Berlin: a city that has been marred with conflict and has gained notoriety during the 20th century for Nazis and then the wall. Walking around, one can tell that the city is still in the stages of rebuilding both physically and mentally. However, this city also has a lively and hip scene that is definitely worth checking out.
Places to See
East Side Gallery — While this may be one of Berlin’s most popular and touristy attractions, the East Side Gallery offers some of Berlin’s most unique street art. The art is featured not in a traditional indoor gallery but is actually located on one side of the Berlin Wall. An obvious drawback to this is the opportunity for others to graffiti or paint over these works of art. To help combat this many fences have been put up over the more well-known pieces of art. When you’re there this may seem like a hindrance to your pictures, but it truly helps protect the art. The East Side Gallery is a must-see for anyone who wants to appreciate both old and new Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate — Known in German as the Brandenburgen Tor, the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most recognizable and iconic locations in Berlin. Originally constructed at the end of the 18th century, the gate has experienced a great deal of history, including Napoleon’s victory procession. Today, the gate functions as a tourist destination surrounded by many embassies. While it may seem contrite, you should definitely see the gate at least for a few minutes.
Food to Eat
Spree gold — Due to postwar reconstruction, the buildings of Berlin are much younger than the rest of Europe. This lends Berlin to have a much younger and cooler feel than more traditional European cities. One example of this is the café of Spreegold. In contrast to older cafés, Spreegold has a youthful vibe. Also in comparison to other cafés, Spreegold provides more substantial food (aka real meals) which can be hard to find in a majority of cafés. Overall, Spreegold provides a place for young people to come together and enjoy and good quality café experience.
Currywurst — Currywust is not a restaurant but a traditional German dish that you should not leave Berlin without trying. The dish combines sausage with curry and creates one of the most amazing street food dishes. Many different places around the city will offer this as an option, but the best currywust can be bought from a street vendor. The people making it at a stand in a flea market are the ones who really know how to authentically make it. This staple German food should not be missed.
Things to Do
Walking Tour — Tours can sometimes get a bad reputation due to their seemingly restrictive and packed itineraries, but in Berlin a walking tour can be a great investment. These tours can take you around the city to see famous landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag, and Humboldt University. The benefit to seeing these locations on a tour as opposed to going alone is the knowledge of the tour guide. Most tour guides are very knowledgeable about their city and will provide you with new information that would be difficult to find elsewhere. Walking tours give you the opportunity to quickly see the must-see places, and then give you more time to enjoy the city as a local.
Markets — In contrast to the walking tours, the markets around Berlin offer a much more local feel. On the weekends, these markets pop up all around the city, and each market specializes in different commodities. Some of these markets are known for their food, some for their books, and some for their art. If you have a special interest, do some research on the different markets. Or if you want a wide variety, visit multiple of them. They are located close together, and you will probably stumble on some markets unintentionally. They are great for souvenirs as well as experiencing the city like people who live there.
Berlin has had its ups and downs throughout the past century, but it is on the rise again. The city offers a balance of history with modern attractions, new and old, and there is something for everyone in the city.
