Berlin is imposing, edgy and fascinating

Berlin is the good, the bad and the ugly. You will find the city has fascinating sights, excellent gastronomy, haunting history and an international vibe.
The city is known for many things: some good, some great, and some rather disturbing. And let’s be honest, Germany’s capital is not exactly easy on the eyes. The city has been scarred by a devastating war and subsequently divided by a 155-kilometre-long wall. Moreover, the post World War II construction transformed the historic city centre into a jungle of concrete and glass high-rises. Regrettably, it has none of the Gemütlichkeit that one finds in many other German places.

No, Berlin has a different appeal.

What’s the appeal of Berlin?

The city has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for many artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers. Bertolt Brecht, Ian McEwan, Paul Greengrass, Lou Reed, U2, David Bowie and Nina Hagen, to name a few. So what is it that makes this city their muse?
I will trace these artists´ footsteps to find out what makes this metropolitan so unique, bearing in mind that it is the third-largest city in Europe after Moscow and London. With 3.6 million inhabitants, it is just too big to see all the city has to offer in a couple of days.

Things to do in Berlin

Below you’ll find my choices with some of the most important sights, highlights, activities with and without children, the best places to experience ‘the Berlin Wall’ and where to shop, sleep and eat.

Thankfully, most of it is entirely free of charge.

Index 

• See the Berlin Wall
• Indulge in the Berlin version of ‘Sex and the City’
• Do things as a family
• Go sightseeing
• Hotels in Mitte
• Transport in Berlin

Start with the Wall

1. Panorama Asisi

Close to Checkpoint Charlie, you’ll find a panorama created by Yadegar Asisi. It is a depiction of a Kreuzberg neighbourhood divided by the wall in the eighties. This breathtaking panoramic image is probably the most haunting place of all ‘the wall’ sights.

This grey post-war world can be viewed from a platform. Dark, moody light accompanied by depressing music creates a sense of being there in the thick of the Cold War.

 Book your tickets.

Address: Friedrichstraβe 205/Zimmerstraβe Berlin-Mitte

2.  Topography of Terror

The topography des Terrors on Zimmerstraβe contains 200 metres of the original Berlin Wall. It also has a permanent exhibition of the Nazi regime.

Admission is free.

3. Checkpoint Charlie

A bit more cheerful than the other wall sites is Checkpoint Charlie. And yes, it is a big tourist trap. One can take a picture posing with ‘American soldiers’ against the background of the world’s most famous border crossing with KFC on one side of the ‘border’ and McDonald’s on the other.

You will find Checkpoint Charlie at the beginning of Kochstraβe.

Looking is free; taking a picture is not.

4.  East Side Gallery

The Eastside is, with its 1.3 kilometres, the longest surviving section of the wall. Nowadays, it is the world’s most extended open-air gallery. Ironically, a large part of this wall is now securely locked behind a fence. Presumably to protect the artwork against graffiti and tourists. However, too much freedom is apparently not in everyone’s interest.

There is no charge. You will find the gallery along the River Spree in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg on the Alte Jakobstraβe 124 – 128.

Indulge in the Berlin version of Sex and the City

5. Kreuzberg

Just behind the Eastside Gallery, crossing the Oberbaumbrücke, you’ll find Little Istanbul or the ‘Soho of Berlin’ in the Kreuzberg neighbourhood. Here are the vegan restaurants, art galleries, second hand and multicultural shops. Finally, continue to Oranienstraße for an abundant choice of restaurants, bars and a taste of the Berlin nightlife.

6. Shop till you drop

In Berlin, one can’t go wrong shopping, as the whole inner city is one big commercial centre. Close to Potsdamer Platz, you’ll find the City Mall. Walk down Kurfürstendamm to Wittenerplatz to visit the famous KaDeWe, also known as the legendary Kaufhaus des Westens. Ensure not to miss the chocolate department on the sixth floor or the rooftop restaurant on the seventh.

7. Schwules Museum LGBTIQ

Not tried, nor tested, but I am intrigued, to say the least. What is there to see at the LGBTIQ museum in Berlin? According to their website, the museum has researched and communicated the history and culture of lesbian, gay, trans-, bisexual and queer communities. It is definitely going to be on my list next time.

This museum is on Lützowstraße 73.

8. Museum für Fotografie

The foto museum is located opposite the Zoo station on Jebenstraβe 2. The collection is a must for those interested in photography. In addition, it contains some eye candy for those with an interest in naked women. The first floor houses the private collection of Helmut Newton and his wife June, also known as Alice Springs. Whereas the second floor mainly portraits taken by the couple. Here you’ll find the most exciting part of the collection: those of a youthful (and fully clothed) Princess Caroline of Monaco.

Sorry guys, no picture here as taking photographs from images is unfortunately not allowed in this museum.

