ESSENTIAL FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO BERLIN
Below, a cruise makes its way down the river, the upbeat music drifting from the top deck. On the grassy areas, children play while groups pause to photograph the surrounding museums. Blankets are spread out, feet dangle over the edge of the riverbank, and laughter is carried through the air.
While on the other side, cars brush past as cyclists attempt to overtake them. It’s a quiet kind of chaos. The sun glints on the water, dancing with the swaying branches of the willow trees. And rising high above it all is Berlin’s skyline, making you want to stay.
(view from Berlin Cathedral)
🎧 The “Been Here Before” Audio Experience for Berlin drops next month. Subscribe to @thebeenherebefore on Instagram so you don’t miss out on the sounds of the city.
BERLIN AT A GLANCE.
| Time spent: | 2 – 4 full days |
| Vibe | Urban, futuristic, raw, vintage |
| How to get around: | Tram and underground. Buy a day ticket and validate it when entering the tram or at the underground station. |
| Would I go back: | I’ve been to Berlin multiple times every year of my life despite living further away, and I have yet to grow tired of it. |
| Feeling of safety: | During the day, I’d consider Berlin a safer city; be aware of pickpockets, especially around Alexanderplatz. During the night, I’d be more careful in certain areas (Neukölln, Kreuzberg, some parts of Friedrichshain and Wedding), especially as a woman and when travelling alone. |
EXPERIENCES AND SIGHTS WORTH IT.
Hover on or tap the images for more information.
IF YOU ONLY DO 3 THINGS.
A narrow spiral staircase that forces you to slow down, step by step, until you finally emerge at the top.
View from the Victory Column
For a small entry fee, you pass through a compact museum before making your way up. It’s slightly exhausting, but that’s part of it. At the top, Berlin opens up around you. The Tiergarten stretches out below, and directly ahead to the east: the Brandenburger Gate, perfectly framed in the distance, and surrounded by many more famous sights.
On weekends, a vibrant market springs to life right next to Museum Island, offering one-of-a-kind souvenirs right in the heart of Berlin.
Art Market and Museum Island
The red and white striped roofs seem to weave the stalls into one another. While “no photography” signs sit quietly on many tables, the art speaks for itself: painted sunsets behind the city skyline, canvases of Berlin blooming in full colour and handcrafted one-of-a-kind art pieces. It is a wide variety of creations from fine paintings, over prints, unique little trinkets to collect and a general variety of unique, handcrafted creations.
One of the most famous attractions in Berlin, and with good reason.
East Side Gallery
Historically, this gallery, the longest still existing piece of the Berlin Wall, divided East from West. Decades ago, it was turned into a free, open-air art exhibition. Artists from over 21 countries worked on the 1.3 kilometres long concrete wall to create a massive art piece that. To this day, despite the wear of time and the city’s elements, it still features some of Berlin’s most iconic street art.
UNEXPLORED.
Believe it or not, even after more than 23 years of repeated visits to Berlin, there are still things I haven’t done or seen yet.
- Markthalle 9
- Bode Museum
- Mauerpark
Have you been? Head over to my Instagram (@thebeenherebefore) and let me know if it’s worth it, or drop a message with what I shouldn’t miss next time!
SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP Skip Ski
01
Kurfürstendamm
If you don’t want to go shopping at the large chain stores – skip.
However, if you do come here, keep a close eye on your personal belongings and head across the street to pop into Bikini Berlin. It’s a smaller mall with a food court and a large viewing window towards the zoo.
02
Parliament Building (Glass Dome and Terrace)
The dome and rooftop terrace, although you need to book a ticket beforehand, are free of charge. You can have a glimpse into the German parliament, too, but there are more rewarding views than from this roof.
03
Checkpoint Charlie
It was the most well-known crossing point between East and West Berlin. Nowadays, the tiny house in the middle of the road is a highly touristy attraction. If you aren’t keen on taking a picture with two actors in front of it – skip.
Interesting and educational exhibitions on German history, especially the Cold War, can be found in museums like the DDR Museum and the Deutschlandmuseum.
04
TV Tower
Despite the great 360-degree view over all of Berlin and beyond, I would save the money. There are better viewing points, as outlined in this guide, that are much more affordable. They might not have a rotating restaurant, but I promise you, you will find plenty of great restaurants on the ground too.
For Instance, not far from here, a unique but traditional German dining experience can be found at Julchen Hoppe; make sure to book a table as places can fill up quickly around peak times.
Here are the links to sights and photo spots you can save to Google Maps so you don’t miss anything and save time.
There are important sights you won’t spend much time at, but are a must-see nevertheless. The other map takes you to the places where you can take some of the beautiful photos shown in this guide.
MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR TRIP.
Looking into a trip to Prague next?
Continue reading here for the First Timer’s Blueprint.
