Gendarmenmarkt Plaza

Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Hours: Open 24 hours (public square)

Admission: Free (public square)

Gendarmenmarkt is a formal square in central Berlin known for its symmetrical arrangement of the Konzerthaus Berlin flanked by the Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom. The square dates to the late 17th and 18th centuries and is one of Berlin’s principal ceremonial and cultural spaces.

The central Konzerthaus, completed in the early 19th century to a design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, is used for concerts and events. The two domed churches on either side were built in the early 18th century and now contain exhibition spaces and a public viewing platform in the French Cathedral tower.

The square is pedestrianised and frequently used for concerts, festivals and the well-known Christmas market in December, making it a focal point for both tourists and residents.

Gendarmenmarkt lies in the Mitte district of Berlin, within walking distance of Unter den Linden, the Brandenburg Gate and other central attractions, and is well served by public transport.

• Christmas market: A popular Christmas market takes place on the square during Advent, combining seasonal stalls with the classical backdrop of the three principal buildings.

What to See#

• Konzerthaus Berlin: Konzerthaus Berlin occupies the centre of the square; designed by Schinkel and completed in the early 19th century, it functions as a concert hall and cultural venue.
• Französischer Dom (French Cathedral): Französischer Dom sits on the north side and contains a tower with a public viewing platform that looks over the square and central Berlin.
• Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral): Deutscher Dom stands on the south side and houses an exhibition on the history of the parliament and political institutions in Germany in addition to its landmark dome.

Gendarmenmarkt is in central Berlin (Mitte) on the square between Französische Straße and Leipziger Straße. Take the U-Bahn U2 to Hausvogteiplatz or Stadtmitte - both are roughly a 5-10 minute walk to the square - or S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße/S Bahnhof area and walk (10-15 minutes). Many central bus routes also stop within a short walk of the market.

• Visit at dusk when the Deutscher Dom, Französischer Dom and Konzerthaus are illuminated for particularly atmospheric views and better photos.
• If you're in Berlin in December, plan to see the well‑known Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market; outside winter, check the Konzerthaus concert schedule-attending a performance reveals the square's acoustics and interior spaces that many walk past.
• Take a moment to compare the façades of the German and French Cathedrals and explore the small side streets nearby-many visitors don't notice the contrasting architectural details and quieter courtyards off the main square.