Berlin is not a traditional German city, especially when compared to Munich or Hamburg or Cologne. The capital of Germany has a fascinating history and has always had an eclectic vibe, attracting people from around the world. It felt very international and I wasn't immediately in love with the city but it definitely grew on me. There was so much to see and do, it was hard to pick and choose! Obviously I prioritized the WWII and Cold War aspects of the city, but anyone from art aficionados to foodies (and everyone in between) can find plenty to do. It's also good to know that Berlin is spread out, so take advantage of public transit and bike tours.
FRIDAY
With Berlin being so spread out, the best way to see the the city is by bike and there is no better tour guide than Fat Tire! TIP: these slots fill up quick, so book sooner than later.
After all that pedaling, enjoy an ice cold beer! You have countless options of delicious German beer, but the Lemke Brewery has a fantastic flight. Another solid option is Mikkeller, a famous Danish brewery and equally tasty.
For dinner, Berlin has countless options. Preeda has delicious thai food and cocktails! My coworker recommended Trattoria Portofino or ZOLA for Italian.
Just like restaurants, bars are aplenty in Berlin! Cocktail bars Buck & Breck (mobile phones are banned here!) and BRYK are fun!
SATURDAY
For brunch, ABC Club has the most delicious French Toast! If you want something more grab-and-go, Zeit für Brot is a solid option.
Now it's time for one of the best tours for history nerds: Tempelhof Airport was built before WWII but became the base for the US military following the war. