, and bright lights were used to detect people who were trying to escape across the border. In the late 1970s, the Berlin Wall was actually rebuilt for improved prevention and surveillance, which allowed leadership to remove a lot of the other barricades that were seen as bad for its international image.

>>Read: 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin

At various points along the border between East Berlin and West Berlin, many people tried to flee. Some were successful while others were caught and died.

When a new law regarding travel between East and West was accidentally announced on November 9, 1989, people rushed to the borders. Guards responded by opening the borders to those who wanted to cross.

This was essentially the beginning of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the East German dictatorship. And although most of the Wall has been torn down, there are still quite a few places in Berlin to see remnants of the Berlin Wall , including the East Side Gallery.

What is the East Side Gallery?

The East Side Gallery is a large section of the Berlin Wall that sits along the eastern bank of the Spree River in the Friedrichshain district. Fun fact : It’s considered the longest open air gallery in the world.

Shortly after the Berlin Wall fell, artists from 21 countries came here to paint murals to celebrate Germany being reunited, and also to remind the world of terrible things that occurred here. Over the years, the some of the art has changed and many of the original paintings have been redone and better preserved. It’s become one of the biggest Berlin bucket list sights for most visitors.

>>Read: Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Berlin: Tips From a Local

How long is the East Side Gallery?

The East Side Gallery is 1.3km (0.8 mile) long. While it used to be a continuous section of the Berlin Wall, unfortunately a few sections were removed and relocated a few years ago to make room for apartment buildings.

How to Visit the East Side Gallery

Since the East Side Gallery is a long outdoor attraction, you should start at one end and work your way to the other end. Go slowly to appreciate the various pieces of art.

There are several pieces of art you’ve surely seen photos of, but some of the less famous ones are just as impressive. Don’t just skip ahead to the two or three you already know about because you might miss something excellent that simply isn’t as well known.

The East Side Gallery doesn’t have opening hours, so it’s accessible 24 hours a day. Early morning hours are usually less crowded, so if you can plan on visiting the East Side Gallery as your first or second stop of the day, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying it will less people.

That said, if you show up at peak time and there are a lot of people, you just might need a few extra minutes here and there. This is especially true at the famous pieces like the Fraternal Kiss (pictured at the top of this section) where people wait in line to take a picture or selfie.

East Side Gallery cherry blossoms

If you’re visiting Berlin in spring , or more specifically in late April or early May, you might get to see some gorgeous cherry blossom trees behind the East Side Gallery. This is one of several places to see cherry blossoms in Berlin .

They’re located near the Ostbahnhof end of the East Side Gallery in between the Wall and the river.

East Side Gallery Map

Here’s a helpful map I created to show you where the East Side Gallery is from one end to the other. Plus I’ve labeled the nearest transport stations, hotels, restaurants, and other things to do in the area.

I live somewhat nearby so I have quite a lot of restaurant recommendations for this area.

What to wear on your visit

Since the East Side Gallery is outdoors, and it’s 1.3km (0.8 mile) long, 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 East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is located at Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, and it’s easy to get there. For example, you can get from Alexanderplatz to the East Side Gallery by Sbahn or Ubahn with no switches in just a few minutes.

If you’re using public transport, you have several options for directions to the East Side Gallery.

Video: East Side Gallery & How to Get There

Option 1: Ostbahnhof Train Station The Ostbahnhof train station is at one end of the East Side Gallery. To get here, you can take one of several Sbahns: S3, S5, S7, S9, or S75.

Then go out to the front of the train station, and the East Side Gallery is across the street.

Option 2: Warschauer Strasse S&U Station Near the other end of the East Side Gallery is S&U Warschauer Str. To get here, you can take the same Sbahn lines – S3, S5, S7, S9, S75 – or take Ubahn lines U1 or U3.

Note that the Warschauer Str station has a bit of a separation between the Ubahns and the Sbahns. This means if you end your East Side Gallery visit on this side and want to get on transport, you will get to the Ubahn station just before the Sbahn station.

The M10 tram also goes to S&U Warschauer Str, so that is another option depending on where you’re coming from. There’s a stop for the Warschauer Str Sbahn and another stop for labeled S&U Warschauer Str, which is closer to the Ubahn station.

The M13 tram also goes to Warschauer Str, but only the Sbahn station, which is a little bit farther than the stop labeled S&U Warschauer Strasse. If you’re using the M13, this is still reasonable and only adds a couple extra minutes of walking.

Warschauer Str is the last/first stop for all but the Sbahn lines, which have stops before and after.

From the Warschauer Str station, it’ll take you less than 10 minutes to walk south on Warschauer Str until you reach the East Side Gallery. You can’t really miss it, but if you get to the river, you’ve gone too far.

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Things to know before you go

Before you visit the East Side Gallery, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy this popular Berlin landmark .

How much does it cost to visit the East Side Gallery?

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

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

East Side Gallery opening times

The East Side Gallery is outdoors with no barrier to entry, so you can visit any time day or night. However, it’s better enjoyed during daylight hours, and I recommend getting there early in the day to avoid crowds.

How long do you need at the East Side Gallery?

Since the East Side Gallery is less than a mile long, you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes or less. But this doesn’t account for stopping to enjoy the artwork, which adds a significant amount of time.

Most people spend about one hour at the East Side Gallery. There’s a lot of art to see here, and while not each piece will grab you, you should take your time to really see as many of them as possible.

>>If you like street art, you might be interested in reading about the free Urban Nation street art museum in Berlin .

East Side Gallery at night

Even though I think it’s nicer to visit during the day, you can enjoy the East Side Gallery at night. There are plenty of street lights so you can still see the artwork. It’s also a lively are with plenty of nearby hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars.

During Berlin summers , lots of people hang out in the park area between the Gallery and the river in the evenings. It’s a nice way to enjoy the view and and a bit of relief from the hot day. Check out other ways to enjoy Berlin at night .

East Side Gallery FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin.

The East Side Gallery is 1.3km (0.8 mile) long.

Where is the East Side Gallery in Berlin?

The official address of the East Side Gallery is Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, which is in the Friedrichshain district. Mühlenstraße parallels the Spree River.

The closest transport stations are Ostbahnhof train station, which you can reach by Sbahn, and S&U Warschauer Str, which you can reach by Sbahn, Ubahn lines U1 and U3, and the M10 and M13 trams.

Where does the East Side Gallery start and end?

One end of the East Side Gallery is near the intersection with Warschauer Str, and the other end is near the Ostbahnhof train station. To see the East Side Gallery, you can start from either end and walk down the street towards the other end.

Is East Side Gallery free?

Yes, the East Side Gallery is free. You do not need any tickets to visit.

Is the East Side Gallery worth visiting?

Yes, the East Side Gallery is absolutely worth visiting. The artwork is creative and interesting to see, and since the Berlin Wall was such a big part of Berlin’s past, it’s worth seeing some of the sections that are still standing.

>>Read: Is Berlin Worth Visiting? 23 Reasons to Visit Berlin

Why is the East Side Gallery famous?

The East Side Gallery is famous for several reasons. Mostly it’s famous because of the many creative pieces of art that are painted on it.

It’s also famous for being the longest section of the Berlin Wall that still stands today. It’s a huge piece of history, and decades later, it still has an important message.

Is the East Side Gallery the original Berlin Wall?

Yes, the artwork is painted on original pieces of the Berlin Wall. However, they were painted after the Wall started to fall around the city, not during the time when Berlin was divided.

Things to do near the East Side Gallery

If you’re interested in spending more time in this area, there are lots of other things to do near the East Side Gallery. 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 to see more of the top sights in Berlin .

The Wall Museum by the East Side Gallery

Near the southern end of the East Side Gallery is a museum focused on the history of the Berlin Wall. Here you can see exhibits about the beginning phases of the Wall, the death zone, how the Wall effected people’s lives and more.

The museum also honors those who died at the Wall between August 13, 1961 and November 9, 1989.

Oberbaumbrücke

Oberbaumbrücke , or Oberbaum Bridge, was built as a simple wooden bridge in the early 1700s. The fancier version you’ll see today was built in the late 1800s.

The bridge crosses the Spree River and connects the Berlin districts of Friedrichshain (former East) and Kreuzberg (former West), giving it an important position during the Cold War. Though it was damaged during World War II, the bridge was repaired enough to be used as a pedestrian crossing between East and West Berlin.

A few years after the Wall fell, the bridge was fully repaired and is used by cars, pedestrians, and the U1 and U3 Ubahn lines.

RAW-Gelände and Urban Spree

A few minutes north of the Warschauer Str station, turn right just before Revaler Str. This area is a great place to look for street art in Berlin, and offers a glimpse into the alternative artsy scene that Friedrichshain is known for.

