Berlin’s central district is a convergence of quaint residential streets, sprawling Soviet squares and some of Europe’s most revered museums.

Divided by the Berlin Wall for decades and now separated into several vastly differing neighborhoods, Berlin’s Mitte offers an intriguing cross section of the city. The district’s staggering TV tower rises from AlexanderplatzOpens in a new window and has become a symbol of the city since its construction during the Cold War. Visit the fashionable shopping districts, an island dedicated to cultural institutions and some of Germany’s finest restaurants. Spend a day exploring the district on foot to see many of Berlin’s major attractions and to engage with its cosmopolitan residents going about their daily lives.

Start your exploration at Alexanderplatz, home to Berlin’s TV Tower (Fernsehturm)Opens in a new window. At 1,207 feet (368 meters) tall, the tower is one of the tallest structures in Germany and in the European Union. Walk around the pedestrianized area surrounding the tower to discover the World Time Clock installation as well as restaurants, bars and hotels. Beneath your feet you’ll find the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station, one of the busiest in the city.

Walk the short distance to Hackescher MarktOpens in a new window for excellent shopping. Choose between independent boutiques and international fashion outlets. The residential area to its north, between Linienstrasse and Torstrasse, is home to a number of small restaurants, cozy bars and the KW Institute, one of Berlin’s leading contemporary art institutions.

For more art and cultural museums, travel to Museum Island (Museumsinsel)Opens in a new window. Originally the sister city of Berlin, named Cölln, the island’s history dates back to the 13th century. Today the northern part of the island is known as Museum Island, the site of many of the city’s most significant museums and galleries, including the Pergamon Museum, the Old National Gallery and the New Museum. Purchase bundled tickets to see multiple institutions.

Join a walking tour departing from Alexanderplatz to see the historic sites of the city center, including Checkpoint CharlieOpens in a new window, the Brandenburg GateOpens in a new window and the Holocaust MemorialOpens in a new window also known as Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Mitte is well served by tram, train and bus. Find parking in lots and on streets throughout the area.