Berlin Bound: a 4 Day itinerary in Germany’s creative soul

After World War II, Germany was divided into East and West, and that division ran straight through Berlin. The cultural differences in the occupations of the different sides of the city have shaped the city into what it is today, a city that remembers its division and celebrates its unification while sharing the difficult history of the past.

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Nowadays, Berlin is a multicultural city, with large numbers of immigrants from Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Poland, and many other countries, making it a diverse community with a cosmopolitan feel. Find yourself exploring the different neighbourhoods during the day, learning about the history and culture of each, and finish off your nights by exploring the famous Berlin nightlife, a haven for techno lovers, where anything is possible.

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Know Before You Go

Getting there

The Berlin Brandenburg International Airport has regular flights from most countries in Europe, and almost all major European airlines fly to, including some budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet. The airport also has plenty of incoming flights from other continents as well. The airport is about 40 minutes to the city centre by taxi, or it is easily accessible via train, which costs around €3 for a ticket to Alexanderplatz, and takes about 40 minutes.

Public Transportation

Berlin has a very well-developed transport system, including trams and the metro that travel through the city. The Berlin metro, or U-bahn, is open from 4am to 1am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.Trains leave every 3-5 minutes. The city is easily interconnected by the metro system, with 9 different lines. There are maps listing the different routes in every metro station, or you can also use any maps application like Google Maps or Apple Maps to see the shortest route, and the times they leave.

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There are also buses and trams. There are more than 20 tram lines in Berlin and a number of public buses that cover routes that may be missed by the metro or tram. There are night buses as well, so you can catch a ride any time of the day. Maps are available online, at stops, or on maps applications like Google or Apple Maps.

Driving or Taxis

Like many European cities, Berlin has a lot of tight streets and one way that can make it difficult to drive. Parking can also be difficult to find in the city, so while driving is possible, it is more convenient to take taxis or public transport.

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Uber and Bolt are both accessible as car hires in Berlin, and in major touristic areas, taxis are easy to find as well.

Weather

Berlin experiences all 4 seasons, with the coldest months being November-February, and the warmest months being June-August. The best times to visit are from May to September, but Berlin is a great city to visit any time of the year, as with public transportation, taxis, and indoor activities, you won’t be too cold or too hot for long!

Money

Berlin’s official currency is the Euro. Compared to many other major cities in Europe, a lot of places outside of the main city centre only accept cash (especially doner places if you’re hoping to get the famous doner kebabs, and most nightclubs are cash only as well). Make sure to carry some on you at all times as you may run into a situation where it's needed.

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Day 1 & 2: Mitte and Museum Island

Mitte and Museum Island are located in Central Berlin, and these centralised neighbourhoods are home to some of the most famous spots in Berlin, filled with historical monuments, sights, landmarks, and museums. The amount of things you can do in these districts of Berlin can feel extremely overwhelming, since there’s just so much to see! That’s why we recommend taking 2 days of your time to fully immerse yourself and explore the area. That way, you won’t feel rushed when visiting the many museums and landmarks.

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Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is a great starting point when visiting Berlin. It’s a large transportation hub, so if you’re travelling to the city by train, you may find yourself in the most visited area of Berlin. In Alexanderplatz, you’ll stumble across some of the most famous attractions in the city. One of these is Fernsehturm, or in English, the TV Tower, which is the tallest structure in all of Germany, and was constructed by the German Democratic Republic. It was both a broadcasting facility and a symbol of communist power, and it still dominates the Berlin skyline to this day. From the TV tower, stunning views over Berlin can be seen. Buy your ticket in advance to skip the line and take in panoramic city views. Another iconic building right around Alexanderplatz is Rotes Rahaus which is the home to the governing mayor and the government of the state of Berlin.

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Besides its historical landmarks, Alexanderplatz is the place to be if you are looking to do some shopping. Nearby are shopping centres such as Einkaufsbahnhof Berlin Alexanderplatz and Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof Berlin Alexanderplatz. Carrying local and international products, you’ll be able to find some stylish clothes to bring back with you or grab anything you may have forgotten on your nightstand while packing for your trip.

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Pergamon Museum

Pergamon Museum is the most visited museum on Museum Island, and is one of the most visited attractions in all of Berlin. The museum itself is home to three different collections to explore. The first being the Antikensammlung, which is the Collection of Classical Antiquities housing artefacts from Ancient Greece, Rome and Asia Minor. Don’t miss the Pergamon Altar, a huge Hellenic structure that was excavated in Turkey and was reconstructed for the Pergamon Museum’s central hall, a truly impressive excavation.

