#explore berlin

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, boasts a rich and complex history that stretches back over seven centuries. Founded in the 13th century, Berlin has been at the heart of many significant historical events that have shaped not only the city but also the entire world.

The origins of Berlin trace back to the merging of two towns, Cölln and Berlin, located on either side of the River Spree. By the 15th century, Berlin became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg and later the Kingdom of Prussia. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Berlin evolved into a major European metropolis, reflecting the city's growing political, economic, and cultural significance.

The 20th century brought dramatic changes to Berlin. After World War I, Berlin became the capital of the Weimar Republic, experiencing a period of cultural flourishing. However, the rise of the Nazi regime in the 1930s plunged the city into darkness, leading to World War II and the subsequent division of Berlin into East and West during the Cold War. The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, became a powerful symbol of the division between the communist East and the capitalist West.

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of a new era for Berlin. Reunification brought about significant changes, transforming Berlin into a dynamic and vibrant city. Today, Berlin is known for its eclectic mix of historical landmarks, modern architecture, and a thriving cultural scene.

Places to Explore in Berlin

Berlin is a city that offers a plethora of attractions, catering to a wide range of interests. Here are some must-visit places in Berlin:

Brandenburg Gate: One of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument that has witnessed many historical events. It stands as a symbol of unity and peace.

Berlin Wall Memorial: This memorial preserves a section of the Berlin Wall and provides insights into the city's divided past. It serves as a poignant reminder of the Cold War era.

Museum Island: Located on the Spree River, Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum.

Reichstag Building: The seat of the German parliament, the Reichstag Building is an architectural marvel. Visitors can tour the building and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its glass dome.

Checkpoint Charlie: This former border crossing point between East and West Berlin is now a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the city's Cold War history.

East Side Gallery: This open-air gallery features murals painted on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. It is the longest outdoor gallery in the world and showcases the work of artists from around the globe.

Charlottenburg Palace: A stunning example of baroque architecture, Charlottenburg Palace is Berlin's largest palace. Visitors can explore its lavishly decorated rooms and beautiful gardens.

Alexanderplatz: A bustling square in the heart of Berlin, Alexanderplatz is home to the iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm), which offers breathtaking views of the city.

Holocaust Memorial: Officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, this powerful memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs and serves as a somber reminder of the Holocaust.

Tiergarten: Berlin's largest park, Tiergarten, is a green oasis in the city. It is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Berlin

Berlin is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the type of experience you seek.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Berlin, as the city begins to bloom with flowers and greenery. The weather is mild, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. It's also a great time for cultural events and festivals.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Berlin. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor exploration, festivals, and open-air events. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Berlin is characterized by colorful foliage and mild temperatures. It's a great time for sightseeing, as the crowds thin out, and the city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Berlin can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the city comes alive with Christmas markets, festive decorations, and cultural events. It's a magical time to experience Berlin's holiday spirit.

Conclusion

Berlin is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern vibrancy. From historical landmarks and museums to green parks and cultural festivals, Berlin offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Whether you're exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall, admiring the architecture of the Reichstag Building, or simply strolling through the picturesque streets, Berlin is a city that captivates and inspires.

Explore Berlin – What to Do, See, and Eat?

Berlin is a city that fascinates all kinds of people. No matter if you are an explorer, a music lover, or a player, Berlin has you covered. It is a city of divergent seasons: winters are long and gloomy; residents bundle up in layers to withstand Siberian winds. This is accompanied by contrasting humid summers, spent relaxing in parks and alongside the lakes. In stately western Berlin, the extensive avenues are punctuated by shopping malls, Starbucks outlets, beverage shops… Entirely different in style to its former-Soviet eastern counterpart, with its mass-produced, prefabricated Plattenbau residence blocks. At Potsdamer Platz, visitors find a global capital city with shimmering glass buildings. But a more transgressive section of the town is seen at twilight: in the clubs and bars, despite growing property prices. The multiple facets of the city united together in 2019 to commemorate 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

What can I do Berlin?

1. Plunge into history: Barely 200 meters of the Berlin Wall persists, weathered to the wire, at Niederkirchnerstrasse. It marks the boundary between Mitte in East Berlin and Kreuzberg in West Berlin. You can even walk the length of it, if you wish. Rotate your head to see the Topography of Terror, a museum established in the erstwhile headquarters of the Nazi covert police. This is also where a free exhibition features the most horrifying era of German history. From there, walk north past Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz to get a larger glimpse of Berlin’s beauty. Potsdamer Platz has been restored since the downfall of the wall with a dizzying quantity of skyscrapers, now a sprawling public square. As you move towards the Brandenburg Gate, look out for the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a gloomy figure of coffin-like solid slabs that tourists can walk in between.

Wander the museums: There are five museums that jostle for space on Berlin’s Museum Island. Attending all of these in a single day seems like a bit of a stretch, so make sure you set aside ample time! Or, with a single ticket at €18 (£15), you can choose the highlights: the Pergamon Altar built on the terraces of the acropolis at the Pergamon Museum; the bust of Nefertiti, the Egyptian queen, at the Neues Museum; and the European figure collection at the Bode Museum. However, all are closed on Mondays so take care before leaving for the venue.

Take a dip: If you are visiting in summer, the Badeschiff is primarily a swimming pool on a barge. You can do lengths in turquoise water facing the River Spree. Just wipe off in the sun with a beer and a deckchair on the shore and enjoy the view. Also make sure to check the venue listings for formal parties and live harmony. The entry fee is around €5.50.

Where can I stay in Berlin? In the beautiful northern region of Prenzlauer Berg, a prior public bathhouse has been remodeled into Hotel Oderberger. The baths have been painstakingly reconstructed, with domed ceilings enclosed by magnificent columns. It’s quite the place for a morning swim (but be conscious that the guests will have to pay for it). The guest quarters are spacious and modern – some include stairs up to mezzanine bedrooms – and breakfast is a lavish spread of cheese, meat, and fruit with a live waffle-making section for the special pickers. The price ranges from £108. On the west side of the city, Max Brown Ku’Damm has become a favorite brunch spot for locals, with lines winding around the block on the weekends. The hotel, named after the nearby shopping boulevard, has 70 rooms with beautiful oak floors, white blinds and capricious features. These even include basketball hoops and Crosley cassette players! The hotel’s happy hour operates between 5-9 pm. Doubles from £54.

Apply Visa Online

A topic Jack and I discuss a lot is what makes up great cities. It may be nerdy, but we’re just really into cities. We like comparing one to the next, thinking up ways they could be improved, and listing their qualities that work. We do this for fun. We’re weird, we know.

Our visit to Berlin in March was the first time I ever…

Street Food at Markthalle Neun in Berlin Every Thursday.

“Are you here on a Thursday? Go eat street food at Markethalle Neun.” That’s what one local demanded we do during our visit to Berlin.

Now I am politely demanding you do the same when you visit Berlin.

You’ll know you’re nearing Markthalle Neun when you start seeing crowds of (super hip, ultra cool and totally in-the-know) people filling every inch of the road and the scent of perfectly cooked…

Great lettering can live anywhere: a train station, a cafe, a movie theatre, a department store or even a blog*. Sometimes there is so much personality behind the curves of the letters or the accent color used on a shop sign that you are forced to stop and have a closer look. I have a sick (really cool and popular) habit of photographing typography when I see it, as does Jack.

The people behind…