We would consider this a ‘must do’ for any Berlin visitors who want to learn more about the Nazis and the atrocities conducted throughout their reign. It is split into two main parts. Indoors, concentrates on the rise and fall of the Nazis. There are loads of wall panels, photographs and lots of reading, presented in chronological order. These, of course, include some disturbing images and descriptions of the outrages committed on their victims. There is lots of reading, which means lots of standing, although there are quite a few seats around but these are mainly just slightly too far away from the panels to read them properly. Outside, running below a stretch of the Berlin Wall (which is not the focus here) are more panels with text and photographs mainly concentrating on the impact of the Nazis and the war on Berlin/Berliners. Even though this is outdoors, the displays are all covered, meaning the whole place – in and out – can be visited in inclement weather. We spent two to three hours here, which included a stop at the pleasant on-site café. It is free to visit and, although we didn’t bother, there is an audio guide which is also free of charge. In all, despite being tiring on the legs, a well presented, important place to visit. Not really suitable for children, we would recommend it highly to older teens and adults.

The Topography of Terror provides an incredible overview and gives incredible depth and insight into the history of Germany. Both the museum and the outdoor exhibition are carefully structured and easy to navigate. Would recommend for it to not see other historical sites on the day you visit here as it can be information overload.

This is a must-see. Without a lot of drama or moralizing, this exhibit quietly details Germany's gradual descent into Nazism. It illustrates how apparently decent family men and women and a gradual accumulation of often innocent-sounding laws all combined to create one of history's most horrific campaigns. You can go through this rather quickly and just focus on a few of the exhibits, or you could spend a day here. Displays like pictures of Mengele, Hoess and other Auschwitz officers relaxing and joking on a cigarette break, the month-by month list of laws passed, and the meticulous records of categories of prisoners and their disposition, give an immediacy and reality to something that most of us only have experienced as words on a page. This also shows how well Germany as a nation has owned and acknowledged its past. They take school children here. The US could learn a lot from their approach.

For a free museum, the quality and level of detail of the exhibitions is excellent. The site itself is based on the site of the former SS headquarters. I recommend starting by walking the perimeter of the site and viewing the outside exhibition. It contains a meticulously curated timeline of Nazi history from the origins of the Nazi Party right up the conclusion of the 2nd world war and the consequent Nuremberg Trials. Naturally, some of the exhibitions are upsetting. But for a comprehensive understanding of the role the Nazi Party played in 20th century Germany, Topography of Terror is a must visit. I didn’t take out an audio guide so I cannot comment on whether it is a worthwhile purchase.

This place was amazing, great in depth detail of the horrors that were committed from the rise of the nazi regime to their fall.....also very detailed section of Reinhard Heydrich. We spent over 3 hours in here and were fascinated every minute....The thoughts of the horrors that were committed in the space(original building is no longer rhere) is terrifying. There is a large section of the Berlin wall that still stands on this area and some underground sections of tiled rooms. The museum is free to enter and all pictures are described in both German and English.... Would recommend as a must visit if in Berlin.

An inside , outside museum highlighting the rise and fall of the Nazis , it’s free to visit and provides you with a chronological history of Hitler and the Nazis . Well worth a visit. You can even see a big section of the Berlin Wall.

First time in Berlin and one thing I would say this museum doesn’t scrimp on information, doesn’t hold back and tells the truth on what happened in Germany during WW2. So many schools were in there so it’s great they are teaching the next generation to make sure this type of things never happen again. It’s also a free museum very close to check point Charlie very good.

This is an incredible museum in Berlin, full of information and very saddening. Also free and involved no waiting at all! There's a lot of reading and the content is very confronting so I would recommend an audio guide especially if you're planning to visit after other activities. I visited after a walking tour and I didn't get an audio guide but regretted it, my brain felt so full by the end of the day (not a bad thing, just prepare yourself). Definitely recommend!

Really interesting show for the graphic info shown. We went on a Monday morning but I think the weekend is really busy and difficult to experience since it also has free entry. However very well done, not to be missed.

Start with the free preview/movie. Talk with one of the employees at the front desk, who will guide you to a room to watch it. After that, you start the journey. The pictures help the story so much that I found myself constantly "Googling" more information about minor characters who had their lives altered by what happened in the 1930s-1940s. You may need a break so there's plenty of seating inside. After, there's more information outside. Then you keep walking and wrap around the path to stare face-to-face with the Berlin Wall. 4 stars instead of 5 because the mental fatigue is real. There is no way anyone read and absorbed every single piece even if you gave them 2 full hours. It was almost like a book so some names pop up again a bit later and you may have forgotten some things they did as you slog your way through the museum. Maybe some interactive portions could help jolt patrons.