You’ll find beer gardens, snack stands, night clubs, an art gallery focused on street art, a weekly flea market, and more. It stretches for several street lengths along Revaler Str, with the train tracks on the other side.

And if you’re visiting Berlin in the winter , check out the Historical Christmas Market located in this area.

Boxhagener Platz

If you’re visiting on the weekend, Boxhagener Platz holds a great fresh market on Saturdays and a fun flea market on Sundays. On other days, it’s a nice grassy park to relax in.

You’ll also find lots of good (and some not so good) restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Boxhagener area. And if you like shopping, there are lots of interesting boutiques and second hand stores in this areas.

Karl Marx Allee and Frankfurter Tor

Not far from the East Side Gallery and the Boxhagener area is Frankfurter Tor. This was once the location of a city gate, but today two impressive towers stand here.

The buildings along Karl Marx Allee, and for one block along Frankfurter Allee, were built during the Cold War in a very Soviet style of architecture. They have protection status, and they’re a unique group of buildings in Berlin stretching for a couple of kilometers.

Restaurants near the East Side Gallery

After spending some time checking out the East Side Gallery, you might be hungry for a snack or a meal. Here are a few suggestions for places to eat near the East Side Gallery. Also, see my full list of restaurants, bars, cafes, and beer gardens in Friedrichshain .

Mercedes Benz Arena and East Side Mall : These two places are near the East Side Gallery, and you’ll find lots of places to eat there, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit down meal. There are quite a few chain restaurants, like Five Guys, Tony Roma’s, and Einstein Kaffee.

You’ll also find a few of Berlin’s rooftop bars here. The views of the city and the river can’t be beat.

Seoulkitchen : This is a decent Korean restaurant on Warschauer Str not far from the East Side Gallery.

Döner : There are several Döner stands within a few minutes of the East Side Gallery, and they make for a great meal that’s quick, inexpensive, and something you should really try at least once while you’re in Berlin. I haven’t tried the ones right near the East Side Gallery, but a short walk up Warschauer Str is Mustafa Demir’s Retro Döner Kebap, and they are tasty.

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

Matanga : This is a Spanish and Latin American restaurant near East Side Gallery that serves empanadas, meat and vegan dishes, and wonderful cocktails.

Chipi Chipi Bombon : If you’re visiting Berlin during a warm time of year, ice cream might be just the trick. Chipi Chipi Bombon has some of the best ice cream in Berlin, and I highly recommend it. Try the Dulce de Leche.

Shakespeare & Sons : This is both a bookstore with English language books and a bagel shop with tasty bagels and bagel sandwiches.

Brammibal’s Donuts : For an elaborate tasty treat that’s also vegan, check out Brammibal’s Donuts, a Berlin chain with quite a fan base.

Mutzenbacher : For a nice dinner near East Side Gallery, I recommend Mutzenbacher, an Austrian restaurant just a few blocks away. Be sure to reserve a table, especially on weekends, because it’s a small restaurant.

Boxhagener area : If you wander up to Simon Dach Strasse and the other streets near Boxhagener Platz, you’ll find plenty of choices for food. Places with all night happy hours and cheap cocktails probably don’t have the best food, but there are a lot of other great options in this area.

Berlin Travel Resources

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

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

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East Side Gallery

Once it was the Berlin Wall. Now it’s the longest open-air gallery in the world.

1.3 kilometres of amazement: take a walk along the East Side Gallery and rediscover art and the history of the Berlin Wall.

A Trabant, cleverly painted to look like it’s breaking through the wall. Honecker and Brezhnev in a brotherly socialist kiss. A section of the Berlin Wall along the river spree now is the longest open-air gallery in the world:

How many metres does the East Side Gallery?

At 1316 metres long, the open-air art gallery on the banks of the Spree in Friedrichshain is the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Immediately after the wall came down on 9 November 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries began painting the East Side Gallery, and it officially opened as an open air gallery on 28 September 1990. Just over a year later, it was given protected memorial status.

What is there to see at the East Side Gallery?

In more than a hundred paintings on what was the east side of the wall, the artists comment on the political changes in 1989/90. Some of the works at the East Side Gallery are particularly popular, such as Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss and Birgit Kinders’s Trabant breaking through the wall . 

Out in the open air, the East Side Gallery is completely exposed to the weather, which means that there are regular efforts to restore it. In 1996, Kani Alavi founded East Side Gallery e. V. , an artists’ initiative to preserve and restore the works. By 2000, a 300-metre stretch of the wall had already been restored and 33 pictures repainted, and in 2009 the whole East Side Gallery was restored. 87 artists took part and 100 paintings were restored. In November 2018, the State of Berlin transferred the East Side Gallery to the property of the Stiftung Berliner Mauer (SBM), which is thus responsible for the preservation of the monument

How do I get to Berlin East Side Gallery?

Warschauer Straße and Ostbahnhof railway stations are a the perfect starting points for visiting the East Side Gallery. Both stations are close and easily accesible by U-, S-Bahn and Tram. If you want to add a walk across Oberbaumbrücke choose U1 and U3 to Schlesisches Tor.

What can I do around the East Side Gallery?

And there’s also plenty to discover either side of it. Opposite the East Side Gallery, for instance, is the Uber Arena , a venue for sporting and musical events. On the Oberbaumbrücke , two giant hands play scissors-paper-stone. They represent the two districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg that the bridge connects. Or use the banks of the Spree as a starting point for a leisurely boat trip through Germany’s capital city.

Public guided tours

Public overview tours on various topics take place regularly at the East Side Gallery. The tours last around 1 hour and are conducted with audio guides. These tours are free of charge for schoolchildren . Registration is not required. Please check the website for the current dates.

Up to a maximum of 10 people can book guided tours with different thematic focuses at an individual time . The meeting point for all guided tours is the Infomobile. It is located on the Spree side of the East Side Gallery, diagonally opposite Tamara-Danz-Straße.

Tip: In our ABOUT BERLIN app you can find more information about the history of the East Side Gallery and many other suggestions and tours to discover street art in Berlin.

 Download now for free for iPhone and Android:

There's many stories to tell. ABOUT BERLIN.

The East Side Gallery is open around the clock.

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Mühlenstraße 70-71 10243   Berlin

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How to Visit the East Side Gallery in Berlin

This post will help you plan your visit to the East Side Gallery, an outdoor section of the Berlin Wall covered with murals by world artists. We include directions, the best times to visit, what to expect and more.  

• What to Expect
• When to Visit
• How to Get Here
• The Wall Museum
• Nearby Attractions
• Guide to East Berlin

WHAT TO EXPECT

The East Side Gallery is not an actual art gallery, rather it is a 1.3 km (.8 mile) section of what remains of the Berlin Wall. This outdoor ‘art gallery’ runs along Mühlenstraße  and the Ostbahnhof, very close to the River Spree . 

When a divided Berlin was unified in 1990, artists from all over the world came to paint murals on this segment of the Wall. (For a brief history of the East Side Gallery, see the section below ). 

There are over 100 murals created by artists from 21 countries, reflecting the political changes in Germany and the world at that time. The murals are painted in a wide range of styles, from New York-style graffiti to classic Japanese paintings. Here are just a few murals you may see.

TIP:  If you are interested in the Berlin Wall, its construction, political implications and history, then we recommend also visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial .

The most famous mural, known around the world, is pictured below. You can find it located halfway along the gallery, 200m to the left of the Mercedes Arena when facing the river.  

The photograph is of a brotherly kiss between the former Soviet and East German heads of state, Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker.

The mural is known informally as The Kiss.  The official name is also the mural's caption which reads, "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love".

This mural is a playful, ironic and incredibly powerful reminder of the Cold War years when there were two Germanys, one that was a free democratic state and the other that was a satellite of the USSR's oppressive communist regime.

Although The Kiss may be the most recognizable, the other 100+ murals are unique pieces of art as well and should not be overlooked. 

The other side of the wall that faces the river is covered in random graffiti. You can see that side as well but take note that there is no exit at the end, and you will have to walk back to get to the street. 

Back to top

HOW TO GET HERE

To get exact directions from your point of departure to the East Side Gallery, click on this link  for directions using Google Maps.  

If you are new to Berlin's transportation system see our post  How to navigate Berlin with Public Transport .

TIP: Some Hop-on-hop-off bus tours include stops at the East Side Gallery. You can find out more about the many bus tours in Berlin by reading out in-depth post  Which Berlin Bus Tours Are Best?  

