It can be confusing where to start if you are planning a visit to the city of Berlin. Look no further! Looking at some of the tips we have outlined below, one can be sure that Berlin may be a whole new world to him/ her. Discover the best that Berlin has to offer in terms of destination, sights to see and foods to taste through this article.
1. Getting Around Berlin
There are a few facts about Berlin that you should get to know right off the bat and the first is that the public transport is very good. The public transportation in the city involves buses, trams, U-Bahn, the subway, S-Bahn, the commuter rail. For the best experience, please get the Berlin Welcome Card which provides free access to all the city sights and major attractions, as well as free or discounted travel on all public transport in Berlin for the duration of the card’s validity.
Contrary to most people’s imagination, Berlin is a large city, though most of the famous sites are located within walking distance from each other. Go for a walk in the Unter den Linden Boulevards where they join; Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral.
2. Historical Landmarks
Every trip to Berlin cannot be complete without making a tour through the rich history. Start from the holocaust memorial, a memorial that honors the Jewish men and women who died during World War II. In the near vicinity, interestingly, is one of the main symbols of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate that symbolizes unity and freedom.
To get more acquainted with the Berlin Wall and division of the city during the Cold War, visit the East Side Gallery. This long stretch of the wall contains interesting murals painted by various artists from different parts of the world.
2.1 Museum Island
For history lovers, it would be wrong not to visit the famous Museum Island. Juxtaposed in the historical centre of Germany’s capital referring to the ancient world civilization, the site includes five major museums in the world including the Pergamon Museum displaying artifacts of Greece and Babylonia. Due to the various museums, one may take an entire day in the mall to visit all of them.
3. Walking through Berlin Neighborhoods
The distinct character and mood of each Berlin’s district can fit any preference and mood. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
3.1 Mitte
The largest district of Berlin is known as Mitte, and it’s here that you’ll find most of the city’s well-known attractions. It is also an area that contains numerous chic shops, coffee shops and art galleries. Surely one mustn’t omit Hackescher Markt – an actively developing area with numerous shops and places to eat.
3.2 Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is famous due to its clubs and some ethnic areas. Explore its vast art scene in its countless number of galleries or taste international street foods at Markthalle Neun.
3.3 Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg is a bit more artistic and something more of a hipster area with its cafes and green areas. Go see parts of Berlin’s history and culture with a tour of the Kulturbrauerei that was once a brewery now house music venues, theaters and shops.
4. Culinary Delights
It seems to be symmetric to the districts; Berlin is a big city with an incredibly diverse choice in local eating establishments. Don’t leave the city without trying these local favorites:
- Currywurst: It is a common fast food like sausage grilled or fried and served covered with curry ketchup.
- Döner kebab: Originating from Turkey, this tasty delight was brought to Berlin by immigrants; meat, fresh vegetables and sauce are its components.
- Berliner Pfannkuchen: Satisfy your hunger with the Berliner, a jelly-filled doughnut, that is eaten specially on the New Year celebration.
- Also, the international food choice primarily located in Berlin is numerous. An assortment of dishes that spans from Vietnamese noodle soup, the popular Pho to Middle Eastern appetizers called the Mezze.
5. Markets and Shopping
Another way to explore the city and buy something different is to visit one of Berlin’s markets. Maybachufer Turkish Market is the open-air market with fresh food and spices in a beautiful atmosphere.
If you’re looking for vintage clothing go to Mauerpark Flea Market which takes place every Sunday. Here you find stalls with clothing, accessories, vinyl records stands as well as several food sellers all enhanced by live music.
6. Enjoying Berlin’s Parks
Unquestionably, there are a lot of places in Berlin to take a break and enjoy the fresh air. For a place where you would lay down your blanket, for a picnic, Tiergarten, the largest park in Berlin with an area of over 520 hectares is among the best.
If you want to go to a park with nice views you should go to the Volkspark Friedrichshain. It has a beautiful rose garden, an attractive fairy tale fountain, and even the open-air cinema in summer.
Conclusion
Berlin welcomes you to learn its unique history, colorful districts, tasty cuisine, and friendly green areas. It is very important for any art or history enthusiast, or for those who are simply in love with Berlin’s mood. Read on for tips on where to go and what you can do in order to make your trip to this vastly thrilling city possible.