I’ve been to Berlin ones before and it was a museum marathon so this time, there will be no museum on my itinerary.
I love Berlins’ openness, acceptances and positive vibe. People are happy, unburden, creative and inclusive. No sight of those cold Germans our grandparents told us about. The thing is, Berlin isn’t Germany in a lot of ways. It’s more relaxed, colorful and so much cooler than it strict and work driven counterparts.
I’m a bit sad that I didn’t study German harder and paid more attention to what were overly eager VIVA hosts yelling at me between two songs so I can blend in easily.
Here is my personal to-do list and it compiles some touristy stuff with other, somewhat less touristy:
- GO UP THE FERHNSEHTURM
Famous TV tower dominates Berlin panorama. It can be seen from nearly every part of the city so everywhere you go, you have your personal stalker. But the good kind, not a creepy one.
If you want to see the city from above, that’s the place to go. Elevate up to the viewing deck and see the city branch out in every direction reaching its tentacles all around.
2. APPRECIATE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it’s a maze of different sized concrete blocks where you can get anxious or even dizzy walking through it. There’s a free museum at the site if you want to find out more about that horrific part of German history during Nazi rule.
Note: If you want to take pictures, make it respectful because this place deserves it.
3. CHECK OUT HAUS SCHWARZENBERG
Oasis of alternative culture near the tourist-swarmed Hackescher Markt and fancy Hackesche Hofe. Tucked away street filled with graffiti and weird iron sculptures interweaved with greenery. There’s a gallery and old, still functioning cinema.
It’s a nice place to take a break and have a drink while absorbing all colorfulness although prices are little steeper than in some other parts of Berlin.
4. EAT AT THURSDAY STREET FOOD MARKET AT NEUERMARKTHALLE
Other weekdays are reserved for a regular market but Thursday is a happy day for curious food lovers. It’s housed in a wonderful building dating from 1891. and in 2011. it got a this modern look. Get there an 5 pm and emerge in foodstravaganza with yummy foods from all over the world.
Order tartar shot on a bread slice for 2,5 euros. Or oyster for 3 euros. Or dumplings. Or Japanese pancakes. Anything you crave, they have it. Prices are little higher but you only live once.
5. HAVE A DRINK AT HOLZMARKT25 BY THE RIVER SPREE
Colorful place on river Spree built by former club owners, now all grown up but still refusing to live in a uniformed world. This urban village made of second-hand bricks, old windows and scrap wood has a bar, restaurant, children’s playground, hairdresser and a barber.
You can relax near water so it’s ideal for lazy summer days. Grab a drink and few friends and don’t move.
6. EAT CURRY WURST AND KEBAB
Don’t leave till you do. Those are beloved hangover foods and can be purchased, well, anywhere. Supposedly, the best curry wursts are in Kreuzberg. Try as many as possible and find your favorite. For those living under the rock, currywurst is sausage dipped in ketchup and sprinkled with a generous dash of curry.
Kebab needs no introduction. Find the joint with freshest looking swirling meat on the stick and roll it into some flat bread. It’s tastier. But don’t trust me. Just try it.
7. EXPLORE JEWISH QUARTER
Walk around and learn something about Jewish legacy in Berlin. There are some grim reminders of Second World War when Jewish citizens were shipped to concentration camps. In front of Jewish houses, you can find golden plaques with the name of a person who lived there and when and where he or she was murdered.
8. VISIT CLÄRCHEN’S BALLROOM
Interestingly, parts of Tarantinos movie Inglorious bastards were filmed there. It’s an old building from the beginning of 20th century with a nicely lit front yard where you can enjoy cold drinks and tasty German food.
Pay an entrance fee and you can dance in huge banquet ball room with its cracked mirrors and chipped paint. It survived two wars, East Germany and it still rocks every day of the week.
9. CLUBBING IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA!
Especially in Berlin. Most infamous and hard to get in is Berghain which became the holy grail of partying. If you don’t get in, there’s an endless list of awesome clubs you can go to, dance the night away and have a great time so keine sorge.
Taking pictures is not allowed as you’ll get a sticker for your mobile phone camera. But you can make a lot of mental pictures and that’s even better.
You’re still here? Just pack up your things and go now!
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