World renowned nightlife, charming markets and fascinating history dominates what to do in Berlin. In this blog I’ll be providing top tips on must-visit places in Berlin.
When you think of Berlin, what springs to mind? Is it the mouth watering currywurst, a relaxing afternoon spent at Schlachtensee basking in the sun or the rich history surrounding you as you stroll through the city streets? Personally, I believe Berlin to be the party capital of Europe with several powerhouse nightclubs driving the European techno scene to new heights. With this in mind, my first recommendation is to visit one of Berlin’s famous nightclubs to experience a clubbing adventure like no other. The most famous club is must visit Berghain. This techno institution, situated in an old power plant for maximum vintage feels, is the beating heart of Berlin’s club scene. The problem with The Berghain is the strict door policy which is in place to assure the right crowd creates the right party. If you’re one of the many who has been denied entry, no need to fret, several great alternatives such as: Suicide Circus, Sisyphos or Tresor are more accommodating and not far away either. More info regarding location, dress codes and door policies can be found here: http://www.berlinclubs.com/
Image: Tiergartens, Berlin.
Another must do thing in Berlin is the walking tour of the city. For the price of a pint or coffee (payment is voluntary) you can walk around and be taught about the city, ranging from WWII era to present day. Famous sites include the Holocaust memorial, the Berlin wall, the Reichstag and the Tiergartens. The tour guides are fun and help to bring the history to life. Throughout the tour your guide will talk to you about what daily life is like for a Berliner. A walking tour is my favourite way to explore a new city and this should definitely be prioritised.
It’s a hot summer’s day and you’re in need of break from the blistering heat of the city? An iced coffee won’t suffice, but what do you do? Along the wooded outskirts of Berlin, you’ll find pristine and clean lakes. One such lake is Schlachtensee to the west of the city. The lakes are one of Berlin’s most popular attractions, especially amongst the locals. These lakes are a perfect escape from the busyness of the city and are well suited for picnics, swimming and woodland rambles. Getting to and from the lakes is super easy and the lakes are accessible by bus or by Ubahn. Further information can be found here: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/schlachtensee
Image:Berlin TV Tower
Looking for a more relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploration? Berlin TV tower offers the perfect solution and is one of the best attractions the city has to offer. Situated next to Alexanderplatz in the heart of Berlin you can ride to the top of the TV tower for little over 20 euro to catch a sunset over the city skyline. The tower also boasts an impressive restaurant with 360 views of the city. Berlin TV tower dominates the city skyline and as such arguably offers the best views of the city. This is one not to be missed! More information can be found through the official website here: https://tv-turm.de/en/
Image: Markthalle Neun food hall
Berlin is a hugely multicultural and vibrant city. As a result of this, a wide variety of different ethnic foods and cuisines can be found in the city. At Dong Xuan in the north east of the city you can find an authentic Vietnamese market with several restaurants and traditional shops. I’d highly recommend trying a Banh Mi or some Vietnamese spring rolls! Another marketplace worth trying is Markthalle Neun (9) which boasts Schnitzels, Bratwursts and cheeses along with a wide selection of foods from all over the globe. Markthalle Neun is perfectly situated for some midday lunch and enjoy it in one of the nearby parks or by the river. One food that is not to be missed in your travels to Berlin is the much adored Currywurst. Legend has it that it all started when a woman in East Berlin mixed ketchup and curry powder together. These days, currywurst is the staple comfort food of Berliners and can be found at small shop stalls and takeaways throughout the city. In my opinion the best food in Berlin is the Doner Kebab. The Doner comes from Turkey but has made itself at home in Berlin. Many Turkish themed takeaways and restaurants sell Doners and thankfully these filling and delicious snacks are generally priced around 4/5 euro.
Image: East Side Gallery
Finally, one of Berlin’s must-see sites in the famous East Side Gallery. Regardless of if you’re an art lover or not the East Side Gallery is a top tourist attraction should be a priority when visiting Berlin. The East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin Wall which has been taken over by artists and shows the history and culture of the city through art. This is a great way to learn about the history of the city and can be enjoyed at one’s own pace.
Mouth-watering currywurst, midday lake swims and some of the most unique history on the planet make up Berlin. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my top tips on what to do and where to go in Berlin. Enjoy your trip and leave comments on the post about any recommendations you’d like to add.
Auf Wiedersehen!