The Berlin Wall is a symbol of repression and division during the Cold War. Some of it is kept intact as a memorial and a lesson for future generations to heed. But there is one part of the Wall that serves as a symbol of joy, not sadness. This is the East Side Gallery, a 1.3-km section of the wall that is covered by over 100 colorful graffiti murals. These include caricatures, wacky abstract patterns, fantasy figures and messages.

One of the most well-known graffiti artworks is a kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker, president of East Germany, which was based on a real photo. The graffiti painting actually has its own name “My God, help me to survive this deadly love.” The kiss was part of what is known as a socialist fraternal kiss, done by communist leaders as a greeting during the 20th century.

Situated along the river Spree, the East Side Gallery is a very pleasant attraction to visit, not to mention it is completely free. As a plus, the Oberbaum bridge nearby, on which road traffic and the subway train travels, looks like a medieval castle with its two towers and Gothic style design.

How to get there: Get off at the Bahnof Warschauer Straße station (which is on both the S-bahn and U-bahn lines) and walk toward the river. Turn right (westwards) before the bridge over the river and walk straight and you will come upon the East Side Gallery.

Oberbaum bridge