A guide to a city break in the vibrant German capital
At 9 times the size of Paris, Berlin can seem impossible to try navigate as a mini-break. Famously one of Europe's largest and most sprawling cities, the German capital boasts a vast array of cultural, historical and artistic sights and experiences. While the city is large, public transport links are excellent so as long as you plan your itenarary and use some tips from this article you'll be sure to have a super time!
Transport: Berlin Welcomecard
A must-have for anyone visiting Berlin, the Welcomecard grants you free travel within the city on the busses, trams and the underground rail service (the U-Bahn), as well as providing you with discounts to various museums. Tickets are available at https://www.berlin-welcomecard.de/en starting at only €23 for 48 hours of travel.
Top sights
Brandenburg gate
Located in the western part of the city centre of Berlin, in the Historic Mitte, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th Century by order of the Prussian king Frederick William II, as a symbol of peace and was initally named the Peace Gate. The monument stands at 26 metres tall and is topped off with a statue known as the Quadriga, which depicts a statue of the goddess of victory driving a chariot pulled by four horses. Throughout its existence, the Brandenburg Gate was often a site for major historical events and is today considered not only as a symbol of the tumultuous history of Europe and Germany, but also of European unity and peace.
Cost: Free!
Reichstag Building
The Reichstag is the home of the German government, but don't worry, it's a lot more interesting than a visit to the Dáil at home here in Ireland! Fun fact: Berlin's government sat in Koln following the second world war and only after the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1991 did parliament vote to return the official capital and seat of parliament to Berlin. Construction of the dome began after this date.
Cost: Free!
Top tip: Book in advance to take a tour inside the building's glass dome. This is also free, and provides incredible views of the city!
East-Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest open-air gallery in the world. Running along the footprint of a portion of the Berlin Wall, various artists from around the world have created works of art symbolising peace and unity, painting directly onto remnants of the wall itself. There is also a large amount of graffiti to be seen, again portraying messages of hope, peace and unity. The East Side Gallery is located at Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreutzberg, an easy bus ride from the centre of the city!
Cost: Free!
Jewish Memorial
Also known as the Holocaust memorial, this was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold in memory of the victims of the Nazis in the second world war. Building began in April 2003 and was completed in December 2004. It consists of a 19,000-square-metre site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. The effect is one of great disorientation when walking through the maze-like pattern. An impressive piece of art and engineering, definitely worth a visit! And it's right around the corner from the Brandenburg gate!
Cost: Free!
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the main crossing point between East and West Berlin during the cold war. Travel was mostly prohibited from the Soviet East to the democratic West, and vice-versa. Anyone seeking to cross needed governmental permission to do so, and many people died attemting to cross the city's wall. Checkpoint Charlie provides insight into Berlin during the cold war, what it might have been like living in a city divided.
Cost: Free!
Food
Breakfast/Brunch: Brammibals Donuts
Treat yourself to a white chocolate and matcha donut, or enjoy a savoury bagel with hummus & pesto alongside a delicious coffee. Everything at Brammibals is excellent, and is also plant-based, so you can enjoy your brunch/afternoon snack/whatever you want it to be completely guilt free! Find Brammibals donuts at Potsdamer Platz, at Prenzlauerberg and in Kreutzberg. https://www.brammibalsdonuts.com/
Cost: Donuts €2.50-3, Bagels €5
Breakfast/Lunch: Father Carpenter
Drop in here for an excellent breakfast as a start to your day, or as a re-fuel at lunchtime. This cosy neighbourhood spot serves up dishes so delicious they will definitetly have you planning your return visit! Find Father Carpenter near Alexanderplatz in the Historic Mitte area of the city. https://www.fathercarpenter.com/
Top tip: Go for the overnight chipotle beans on sourdough toast (pictured above), they are incredible!
Cost: Mains €8-12
Dinner: Ryong
The chefs at Ryong combine recipes from Vietnamese and Japanese cuisines to create an incredible menu including fresh spelt and pho noodles, bao-burgers with tempura crusts and bento boxes with a delicious selection of vegetables, pickles and herbs. The result is one of the most exciting array of flavours you will experience in a Berlin restaurant. Plan to have a feast here, you'll want to try everything once you see the menu! Find Ryong at Torstraße, not far from Alexanderplatz. http://ryong.de/
Cost: Appetizers €3.50-5.50, Mains €8-10
Top tip: Sample a glass (or two!) of sake with your meal!
Dinner: Kopps
Mentioned as one of the best vegetarian restaurants worldwide by the New York Times, Kopps is a must for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, as the food must be experienced to be believed! A truly incredible culinary experience made only more special by the wonderful service and ambient setting. Find Kopps at Koppenplatz, again in the Historic Mitte! https://www.kopps-berlin.de/en/
Top tip: A special menu is offered at a lower price of €25 on Tuesday evenings, a great way to treat yourself to an amazing meal without breaking the bank!
Have we convinced you? Get booking those flights so!