Germany’s capital and biggest city, Berlin, is a true one off. No other city in the world has a comparable, history, atmosphere or culture. That’s why so many visitors fall in love with its unique combination of hip neighbourhoods, laid back lifestyles and ‘anything goes’ attitude. World class nightlife, a Turkish-influenced cuisine and a huge number of places of historical interest mean Berlin appeals to almost everybody. From the brutalist architecture of Alexanderplatz in the city centre to the modern glass and steel of Potsdamer Platz, Berlin is a city of contrast, but differences are encouraged and celebrated. A city once divided is now very much united.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Berlin
Mitte - The city’s historical centre, and the former hub of East Berlin. It’s here you’ll find the best museums, galleries and night clubs. Around every corner and on each grand boulevard you’ll discover something new and fascinating. Best explored with a Welcome Card.
Neukolln - One of Berlin’s hippest neighbourhoods, full of trendy bars and clubs centred around the central hub of Weser Strasse and Sonnenallee.
Kreuzberg - Cool bars, street art, international eating options - it’s all here in Kreuzberg. Stroll through Treptower Park and stumble across the abandoned theme park and colossal Soviet memorial.
Prenzlauer Berg - Located just to the northeast of Mitte, this is the neighbourhood where Berlin’s regeneration really began. These days it’s more chilled out cafes and young families than techno clubs and underground art movements but it’s still a lot of fun.
Things to See in Berlin
Although not much of the Berlin Wall remains, you can still see graffiti covered sections down by the Spree at the Oberbaum Bridge. It’s almost impossible to believe that this great city was once cleaved in two by a vast wall. But the remnants serve as a powerful reminder that we shouldn’t let ideologies divide us. Explore the vast green space of the Tiergarten, right in the centre of town, and take a tour around the Reichstag, Germany’s infamous parliament building. Check out the cool shops and bars of Kreuzberg and on Sundays, head to the flea markets at Mauerpark or Boxhagener Platz, where you can buy everything and anything. You can see all this and more with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Things to Do in Berlin
The best way to get around Berlin is by bike. This is a real cycling city, with plenty of dedicated bike paths and canal-side riding to enjoy. Take a boat trip through the city on the extensive waterways, or hop on the retro U-bahn and ride. Discover more on a walking tour of Mitte’s most famous buildings, or hang out with the cool kids in Neukolln. Berlin’s Tempelhof airport once saved the city during a Soviet blockade but these days it’s a huge city park where you can walk on the runway and admire the stunning kilometre long terminal building. Like many of the city’s attractions, you can’t help feeling that this could only happen in Berlin.
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