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The next of the three is Vorderasiatisches Museum, or the Museum of the Ancient Near East, which has art collections and a range of different artefacts from Messopotamia, Assyria, and Persia. Here you’ll find the Babylon Code of Hammurabi, which is famous for being one of the oldest legal codes that has ever been discovered in the world. Last but not least, the Museum für Islamische Kunst, also known as the Museum of Islamic Art. One of the most beautiful parts of this exhibit is the Aleppo Room, which is a 17th-century room excavated from a palace in Syria. The paintings on the wall from the Ottoman period of Syria are incredibly detailed and stunning, and are a must-see of the museum.

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Neues Museum

The Neues Museum is known for its amazing collection of ancient Egyptian and prehistoric objects, as well as Greek and Roman artefacts. Arguably the most famous exhibit in the museum is the sculpture of the bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti. Art historians agree that this is one of the most beautiful pieces of ancient Egyptian art that has been preserved to this day, and it was created in 1340 BC. If you’re into art and ancient Egyptian history, this exhibit is a must-visit while in Berlin.

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As for German history, there is a collection of prehistoric artefacts that have been collected from many different periods such as the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age. This provides an interesting insight into how these everyday objects were used by groups in Germany, and throughout the rest of Europe as well, and is one of the most interesting of the museum's exhibits.

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Alte Nationalgalerie

Home to some of the most fabulous artworks in all of Germany, the neoclassical building boasts paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 19th century. The museum itself is incredibly stunning, with columns reminiscent of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as a beautiful grand staircase. Inside the ornate museum, some of the most famous German artists of the time have works displayed in this museum, such as Adolph Menzel, Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, and Caspar David Friedrich.

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Caspar David Friedrich’s exhibit is one of the most visited in the museum, and you can see some of his most emotional and impressive works, such as “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog”, a famous and dramatic work portraying the silhouette of a man surrounded by fog, and “Monk by the Sea”, an oil painting depicting a vast landscape. Art fanatics, you’ll recognise these works when you see them, and trust us when we say they’re even more impressive in person!

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Altes Museum

Museum Island’s first museum is home to ancient Greek and Roman art and artefacts. The beautiful building is filled with statues and sculptures from both ancient Greece and ancient Rome, including some iconic pieces, such as the famous statue of the Greek goddess Athena, and the Praying Boy, which was a bronze sculpture that was constructed in the 4th century BC.

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Besides its sculptures, the historical museum captures the daily lives of ancient Greece and Rome. Home to pottery, coins, vases, jewellery, household items, and decorative art, the museum gives a sneak peek into how these ancient civilisations lived.

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The Bode Museum

The Bode Museum is home to collections from the Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, displaying different artefacts from the time that are sure to impress. Intricate mosaics from the Byzantine Empire dominate the collection of Byzantine art and artefacts in the museum, and you’ll be in awe of the Pala d’Oro, an ornate, golden altarpiece that dates back to the 10th century.

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For those more interested in the Renaissance periods, the museum has a wide range of art from the Renaissance, including Donatello, Tilman Riemenschneider, and Albrecht Dürer. Exploring the beautiful building, you’ll find prime examples of Renaissance sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts.

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Berlin Cathedral

This Protestant church was inspired by the Italian Renaissance style of architecture and was funded by Emperor Wilhelm II, who was hoping to create a church that would rival the other cathedrals of Europe, and that it does! Not only is the neoclassical building incredibly beautiful from the outside, but the interior is impressive as well, with stained glass windows, frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. The interior is also home to one of the largest organs in the world and is credited as one of the most impressive you’ll see.

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If you’re down for a challenge, you can climb up the 270 steps to reach the top of the Berlin Cathedral. Sounds like a lot of work, yes, but trust us when we say the panoramic views of Berlin are well worth it.

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Brandenburg Gate

The Neoclassical monument in Berlin is one of the most iconic in the city. With its tall columns and impressive statues, the Brandenburg Gate has long been significant in the politics of German History. The gate was originally commissioned by Frederick William after the Thirty Years’ War, as a symbol of peace. In the early 19th century, Napoleon used the gate after defeating Prussia in a battle, and stealing the quadriga on top of the gate, bringing it to Paris.

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Eventually, the quadriga was returned to Prussia after Napoleon's defeat. However, over a century later, the gate was heavily damaged during World War II due to bullets and explosions, and soon after became the border between East and West Berlin. After Germany became unified, the gate held many festivals and celebrations, like the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 2014 World Cup celebration. Throughout time, the Brandenburg Gate has been influential, with plenty of unique and interesting historical stories to be told about the landmark.

