Europe’s coolest capital? Well, Berlin is definitely up there.
For somewhere so steeped in history and conflict, Germany’s capital is rapidly stealing the show from the rest of Western Europe’s popular hangouts.
With a combination of glamorous style and urban cool, Berlin has been reborn, dusting off the rubble of post-war Germany and quickly turning into a young and vibrant city of culture, business, art and music.
With its world-famous club scene and numerous cultural events throughout the year, Berlin now attracts thousands of young travellers, but no matter how modern and progressive it becomes, Berlin will never forget its history.
With the physical remains of the divisive Berlin Wall era still evident throughout the city and numerous Holocaust and war memorials, walking through Berlin is like walking through a school history textbook. When you visit this city, make some time to reflect on the events that shaped this remarkable city.
Here I’m going to give you the ultimate guide of what Berlin is all about, and tips to help you explore the city more like a local and avoid a repeat JFK’s famous words “Ich bin ein Berliner”.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
A temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Any time of year, but November to March get the best deals. Gets very busy and expensive around certain major events.
Getting There and Away
As the capital of Germany, Berlin is very well connected. With cheap flights available from many European destinations it’s an easy place to visit all year round.
For land travel, Berlin is ideally located in the middle of Europe’s great rail network, with train connections to Munich and Hamburg, as well as international connections to Amsterdam, Prague and Austria, making it a perfect stop on a European InterRail adventure.
Berlin Airport
Berlin’s international airport is 8 km northwest of the city. Buses to the city depart every 5-10 minutes between the hours of 5 am and midnight, or you can grab a taxi for the 25 minute journey.
Where to Stay
It wasn’t long ago that the city was still split in two by the divisive Berlin Wall, with the contrasts between the east and west parts of the city still noticeable today, but these days many of the Eastern neighbourhoods have been regenerated to draw in the young creatives.
Mitte is one of the most popular neighbourhoods to stay in, right in the city centre and full of art galleries, museums, picturesque squares, Michelin-starred restaurants and fancy hotels.
Friedrichshain is another good district to stay in, with plenty of bars and budget hotels, and easy access to the lush, green Tiergarten and the city’s most historic sites south of the river.
If you’re heading to Berlin for the nightlife, the hip and artsy neighbourhoods of Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg are ideal.
Browse hotels on Booking.com.
Best Things to Do in Berlin
East meets west, old meets new; this bubbling metropolis has a past to intrigue and a future to excite, grand buildings, momentous history, legendary nightlife and a compulsive café society, whilst the extensive parks and lakes will surprise and delight many.
Undisputed emblems of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate, the grandiose avenue of Unter den Linden and the nearby Reichstag parliament building which symbolise the momentous past and modern resurgence of the city.
If you’re looking for an edifice that reflects the power and stature of government, the Reichstag Building is about as imposing as they come. After the founding of the German Empire in 1872, there was a need for a large parliamentary home in Berlin.
Construction took place between 1884 and 1894, mainly funded with wartime reparation money from France. Much of it was destroyed by a fire in 1933 and the central dome and most of the ornamentation were removed during reconstruction after the war.
After re-unification the decision was made to move the Bundestag from Bonn back to Berlin, resulting in the latest reconstruction which was completed in 1999. The design by Sir Norman Foster added a remarkable glass dome over the plenary hall, now one of the city’s most recognised landmarks.
The Reichstag is the parliament building where, like in Washington D.C., a lot of important stuff goes down. All of the tours are absolutely free, and can be arranged beforehand or by showing up early in the morning.
I was lucky enough to arrange a tour beforehand, which takes you into the plenary chamber (where the debate is held), something not available when arriving the day of. If you plan on entering the Reichstag without a reservation, be sure to do so early in the day (unless you like waiting in line!).
Of course a visit to remnants of the infamous wall, be sure to walk back behind the display for about a block and on the right hand side of the road, you should see an almost forgotten sniper tower (one of the last still standing).
From here head to Checkpoint Charlie border post too, a must see tourist attraction as is a pause at the poignant Gedaechtniskirche memorial church, a relic of the Second World War, this bombed church remains standing as a reminder of the destructive power of war.
Take some time to appreciate this landmark, and then head down the famous Kurfuerstendamm (Ku’damm) for some upscale shopping and eating.
Try to take a history tour, or at the very least, keep an eye out for communist era relics. Aside from being able to buy cheap souvenirs from street peddlers, take a minute to look out for the well-known hammer and sickle symbols, as well as “working man” statues.
These statues (still standing around the city), were meant to embody the idea of a perfect public servant and often portray a healthy, young, tool-wielding, individual. To see many of these sites (as well as the site of Hitler’s bunker), I suggest taking a fat tire bike tour!
When I first visited Germany, I was blessed to be accompanied by an older couple (family friends) who had lived and subsequently been kicked out of East Germany for having pro-western sympathies. It was with this couple, that I visited the Berlin Hohenschoenhausen Stasi Prison, where political prisoners where held during the East German era.
Tours are given, when possible, by former prisoners who will recount how they were treated (and often tortured) in this prison. It is possible to get an English tour of this unbelievable site.
