6 Things to See and Do in Berlin

One of the best things about travel is discovering new cultures and experiencing destinations as the locals do; and Berlin is no exception. Here are six Berlin destinations to get you started on your journey.

Grunewald Forest

As Berlin’s largest forest located south-west of Charlottenburg and accessible from the S-bahn, this wooded area offers plenty of outdoor activities for the outdoor minded. Take a picnic lunch and do like the locals do when they want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Explore the forest by foot, bicycle, or with a leisurely horseback ride, on your way to one of several crystal clear fresh water lakes, before taking the Teufelsberg tour of the man-made hill that was constructed out of the post-World War II rubble by the Allies.

Museum Island

Appropriately named, Museum Island is home to Berlin’s five most important museums. Travel through time to see the bust of Neferttiti, one of Egypt’s most notorious queens, at the Neues Museum. Then work your way over to the world renowned archaeological museum Pergamon Museum and explore the partially recreated structures like the Pergamon Alter originally built in 170-159BC or the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.

Mauer Park

For those who love to shop and experience the thrill of negotiating a good bargain, there is the massive flea market on Sunday’s at Mauer Park, where you can find anything from inexpensive bicycles, to clothes, souvenirs, furniture, and local cuisine.

Sky View

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city as you marvel at the impressive architecture of some of Berlin’s eclectic skyscrapers. Start your panoramic tour at the Reichstag where the German Parliament is housed. Its roof structure made entirely of glass provides a spectacular view of the city. On your way up to the viewing area, take the self-guided audio tour. Once you are done there, work your way over to the east side of the city and wonder at Berlin’s fourth tallest tower, the Fernsehturm, standing at 200 meters. This iconic freestanding structure’s stainless steel sphere is home to the revolving Fernsehturm Restaurant and viewing gallery where you can relax and enjoy some fine dining as you look out over the city.

Berlin Wall Walk

Absorb the history of Berlin by visiting the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, which is now a tourist center. Then walk along the wall by the Spree and visit the East Side Gallery. Although the Cold War is over, this historic site is still a topic of controversy as historians, artists, and preservationists battle over how these ruins should be maintained. This is evident in the wall only having artwork on the East Side.

Bars and Pubs

Finish off your day of exploring with a hot meal and lively conversation amongst locals in one of the local bars or pubs. With locals presents you many different options to eat at a local’s house – which is the best way to truly experience the German culture and learn about less known activities to try out.

Berlin is one of the world’s most varied populations with a mix of both old world and modern as the two sides of the once divided city continue to rebuild the extremely diverse lifestyles into one way of life. It is this mixture of beliefs and cultures that make Berlin such an amazing travel destination.