Advice

Excuse this little detour from your visit, but we’d just like to quickly introduce you to other points of interest that we couldn’t fit into our two itineraries. Berlin is truly multi-faceted. While we have shown you around its historical monuments, you shouldn’t leave without immersing yourself in its alternative culture, infused with freedom. Start by heading to the East Side Gallery, where you’ll see a section of the Berlin Wall that’s covered in street art. Here you’ll also see the famous Fraternal Kiss between the socialist and Soviet leaders. If you want to experience Berlin’s more underground side, head to the Kreuzberg district. A haven for nonconformists, you will find numerous independent spaces, unique bars and cafes, techno events, ecological and feminist projects. Artists like Iggy Pop and David Bowie settled there in the late 70s. Also, don’t miss the RAW area in the Friedrichshain district. Located on an industrial wasteland left by the former Reich railways, it has successfully been transformed from an industrial zone into a trendy cultural hub. Yoga, climbing, circus, clubs, open-air cinema, restaurants, art galleries – a side of Berlin that is bound to leave an impact on you. Parks and markets are also a great way to soak up Berlin's culture. On Sundays, don’t miss Mauerpark and its huge flea market. If you enjoy wandering through large parks, take a stroll in the Tiergarten. You can also visit the botanical gardens or go further south to Tempelhof Park, an abandoned airport, now open to the public. For those of you interested in the many architectural contrasts that have shaped Berlin, walk along Karl-Marx-Allee, with its 1950s buildings reflecting socialist classicism. For those looking to do some shopping, the Kurfürstendamm is the place to be. This super popular shopping avenue connects the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz to Halensee, the city's poshest residential area. You will find all the major brands there, and only a stone’s throw away is Berlin's famous zoo. As with any self-respecting capital, Berlin also offers an impressive selection of museums. Several are well worth a visit. Museum Island is a great starting point, followed by the Jewish Museum – modern, powerful, and free – and the DDR Museum. For more information on the Cold War, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. This open-air exhibition dedicated to the Iron Curtain is in the place of the no man’s land that once separated East and West Berlin, which Berliners had nicknamed the Death Strip. Another fascinating thing to do when in Berlin is exploring the city underground. About 3,000 bunkers, all connected to each other by tunnels, were built beneath the German capital. And for something a bit different, head to Dark Matter to embark on an immersive sensory journey into a parallel world of light, sound, and space. Another must-see, even if it’s a bit out of the way, is Charlottenburg Palace, the most beautiful and largest palace in Berlin. It was built in 1700 by Prussian Emperor Friedrich III for his wife Sophie-Charlotte. The palace is located within a picturesque park along the Spree River. You can also visit the Charlottenburg Museum, which is just across the road from the palace. From something a little more gentle and peaceful, and to end your visit to the German capital in style, the banks of the Landwehrkanal offer an idyllic and pleasant setting to appreciate the city along the water. And there you have it! With all this, you will have plenty to explore if you decide to stay in the area for a bit longer.