9. Urban stroll

For a pleasant stroll under cover of trees, head to the ‘Unter den Linden Boulevard’. Until you hit the Brandenburger Tor, continue over the Ebertstraβe till Potsdamer Platz for more high rise buildings. Or, as the tourist office euphemistically calls it, ‘the contemporary design of the glass facades´ – and then walk back to the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt to recover from too much modern Berlin.

10. Tiergarten Park

When in need of some clean air, go to Tiergarten, the green heart of the city. One can stroll for hours between the trees, waterworks, only to stop at one of the restaurants for a drink or a bite. The Teehaus in der Englischen Garten is particularly nice and serves excellent food. The restaurant is also opened at night, the entrance through the park is illuminated.

11. Visit the circus

The Chamäleon theatre is located in the heart of Berlin, in the Mitte district. Here you can see the contemporary circus. There is a new show every few months. The combination of acrobatics, theatre, storytelling, dance and music ensures a sparkling performance every time.

12. Take a Food Tour

If you want to see the city at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying some local bites, try a food tour from Bitemojo.

This is a self-guided tour using an app on your mobile. The app prompts you to visit places, gives information about the food and the areas you will see in this tour, shows the route and asks for immediate feedback.

You stop six times, at least on the tour that I did, for a snack or a drink. The snacks are small – bite-size – but together, they form a complete meal.

This app is user-friendly and integrated with Google Maps. Therefore, it is easy to follow the trail. Moreover, the walk is only a couple of kilometres, and you can stop anytime and pick up on another day.

13. Stroll at the Mauer Park flea market

The flea market in Mauer Park is one of the busiest and best flea markets in Berlin. This takes place on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. People, things and food from all over the world come together here.

Bernauer Str. 63-64

14. Enjoy a coffee at the Hackesche Markt

Next to the train station in the Mitte district is a square with during daytime a lively market. Restaurants and cafés on the court have outdoor seating. And of course, you can take the train here.

Things to do with children and teenagers

15. Zoo Berlin

Truth be told, I hated the zoo. If only for the hunt for Disney characters out of Jungle Book, the Lion King and Ice Age, the children loved it. They found Bagheera, King Louie, Timon the Meerkat, Sid the Sloth and Scrat. Seeing these animals in small cages is not something that I would recommend for adults only. This has to be under strict children’s supervision to enjoy a visit to this animal prison.

Address Hardenbergplatz 8

16. Deutsche Spionage Museum

The German spy museum casts a light on the shadowy world of espionage. The exhibition contains picture displays recounting the history from ancient times via the Cold War right to the age of Facebook. In addition, it has some interactive games. The laser room, in particular, is interesting for children and adults alike.

Address Leipziger Platz 7

Wait, there are more things to do as a family

I have not been to the following places, but I’ll mention them anyway as these might be of interest to you.

• For the sports addicts: a tour through the Olympiastadion, the 2006 FIFA World Cup venue, and the 12th IAAF World Championships.
• Do Berlin on two wheels; either go cycling with your kids or take a Segway tour. There are plenty of places to hire a bicycle for the day or take part in a city tour.
• On a rainy day, go toLego land Discovery Centre, an indoor playground located in the Sony Centre at Potsdamer Platz recommended for children from three to ten years old.
• The Museum für Naturkunde boast collections of dinosaurs, the solar system, evolution, insects and more.
• Go back in time and take a Trabant Safari.
• And of course, if everything else fails, there is always Madame Tussauds.

Sightseeing in Berlin

Big, bigger and biggest. The Berlin monuments were built to impress. 

17. Schloss Charlottenburg

Charlottenburg Palace was built as a summer residence for the Prussian Queen, Sophie Charlotte, subsequently expanded by different owners. It was the most important Berlin residence to the Hohenzollern family. Even if you don’t enter the palace, go and visit the lovely gardens (f.o.c.) and have a beverage on one of the terraces in the park.

To visit the Schloss, one has to buy a ticket and pay to take pictures.

Address Spandauer Damm 10-22

18. Brandenburg Tor

The entrance to the ‘Unter den Linden’ Straβe is marked by the 18th century Brandenburg gate. It is one of the most defining landmarks in the city centre. During World War II, Brandenburg Gate was damaged but not destroyed by allied bombing. This is the only one out of the eighteen gates that survived the war.

Address Pariser Platz 1.

19. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche

Close to the Kurfürstendamm, on the Breitscheidplatz, is the Gedächtniskirche, which was partially destroyed during World War II. The ruins have been converted into a war memorial. Next door, you’ll find the new church with an octagonal hall and a bell tower.

There are daily guided tours. These are free of charge. Be aware you might get locked in to take part in the praying ritual.

20. Jewish memorial

The Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden is a haunting monument to the Holocaust, dedicated to the Jewish victims of World War II. It was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and completed in 2005. The 2711 rectangular blocks look like tombstones, but they are just concrete slabs. The memorial is open 24/7.