By U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Bus or Tram

Head to  Warschauer Straße station . From there it is about a 13-minute walk to the eastern entrance to the Gallery. You can get there by the following:

• U-Bahn U1, U3
• Buses  248, 347, N1, S5
• S-Bahn  S3, S5, S7, S9, S75

When you leave the station, turn left (south) and walk along Warschauer Strasse until you get to the river (you'll see the bridge, Oberbaumbrücke, ahead of you.    At the river, turn right, cross the road, and walk along Muhlenstrasse until you see the Wall Museum on your left.  Just beyond the Museum is the East Side Gallery.

You can also go to Berlin Ostbahnhof station. (Buses 140, 142, 147, 165, 240, 248, 265, 347, N40, RB14, RE1). From there it is about a 9-minute walk. 

The closest stop is the East Side Gallery bus stop. You can take Bus 248 to this stop. From there, it is about a 2-minute walk to the Gallery. 

WHEN TO VISIT

The East Side Gallery is accessible to the public at all times of the day or night. It can be crowded at certain peak hours and your pace may be slowed by the many people who stop for photographs (as you will likely want to do as well!)

Google's "Popular Times" charts can help you plan your visit to avoid crowds. Below are charts showing the busiest times on a typical Monday and Saturday.  

As you can see, Mondays are the busiest from about 11 am - 2 pm.

On Saturdays, the quietest times will be before 12 noon or after 9 pm.  You can take advantage of the slight slow-down from 2 pm - 4 pm.

Click  here  to check Google Maps "Popular Times" for the Gallery for any day/time you want.

When you plan your visit, you might want to include a stop at the Wall Museum, described just below. You can also plan to see some of the nearby attractions described further down in this post. 

THE WALL MUSEUM

Located a short walk from the East Side Gallery’s south-eastern entrance, the Wall Museum is worth a visit if you are in the area, though some people say that  the Checkpoint Charlie Museum  is a better museum.

Though, we recommend also visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial .

Through multimedia exhibits, the Wall Museum explores modern Berlin's history and the story of the Berlin Wall in its 13 themed rooms.

You can see original film footage and interviews about the Cold War era in Berlin as well as the dramatic building of the Berlin Wall in 1961. There is also a souvenir shop.

• Hours:   Daily from 10 am - 7 pm
• Ticket Prices:  Adults 12.50 EUR/ Students 6.50 EUR / Children under 7 free
• Note: If you have a Berlin Welcome Pass, you will receive a 20% discount 
• Visit their website for more information

For more information on Berlin Tourist passes, see our post about the various passes, Berlin Pass vs Welcome Card vs City Tour Card?

And be sure to check out our post on the top 60 museums in Berlin .

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The East Side Gallery runs along the border between two of Berlin’s trendiest areas,  Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. Both are fun to explore.

If you do go, check out our self-guided tours  Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg .

You can also enjoy the River Spree, and in warmer months you can visit  Badeschiff , a nearby outdoor swimming pool adjacent to the river. The pool is built so that it feels as if you are swimming in the river itself!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE EAST SIDE GALLERY

The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. Dividing the city's East and West German portions, it spanned 155 kilometers (96 miles). The Berlin Wall consisted of two walls: the border wall (the part that faced the West) and the inner wall in East Berlin.

Parts of the river Spree also marked the border between the East and West.  The  murals are on the side of the wall that does not face the river, but rather faces territory that belonged to East Berlin. 

Between 1961 and 1989, when the East German government collapsed, at least 136 people died trying to scale the Wall and escape the oppressive world of  East Berlin to the democratic and free West. 

The East German government has only just disbanded when artists started their work in Spring 1990.  It was an international project with over 100 artists from 21 countries painted murals reflecting the political changes in Germany and the world. 

Over time, wear and tear have required repairs and touch-ups to the Wall. In 2009, response to the graffiti that was showing up on the murals, the murals received an anti-graffiti coating. 

Click  here to read more and see pictures about the various threats to the East Side Gallery.

In early 2013, there was another threat to the East Side Gallery: a proposal for a luxury apartment house between the Wall and the river. This would require removal of four mural segments of the Wall to provide access to the new development. 

Thousands of people rallied unsuccessfully to protect the East Side Gallery. In March 2013, construction workers, protected by 250 police officers, removed the four wall panels. T he work took place at 5 am, without any notice to the public. 

Ironically, the sudden and surprising dismantling of this part of the Wall is reminiscent of the way the Berlin Wall was built in 1961 -- suddenly and swiftly without any notice.

Whatever side of the Wall you were on when the Wall was built was the side of the Wall you stayed until Germany's reunification in 1990.

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About The Author

Anne Wittig

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke has become world famous as the East Side Gallery. After the fall of the Wall, 118 artists from 21 countries created the world's longest open-air gallery on 1.3 kilometers of the former border element. As a symbol of the joy of overcoming German division and at the same time as a historical testimony to the GDR border regime, the East Side Gallery is today one of the most visited tourist sites in the capital.

The gallery was opened on September 28, 1990, and in November 1991 it was entered in the list of monuments of the state of Berlin. Many artists are still involved in the artists' initiative East Side Gallery e.V. for the preservation of the paintings, whose last comprehensive renovation took place in 2009. In November 2018, the East Side Gallery was transferred by the State of Berlin to the Berlin Wall Foundation. Today, various guided tour formats provide information about the site and the artworks.

Even in GDR times, the border fortifications at this site had a special significance. When the Wall began to be built in 1961, the Spree River between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg became a border strip. In addition to its topographical peculiarity, the border fortifications here also exhibit a structural rarity: Unlike in most other places, the eastern side of the Wall was visible to all, as Mühlenstraße served as a "protocol route" for high-ranking visitors to the GDR. For this reason, the Wall here was designed as the so-called "Border Wall 75," which elsewhere almost always faced West Berlin. The 3.6-meter-high sections of the wall were intended to block the view of the death strip.

Opening hours,

• Monday-Sunday 00:00 - 23:59

Die East Side Gallery ist rund um die Uhr zugänglich.

Mühlenstraße 73, 10243 Berlin

+49 (30) 21 30 85-222

www.stiftung-berliner-ma…

Free entrance

Exhibitions.

East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall - traces of the division between Oberbaumbrücke and Ostbahnhof

Special guided tour on the occasion of the inauguration of cetin mert square.

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Special guided tour on the occasion of the inauguration of Çetin Mert Park

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East Side Gallery In Berlin – A Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: 8 March 2024

Categories Germany

East Side Gallery in Berlin is an iconic, open air display of art work on a section of the old Berlin Wall. Here’s all the info for visiting.

Table of Contents

How To Get To The East Side Gallery

Getting around Berlin couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:

Public Transport

The most convenient way to explore Berlin, is to use the U-Bahn or underground railway.

You can buy a  Berlin WelcomeCard , which allows unlimited use of the city’s metro, tram, and bus lines.

This card is available for 48-hours, 72-hours, 4-day, 5-day, or 6-days at a time. Prices start at £24 per adult.

East Side Gallery is quite a walk from the city centre, so your Berlin WelcomeCard  would come in handy if you wanted to jump on the underground to Warschauer Straße. From here it’s just a 10 minute walk.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Standard buses are available around Berlin.

However, there is also of course the famous  Berlin Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Bus .

This bus lets you jump on and off throughout the city, and explore monuments such as the East Side Gallery, Kurfürstendamm, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, Museum Island, and the Berlin Cathedral.

This option is always popular among tourists, and is a great way to see many famous landmarks around Berlin at ease.

Some of the best days out we’ve had in Berlin have been on private tours.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on  Get Your Guide  available to book in advance.

From food tours, to river cruises and history tours, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the German capital!

East Side Gallery Entrance Fee

It is free to visit the East Side Gallery.

East Side Gallery Opening Times

East Side Gallery is open all day, every day.

Best Time To Visit East Side Gallery

People visit the East Side Gallery at all times of the day and night on their Berlin itinerary .

However, the busiest time is usually between about 11am and 4pm.

The murals are viewed from a narrow path next to a busy road, so if you want to get some great photos you are best off getting there early in the day.

Don’t forget your camera – there are some great photo opportunities here.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Lightweight Rain Jacket

East Side Gallery History

During the years that the Berlin Wall was in place (1961 -1989) graffiti covered the West side of the wall, but the East side was not touched.

However, between the months of February and September 1990, a 1316 m (4318 ft) section (one of the largest remaining portions of the former divide) of the East side of the wall was covered with some amazing murals.

Artists from all over the world were invited to paint murals on the Eastern side of the Wall.

Subsequently over a hundred artists, from twenty one different countries, chose to come and leave their mark on this historic monument.

