Berlin Travel Tips from an Insider

We are passionate in regards to the locations that we provide, having traveled to all of them and, as with lots of our group members, having lived there too! Here is a first-person account of what it’s like to go to Berlin, Germany and a few nice Berlin journey ideas from our Enchanting professional Nurit Hod.

First Impressions of Berlin

Growing up I had combined emotions about Berlin. I inherited the holocaust traumas from my grandparents on one hand, and but, I used to be at all times curious to expertise town that was the birthplace of Bauhaus design, the backdrop to Erich Kästner’s books, and town of Cabaret.

In spring 1987, I participated in a highschool alternate program with Germany and had my first alternative to go to Berlin. The Berlin Wall was proper behind the outdated Reichstag, the historic legislative constructing. And Checkpoint Charlie — the most effective recognized crossing level between East and West Berlin  — was not a photo-op location for vacationers however the unhappy actuality Berliners lived via. At that point, Berlin appeared grey and miserable, similar to within the 1981 movie ‘Christiane F’, a biographical drama set in Nineteen Seventies West Berlin.

A Modern Renaissance in Berlin

Fast ahead to some many years later and my return to Berlin was a totally totally different expertise. 

Berlin’s heavy but wealthy historical past is obvious in all places, proper subsequent to a number of the world’s greatest artwork and tradition, structure, delicacies and extra.

I discovered that Berlin has been going via a contemporary renaissance, though I usually felt that I used to be going again in time. Berlin’s heavy but wealthy historical past is obvious in all places, proper subsequent to a number of the world’s greatest museums, traditional and fashionable structure, a vibrant artwork scene, eclectic culinary experiences, and limitless nightlife decisions. Truly, Berlin’s enchantment lies in its profitable mix of previous, current and future.

If you’re in Berlin, don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate (picture above), Museum Island, markets, museums, parks and beer gardens and pubs. 

Besides these should see vacationer sights, listed below are my prime Berlin journey ideas.

1. Walk alongside the East Side Gallery on the banks of the Spree River in Friedrichshain; it’s a beautiful image of Berlin’s enduring spirit and resilience. 

2. Explore the stylish Kreuzberg, Mitte and Friedrichshain central districts (do take a peek on the lovely hidden courtyards).

3. Visit The Topography of Terror museum, an indoor and outside historical past museum which was as soon as the central location of the Nazi regime.

4. Spend Sunday at Mauerpark, a peaceable set on the land that when separated the partitions of East and West Berlin.

5. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Charlottenburg, previous lovely pre-war buildings and stylish boutiques.

6. Take a day tour to Potsdam, recognized for its grand UNESCO-listed historic buildings and idyllic open areas.

7. Enjoy the Tiergarten’s biergartens, with leafy outside areas by the canal or lakeside the place you possibly can sit down and revel in beer and wine.

8. Watch a cabaret present to witness a improbable mix of music, artwork and satire unfold in a uniquely Berliner method.

9. Embark on a nostalgic culinary journey with East German meals at Volkskammer, the place genuine flavors provide a style of Berlin’s historical past.

10. Drink a refreshing glass of Berliner Weisse “rot” or “grün” (crimson or inexperienced), a conventional German wheat beer originating in Berlin.

Discover extra issues to do in Germany.

”Berlin is a multifaceted European capital: fascinating, lovely, cultured, inventive, artsy, quirky, fashionable, trendy, and funky!” – Nurit Hod, Travel Consultant

Recommended Tours in Berlin

Explore Berlin’s Alternative Cultural Scene by Bike

This bike tour takes you throughout a number of the most iconic districts within the metropolis, beginning from Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg. Armed with a neighborhood information, you trip via Mauerpark with its famend flea market and amphitheater. From the colourful central district of Friedrichshain, you’ll cross the river and head to the sprawling neighborhood of Kreuzberg, recognized for its laid again cafes, thrift retailers and avenue artwork. An professional in all issues Berlin, your information shares data and anecdotes about this dynamic metropolis whilst you learn the way its cultural scene has been formed via the years.  

See Berlin’s Street Art on Foot

Discover probably the most beloved elements of Berlin’s cultural scene – avenue artwork! This metropolis has lots to supply – from installations to large murals, hidden stencils, stickers and extra, which have put Berlin’s avenue artwork scene on the world map. On this strolling tour with a neighborhood information and artwork fanatic, you begin on the Berlin Wall, by the long-lasting murals of the East Side Gallery. You can even take the U-Bahn to find various and underground venues, and achieve perception into Berlin’s wealthy cultural heritage, showcasing how avenue artwork has develop into an integral a part of town’s id. 

Explore extra excursions to Germany.

Where To Stay in Berlin

The Regent Berlin – Set within the bustling Mitte district on the coronary heart of historic Berlin, this grand lodge is only some steps away from sights similar to Brandenburg Gate, the Opera House and Reichstag. Part of the InterContinental group, rooms listed below are elegantly designed with plush furnishings, and a number of other provide panoramic views of Berlin. Amenities embrace a spa and sauna, in addition to a number of eating choices similar to a recent restaurant, courtyard terrace and a bar.

Angleterre – Located subsequent to Checkpoint Charlie in a historic constructing, this refurbished boutique property affords trendy rooms fitted with fashionable facilities. Apart from a 24-hour entrance desk, room service, and concierge, the lodge additionally affords a spa and sauna. There can be a restaurant on the premises that serves Italian delicacies, in addition to up to date bar. The Angleterre’s handy location make it an supreme base to discover sights similar to Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate.