The church itself was built in 10 years between 1220 and 1230, around the same time as the Marienkirche on nearby Alexanderplatz. Two architects, Johann Carl Friedrich Dauthe and Hermann Blankenstein were involved in the designing of the Nikolaikirche and it was constructed predominantly in a Romanesque style. However, the many reconstructions the church underwent over the years changed it to a more Gothic design. The interior is light and airy, with ten pillars, black beams and wooden floorboards. It is large, yet still gives the impression of being cosy. At the front of the church, the focal point is a suspended statue of Jesus Christ on the cross. The exterior is extremely traditional, with a grey slab roof and stone walls and at first glance it doesn't reveal the elegance of the interior.

Initially, Nikolaikirche was Roman Catholic, however after the Protestant Reformation it became a Lutheran church. Throughout the 17th Century, the ministers changed often; one of the most unexpected choices was hymn-writer Paul Gerhardt. Originally, he was in charge of the church’s music before he became a priest. The well-known Lutheran priest Phillip Jacob Spencer was the minister from 1691 to 1705. Dr Wilhelm Wessel was minister from 1913 to 1923 and caused great scandal when his Nazi sympathising son Horst used the church to carry out the Nazi propaganda. The church was totally destroyed after severe Allied bombings during World War II. On the outside front wall there are three famous plaques recalling the church's history, its destruction during the war and the reconstruction, which didn't take place until 1981, when the authorities of the German Democratic Republic sanctioned the rebuilding using the old design and plans.

Today the church no longer functions as a place for religious services and there are no pews inside. There is however, a selection of fold away, black chairs providing comfortable seating. In the evening, it is used by dance groups, scouts and for various other meetings. Towards the front, there is a stage, which is used for plays, concerts or sermons. Its main purpose is as a concert venue and a historical museum. It has amazing acoustics and during the reconstruction, it was equipped with a fine set of 41 bells, not included in the original designs.

The Nikolaikirche runs tours of the establishment every day, with three different tours available; one shows guests the bells and the stairway, which is ornately painted with illustrations of Jesus and Mary. The bells are all of differing sizes and during certain times of the day, you can assist the bell ringers. Another tour covers the interior, where you learn about the history and its design as well as taking in its pure elegance and refined decorations. There's also a tour covering both the interior and exterior.