Getting the Most Out of Your Visit to Berlin

Even after all of my travels, Berlin continues to be my favorite city in Europe. It could be because of the sentimentality I have attached to it or the incredible family I have there, but also, it’s just a really wonderful place. Even after living there for a year, I continued to discover new corners of the city that I love. Want to get the most out of your trip to Berlin? This is how:

Take a Walk

This goes for a lot of cities in Europe. I know how tempting it is to use that highly-functional public transportation, but there really is no better way to get to know the city than wandering down the streets on foot. Many people I’ve met who have traveled to Berlin found it far too overwhelming, too big to get a sense of. This isn’t suprising considering it was two cities for over 30 years. But at a walker’s pace, the city slows down and easier to understand and navigate.

One of my favorite places to stroll through is Kreuzberg, a part of the city mostly inhabited by students. You’ll see a lot of “interesting” people along the way and the neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s best street art.

Eat Every Chance You Get

Berlin might be the capital of Germany, but it is also the capital of Döner and Currywurst, the most important staples of any German Streetfood Diet. Pop into one of the many stands/restaurants where they are sold to enjoy a really unforgettable meal. Want a more sit-down meal? Berlin has got that too. Wander through Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg or Kreuzberg and you will find yourself faced with too many options! My favorite places are Burgeramt (Burgers) and Angry Chicken (South Korean BBQ).

Get Cultured

Berlin is a city drenched in history and with the museums to match. Whether you want more recent history (DDR Museum, Berlin Wall) or ancient artifacts (Neues Museum, Altes Museum), there is an option for everything – there is even the Currywurst Museum! Spend a day wandering through one and be sure not to miss the Jewish Museum… it’s an incredibly moving and fascinating place to spend some time.

Get on a Bike

When in Germany, do as the Germans do! Rent a bike for a day and see the city from two wheels! Better yet, buy a bike ticket for the train and explore the outskirts of the city. These smaller neighborhoods are a little quieter and more peaceful than Mitte, but equally as beautiful. Shameless plug for my hometown: Take the S3 to Friedrichshagen and go for a bike ride around the Müggelsee. Depending on the time of year you can go swimming there (there is even a nude beach!) or sit down and watch the sailboats zig-zag across the lake.

Embrace the Fact That You’re a Tourist

Face it – you’re not fooling anyone. Go ahead and visit some of the most famous sites of the city – they really are worth it! Walk through the Brandenburg Gate or along the East Side Gallery – remnants of the divided Germany – or climb up the famous Siegesäule. Go shopping on Kudamm or take a picture with the massive TV Tower and get the best views of the city from the Berlin Cathedral or the Bundestag’s dome. There is a reason these places are so famous. Most important: visit the WWII memorials. They are all incredibly moving and beautiful.

Berlin is an incredibly diverse city. From the bougie Charlottenburg to wild Neukölln, there is so much to see and soak in. People who have lived there for decades are still discovering new corners of the city, so don’t expect to see it all in a few days. Remember – Berlin used to be two cities! Get out of it what you can and I promise, you will fall in love with it.