Those who have visited Berlin, will agree when we say there is no city quite like it! Filled with history, famous for its music and outstanding food! Berlin is cool, diverse and a great destination for an incentive! With a short transfer from the airport, its many unique and individual hotspots to eat and sleep are crying out with photo opportunities.
Step back in history
Berlin is one of the most active areas of history, there is plenty to understand and educate yourself with when visiting. Learning about Germany's history is one of the most popular things to do in Berlin, but keep in mind that visiting those sites might be a moving experience.
If you’re interested in both WWII and the Berlin Wall then put aside some good time to visit the Topography of Terror where you’ll walk through a detailed timeline of both major marks in history. Just a hop over from here you can also experience Checkpoint Charlie and learn more about life behind the Wall.
Heading towards the centre of town a mandatory stop at the Brandenburg Gate for a photo op, then onto the Reichstag parliament building where it’s highly recommended you book in to walk in the rooftop globe for great views of the city.
Five minutes’ walk from here you can also reach the powerful Jewish Memorial, try to enter the underground museum here also (free entry), it is well worth your while.
An absolute must when visiting this city is the East-side Gallery, here you will find the longest ruins of the Berlin Wall that has become a creative canvas for local and international artists.
Seeing the sights!
There is really only one way to truly do this, and that is by Trabant. The Trabant is an automobile produced from 1957 to 1990 by former East German auto maker VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau in Zwickau, Saxony.
So, you can forget about the hop on hop off tours in a double decker bus. Sign up for a great fun and hilarious ride in an old authentic Trabant! Trabi Safari tours see you behind the wheel and through your vintage car radio you will be guided through the streets of Berlin and past all of the major tourist attractions and landmarks, travelling in a true German vintage car.
The Food!
The Currywurst! Created 60 years ago, this dish has become the number one street food in Germany. When visiting Berlin by night, you will feel the magical spirit of those vibrant Currywurst stands on the corner which have become a neighbourhood meeting point. The invention of Currywurst is attributed to Herta Heuwer in Berlin in 1949, after she obtained ketchup (or possibly Worcestershire sauce) and curry powder from British soldiers in Germany. She mixed these ingredients with other spices and poured it over grilled pork sausage. And it was that simple.... but simply delicious!
Experiencing this delicacy is an absolute must when visiting Berlin! Curry 36 seems to be the number one spot for picking up this dish and if you want to to eat Currywurst the Berlin way, order yours boiled and naked ("ohne darm", without skin), looking a little pale in comparison with the ones in pink skins but even more delicious!
The Graffiti
Art critic Emilie Trice has called Berlin “the graffiti Mecca of the urban art world.” While few people would argue with her, the Berlin street scene is not as radical as her statement suggests. Street art in Berlin is a big industry. It’s not exactly legal, but the city’s title of UNESCO’s City of Design has kept local authorities from doing much to change what observers call the most “bombed” city in Europe. From the authorities’ point of view, the graffiti attracts tourists, and the tourists bring money to a city deep in debt.
When exploring the city on foot you will notice this type of art on most streets, as Emillie states this graffiti is art and adds to the character and uniqueness of Berlin.
You can even try out your artistic skills and take part in a Graffiti workshop at YAAM (Young African Art Market) YAMM which is situated almost directly on the River Spree is a unique space for events and team-building. After the first introduction and brainstorming, the first techniques and tricks in the handling of the spray can, stencil technique (Stencil Art) and other styles of this culture are taught.
Do you want to go to Berlin yet? If the answer is YES then don't hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our 2 or 3 day programme.
Call us on 01625 539954 or email stefanie@traveloptionsltd.com
T.O.