The stunning murals tell the story of the oppression of communism as well the cosmopolitan nature of the city of Berlin.

The original paintings have had to be restored over the years and in 2015 a fence was been built in order to protect and preserve the wall and its murals.

What To Expect At East Side Gallery In Berlin

East Side Gallery is one of the most famous sightseeing attractions in Berlin and a testimony to the history of the Berlin Wall.

This stretch of open-air gallery is possibly the most famous of its kind in the world. With some of the more photographed murals recognised around the world.

The art work varies in style and is open to interpretation but all of it is interesting and thought provoking, with some pieces quite breathtaking.

One of the most well known pieces is the mural by Dmitri Vrubel of Leonid Brezhnev (the former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) and Erich Honecker (the former General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party) kissing. 

The impressive East Side Gallery is an iconic symbol of the Cold War period of Berlin and the following unification of Germany.

Therefore, visiting the site of such an important moment in history as well as seeing some spectacular art, has to be a must when in Berlin.

If you’re looking for a guide to the East side of the city then the  East Berlin and the Wall: Walking Tour is probably your best option.

On this tour you’ll learn about the daily life of divided Berlin, how East Berliners lived that existence and also the fall of their country.

Where To Stay In Berlin

Radisson Blue Hotel

This unique hotel features a spa area with pool and free WiFi.

It is centrally located opposite Berlin Cathedral, 750 yards from Alexanderplatz Square. 

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and laptop safes. High-quality toiletries and a hairdryer are provided in the modern bathrooms.

All rooms are non-smoking and many have a balcony. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Atrium Bar.

The elegant HEat restaurant serves international dishes and a daily breakfast buffet, and also has a terrace.

NH Collection Berlin

This 4-star-Superior hotel enjoys a prime location on the world-famous Friedrichstrasse in central Berlin .

It is next to Friedrichstrasse Train Station and only a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate . 

All rooms at the NH Collection Berlin Friedrichstrasse offer a flat-screen TV, a marble-finish bathroom , hypoallergenic bedding and hard floors.

All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, a coffee machine , complimentary high-speed WiFi, and soundproofed windows.

Generator Berlin

Centrally located in Berlin, this hostel features a bar , a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn Train Station and Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn Metro are within 550 yards. 

Generator Berlin Mitte offers brightly decorated rooms with en suite bathrooms. On-site laundry facilities are available at a fee.

Additional conveniences include luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. 

Guests at Generator Berlin Mitte can order a continental breakfast at the hostel. Local bars and restaurants are within a 5 minute walk.

For more places to stay in Berlin, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use  Skyscanner  to find a cheap flight. 

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use  Booking.com  to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile. 

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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Guide to the East Side Gallery in Berlin: Info, Murals & more

Stretching 1,316 meters, the East Side Gallery in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district is the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall that has not been demolished.

The wall segment, decorated with numerous artworks and murals, is one of the most famous attractions in Berlin and an absolute must-see!

In this guide, we'll tell you what to expect at the site, the history of the East Side Gallery, and useful visitor information.

Let's start!

Things to Do at the East Side Gallery

As an original segment of the Berlin Wall , the East Side Gallery is not only a piece of German history and a testimony to the inner-German division as well as the GDR regime . It is also an inspiring work of art, as well as the longest "open-air gallery" in the world .

Read below what you can do and see at the historic site:

1. Walk along the Berlin Wall

During a walk along the Art Mile, you can admire the different works of art that creatively capture the events at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as the hopes and joy of the artists.

You can discover over 100 murals by different artists. They uniquely reflect the mood that prevailed shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, which is why the predominant theme is peace as well as political statements.

Highlights include the Fraternal Kiss of Honecker and Brezhnev as well as the Trabant seemingly breaking through the concrete. Both artworks are among the most photographed pictures of the East Side Gallery.

Other popular graffiti include the "Wall Jumper," "Diversion to the Japanese Sector," "Dancing for Freedom" and "The Cartoon Heads."

2. Visit The Wall Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall, you can visit The Wall Museum at the East Side Gallery.

It is housed in the former watchtower Mühlenspeicher, right in the former death strip. The exhibition provides an insight into how it came to the division of Germany after World War II and the construction of the Berlin Wall. Interviews with contemporary witnesses and exhibits illustrate how East and West Berliners suffered under the Wall, and how their previous lives were fundamentally changed as a result.

• For current opening hours and ticket prices, please visit the official website .

3. Relax on the Banks of the Spree River

The meadow at the back of the East Side Gallery has become a popular place for visitors to the Art Mile.

When the weather is good, you can sit back and relax and let the many impressions go through your mind. Since the meadow is located directly on the beautiful Spree River , you can enjoy a magnificent view of the river and the Oberbaum Bridge.

Entrance, Tickets & Tours for the East Side Gallery

• Entrance : The East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery and can therefore be visited around the clock.
• Tickets : Admission to the East Side Gallery is free of charge.
• Tours : The Berlin Wall Foundation offers public guided tours along the East Side Gallery to individuals and groups. More details here .
• Travelers' Tip: If you would like to discover these and other important original sites and museums in former East and West Berlin on your own, we recommend the audio guide app Berlin - Divided City by YourMobileGuide .

How to get to the East Side Gallery in Berlin?

• From Alexanderplatz : Go 7 stops with the bus 300 to "East Side Gallery".
• From Potsdamer Platz : The easiest way is to take the bus line 300. Get on at the stop "Varian-Fry-Str", and go 17 stops to "East Side Gallery".

FAQ about the East Side Gallery in Berlin

WHAT IS THE EAST SIDE GALLERY AND WHY IS IT FAMOUS?

The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining continuous section of the Berlin Wall and at the same time an open-air gallery. 118 artists from 21 countries painted and spray-painted 106 murals on this section in the months following the fall of the Berlin Wall, turning this relic of the GDR regime into a work of art and a symbol of joy at the peaceful overcoming of German division.

WHERE IS THE EAST SIDE GALLERY LOCATED IN BERLIN?

The East Side Gallery in the district of Friedrichshain is located on Mühlenstraße between Berlin's Ostbahnhof and Oberbaum Bridge.

HOW DO I GET TO THE EAST SIDE GALLERY IN BERLIN?

The easiest way to get to the East Side Gallery from Alexanderplatz is to take bus 300. Go 7 stops to the "East Side Gallery" station.

From Potsdamer Platz, take bus 300, hop on at the stop "Varian-Fry-Str" and go 17 stops to "East Side Gallery".

DO I NEED TICKETS TO VISIT THE EAST SIDE GALLERY?

No, the East Side Gallery is a monument open to the public and can be visited free of charge around the clock.

History & Facts about the East Side Gallery

In the spring of 1990, just a few months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, 118 artists from 21 countries came to make a statement on the relic of the Berlin Wall with their colorful works. Thus, the symbol of division became a place of art. The open-air gallery opened on September 28, 1990, and was listed as a historic monument just one year later .

In contrast to the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, which focuses on the negative aspects of the division, the East Side Gallery, as a "symbol of joy," is dedicated to the peaceful overcoming of the division and the works of the artists from 1990, without whom this section of the Berlin Wall might no longer exist.

Unfortunately, the art mile on the banks of the Spree is at the mercy of the weather conditions , so that already in 2000 about 300 meters of the wall section had to be restored, and 33 pictures had to be repainted. In 2009, the entire East Side Gallery was repaired with the participation of 87 artists. Another problem is vandalism. In 2021, fans who had traveled to Berlin for the soccer match between Union Berlin and Feyenoord Rotterdam spray-painted an 18-by-two-meter section of the wall with the words "Feyenoord."

Since November 1, 2018, the East Side Gallery memorial has been managed by the Stiftung Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Foundation).

Contact & Map

• Address : East Side Gallery, Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany.
• Opening Hours : Daily, around the clock
• Public Transport: Bus: 300 to "East Side Gallery"; U-Bahn: U1 or U3 to "Schlesisches Tor"
• Website : EastSideGalleryBerlin

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Your visit to the East Side Gallery

You can find all you need to know for your visit to the East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall Foundation website.

Stiftung Berliner Mauer

East Side Gallery

Online-tours, online-tours at east side gallery.

Welcome to Online Tours at the East Side Gallery. You’ll learn more here about some of the artwork that was created on the Berlin Wall at Mühlenstrasse in 1990. Choose a tour that interests you from a number of different topics. You will find more information about the individual works of art, discover historical photos, and hear interviews with the artists. Take a walk along the East Side Gallery or click through an online tour – either with your smartphone directly at the site or from home. Have fun exploring!

Fall of the Wall in 1989

This tour takes you to eight works of art at the East Side Gallery that address different emotions and thoughts connected to the fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989.

