Hello everyone. We begin this adventure by anticipating that the city that we are going to explore will be the last destination of the our trip in Germany.

Of which city are we talkig about? Well, it’s not hard to guess… We’re talking about Berlin.

Let’s present it!

Berlin is certainly one of the most populous centers of the European Union but also the most important in the political, cultural (many museums have been declared by UNESCO World Heritage), scientific and cinema fields (several names are related to major film directors ). It is also home to great events and festivals. There would be too much to say about this great metropolis so we just have to present it in the most appropriate way, exploring it.

To know more (what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.

Ready for this new adventure? Perfect, let’ start from the Berlin culture.

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

Brandenburger Tor

• Berliner Dom: is the main German church in the Mitte district. Of great importance are its majestic dome and the Sauer organ.
• Isola dei musei: called like this by the great number of important museums in the area (Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Pergamonmuseums, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode-Museum). The island is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is located in the northern part of the Spree river in the center of Berlin (in the Mitte district). The two banks of the river are connected to each other thanks to the Monbijou Bridge (which will lead you to the entrance of the Bode Museum and to continue to the other museums). It is a very characteristic place and the river is also navigable so you can choose to take a ride on the boat.
• Pergamonmuseum: is one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany and of the whole world. You will sure realize, even though we woldn’t say it, that the most important work of the museum is the altar of Pergamon. This is one of the many attractions of the museum; the other are ones: the door of Miletus’s market; the various exhibitions of statutes, columns; the vast collection of antique coins from the Greek and Roman times and some Babylonian and Assyrian works (including the Ishtar gate of ancient Babylon).
• Altes Museum: is a complex surrounded by the Lustgarten garden. This hosts ancient finds of various kinds. An example is the Etruscan collection as well as numerous Roman statues. A special and distinct section is usually the one dedicated to erotic art (the entrance is reserved only for the adult).
• Topographie des Terrors: it is a museum that documents the terror system created by the National Socialists in Germany. The museum also serves as an exhibition of photographs and documents related to the theme of the museum.
• Gemäldegalerie: is an art museum that houses the most significant collections of European artists such as Botticelli, Raffaello, Titian, Caravaggio and many more.
• Palazzo del Reichstag: seat of the German parliament (now known as the Bundestag). It is a building that still attracts millions of visitors today, not only for its large glass dome but also for the panorama that it offers (beautiful especially in the evening when it all lights up!). The interior is accessible by reservation.
• East Side Gallery: is a section of the Berlin Wall that represents a memorial dedicated to the freedom and the peace. This open-air gallery (the longest in the world and that has two sides, interior and exterior) is the only piece of history that lets you understand what really meant the presence of the city wall. Among the graffiti, the most famous is the fraternal kiss between Erich Honecker and Leonid Brežnev.
• Hamburger Bahnhof: is a former railway station in Berlin (the oldest in the city), today a museum. It is located in the Moabit district. The interior houses collections of several well-known authors (Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein) as well as contemporary authors. Along with these great works there are also multimedia installations.
• Deutsches Historisches Museum: is a museum dedicated to the history of Germany and is located on the Unter den Linden boulevard. Inside there are sections devoted to the culture of everyday life, documents, photos, videos, sculptures and so on. The back of the museum has a glass exhibition hall.
• Jüdisches Museum Berlin: the largest Jewish museum in Europe. There is much to be said about this place because are told two thousand years of Jewish history in Germany (through temporary and permanent exhibitions); but we can give you a little taste of what you will find inside it: the Garden of Exile, the Holocaust Tower and the Fallen Leaves (in memory of the victims of the Shoah).
• Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (Holocaust Memorial): It is a memorial located in the Mitte district, to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. You can also access the Documentation Center for all the Jews who died during the Shoah, where you can watch the images and listen to testimonies of survivors so that you can realize of terrible was that historical moment.
• Brandenburger Tor: the famous Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the city, in neoclassical style. Definitely not a monument who needs presentations so much that is its fame! It is located at Pariser Platz, in the district of Mitte, near the Tiergarten district. The Berlin Wall was erected right in front of the door.

About the theaters, see what we can find in the city: Friedrichstadt-Palast, Deutsches Theater, Admiralspalast, Monbijou Theater (fantastic outdoor theater), Hebbel-Theater.

East Side Gallery

 

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Oberbaumbrücke

Have you seen how many things there are to see in Berlin? Well, that was a little taste because the city still has a lot to offer but this time we see something that take one’s mind off for a while. Ready? Let’s start!

• Zoologischer Garten Berlin: if you go to Berlin you can’t visit the largest zoo in Germany. It is located in the Tiergarten district. Inside the zoo there are many gardens and ponds and many species of animals. Close to the zoo lies the large park of the Tiergarten. It is the location of a famous book and movie “We are the kids of the Zoo in Berlin” (Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo) and right here in the zoo was born the polar bear Knut, which became a point of attraction of the place.

There are so many interesting places to visit in the city and now we will list the most important ones.

