On a city trip to vibrant Berlin
EuropeBerlin is both the capital and the largest city in Germany. Berlin boasts a mix of both old and modern buildings. The city boasts many must-see historical monuments. You'll also find charming eateries, street art, and vintage shops, especially in the southeastern part of the city.
Where to stay?
In my opinion, the charming Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg neighborhoods are my favorites when it comes to finding the best accommodation. You'll find plenty of great restaurants, shops, and bars here, and from here you can easily get around the rest of the city. It's recommended to buy a U-Bahn day pass, which allows you to hop on and off the metro all day and travel to other Berlin neighborhoods.
Things to do in Berlin
Must-see monuments and buildings
Reichstag: The parliament building is located on Platz der Republik. From the lawn, you can admire the building's exterior. For a fee, you can also visit the interior. Most people visit the Reichstag for the view. After its reconstruction, a glass dome was added to the building, offering panoramic views of the city.
Brandenburg Gate: The Brandenburg Gate is another unmissable monument in Berlin. Atop the twelve-columned gate stands a statue of a chariot with a goddess.
Holocaust Memorial: This impressive memorial consists of 2711 concrete blocks that you can walk through.
Berlin Wall: Remnants of the Berlin Wall can be seen in various places throughout the city, for example, on Bernauer Strasse. The East Side Gallery is the longest and most famous section of the wall and has been painted by various artists.
OOH! Cookies
If you're on your way to admire the monuments, stop by OOH! Cookies for a delicious cookie to take with you.
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Shopping at Mauerpark
During the week, Mauerpark is a fairly "normal" park with grass and trees, where people come to relax and exercise. On Sundays in the summer, one of Berlin's most famous and busiest flea markets, the Flohmarkt, takes place here, making the area resemble a large festival site. Besides the market, bands and musicians also perform, and sometimes there's even karaoke in the afternoon.
Great places to eat and drink near Mauerpark:
Cafe Neue Liebe
For delicious coffee, avocado toast, or a breakfast with a variety of sandwiches and toppings, Cafe Neue Liebe is the place to be. This charming coffee shop is about a 20-minute walk from Mauerpark.
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KASCHK by BRLO
This cozy brewpub is about a 20-minute walk from Mauerpark. They have a wide selection of craft beers, and the staff is friendly. They sell things like croissants and olives if you'd like a little snack with your beer.
View on Google MapsZeit für Brot
Zeit für Brot is also nearby. This bakery makes delicious cinnamon rolls, and they also sell a vegan version.
View on Google MapsCulture at the RAW-Gelände site
This former industrial estate is home to several clubs, restaurants, and terraces. Various graffiti murals can be admired around the site. A small but lively flea market is also held here every Sunday. A lively Weihnacht (Christmas market) is also held there in the winter.
Nice lunch spot near Räw-gelande:
Milch&Zucker
In this coffee house near RAW-Gelände you will find delicious breakfast plates, such as the 'vegan platter' or the 'cheese platter'.
View on Google MapsWatching a movie at the Freiluftkino
There are several open-air cinemas in Berlin. The largest is located in Volkspark Friedrichshain, which seats 3000 people. In Rehberge, there's a capacity of 1500. There's also an open-air cinema in the courtyard of the Bethanië art district in Kreuzberg. Performances are held there from early May to late September (depending on the location). Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Note: Most films are dubbed in German or in German with English subtitles.
Relax in the Tempelhofer Feld public park
Many people come to the grounds of the former Berlin-Tempelhof Airport to relax, picnic, or enjoy a drink on the grass. The long, flat, paved roads also make it a great spot for skating, cycling, or running. The park also features a section with flower and vegetable gardens. You can even admire a real airplane. It's especially busy in summer, but it's also a wonderful place for a walk in winter.
Delicious food near the Tempelerhof:
Alaska bar
Near the park on Reuterstraße, you can enjoy truly delicious vegan tapas. The cauliflower is highly recommended!
View on Google MapsWith monuments, markets and parks, Berlin is the perfect destination for a diverse city trip.
Useful information
Official language: German
Currency: Euro
Area: 891.8 km²
Best time to travel: From May to September, you have the best chance of nice, dry weather. If you want to visit the Christmas markets, November and December are the best times to go.