Year of Upheaval in 1990

Explore eight works of art and learn about the different ways people in Germany experienced the year of upheaval in 1990.

Environment

Discover seven works of art on a topic that is still very relevant today: Our environment.

Life in a Dictatorship

Learn more about life in the GDR and in other dictatorships through six works of art.

The Berlin Wall in the Artwork

It is not uncommon for the Berlin Wall itself to be the subject of a work of art – in many very different forms.

This tour takes you to eight works of art at the East Side Gallery that clearly fall into the category of graffiti art or street art.

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When:  Every day 10am & 12pm every day Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance. Price:  Free

Exploring the East Side Gallery – A Symbolic Artistic Masterpiece

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Original Berlin

The East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany, is a remarkable open-air art gallery that stretches along a 1.3-kilometer section of the former Berlin Wall. With its vibrant and thought-provoking murals, the East Side Gallery has become an iconic representation of unity, freedom, and the historical significance of the city. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, significance, and the incredible art that adorns the East Side Gallery.

The Historical Significance of the East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, stood as a barrier separating East and West Berlin during the Cold War era. It became a symbol of division and repression, separating families, friends, and communities. However, following the fall of the Wall in 1989, the East Side Gallery emerged as a powerful testament to the triumph of unity and freedom. It was created in 1990 as an international memorial for freedom, showcasing the artistic expression and hope that accompanied the reunification of Berlin and Germany.

The Artistic Masterpiece of the East Side Gallery

Today, the East Side Gallery is considered the largest open-air gallery in the world. The Wall’s remnants serve as a canvas for over 100 artists from all over the globe, bringing together various styles, themes, and perspectives. The artworks reflect a combination of social commentary, political messages, and artistic expression. Each mural tells a unique story, depicting the struggles of the past, the hopes for the future, and the collective human experience.

The Most Iconic Murals at the East Side Gallery

Among the many incredible murals at the East Side Gallery, there are a few that have gained immense popularity due to their powerful imagery and historical significance:

Mural 1: “The Fraternal Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel

This mural depicts the iconic moment when Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the Soviet Union, and Erich Honecker, the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, share a passionate socialist fraternal kiss. It has become a symbol of peaceful coexistence, friendship, and the desire for unity between nations.

Mural 2: “Trabant Breaking Through the Wall” by Birgit Kinder

Showing a Trabant – a popular car model in East Germany – crashing through the Wall, this mural represents the hope and joy that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall. It symbolizes the newfound freedom and the reunification of Germany.

Mural 3: “The Mortal Kiss” by Dimitri Vrubel

Inspired by the famous photograph of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker, this mural portrays them engaged in a passionate kiss with skeletons depicted in the background. The painting questions the cost and consequences of ideological divisions and serves as a chilling reminder of the human toll caused by the separation.

Visiting the East Side Gallery

For those planning a visit to Berlin, a trip to the East Side Gallery is an absolute must. Here are a few key tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:

Tip 1: Plan Your Visit

Before heading to the East Side Gallery, make sure to check the opening hours and any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place. Arriving early or during weekdays can help you avoid crowds, allowing you to take your time to appreciate the art.

Tip 2: Take Your Time

The East Side Gallery is a feast for the eyes, and rushing through it would be a disservice to the artists and the historical significance it holds. Take your time to admire each mural, read the accompanying descriptions, and immerse yourself in the powerful messages they convey.

Tip 3: Respect the Artwork

Remember that the East Side Gallery is a living art installation. Refrain from touching or defacing the artwork, and be mindful of other visitors who are also enjoying the experience. Taking photographs is allowed, but be considerate and avoid obstructing the path for others.

The East Side Gallery stands as a powerful and lasting reminder of the Berlin Wall’s history and the human spirit’s triumph over division. It is a place that invites contemplation, reflection, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity. By visiting the East Side Gallery, you become a witness to the collective experience and leave with a deeper understanding of the resilience and power of art to convey profound messages. So, if you find yourself in Berlin, be sure to embrace this remarkable artistic masterpiece.

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The Longest Open-Air Gallery in the World from 1990 to the Present

The East Side Gallery extends along more than 1.3 kilometers between Ostbahnof and Oberbaum Bridge, and is one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions. More than 118 artists from 21 countries worked on the world’s longest open-air gallery. Their paintings help keep the historical site alive and make its history accessible to visitors from all over the world. The East Side Gallery stands both as a symbol of joy over the end of Germany’s division and as a historical reminder of the inhumanity of the GDR border regime. Learn more about how the East Side Gallery was created, which artists participated in the project, and how the gallery has changed since its opening in 1990.

The Fall of the Wall in 1989 and the Creation of the East Side Gallery

Artists began painting the east side of the structure just days after the border opened. But GDR border guards promptly covered over the pictures that had been painted on segments of the Wall at Potsdamer Platz. A short time later, the artist David Monty from Schöneberg, accompanied by Heike Stephan, an artist from Prenzlauer Berg, presented his idea of making “the Wall into the largest gallery in the world.” In discussions with the Ministry of National Defense, it was agreed that only the section of Wall on Mühlenstrasse would be painted. Officially commissioned by the GDR Council of Ministers, the project “East Side Gallery” was founded and artists from all over the world were invited to participate. After Heike Stephan, joined later by David Monty, decided to leave the project, Monty’s assistant at the time, Christine MacLean, took over the project coordination. From March 1990, she supervised the participants, acquired sponsorships and developed publicity strategies. She worked with the event and advertising agency wuva.  

The East Side Gallery opened on September 28, 1990. The artists created murals with individual messages and statements, demonstrating that, in the end, the desire for freedom and creativity is stronger than sanctions and force. The more than 100 paintings showed the happiness felt over the fall of the Wall and the end of the Cold War. They expressed their hopes for a life in peace, freedom and democracy. However, many works of art also conveyed concerns about an uncertain future.      With their artwork, the artists were able to hinder the demolition, further decay and destruction of the Wall. The city of Berlin added the East Side Gallery to its register of protected monuments in November 1991. The East Side Gallery is the most visible outcome of the opening of the Wall, but now, with almost the entire Berlin Wall gone, it is also one of the few remaining relics of the border fortifications at its original location, serving as a reminder that the city was divided for 28 years.

The Mühlenstraße 1987. Photo by Gerd Danigel Frei

Comments on Creating the East Side Gallery

The artists Jim Avignon, Andreas Kämper and Kiddy Citny, along with Christine MacLean, co-organizer of the East Side Gallery, share memories of painting the Wall in 1990. In conversation with Lutz Henke (Visit Berlin), 30 years after the East Side Gallery was dedicated, they spoke about the conditions under which the art project took place and their different personal relationships with the Berlin Wall. They also discuss how the site should be dealt with in the future.

The panel discussion took place as part of the events marking the 30th anniversary of the East Side Gallery.

Panel discussion with contemporary witnesses on the 30th anniversary of the opening of the East Side Gallery © Berlin Wall Foundation, Photo: Ladan Razaeian

About the Artwork and the Art Project in 1990

East Side Gallery 1990, Robert-Havemann-Gesellschaft/ Andreas Kämper/ RHG_FoAnkae

In the podcast series “Feelings for the Future 1990: Stories about the Wall Art at the East Side Gallery,” East Side Gallery artists tell the stories behind their artwork (in German). They recall the moment when they stood in front of the Wall – the same wall that just shortly before had been so threatening and impenetrable – and made their first brushstrokes.

• Podcast Gábor Simon - Space Magik
• Podcast Jeanett Kipka - Vogelflug
• Podcast Kiddy Citny - qui baise qui
• Podcast Teresa Casanueva - Sprosse

Gábor Simon - Space Magik

Jeanett Kipka - Vogelflug

Kiddy Citny - qui baise qui

Teresa Casanueva - Sprosse

Christine Kühn - Touch the Wall

Gabriele Heimler - Der Mauerspringer

Karina Bjerregaard - Himlen over Berlin

Margaret Hunter - Joint Venture

Kikue Miyatake - Paradise Out Of The Darkness

Susanne Kunjappu - Curriculum Vitae

Mary Mackey - Tolerance

Catrin Resch - Europas Frühling

Sabine Kunz - Die Tanzenden

Siegfried Santoni - Maschine-Mensch

Rosemarie Schinzler - Alles offen

Renovation and Building Development Plans

The east side gallery as a controversial monument.

