Berlin is a fascinating city known for its techno scene, industrial areas, and graffiti-covered buildings. The Matrix-inspired street style, seemingly infinite number of museums, and turbulent history make it a fascinating place to explore. Consider extending your stay beyond the typical weekend visit and have plenty of time to experience all the different facets of the city.
With its numerous public transport connections, Alexanderplatz is a convenient base for exploring Berlin. We stayed at Motel One. Get the Berlin WelcomeCard for public transport, and there's no need to worry about ticket prices and travel zones. The card can be bought online here or upon arrival at the airport. Choose the city area of Berlin or add on the surrounding areas (including Potsdam and the airport). We opted for the latter, so we did not have to purchase a separate ticket to and from the airport. The card also includes some discounts for various activities.
Upon arrival at Alexanderplatz, you will find a collection of brutalist buildings mixed with shopping malls and department stores. Even with the ongoing modernization, the legacy of the socialist East German government responsible for reconstructing the area after the Second World War remains. Some examples include the TV tower, the mosaic at the House of the Teacher, and the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples. A cozy place for coffee in the area is Five Elephant on Alte Schönhauser Straße.
Next, take the U-Bahn to the must-see monument Brandenburger Tor. The gate is a famous symbol of Berlin and, since the reunification in 1990, of Germany as a whole. It's also worth stopping by the Holocaust Memorial. With its striking design of equally spaced columns of different heights, the maze evokes a sense of loss and disorientation. A ten-minute walk away is Treffpunkt Berlin, where you can eat a delicious sausage and potato salad for a fair price. The pub interior includes neon signs and a jukebox, and the atmosphere is casual and lively.
If you have time, you can move on to Museum Island - home to five museums and the James Simon Gallery. The exhibitions display artifacts from prehistoric times until the 19th century. In 1999, the island became recognized as a World Heritage Site. Make sure to admire the architecture and buildings and don't miss the beautiful Berlin Cathedral.
Generally speaking, Berlin has so many museums that it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. A strong recommendation is the Jewish Museum which hosts a modern and interactive exhibition in an intricately designed building. Among the memorable installations is the Holocaust Tower, a dark room with a sliver of light at the end of a tall ceiling, prompting a sense of isolation and despair.
As a bonus, you will find the unusual König Galerie, an art gallery located in the brutalist concrete church S:t Agnes, just a ten-minute walk away. If you want to tick off the former Berlin Wall crossing point Checkpoint Charlie, it can be reached in eleven minutes by bus. Choose your time of visit carefully as the location is a tourist hot spot.
When it's time to eat, SSAM Korean Barbeque is a fun dining experience where you cook your food on a gas grill built into the table. Visit a Sparkasse or similar ATM to withdraw enough cash to cover your meal before the visit since the place is cash-only. Be wary of Euronet or similar ATMs that add a significant markup to your withdrawal.
After a good night's sleep, the 19th-century apartment buildings of Prenzlauer Berg make for a beautiful area for a stroll. Maybe like us, you'll stumble on a street market. On Sundays, the Mauerpark flea market is a safe choice. Cafés and restaurants are abundant in the area, so finding a place to eat, drink, or have coffee will be easy. Prenzlauer Berg is also famous for its nightlife and art galleries.
While in the area, you can visit the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei for a look into the daily life of East Germans. If you feel overwhelmed by the texts that guide you through the exhibition, you can listen to the free audio guide on your smartphone. The museum lies in a former brewery that now hosts theaters, clubs, a cinema, and a street market.
No visit to Berlin is complete without a trip to the former leading shopping street of West Berlin: Kurfürstendamm. Make time for a stroll and the buzz of big city life, and visit the KaDeWe department store. Keep an eye out for the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The church was bombed heavily during the Second World War, and instead of restoring it, the church foundation decided to build a second church right next to it. The contrast between the old ruins and the new, modern church is striking. You can also visit the rooftop bar at the 25 hours hotel for a drink and a view of the Berlin Zoo.
Kick off the next day at the coffee roastery and café 19grams which offers a variety of delicious brunch options on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse. Then visit the light exhibition Dark Matter for an immersive, audiovisual experience. It's located a bit outside the center but well worth the trip. Enjoy a digital fireplace and the pulsating light installation GRID. There is an outdoor café for refreshments and a small break.
The last stop is RAW-Gelände - a fascinating area of nightclubs, galleries, and business spaces in repurposed industrial buildings. Admire the intricate graffiti, have a beer at Privatbrauerei Schalander, explore the art galleries, and attend a street market on Sundays. At night, the area's many clubs offer a great nightlife experience. East Side Gallery is 20 minutes away for a try to find the iconic kiss on the Berlin Wall.
Find yourself in Berling during summer? Use the warm weather to explore Teufelsberg and Tiergarten on an electric bike and top it off with a delicious picnic. If it's raining, venture to Tadshikische Teestube for a warming cup of tea and a shot of vodka. You can enjoy the cozy interior filled with rugs and tapestries from the floor tables on a comfortable pillow.
Need more tips to fill the agenda?
TikTok is an excellent resource for learning about temporary exhibitions and events and has helped us find some of the places listed in this article. Also, make sure to explore the city with an open mind and keep an eye on Google Maps for busy areas and points of interest.