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Reichstag Building

One of Berlin’s most breathtaking buildings is distinguished by its glass dome and impressive 19th-century architecture. First constructed in the 1800s, the Reichstag Building was home to the German parliament until its unfortunate destruction during a fire in 1933. Despite its significance previously, surprisingly enough, it was never renovated again until after the fall of the Berlin Wall. After that, the government moved the parliament back into this building.

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One of the most striking features of the building is the glass dome. The glass dome was designed to represent Germany’s democratic government. After governmental hardships for a while, the glass dome represents the country’s commitment to transparency, openness, and accessibility to the public. You can also head to the top of the dome to enjoy incredible views of Berlin. Make sure to reserve in advance as it gets crowded, but the visit itself is free. For a more unique experience, snag a reservation for breakfast at the dome, with beautiful birds-eye views of the city while you enjoy your delicious meal.

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Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a remembrance to the tragedies that occurred in Europe and Germany during the Holocaust. The site is 19,000 square metres and fits 2,711 slabs of concrete in a straight, grid-like pattern. The monument is located on the former Berlin wall, as the area that once divided the city also was the spot of Aktion T4, which was a mass murder spot in Nazi Germany by involuntary euthanasia.

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The memorial was designed by an architect named Peter Eisenman, who said that the intent of the memorial is to provide an uneasy and confusing atmosphere for its visitors. The memorial was also created untraditionally because Einsenman noted that due to the horrific tragedies, it wouldn’t be significant what the monument looked like and how it was designed because what is important is what it represents. That is exactly what it does. It signifies a terrible time in history, and creates a space to pay respect to the victims who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

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Gendarmenmarkt

When exploring the heart of Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt is a must-see, as it is one of the most beautiful squares in the city, with a rich and important history. Surrounding the square are impressive buildings, such as Konzerthaus Berlin, home to the famous Berlin Symphony Orchestra, where you can catch a classical music concert.

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Two museums line the square, the Französischer Dom, or the French Cathedral, and the Deutscher Dom, also known as the German Cathedral. Originally built in the 1700s to be churches, they now host permanent exhibits. The French Cathedral shares an exhibit about the Huguenots, French Protestants who fled persecution in France in the 1600s. Meanwhile, across the way in the German Cathedral is an exhibit on the history of democracy in Germany. These are significant as the Gendarmenmarkt was originally built as a marketplace for the French and German communities.

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Throughout time, the square has been historically significant for German history. During the German Revolution in 1848, the square was used for protests. Again in 1989, the square was used for demonstrations in support of democracy and the reunification of Germany. The square has been a symbol of German unification for years, making it an important historical hub in the city.

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Appreciate the architecture by boat

One of the best and most efficient ways to see the city is by taking a boat tour down the Spree River. Sit back and relax for your evening tour, and take in some of the most impressive architectural structures in the city. You’ll get sights of places like Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral while enjoying the sunset during the evening cruise. Drinks and snacks are also available on board, and commentary about the history of the places the boat passes by will be given.

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Experience the underground techno scene of Berlin

It wouldn’t be Berlin without the alternative, edgy clubs like Berghain, which is notorious for being incredibly selective of who gets let in,and Kit Kat, a famous club with an indoor pool and multiple rooms. While the Berlin clubbing scene can be intimidating for foreigners, just be yourself, wear black, and be prepared to leave your phone at the door at a lot of the bigger clubs. Leave all judgement at the door too, because Berlin clubs are known to be a safe space for people to express themselves, and you may see things that you think are out of the ordinary. For more laid back clubs, try The Pearl, Ritter Butzke, About Blank, or Suicide Circus, and come ready to enjoy the techno music!

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Where to stay:

Budget-Friendly - Selina Berlin Mitte

Cosy, well-decorated shared rooms right in the heart of Berlin.

Mid-Range - HighPark by Palmira

High-end suites, studios, and apartments at a reasonable price, equipped with balconies in a modern building.

Luxury - Château Royal

Luxurious rooms just a walk away from all of Berlin’s favourite attractions.

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Day 3: Friedrichsain and Kreuzberg

Friedrichsain and Kreuzberg are two adjacent trendy neighbourhoods that have distinctive alternative vibes. Friedrichsain is on the eastern side of Berlin, known for its street art and architecture, and has become quite the lively atmosphere. Students, artists, and musicians reside around here, giving Friedrichsain a creative edge.