The last large-scale renovation of the East Side Gallery took place in 2009. The renovation was necessary due to weather-related decay, massive amounts of graffiti and both minor and major acts of vandalism. It was carried out by the “Gesellschaft der behutsamen Stadterneuerung mbH” (S.T.E.R.N.) with a budget of more than 2 million euros. The renovation included stonework repairs, which required sandblasting large portions of the murals. When the work was completed, the artists were invited to repaint their murals on the Berlin Wall. Most of the artists restored their original paintings, but a small group was critical of the renovation work and refused to redo their paintings. Their wall segments have remained unpainted ever since. The murals on the East Side Gallery today are the replicas from 2009 with one original work from 1990, titled “Hands” by Margaret Hunter and Peter Russell.

The Only Preserved Original at the East Side Gallery

The painting “Hands” by Margaret Hunter and Peter Russell impressively conveys the history of the East Side Gallery: As the only original from 1990, it shows how the paintings originally looked. “Hands” was the only work that was not repainted during the major renovations that took place in 2000 and 2009. Instead, various conservation measures have been applied to the work since 1990.

As part of the 30 year anniversary of the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Wall Foundation had the painting conserved for the future. On September 13, 2020, Margaret Hunter and Foundation Director Axel Klausmeier spoke about the protection and restoration of the monument. Guided tours were held afterwards, during which participants discussed the different artwork.

Listen to a podcast with the artist to get an impression of the day and learn more about how “Hands!” was first made and how it has changed.

Conserving the picture titled “Hands” in August 2020, Stiftung Berliner Mauer.

During the conservation process, damage caused by weather and graffiti was removed. Loose clumps of paint were fixed by the conservators with synthetic resin and carefully applied by hand. Afterwards, the artist Margaret Hunter retouched some of the painting’s decorative details.

In the years after the fall of the Wall, urban planning concepts were implemented in the Spree area around the Oberbaum Bridge. The construction projects directly on the waterfront were often in conflict with efforts to preserve the East Side Gallery, which is a protected structure. Openings were made in the wall to facilitate construction, sparking large protests and demonstrations, especially in 2013. Most recently, in March 2018, parts of the painted wall were moved to another nearby area.

In November 2018, the State of Berlin transferred responsibility for the “Park on the Spree” and “East Side Park” properties, together with the segments of the former Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery), to the Berlin Wall Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to maintain and preserve the memorial and to educate and inform the public at the site about the history of the Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery.

Transformation of the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery artwork looked a lot different in 1990 than it does today. Due to graffiti and weather-damage, by the 1990s it had already become necessary for artists to partially or completely repaint the damaged areas of their pictures. Extensive restoration work was carried out in 2008/2009 to ensure the long-term preservation of the artwork. In order to repair the underlying masonry, it was necessary to destroy the paintings. Afterwards, many of the artists repainted their pictures: some created replicas true to the original, others made changes to their original work. A small group refused to repaint their pictures.

Here we show you only a small selection of the changes to the images.

Jim Avignon

„doin it cool for the east side“.

During the renovation in 2000, the painting was completely removed and reconstructed by another East Side Gallery artist. In 2009, further restoration measures had to be taken on parts of the painting. Jim Avignon was not involved in this process. He criticized the reconstruction of the original, arguing that art in public space should always maintain a relationship with the current conditions. With this in mind, he completely repainted his picture in 2013 with the help of art students from Berlin.

Jim Avignon, „Doin it cool for the East Side“, 1990, Stiftung Berliner Mauer, postcard

Jim Avignon, „Doin it cool for the East Side“, 2019, Berlin Wall Foundation, photo: Jascha Fiebich

Hans-Peter Dürhager und Ralf Jesse

"der müde tod" (tired death).

During renovation work in 2008/2009, the artists changed the painting’s color scheme. 

Hans-Peter Dürhager, Ralf Jesse, „Der müde Tod“(Tired Death), 1990, Berlin Wall Foundation postcard

Hans-Peter Dürhager, Ralf Jesse, mural „Der müde Tod“(Tired Death), 2009, Berlin Wall Foundation

Andreas Kämper und Jens Hübner

"ohne titel" (untitled).

In 1990, the artists pasted onto the wall a large-format photograph of a demonstration that had taken place in Leipzig in autumn 1989. During renovation work in 2008/2009, their picture was reconstructed by another East Side Gallery artist. During this process, the photo was painted, not pasted, to the wall as it had been in the original.

Andreas Kämper, Jens Hübner, untitled, 1990, Berlin Wall Foundation, Andreas Kämper

Andreas Kämper, Jens Hübner, untitled, 2009, Künstlerinitiative East Side Gallery e.V.

Barbara Greul Aschanta

"deutschland im november“ (germany in november).

The artist did not participate in the 2008/2009 renovation work. She founded the “East Side Gallery Founders’ Initiative” with other artists and criticized the renovations and what – in her view – was a lack of appreciation (including financial support) and a failure to involve the artists. The site where her painting had been is now painted a whitish-gray color, as a reminder of how the Wall looked when the city was divided.

Barbara Greul Aschanta, „Deutschland im November“(Germany in November), 1990, Berlin Wall Foundation, postcard

The painting “Deutschland im November”(Germany in November) by Barbara Greul-Aschanta had been on display here until 2019, Berlin Wall Foundation

Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek

„curriculum vitae“.

During the 2008/2009 renovation work, the artist added a new color scheme to the picture and changed other details. The 1990 painting had conveyed the joy felt over the fall of the Wall; 20 years later the artist placed emphasis on remembering the victims of the Berlin Wall. For each person who had died, she painted a rose petal on the corresponding year of their death.

Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek, „Curriculum Vitae“, 1990, Berlin Wall Foundation, Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek

Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek, „Curriculum Vitae“, 2010, Berlin Wall Foundation, Susanne Kunjappu-Jellinek

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Moscow/Central

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 The Kremlin
• 4.2 Kitay-Gorod
• 4.3 Other religious buildings
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• 4.5 Monuments
• 4.6 Fountains
• 5.1 Parks, gardens
• 5.3 Theatres
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• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Bars, clubs
• 8.2 Beer and wine
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Libraries
• 10.2 Mobile phones

Central Moscow is the historical centre of Moscow , which is in the Garden Ring.

Understand [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ].

For information on getting into Moscow, see Moscow#Get_in

Get around [ edit ]

For information on getting around Moscow, see Moscow#Get_around

Monuments [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Parks, gardens [ edit ], sports [ edit ].

• 55.75408 37.62035 5 Bosco rink ( GUM-skating rink ), Red Square , [email protected] . 10:00-23:59 . glamorous and easy, although bit costly and not too favoured by advanced skaters.  

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

For information on fast-food chains operating in Moscow, including street food, American-style fast food, and canteen-style cafeterias, see Moscow#Eat

Splurge [ edit ]

• Mi Piace Italian restaurant , Chayanova, 22 , ☏ +7 495 250-0893 . A chain of Italian restaurants. Relatively expensive but quite popular among locals and expatriates working in Moscow. Addresses are: 13/9 B. Ordynka (951-52-50, 953-96-65); 20 Sadovaya-Samotechnaya (694-0001); 16/16 Pokrovka (623-4411); 7, 1st Tverskaya Yamskaya (970-1129)  

Cafes [ edit ]

• Coffeemania chain . The most expensive coffee chain in Moscow. The cafe has great breakfasts and is excellent for people watching in the morning and pre-concert coffee in the evening as well. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Coffee Bean , Ulitsa Sretenka, 22/1 . Petrovka is most coffee-conscious place in the Coffee Bean chain (also Pokrovka, Pyatnitskaya, Leningradsky). Some of the Coffee Bean stores also provide free internet (eg. Pokrovka).  
• Volkonsky , Maroseika 4/2 . For a late night nibble or a quick morning pick me up, Volkonsky is one of the better places in Moscow that doubles as a bakery/coffee shop. Great ambiance and a neighborhood feel.  
• Starbucks Cafe , Mega-Khimki and Mega-Belaya Dacha; Moscow City; Sheremetyevo-3; Metropolis (M. Voykovskaya); Aeroport Gallery (M. Aeroport) . Starbucks has finally broken the wall into hard ground Russia. Promises to open another 10-20 stores.  

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15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / 15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home to almost over 12 million souls, Moscow is many things to many people, and everyone finds their own reasons to visit Moscow. There is an infinite number of reasons to visit Moscow and its attractions. To make it easier for travellers, we created a list of the crowd’s top fifteen reasons and attractions everyone should visit when in Moscow.

