Berlin through the lens: urban charm, iconic perspectives and creative photo spots
Berlin has plenty of cultural, historical and architectural highlights to offer. That's why the capital is one of the most photographed cities in the world. Do you still need inspiration for your next photo trip through Berlin? In this article, we present the most beautiful Berlin photo spots and give you valuable tips for a well-prepared tour.
Photography highlights Berlin - classic motifs of the capital
Berlin has no shortage of striking landmarks, historic buildings and urban squares that make for great photo opportunities. Photographing Berlin's most famous sights is by no means boring: with the right angle, even much-photographed places can be presented in a completely new light.
The Brandenburg Gate is probably Berlin's most iconic building, and even one of Germany's most important national symbols. It therefore goes without saying that it is an integral part of the recommendations when it comes to travel tips for Berlin. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the light at the Brandenburg Gate is fantastic for creative or classic shots.
Photographing here during the golden hour requires quick reactions and access to the right equipment. An inconspicuous camera bag like the Frankfurt Black Line ensures that your camera remains safely stowed away - discreet, stylish and ready for the next moment.
Berlin Cathedral stands in the middle of Museum Island in the center of Berlin. The imposing church impresses with its mighty dome and baroque details. From the Lustgarten, you can take a classic photo of the cathedral from the front. A quieter spot is located behind the cathedral on the banks of the Spree. Long exposures with reflections in the water and the Alte Nationalgalerie in the background can be taken from Friedrichsbrücke or James-Simon-Park. Interior shots and panoramic shots of the domed gallery are also very worthwhile and are extremely popular Instagram spots.
The Berlin TV Tower with its unique construction and significant history attracts thousands of visitors every day. It is worth photographing this popular Berlin photo spot from different perspectives and at different times of day. In the morning, soft light ensures a clear silhouette, while in the evening the tower shines impressively, especially with long exposures. For a complete shot of the sight, we recommend visiting the viewpoint of the ParkInn Hotel, which is located directly opposite the tower on Alexanderplatz.
Panoramic point Berlin on Potsdamer Platz
At Potsdamer Platz, you can visit the Panoramapunkt Berlin with a 360-degree panoramic view in the Kollhoff Tower. Conveniently, there is no glass pane on the terrace that could lead to reflections on the photo. You won't find a better place in the capital for a panoramic photo over the rooftops of Berlin, including the TV tower. The fastest elevator in Europe and the panorama café to recharge your batteries ensure comfort.
If you want to use different focal lengths or filters, you will benefit from a bag with flexible storage space. The Matterhorn 13" photo backpack not only offers space for a camera and accessories, but also for a notebook, ideal for photographers who move between locations.
Creative Berlin photo spots
Away from the well-known sights, Berlin offers many places where you can take particularly creative, unusual or atmospheric photos. We have selected two of the most interesting photo spots in Berlin where you can let your creativity run wild.
Teufelsberg is Berlin's most famous lost place and used to be an American listening station. It is located on an artificial hill in the Grunewald forest. The weathered buildings are sprayed with street art over a large area and create beautiful motifs when backlit. This popular Berlin photo spot invites beginners and professionals to practice and get creative.
On the RAW site, you can experience alternative Berlin in its most distinctive form and capture it with your camera. The former Reichsbahn repair works is now a loud, bustling and sometimes dirty place with large painted facades and street art. There are nightclubs, flea markets, creative workshops and much more here that can become the subject of your creative photo series.
A lean, well-organized solution is recommended in order to switch flexibly between different photo spots. With a high-quality and well thought-out camera bag, you can carry your equipment inconspicuously and stylishly - perfect for urban street photography.
Impressive urban perspectives
Berlin has a unique urban aesthetic that is evident in everyday scenes and close observations of the city's hustle and bustle. If you want to capture the lively spirit of the capital with your camera, the following locations are particularly suitable.
Photogenic restaurants and cafés
Berlin thrives on its café and restaurant scene. The interiors are often furnished with as much attention to detail as the food itself. Especially in the districts of Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg or Neukölln, you will find photogenic restaurants and cafés with retro furniture, plants and interesting light installations. When it's warm outside, Holzmarkt 25 with its relaxed atmosphere and many bars and restaurants right on the Spree is ideal for a photo session. You can discover many lovely details in this very special place. Incidentally, the best photos are taken here at dusk.
Subway stations
Some of Berlin's subway stations are real architectural insider tips and ideal for taking photos from interesting perspectives. These include subway stations such as Westhafen, Heidelberger Platz and Bundestag. The Museum Island and Paulsternstraße stops are also unusual, modern and creatively designed. It is best to visit these places early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to avoid the crowds. To capture as much of the interior of the station as possible, it is a good idea to use a wide-angle lens.
The most popular subway stations include Westhafen, Heidelberger Platz, Bundestag, Museum Island and Paulsternstraße. When photographing in dynamic environments such as the subway, safety is paramount. A camera strap with cut protection gives your camera a firm hold and protects it from unnoticed access and is a reassuring companion, especially in busy places.
Get the best out of your photo trip through Berlin
To ensure that your photo trip through Berlin is both creative and relaxed, it's worth preparing well. Apps such as PlanIt or PhotoPills can help you plan the light optimally and mark interesting locations in advance. This can prove extremely useful, especially if you want to take photos at the golden hour or for certain positions of the sun. You can also take a look at the weather to prepare pictures in a certain mood. Getting around by car in many areas of Berlin can be tedious and time-consuming. So think carefully about whether public transport is better suited to your photo tour. For longer photo tours or changing locations, a robust rucksack such as the Matterhorn 13" is suitable, which can comfortably transport your camera and personal equipment.
Also make sure you have the right equipment: lightweight camera systems are ideal for urban photography. A compact camera with fast autofocus is particularly practical in the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are many different opinions when it comes to the choice of lens for system cameras. Wide-angle lenses are generally ideal for photographing architecture. However, standard lenses with a diameter of 35 or 50 mm are also popular as all-rounders for everyday scenes and street photography. If you are planning to take detailed shots of subjects from a distance, a telephoto lens may also be the ideal option. If you don't mind the weight and want to remain flexible, it may be worth taking several lenses with you.
