Berlin off the beaten path
Berlin off the beaten path
Berlin off the beaten path
When in Berlin you certainly don’t want to miss out on the major sites: The Brandenburg Gate, Parliament House (pictured), Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, just to name a few.
‘Must do’s’ are also a visit to Gendarmenmarkt (Gendarmerie Square), considered to be the most beautiful square in Berlin, a stroll along the prestigious boulevards ‘Kurfuerstendamm’ and ‘Unter den Linden’ and a cruise on the river Spree.
But this colourful city with its irreverent and friendly ‘Berliners’, exciting historic and modern architecture, alternative lifestyle communities and vibrant ambience has much more to offer.
Berlin's Hidden Gems
East Side Gallery The Berlin Wall East Side Gallery (pictured) is a 1.3km-long section of the wall near the center of Berlin. Approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world cover this memorial for freedom and make it the largest open air gallery in the world.
Ephraim Palace Berliners have always called this magnificent rococo palace in the Nicolai Quarter the prettiest part of Berlin. Ephraim Palais was constructed between 1762 and 1766 by architect Friedrich Wilhelm Diterichs. Particularly worth seeing is the grand staircase of the Ephraim Palais, its elegantly upwards spiraling staircase and the majestic stairwell.
The Nikolai quarter was home to artisans and merchant in the Middle Ages. You will enjoy walking the medieval lanes with its quirky bars and restaurants.
Neighbourhoods - Berlin's 'Alternative Scene'
The ‘comfy’ alternative scene: Prenzlauer Berg with Kollwitz Square The picturesque and atmospheric Prenzlauer Berg is the jewel of the re-unified Berlin. Once a working class district it has become a center of art, multi-culturism and environmentally aware lifestyles. It is full of quirky shops selling artsy stuff, flower shops, galleries and street designer gear. The ‘edgy’ alternative scene: Kreuzberg – Friedrichshein District Kreuzberg has emerged from its history as one of the poorest quarters in Berlin in the late 1970, to become Berlin's cultural center in the now reunified city with lots of interesting galleries and alternative shops, punks and street artists. The ‘raw’ alternative scene: Neukölln District Neukölln, one of Berlin's most socially underprivileged areas, is definitely in the process of being transformed. It is internationally recognized as the ‘happening neighbourhood’ in Berlin for those interested in sub-culture, especially in terms of the arts, cafés and pubs.
Green Spaces
It is not difficult to get away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city and to enjoy walks in the parks and forests or a boat ride on the rivers, lakes and canals.
The 210 hectare central ‘Tiergarten’ is the ‘Central Park’ or ‘Hyde Park’ of Berlin. At Tiergarten Station 90 restored gas street lamps are illuminated at dusk. Even a large 3000 hectare forest, the Gruenewald (Green forest) can be found in Berlin. Berlin has several lakes; best known is the Wannlake with the picturesque Peacock Island and a white 18th Century castle.
The Kreuzberg (Cross Mountain) is the perfect place to see Berlin from a different perspective. From the top of the “mountain” in Viktoria park you have sensational views across the city. This is where the locals from the neighbourhood converge on warm summer nights. The Golgatha beer garden is an institution in Kreuzberg and offers freshly grilled snacks. Vineyards for Kreuz-Neroberger wine are still cultivated on the Kreuzberg’s northern slope.
Potsdam
A train ride of less than 30 minutes from Berlin takes you to Potsdam, which 300 years ago was one of Europe’s most splendid royal cities and seat of the Prussian kings.
The 500 hectares of parks and gardens, Sanssouci, Sacrow, Belvedere and Lindstedt Palaces are all UNESCO world heritage listed. The pomp and grandeur of the Prussian Empire, as well as its heritage of poets, philosophers and great architects, can best be experienced and savoured in this beautiful setting on the outskirts of Berlin.
Another gem in Potsdam is the ‘New Market Square’, one of the best preserved baroque town squares in Europe, dating back to the 17th Century. The old quarters of Potsdam are dominated by imposing gates. Walk through Nauen Gate and you will be in the centre of what is known as the ‘Dutch Quarter’ with quaint courtyards, cafés and avant-garde galleries.
Cultural Immersion - Authentic Experiences - Sustainable Travelling
Getting around
The Berlin Welcome Card is good value for money. It entitles you to travel on all public transport within Berlin and to Potsdam. Berlin is quite a sprawling city and you will find that you will be using the underground, streetcars and busses all the time to get around.
Accommodation
Hotel Circus in Berlin Mitte is an environmentally friendly hotel in which sustainability and ethical practices are deeply embedded into every aspect of their operations. More hotel information and guest reviews.
Eat and drink
The local specialty is the Currywurst (Curry sausage), available at currywurst stalls throughout the city. There is even a museum in its honour, the 'Currywurst Musuem'!
Visit some of the city's most amazing spots and meet some of the locals during a guided pub crawl, the so called '666 Anti Pub Crawl'. Visit dive bars or some crazy techno clubs. Join a rave or a hip hop party in an old bombed-out abandoned train depot. From rock, reggae, hiphop, techno, punk, electro, metal, 60s, 70s, 80s – you don't just go from bar to bar, you go from scene to scene. You may never see any bars and scenes quite like these again.
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Hackesche Höfe have developed into the central contact point for both Berliners and visitor. Lavishly restored, these courtyards are located in the historic 'barn district'. The Hackesche Höfe represent the largest, enclosed courtyard area of Germany and were put under a preservation order in 1972. All around the courtyards are located numerous bars, restaurants and clubs and thus the area has become one of the coolest places to go when it comes to dining and nightlife.
Local events
Christmas markets There are more than 50 Christmas markets to explore in Berlin and visits of these markets is an intergral part of our Christmas markets tour.
The atmospheric backdrop in one of the most beautiful squares in the city guarantees a memorable experience at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market. You will see demonstrations of old handicrafts, such as flax embroidery, stonemasonry and wood carving. Jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, dance groups, choirs, Berlin classical, jazz and Gospel ensembles and internationally famous artists, ensure a varied Advent program.
The Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is host to one of the most famous Christmas Markets in the German capital. For 35 days the castle and its park are immersed in a special romantic light. As well as attractive exhibitions inside the castle, the Christmas market presents carefully selected arts and crafts, ancient handicrafts and local specialties inside festively decorated cabins and glass pagodas.
A lesser-known Christmas market is the Spandauer market where a very special Advent landscape comes into being every day during the festive season. Highlights are a Christmas crib with living animals and crafts and design at the historic crafts market on Reformation Square, where a medieval plague-procession takes place every Wednesday.
New Year's Eve Welcome the New Year with around one million other party animals at the biggest party of the year in Berlin. There are shows and music stages, food and drink stalls, light and laser shows and party tents spread along the 2 kilometers between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. Toast in the New Year with other Berliners and watch the spectacular fireworks.
Carnival Every year different cultures and heritages are celebrated at the colourful Kreuzberg festival, the Carnival of Cultures. This joyful event in Mid-June features street parades, music, entertainment, food and art and craft stalls.
For more details see our Tour of Germany and 'Best time to visit Germany' pages.
Photos with permission of www.visitBerlin.de ©visitBerlin Fotos Wolfgang Scholvien; Philip Koschel, Tanya Koch, SpreePix Media, and Guenter Stephen.