Table of Contents

1. Indulge in countless historical and modern artworks

Whether you are just dipping your toes into the art world or you know everything about arts, Moscow is a must-visit for every self-proclaimed or certified art connoisseur and historian. The city has numerous historical and contemporary museums and art galleries and they are essential in the list when you visit Moscow. Among the plethora of galleries and museums is The State Tretyakov Gallery  holding the world’s foremost collection of Russian fine art. Another is the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts which showcases artworks from the ancient times to this day such as the paintings of Rembrandt, Botticelli, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The Moscow Museum of Modern Art , on the other hand, displays artworks created in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Moscow is not only home to famous historical paintings, the city also showcases modern, educational, and multimedia arts. The Moscow Planetarium is one of the biggest planetariums in the world. It is an interactive museum that educates everyone with their scientific resources. The openness of Russia to new forms of arts can be seen in the Multimedia Art Museum, Winzavod (Wine Factory), Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Lumiere Brothers Photography Center . These art galleries unite all forms of media, arts, and modern culture.

For the love of art, moreover, they have converted former industrial areas to unique art spaces. ARTPLAY Center of Design and Flacon Design Factory are two of the known art spaces for local organisations and artists to express their creativity, host their own workshops, lectures, design festivals, concerts, performances, and exhibits. 

TIP: Open Museum Day in Moscow offers free day-time admission in most city museums every third Sunday of the month. Forty museums and art galleries are participating including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics , and State Museum of Ceramics and Kuskovo Estate of the 18th Century.

If you’re craving for more museum adventures, we have created a list of the best museum to visit in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

2. Step onto the mighty Red Square

Walk onto the uneven cobblestones alongside the throngs of bustling citizens and you’ll see centuries of Russian (and world) history reflected in the architecture of Red Square. It is the epicentre of Russia. The country’s major highways and Moscow’s main streets all originate from the Red Square. However, it is not only the heart of Russian streets but is also the heart of Russian history and culture where most of the biggest Russian events and changes unfolded such as high-profile executions and military parades. The city square also served as the main marketplace and site for national public ceremonies and festive processions. Being considered as a sacred place, it is absolutely a must-see when you visit Moscow.

Official commemorations and parades today are still mostly held in the square. The surrounding buildings of the Red Square also add great significance to why you should include the beautiful square on your bucket list when you visit Moscow. Some of these famous attractions are iconic:

• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Lenin’s Mausoleum
• The Kremlin
• Kazan Cathedral
• The historical GUM Department Store
• State Historical Museum
• The Iberian Gate (also known as the Resurrection Gate and Chapel

3. Visit the Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin , together with Red Square was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. UNESCO included this architectural ensemble not just because of its outstanding design but also because of its rich historical and political linkage. That is why you should not miss this when you visit Moscow. It is located on Borovitsky Hill just above the Moskva River, on the west side of the magnificent Red Square. It serves as the Russian President’s residence and treasure houses such as the Armory Chamber Museum and the Russian Diamond Fund . Two Royal Cathedrals, the Secret Garden, and Ivan the Great Bell Tower are some of the attractions you can visit inside the Kremlin. Also, along the Kremlin wall is where you can see the gravestones of most Soviet leaders -including Stalin’s.

TIP: The Kremlin is open every day except on Thursdays and tickets for each establishment inside the Kremlin are sold separately. They also limit the number of daily visitors. May to September of every year is considered as the peak season.

4. Awaken your senses in the Bolshoi theatre

The Bolshoi Ballet Company is one of the most enduring symbols of Russia’s esteemed cultural traditions, and Moscow’s Bolshoi (Big) Theatre is the association’s fittingly elegant headquarters. Moscow’s oldest theatre has been painstakingly restored and renovated in recent years. It is a must-see day or night with their world-famous opera and ballet performances when you visit Moscow. Taking in an evening performance of a classic Russian ballet like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is one of the city’s most captivating cultural experiences.

Aside from the Bolshoi Theatre, there are around 170 theatres in the city; each of which features unique performances. It is the sole reason why Moscow is coined as the “City of Theatres”.  No matter what genre, as long as it is in Moscow it will be surreal.  No wonder the city attracts all theatregoers around the globe. To name a few, here are the must-visit theatres around the city: (1) Maly Theatre which showcases classic traditions of Russian Theatre, (2) Moscow Art Theatre combines classical and modern drama traditions, and (4) Theatre of Nations and (5) Gogol Centre further popularized modern arts such as post-drama and comedy production.

TIP: Most people have been planning to witness a performance (especially in Bolshoi Theatre) for years. Remember to check and purchase tickets ahead of time before getting excited to watch the spectacular performance. Also, wearing your best evening dress won’t hurt.

5. Enjoy the ambiance of Moscow parks

While Moscow’s attractions are usually known as a mixture of extravagant Tsarist architecture and stern Soviet buildings, much of Moscow is actually surprisingly green and the city’s parks have grown into its pride and joy over the years. Take a break from walking around historical establishments and rest in these well-groomed green areas. These parks provide some of Moscow’s best people-watching spots and offer various activities you can do with your group or with the locals from playing sports and board games on the pavement to simply enjoying the outdoor cafes.

Slow down from the hectic pace of the city life by having a stop-over in the most popular green spaces when you visit Moscow. Gorky Park has its own telegraph and clinic, Park of Arts Museum often hosts music festivals, art fairs and exhibits, and lastly, Sokolniki Park and Izmailovsky Park have bike rentals and small amusement parks that are perfect for family day-outs.

6. Experience the magnificent Moscow Metro

Apart from being an extremely handy way to get around the city,  Moscow’s metro system  is a striking feat of engineering. Opened in 1935, it is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world. Its grand stations are remarkably beautiful. With their grandiose architecture, intricate mosaics, and dramatic sculptures, it has turned many metro stations into picturesque tourist attractions. There are 12 lines and a total of 200 stations. Elektrozavodskaya, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya, Komsomolskaya, and Mayakovskaya are just a few of the magical stations that seems to be like an underground palace.

Visit Moscow grand stations during “dead hours” —11 am to 2 pm or after 10 pm in order get the most out of the spectacular metro stations. And for the sake of courtesy and respect, always give your seat to Babushkas or the beautiful Russian grannies on the train. Train tickets can be shared and you can buy them for 1, 2, 20, 40, and 60 trips. Unlimited Metro travel for 1, 3, and 7 full days are also available from 210 to 800 rubles. Alternatively, you can purchase a Troika Card which costs 50 rubles and allows you to travel on all public transportation in Moscow.

7. Be amazed by the beauty & grace of Moscow’s churches

In Moscow, the majority of religion belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church which has 320 of total parishes in Moscow alone. Thus, it is not surprising that Orthodox churches and its unique architecture are one of the must-sees when you visit Moscow. Onion domes had long been known as the classic design of Orthodox churches in Russia. Below, we will mention some of the iconic churches you shouldn’t miss seeing in the city.

The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed or St. Basil Cathedral is perhaps the most popular and most unusual church in the country. It is located at the Southern end of the Red Square. Built in 1555, it is originally called the Intercession Cathedral  to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Tatars. The bonfire-flame-shaped-cathedral has nine towers full of colours, shapes, and patterns. It was designed like a maze as a whole while each way leads to nine chapels with creatively decorated interiors. The magnificent cathedral is open every day except for the first Wednesday of every month.

With its golden onion domes, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour  is the largest cathedral of all Russian Orthodox Church and has the capacity of over a thousand devotees. However, there is another known cathedral with golden domes —the Cathedral of the Assumption. What makes this cathedral different is that its domes are not just gold, but  they  are also light-reflecting sitting inside the Kremlin. Lastly, we would like to feature a church with neo-gothic architecture –the Moscow Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral.  It  is the largest Catholic building in the country. To this day, masses and Catholic religious services are still being conducted in different languages in the cathedral.

8. Visit Moscow streets and the monumental architecture

The beautiful architecture of museums and churches, makes each city street a sight to behold. For sure you’ll have a jaw-dropping moment at least once when you visit Moscow. The streets around the Red Square are a good start for you to stroll and have them as background for your OOTD photos. 

Tverskaya Stree t is known as Moscow’s fashion street and main street. This street is also one of the most expensive streets in the world, basing from the commercial rental fees. Another fashion district, Kuznetsky Most (literally translates to Blacksmith’s bridge)is where popular shops such as “Kuznetsky Most 20” – a famous concept store and “House of Foreign Books” (which is the best foreign-language bookshop) are located. Ulitsa Varvaka claims to be the oldest street and has the most churches in the city; it also shows the more medieval side of Moscow. If you are looking for high-end souvenirs, take a look at the shops on Arbat Street . Just do not forget to negotiate with the vendors and ask for discounts! Also, you get a chance to taste local vodkas as they offer free samples on the street.