The Topography of Terror is a thought provoking museum built on the site of the former Gestapo HQ, whilst the aura of world history even extends to the Olympic Stadium where Jesse Owens’ win famously infuriated Hitler.
Don’t miss the glorious royal palace of Charlottenburg and to get you there why not take a relaxing ride on the main east west S-Bahn train from Ostbahnhof with its fascinating and ever changing vista as it winds above the city centre.
Modern Berlin is essentially forward looking and the dynamic developments in the Mitte (downtown) quarter where once Communism held sway are redolent of this outlook. Spend some time here exploring the sleek modern facades and trendy interiors of shops, cafes, museums and cathedrals alike and for a fabulous view across the city take a ride up the Alexanderplatz TV tower at its heart.
Gendarmenmarkt, perhaps the city’s finest square, hosts the Opera and both “French” and “German” Churches and nearby Museumsinsel with its five fine museums is unmissable. The Pergamon’s antiquities, the New Museum’s bust of Nefertiti and the superb Byzantine art on display at the Bode top the bill. The Kulturforum, set up in the west to balance the “loss” of Museuminsel behind the Wall, is a must for art lovers whilst the classical and contemporary music venues and theatres abound.
During summer or when the weather is sunny you might like to take a stroll in the Tiergarten, reputed to be Europe’s largest city park and a delightful green lung at the heart of the bustling capital.
Another lesser known tourist destination which I think you will love is the swimming pool built in the Spree River. This is a wonderfully scenic place to spend the afternoon. Located on Eichenstrasse 4, the pool is a converted cargo hull and the area is fashioned to look like a beach. Complete with bar, and only three euros to get in, this place is a unique and unforgettable swimming experience.
Of course there are many other must-see attractions, Berlin is a great city just to explore on foot and find something new.
Nightlife
Berlin is full of things to see and do during today, but I think it’s fair to say that the city really comes alive at night.
Berlin’s nightlife is one of a kind – whether you’re into hip hop, dance, drum and bass, pop or indie, Berlin’s club scene invites anyone and everyone to party hard until the sun comes up. Attracting DJ’s and musicians from all over the world, Berlin’s eclectic style, cheap entry and “everyone is welcome” atmosphere means you’re bound to have a good night out.
No Berlin nightclub is the same, each with their own quirk and USP. Take, for instance, Tresor nightclub; an old techno music club located in a former power station with a basement dancefloor reached through a 30-meter long tunnel. Pretty unique!
For music other than techno, head to White Trash Fast Food in Mitte, churning out 50s retro, surf, garage and punk sounds in flamboyant and highly decorated surroundings. Over on the west side of the city you’ll find Cookies, a veteran of the Berlin club scene, with plenty of partygoers raving to underground house and disco.
If you’re heading out to dance in Berlin, it’s worth knowing that most club nights don’t kick off until 1am, with some of the city’s most popular jaunts being empty until then – so if you’re planning to staying out for the long haul, I recommend a power nap!
Due to Berlin’s nocturnal nature, many cafes and restaurants stay open to the early hours, continuing the city’s contagious energy.
Shopping
In the classics of former West Berlin along Kurfurstendamm and at Ka De We department store with its legendary food hall. Trend setting boutiques abound in Mulackstrasse and head to the stylish store lined mecca of re-envigorated Friedrichstraße for a wide range of glamorous shops and designer outlets rivaling the likes of Oxford Street and the Champs Elysées.
Cheap Places to Eat in Berlin
Unlike some other European capitals, a meal in Berlin will leave your stomach full without emptying your wallet.
From burgers and bratwursts to Asian food and kebabs, eating cheaply is easy. Fast food kiosks are located all over the city, serving up anything from Vietnamese noodles to juicy hot dogs with sauerkraut. Make sure you try currywurst, a Berlin fast-food staple, with thick spicy sausage served with lashings of sauce and a soft roll.
For the best burgers in Berlin, head to Burgermeister – a no-fills burger shack located underneath the U-Bahn bridge – serving up top-notch beef patties with weird and wonderful sauces. This is fast-food at its yummiest.
Burgers and sausages aren’t the only cheap eats you can enjoy in Berlin, though. With a large Turkish population in the city, a classic fast food in Berlin is the döner kebab. We’re not talking a greasy 4am kebab from some chippy alley after a heavy night out; we’re talking a proper döner from Northern Turkey, with tender meat and salad in a soft flatbread.
Try out the popular veal kebaps from Tadim, or if you can handle the long queues, head to Mustafa’s Gemüsekebap.
Places to Visit Near Berlin
Just 24km to the west is Berlin’s smaller “twin” city – Potsdam – where Frederick the Great’s magnificent palaces and glorious parks and gardens continue to wow visitors to this day.
Often described as the German Versailles, UNESCO listed sights abound and you’ll marvel at the celebrated Roccoco Sans Souci Palace, the 16th century Cecilienhof where Churchill, Stalin and Truman determined the map of post war Europe, and much more!
Dresden and/or Prague, are also both easily reached by rail.
Visiting Berlin will make you feel excited and energized by a vibrant and dynamic city. View my Germany travel tips for more destinations in this country.