• Sprea: the navigable and amazing river of Berlin situated along the museum island.
• Alexanderplatz: Berlin’s most famous and important square (located in the Mitte district). It houses a large shopping center (Galeria Kaufhof Berlin-Alexanderplatz, perfect if you have to do some shopping) and the sculpture of the time clock of the world. There you will also find kiosks that sell street food, like the famous Brezel. Don’t forget that nearby there is the famous Berlin TV tower (absolutely accessible). Do you know why it is so special? Because it is illuminated by the sun projecting its shadow that is in the shape of a cross.
• Potsdamer Platz: the symbol of the city, in the Tiergarten district. It is considered the new Berlin, as a new management, commercial and residential center. We suggest you to get on the Kollhof Tower (25 floors) because from the panoramic terrace you will see a breathtaking spectacle. Always at Potsdamer Platz, if you want to spend an alternate evening enjoying a nice German-language movie (even if some movies in Berlin often include subtitle), “Cine Star Original” is perfect.
• Unter den Linden: the well-known Berlin boulevard in the Mitte district. It is a great place to enjoy a serene walk along the tree-lined street. Highly recommended (especially in the evening when everything is more magical).
• Großer Tiergarten: is a public park in Berlin and is located in the Mitte district. The park is the largest green space in the city (part of the Brandenburg Gate). It has many pedestrian and bicycle trails, as well as many lakes. The tradition want that you only have to lay on the ground in the sunny days and have relaxing hours (and who are we to break this beautiful tradition?!).
• Friedrichstraße: it is a street in Berlin, located in the two districts of Kreuzberg and Mitte (yes, two districts because once the street was divided in half and then reunited). It hosts several shops and venues and is one of Berlin’s most popular and visited shopping centers. In the street you will find the famous Checkpoint Charlie an important place to block the border between the various areas, a recognizable and popular place that attracts lots tourists today.
• Hackesche Höfe: this is a set of nine courtyards, all connected to each other, where several buildings arise. It is a very lively area and within the courtyard there are shops, restaurants, art gallery.
• KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens): is the luxurious Berlin shopping center, known throughout Germany. It is located in the Schöneberg district. If you are a fan of shopping but also gastronomy (thanks to the special section) you cannot miss this gem!
• Oberbaumbrücke: is a two-level bridge located on the Spree River. This characteristic bridge connects two Berlin districts.
• Some Berlin tours can lead you to the exploration of another Berlin square, the Bebelplatz, and the Berlin stadium (Olympiastadion Berlin). We suggest you two amazing guide in Berlin: the original Berlin Walks and the Berlin Beiboot (boat ride).
• Badeshiff Berlin: this is a container on the river turned into a pool. Perfect on hot days and perfect for sunbathing (on the platform) and having a nice bath. All accompanied by a fantastic view. Don’t miss it!

Having known Berlin, you can surely imagine how lively the nightlife is. We just have to see where it takes place.

Although there is no physical division between East Berlin and West Berlin, as far as nightlife is concerned this division is still in existence. In West Berlin there are more chaotic and lively locals, in the east there are more alternative locals with live music of all kinds. Berlin’s specialty is its cocktail bars (“Kneipe“), located mostly to the east. In any case, the main neighborhoods of Berlin’s nightlife are: Kreuzberg, Schlesische Strasse and Kottbusser Tor.

Now let’s give a look at some locals more closely.

• Berghain: the famous techno club in Berlin, one of the world’s most important underground clubs.
• Watergate: disco located along the river with international DJs.
• Tresor: disco.
• Chalet: nightclub.
• Club Der Visionaere: nightclub.
• 11n Lounge: bar.
• White Lounge Shisha: longue bar.
• SOLAR Sky Lounge & Restaurant Berlin: longue bar.
• CineStar Original und IMAX: cinema.

Friedrichstraße

 

TYPICAL FOODS

Currywurst

Let’s get to know the other cultural aspect of the city, the food. It should be said of the traditional “Kaffe und kuchen” is the mid-afternoon break consisting of coffee and a traditional sweet.

• Currywurst: a dish that is the symbol of the city, made up of würstel mixed with the ketchup, Worcester sauce and curry powder. The dish is often accompanied by fries.
• Senfeier: another classic dish of the Berlin tradition. It is composed of boiled eggs accompanied by potatoes and mustard. Very simple but very tasty.
• Königsberger Klopse: delicious meatballs wrapped in a sauce made up of capers and lemon. It is served with potatoes.
• Berliner Pfannkuchen: tasty fried doughnut filled with jam.
• Apfelstrudel: the traditional sweet with apple and raisins, pine nuts and cinnamon.
• Berliner Weiße: the famous Berlin drink (perfect in the summer season) made up of sour beer, red raspberry syrup and a spice called “waldmeister”.

Berliner Pfannkuchen

 

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)

It’s time to look for traditional locals around Berlin to enjoy the typical appetizing dishes.

• La Gondola Due: Italian, European, vegetarian and vegan options cuisine.
• Flamingo Fresh Food Bar: Café with International, European, healthy, vegan cuisine with gluten-free menu option cuisine.
• Scheers Schnitzel: fast food with German, European cuisine.
• Hackethals: café/bar with German, European cuisine.
• Haveli: Indian, Asian, vegetarian, vegan cuisine with gluten-free menu option.
• Patta Finest Baked Potatoes:  fusion, vegetarian, vegan cuisine with gluten-free menu option.
• Mustafa’s Gemuese Kebab:  fast food with Turkish, Middle Eastern, vegetarian, vegan cuisine.
• Currymitte Berlin: fast food with German cuisine.

 

With Berlin we ended our fascinating journey to Germany. So a new State is at the door ready to be explored (Do you know what will it be? Let us know in the comments!). Stay tuned and ready for new adventures.

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.

 

Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Berlin.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=BER&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1– accommodation near the airport (Berlin Brandenburg).

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=THF&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1– accommodation near the airport (Berlin-Tempelhof).

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-1746443&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1– accommodation in the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=200&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1-
accommodation in the Mitte district.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=2285&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1- accommodation in the city center.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=11155&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1– accommodation near the central station.

 

Booking.com