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Vibrant street art on the Berlin Wall, captured amidst a lively urban atmosphere.
All attractions

East Side Gallery

Berlin, Germany
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people standing near white and purple wall with graffiti during daytime

Photo by Marie Rouilly

The air hums with a blend of languages, the murmur of history colliding with the present. Here, standing before the East Side Gallery, the longest open-air gallery in the world, you can't help but feel the weight and vibrancy of Berlin. This remarkable stretch of the Berlin Wall, transformed into a canvas, features murals that scream, whisper, and muse about freedom, oppression, hope, and despair. As smells of street food waft through the air and the clang of a distant tram rings out, visitors and locals alike stroll along, deep in thought or snapping photos.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Contact Information

Location
Address
Mühlenstraße, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Visiting the East Side Gallery is a journey through art and time. For fewer crowds and cooler weather, April to May and September to October offer the best conditions. The gallery is outdoors, stretched along the River Spree, making it easily accessible anytime. Here's a quick rundown for your planning:

  • Best time to visit: Late spring or early fall, midweek mornings
  • How to get there: Take the S-Bahn to Ostbahnhof or Warschauer Straße stations
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs, families, and seniors
  • Average visit duration: 1-2 hours

Must see stuff

Among the myriad of poignant and vibrant murals, certain pieces beg for your attention. Don't miss the iconic 'Fraternal Kiss' by Dmitri Vrubel, or Birgit Kinder’s ‘Test the Rest’, depicting a Trabant car smashing through the wall. Each painting tells a unique story of world events and personal perspectives from when the Wall fell.

  • Key sights: 'Fraternal Kiss', 'Test the Rest'
  • Unique experiences: Walk the mile-long stretch while listening to an audio guide
  • Photo-worthy locations: Standouts include the art covering the Wall segment near Oberbaum Bridge
  • Cultural or historical facts: The gallery was founded in 1990, right after the fall of the Wall

Tips for your visit

To make the most out of your visit to the East Side Gallery, here are a few insider tips. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to capture photos without the crowds. The weather in Berlin can be unpredictable, so bring a raincoat and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Visit early in the morning or during weekdays
  • What to bring: Camera, comfy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
  • Local etiquette: Respect the art by not touching or marking the murals
  • Safety or comfort advice: Stay alert in crowds and keep your belongings secure