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Kreuzberg is a multicultural neighbourhood, specifically known for its large amounts of Turkish immigrants, and has a rich culinary scene due to its diverse population. Spend your third day exploring these eclectic neighbourhoods, their artistic styles, and their delectable international cuisines.

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East Side Galleries

East Side Galleries is the longest-standing part of the Berlin Wall left and has been turned into a motivating art gallery, where artists from all over the world have used their talents to make political commentaries while also sharing their wishes for peace in the world. The galleries are free, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk to the end, depending on how much time you take to admire each artwork.

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Some of the most famous works at the East Side Galleries include The Kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker by Dmitri Vrubel, painted to show the solidarity between the socialist states and painted shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Touch the Wall by Christine Kühn, a mural that displays handprints from participants from all over the world, which symbolise the fact that the wall was not allowed to be touched by those living on the East side of it due to it being a death zone in East Germany.

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Oberbaumbrücke

This famous bridge runs across the River Spree and is the connection between the two neighbourhoods Friedrichsain and Kreuzberg. Designed by Otto Stahn, the red brick tower and gothic arches make for a unique crossing point. Stroll across the bridge and enjoy the views of the River, as well as breathtaking city views.

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The bridge was once a border between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and there are remnants of old guard towers left standing on the bridge, making it a significant reminder of the separation between Germany. It has been historically significant in more ways than one, and has been a popular spot for protests and demonstrations, such as against the Vietnam War, and in the fight of LGBT rights.

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Nowadays, the bridge is a popular place for love locks. Come with your partner and attach the lock with your initials on the side of the bridge. Don’t forget to throw the key into the river. This is a cute tradition that stands as a symbol of love.

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Markthalle Neun

Berlin has a wide variety of markets. From food markets to flea markets, the market scene is a big thing in the city. Markthalle Neun is one of the most fun and eclectic markets in the city. The covered market shelters from the cold and is home to an amazing array of different food vendors. You can find craft German beer, Italian bakeries, fresh seafood, a butcher’s shop, and so many other different types of foods, ranging from German traditional foods and gastronomy from other cultures that make up the international city.

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Every once in a while, the market hosts food festivals, such as the Berlin Coffee Festival, the Cheese Festival, and ‘Sausages and Beer’. These different festival dates differ depending on the year, so if you’re hoping to visit, make sure to check the market’s website to see what’s on during your time in Berlin.

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Holzmarkt25

On the banks of River Spree is an innovative development that prides itself on its sustainability and environmentally friendly construction. The area is a multipurpose development with apartments, offices, restaurants, and performance spaces. When visiting, you’ll be able to enjoy the unique, modern place, either at one of its many cafes and restaurants, a rooftop garden, or the public spaces that offer beautiful views of the city.

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The Holzmarkt25 will impress you at how different and almost futuristic it feels when visiting. It feels like you have stepped out of Berlin without even leaving the city. Come during Christmas for a fun take on the traditional German Christmas Markets!

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Discover the trendy Kreuzberg district with a food tour

Kreuzberg is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Berlin, with a large Turkish population, student population, and a love for the arts. With this food tour you can discover the multicultural neighbourhood that is home to delicious cuisines, from original Berlin recipes to international gastronomy, while also learning about the interesting history of the quarter, including escape stories from East Germany, and the significance of the Kreuzberg neighbourhood throughout the years.

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Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is arguably the most famous of the crossing points of the Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin. The location nowadays is symbolic of the Cold War, as many influential events happened here, such as when a Soviet and American tank faced each other during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and when the United States’ President John F. Kennedy climbed onto a platform to overlook the Berlin wall and see into East Berlin from this point.

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Right next to Checkpoint Charlie, is the Berlin Wall Museum. The museum was founded in 1962 as a protest against the Berlin Wall and was important in fighting against the human rights violations that occurred after the construction of the wall. The museum was used as a base to help refugees escaping East Germany. Skip the line to the famous museum and learn about the struggles and resistance to the unjust regime.

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Where to stay:

Budget-Friendly - Grand Hostel Berlin Classic

Located in an elegant 19th-century building, this hostel has just as much charm as the neighbourhood it resides in, Kreuzberg.

Mid-Range - Wil7 Boutique Hotel

Fully equipped, modern studios right in the heart of Kreuzberg.

Luxury - Mondrian Suites Berlin am Checkpoint Charlie

Beautiful rooms with a traditionally designed lobby, only steps away from the iconic Checkpoint Charlie monument.