Address Cora-Berliner Straβe 1

21. Reichstag

The Reichstag is the home of the German parliament. It has a vast glass dome or cupola. The roof terrace and crown of the Reichstag Building can be visited by public members and offers spectacular views of the parliamentary and government district and Berlin’s sights. Unfortunately, visits tend to be booked out far in advance, as I found out to my dismay.

If this is high on your list, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Suppose you would like to visit the dome but have not booked in advance. In that case, you can register at the service centre run by the Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building, next to the Berlin Pavilion on the south side of Scheidemannstraße.

To book your visit to the dome, you will need to provide the following information: your last name, first name and date of birth. The booking confirmation is issued to you personally and is non-transferable. You will be asked for proof of identity both upon registration and at the main entrance for visitors.

Admission is free. Advance registration is required.

Address Platz der Republik 1

22. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the few places in the city centre to get a feel for the old Berlin. The square is lined by monumental buildings. Note, this is also the place where one pays ridiculous prices for a drink.

If you are into shopping, make sure to be there when the Christmas market and ice rink open for the festive season, from the middle of November.

23. Television Tower

It is hard to miss the Fernsehturm (television tower) in the centre of Berlin, Germany, close to Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte as it towers above everything else in the area.

The tower was built between 1965 and 1969 by the then DDR government to symbolise communist power. Nowadays, you can have lunch or dinner upstairs in the building or just enjoy the view from the platform. Tickets are relatively expensive (from 21.50), but you get a 360∘ picture.

Address Mauerstrasse 81/82 Berlin.

Hotels in Berlin Mitte

If you really like to make the most of your stay, I recommend you stay in the Mitte neighbourhood. It is in the city centre and well-connected to all the interesting sights.

Hotel Gat Point Charlie

We stayed at the über cool Gat Point Charlie hotel staffed by friendly personnel who are fluent in German, English and Spanish. The family-owned hotel is part of a small chain with headquarters in Barcelona. It is cat-themed, with a bright green and black colour scheme. The friendly atmosphere makes it hard to believe that previously the building functioned as a Stasi headquarter.

These days it features a funky bar, bright, comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi. The main difference between the more budget-friendly standard rooms and the pricier superior rooms is space. If you are looking for even more space, the hotel also has suites and triple rooms.

Rooms in Gatpoint Charlie

The luxury rooms welcome the visitor with a fruit platter, water bottle, and nice smelling Portuguese amenities in the bathroom. All rooms have a safe, colour TV, full-length mirror, ensuite bathroom, hairdryer and desk. Rooms on the higher floors can get a bit hot in the summer heat as there is no air-conditioning. On request, reception staff provides a fan, which helps a lot to cool down.

With its central location, right between two metro stations, one could not find a better place to start exploring the city. The underground stations are Kochstraβe and Stadtmitte. Look for the ‘U’-sign.

It is an easy walk to many tourist attractions. Still, if you prefer to bike, the hotel has rental bicycles at your disposal for twelve euros a day.

The hotel sports a breakfast buffet with healthy options, rolls, different types of croissants, yoghurts, fruits, homemade delicious carrot cake and biscuits, choice of eggs and sausages. Next door, you’ll find a very reasonably priced Italian restaurant, La Via del Muro. Or, if you prefer Asian food, the Avan restaurant serves Asian food at the Gat Point Hotel.

Address: Mauerstrasse 81/82 Berlin

The Gat Point Charlie hotel is part of the Gatrooms chain, with branches in Lisbon and Barcelona (coming soon). To find out more about this hotel or to book, click here for the Gatrooms website.

To use the words of a great German-speaking poet:

“I’ll be back!”

Holiday Inn Hotel

This hotel is a few minutes walk from Alexanderplatz in the Mitte district. The luxury breakfast buffet has everything a Western heart desires. The rooms are spotless, albeit a bit small, and the beds comfortable.

To view availability and rates, click here.

The train to Schönefeld airport arrives here.

Transport in Berlin

• Berlin’s inner city is blissfully quiet due to a 2006 anti-air-pollution law. Drivers in Germany need to have a particular environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) on their cars to enter the “green zone” of many German cities and towns.
• Luckily you don’t need a car as public transport is excellent. You’ll never be far from a train (S-Bah), metro (U-Bahn) or bus connection which run frequently.
• With the Welcome to Berlin card, one travels hassle-free on all public transport. One adult can take three children up to 14 years old for free. With the pack comes a convenient street map, booklet with most tourist attractions, routes and discounts on most attractions and some restaurants. Always ask how much the deal is at the entrance: in some museums and attractions, a family ticket (two adults – two children) is cheaper than the discount with the Welcome card. The card is valid from two to a maximum of six days.
• Take note that there are different zones in the public transport system. You will be able to visit most sights within the AB zone. The SFX airport is in zone C. You will need to buy an additional ticket to get there.

This Berlin city break was in partnership with Gatrooms Hotels, the Berlin Tourist Office, Bitjemojo Food Tours, Chamäelon theatre and Holiday Inn. 

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