9. Enjoy Moscow street food and fine dining restaurants

Moscow can surprise even the most demanding gourmands with the variety of foods , flavours and dining scenes the city has to offer. Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups and rustic, hearty dishes like pelmeni (meat dumplings), pancakes with different fillings, and last but not the least, caviar. Sweets are also a big thing in the Russian kitchen and they are incomparable with other confectioneries that can be bought outside the country. “RotFront” soya bars , Chak-Chak Sticks and Kozinaki are just a few of the most popular sweet snacks in Moscow.

Great food is everywhere, 24 hours a day in the city. Yar , one of the oldest restaurants in Russia has been serving local Russian cuisines for nearly a century now in Moscow. Another restaurant, Praga , which opened 150 years ago is known for its European and Russian dishes in addition to their pastry shop on the ground floor. Cafe Pushkin , a three-storey restaurant is open 24 hours a day. Each floor has its own menu and theme: the Pharmacy, Library, and the Fireplace Room. The Library floor is said to have the best view of the Tverskoy Boulevard during breakfast. However, if you want to time travel, find the secret door of Mari Vanna and experience what it is like to live in a Soviet home 50 years ago. Watch old Soviet channels and look through old bookcases and photos while having traditional Russian stews and pies. And oh, do not forget to book for tables!

But there’s so much more to Moscow’s modern gastronomic landscape. From sophisticated new takes on old-school cooking to cosmopolitan eateries offering refined cuisine from around the world, Moscow is also boasting with street foods. Chebureki or cheburechnaya, as what some cafes call them, are fried triangle-shaped thin dough stuffed with minced meat and spices. On the other hand, Blini is a better option for those who have a sweet tooth. They are crepes that can be filled with, cheese, jam, honey, ham, condensed milk, or red caviar. Today, Blini are famously made and sold in Teremok — a popular fast-food chain. Another fast-food chain has popularised a Russian local snack: Kroshka-Kartoshka . Although the name translates to “tiny potato”, they serve enormous baked potatoes with cheese, pickled mushrooms, butter, and other fillings. And lastly, pirozhki, which means pie seems to be the symbol of Russian street foods. Just look around the streets and try the four local snacks that we’ve mentioned and you’ll realise that every food is stuffed and/or filled with something. Now it is your turn to stuff your belly with Moscow street food!

10. Shop till you drop in Moscow boutiques

Muscovites are mad-shoppers and once you see the brands and collectives in each shopping centre, you might become one of them. From the most glamorous high-end fashion brands, art and design pieces, to antiques and traditional handicrafts, the opportunities for a hardcore spree are endless. Make sure to drop by the two most famous shopping centres, GUM and TSUM when you visit Moscow. They are must-visits even if you are only there to admire (or baulk at) their stupendous swankiness.

GUM is on the east side of Red Square. It is a former State Department Store. The building’s architecture will instantly give you an extravagant feeling. However, along with its luxurious interior, comes the most luxurious brands and prices. It is open for twelve hours each day from 10 am to 10 pm. On the other hand, TSUM , a six-story historical gothic building is the largest high-end department store in Eastern Europe. There is a luxury supermarket which is open for twenty-four hours on the ground floor.

More affordable options are in the city’s many bustling flea markets, or in beautiful old boutique stores. Tsvetnoy Central Market and Kuznetsky Most 20 are just two of the known markets in the city where both hot and hippy street brands can be found. Local creative contemporary designers and high-end creatives are also housed in both markets.

11. Earn bragging rights with the perfect Instagram snap

Up your Instagram and Facebook feed with these views and different angles of the city. Shamelessly share your food and shoes with the streets and floors you’re walking into with your virtual friends. Or take a snap of the random streets of Moscow depicting their rich cultures. Also, do not forget the big picture! Which literally means photos of the whole city.

Did you really visit Moscow if you don’t have any photo of the Red Square and Moscow Kremlin? Stand at the centre of Red Square and Kremlin, take the most iconic shot and show the world that you were actually in Moscow. We’ve listed three buildings that have the best top views of the city. The (1) Federation Tower which also has the highest restaurant in Moscow, (2) The Moscow State University has a panoramic view of the city inside The Museum of Geography on its top floor and (3) Cathedral of Christ ’s observation deck have the most breathtaking top views of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art , GUM, ARTPlay , and Moscow Metro stations are just some of Moscow infrastructures perfect for your channel your inner artsy persona.  While walking around the Moscow CBD, do not forget to look up and take photos of the skyscrapers as far as your eyes and camera can reach. However, if you want to take a break from all the spectacular man-made architecture, take a stroll in Patriarch’s Pond , where you can feel like a real Muscovite and nature-lover.

12. Moscow never sleeps

>Let it be known: Russians love to party! And Moscow is undoubtedly the party capital of Russia. The capital city has an incredible array of nightlife options and a scene for everyone. Whether you’re keen to catch a live Russian rock band or slink into a smoky jazz club, Moscow is there for you. Go clubbing till the break of dawn or just lounge around with a beer and an endless array of fine local vodka. We have listed our top five bars and clubs to help you decide which one to go to. Go ahead and get your body moving along the music while drinking with Muscovites. In that way, you can actually experience Moscow.

Propaganda , or Probka as what regulars call it, is opened in 1997 and has about the same age as the Moscow club culture. Aside from local drinks and world-class DJs, the club is also boasting with cheap sandwiches and steaks. On Thursdays, they hold dance parties and gay parties on Sundays. Nauka i Iskusstvo (Science and Art) is for you if music is the sole reason for your night out. The club is said to host the best electronic and hip parties. Noor Bar, nonetheless, is known for their classic cocktails which can be best enjoyed on Fridays and Saturdays while listening to their DJ sets. Just make sure to go there early to secure a spot. Another two famous nightclubs are located in Artplay: Pluton and Rodnya . Pluton promotes all kinds of music and art-performances while Rodnya is a rooftop club where you can enjoy dancing while waiting for the sun to rise in Summer.  Squad 3/4  is one of the most bizarre nightclubs in Moscow. It is located at the basement of the former Central Baths building and often hosts bohemian raves.

13. Take a Moscow River Cruise

Cruising along the Moskva River is one of the best ways to see and visit Moscow. Ticket pricing of the cruise depends on the size of the boat; the bigger the boat, the more expensive and smoother its sailing will be. For 800 rubles, you can board the most famous tour boat in Moscow: the yellow Lay’s boat. It plays loud Russian pop music as you sail the river. Bigger boats cost 1,100 to 2,000 rubles per person. These cruises on bigger boats often offer cozy lunch and dinner on top of the cruise itself.

TIP : There are two main boarding piers: Hotel Ukraine and Park Kultury. If you want to save money, buy your tickets online and make sure to arrive earlier as it is hard to find the pier where your boat is at. However, if you do not mind spending more for tickets, you can purchase from street hawkers. They will personally guide you on where to find your boat and where to get off. Also, make sure to bring extra clothes even in the summer season.

14. White Christmas in Moscow

Visit Moscow and bring all your thick but light-weight clothes and experience Moscow’s white winter. The average weather in December is around -10 to 0 degrees Celsius with an average of 17-30 days of snowfall. Witness snowfall on the Red Square which transforms into a Christmas market and the biggest ice skating rink in December. Celebrate with Muscovites during the Russian Winter Festival and watch live performances, eat street foods, and play games from mid-December to mid-January in Manezh Square.

15. Explore the Medieval towns of Golden Ring

There is always more to see beyond the capital city of a country. And in Russia’s case, outside Moscow is the ancient region called the Golden Ring . The region’s name is derived from the golden onion-shaped domes of the churches around the towns and from the ring-like route in which 1967 art historian and journalist Yuri Bychkov travelled.

The Golden Ring is comprised of eight main cities:

• Yaroslavl is where the Transfiguration Monastery (now a museum) and Ioann Vasiliyevich — a Soviet-themed hotel and restaurant.
• Vladimir boasts its Golden Gate and the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
• Suzdal is a thirty-minute drive from Vladimir, it has five monasteries, thirty churches, and a market square (Torgovaya Ploshchad) where you can local berries and honey.
• Sergiev Posad is known to be the location of the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius — one of the largest monasteries in the world.
• Pereselavl-Zalessky is where you can enjoy windsurfing and ride hot air balloons.
• Rostov Velikiy or Rostov the Great is boasting its colourful churches and unchanged kremlin architecture.
• Ivanovo is known for its huge textile industry, it is also known as the city of brides since there more women than men in the area.
• Kostroma is where the town of Bui — a town of cultural heritage, and Trinity-Ipatiev Monastery can be explored.

Visit Moscow and experience and see in the Golden Ring afterwards. We have carefully crafted  tours  for every traveller like you.

Just as a cherry on top, here is an awesome video clip of this magnificent city, Moscow:

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