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Day 4: Charlottenburg and Prenzlauer Berg

On your final day, discover the high-end neighbourhood of Charlottenburg, wandering through its impressive streets lined with elegant architecture and high-end shops. After exploring the upscale neighbourhood, head to one of the newest trendy locations in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg, a historical neighbourhood home to trendy bars and cafes along with a vibrant arts scene. Often considered one of the ‘alternative’ neighbourhoods in Berlin, this makes a great contrast for the second half of your day compared to Charlottenburg. Instead of proper buildings and luxury stores, you’ll find wonky vintage shops and edgy street art! The difference in style between these two neighbourhoods is interesting to compare, and makes for a fun day of discovering the different sides of the city.

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Charlottenburg Palace

The magnificent Charlottenburg Palace was built in the baroque style in the late 17th century as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg. When visiting the palace, you can explore the interiors, which are furnished with ornate decorations featuring different styles from different time periods. When visiting, one of the most impressive rooms you’ll stumble across is the Porcelain Cabinet, which is decorated with over 2,700 pieces of Chinese porcelain.

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Outside, don’t miss one of the most stunning features of the palace, the Charlottenburg Palace Gardens. With beautiful fountains, architecture, and sculpture, the gardens are a peaceful atmosphere to take a break from the city life. The Parterre is one of the most beautifully landscaped sections of the garden. Intricate designs make up the hedges and flower beds, and it is one of Germany’s most stunning garden designs.

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Mauerpark

Mauerpark translates from German into “Wall Park”, as the park was located on the border between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and was a part of the death strip. Nowadays, the park is symbolic of the reunification of Berlin, and has a vibrant atmosphere, with beautiful landscaping.

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If you have the opportunity to visit on a Sunday, we strongly recommend it. There is a famous flea market on Sundays where you can search through antiques, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing. There are also a variety of food vendors and live music. Every Sunday, at 3pm, you can become a part of the live music and join the Mauerpark Karaoke! This popular event happens every Sunday, and is one of Berlin’s favourite traditions. Just try not to get stage fright! Hundreds of people turn up to the karaoke, so it can be quite nerve-wracking. If you have a fear of crowds, it's still fun to watch from the sidelines without singing yourself!

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Kulturbrauerei

Kulturbrauerei was a brewery that was open from the mid-19th century until the early 1990s, but the industrial-style complex was eventually closed down and turned into a cultural centre which is now a favourite among locals. Remnants of its past still remain, such as the old brewery machine that has been displayed, giving it a unique charm.

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Nowadays, there are a range of different activities that will keep you entertained in Kulturbrauerei. If you’re looking for some alternative entertainment, there are a variety of venues showing hip concerts and film screenings. For art lovers, either check out one of the art galleries, or wander around admiring the street art installations that add to the character of the complex! Make sure to check out Kulturbrauerei’s website to see which events are on in the different venues.

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Kastanienallee

Neglected during the Cold War due to its role as part of the border zone between East and West Berlin, Kastanienallee has gone through a transformation in recent years, now making it one of the trendiest places in the city. Walk around and explore the street art that the boulevard is known for, including murals and graffiti, all of which give the area a unique charm.

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Calling all shopaholics! Kastanienallee is one of the best places for shopping in Berlin, especially if you’re looking for things you won’t find in other cities. Independent designers, antique shops, handmade jewellery shops, and quirky boutiques call this street home, and you’re bound to find unique pieces and trinkets to bring home from your trip. If you get tired of shopping, there are a lot of cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can take a break in!

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Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial commemorates the legacy of the Berlin Wall, and is home to a well-preserved piece of the wall, which includes the “death strip”, which was the impossible path to cross between the inner and outer walls of the barrier. Besides the outdoor exhibit, you can also explore the indoor exhibit, which shares the history of the wall and the detrimental impact it had on the city and its residents.

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There are plenty of memorials and sites commemorating the Berlin Wall in Berlin, but this one is distinctive because its focus is on sharing human stories and experiences from behind the wall, allowing visitors to reflect on the tough time in history and truly understand the impact it had on the people living there at the time.

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Where to stay:

Budget-Friendly - Come Inn Berlin Kurfürstendamn

Bright rooms right on a beautiful shopping street in Charlottenburg.

Mid-Range - Henri Hotel Berlin Kurfürstendamn

A stylish hotel with elegant rooms in an Art Nouveau building from 1880.

Luxury - Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

This boutique hotel offers luxurious amenities like a spa and gym with panoramic city views

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