Communist Berlin

9 Communist-Themed Things to Do in Berlin

Berlin has a rich history of communism, socialism, and left-wing politics. From the early days of the Soviet occupation to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city has been a hub for leftist activism and thought. If you're interested in exploring Berlin's communist heritage, here are nine things you can do:

1. Visit the Karl Marx Allee

   This iconic boulevard was built in the 1950s as a showcase for the new socialist state. Today, it's home to some of the city's most impressive architecture and is a popular spot for strolling and people-watching. https://www.visitberlin.de/en/karl-marx-allee

2. Check out the East Side Gallery

   This 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall is covered in murals and graffiti that reflect the city's communist past. It's a great place to take a walk and see some of the city's most iconic street art. https://www.eastsidegallery-berlin.com/

3. Visit the DDR Museum

   This museum offers an interactive look at life in East Germany under communism. You can explore a typical East German apartment, sit in a Trabant car, and learn about the Stasi secret police. https://www.ddr-museum.de/en

4. Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial

   This museum and memorial site tells the story of the Berlin Wall and its impact on the city and its people. You can walk along a preserved section of the wall, see a watchtower and checkpoint, and learn about the people who risked their lives to escape to the West. https://www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/en/

5. Visit the Soviet War Memorial

   This imposing monument in Treptower Park was built to commemorate the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin. It's one of the largest Soviet memorials outside of Russia and is a powerful reminder of the city's wartime history. https://www.visitberlin.de/en/soviet-war-memorial-treptower-park

6. Explore the Red City Hall

   This impressive building in the heart of Berlin was the seat of the East German government and is now the home of the city's mayor. You can take a guided tour and learn about the building's history and architecture. https://www.berlin.de/rbmskzl/en/

7. Visit the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation: This organization is named after the famous socialist and offers a range of events and resources on left-wing politics and social justice. They also have a library and archive that you can visit. https://www.rosalux.de/en/
8. Attend a political rally or demonstration: Berlin is known for its active and engaged political scene, and there are often rallies, protests, and demonstrations taking place around the city. Check out the Berlin Events Calendar to find out what's happening during your visit. https://www.visitberlin.de/en/events-berlin
9. Take a street art tour: Berlin is home to some of the world's most innovative and politically charged street art. Take a tour to see some of the city's best examples and learn about the artists and their messages. https://alternativeberlin.com/tours/street-art-tour/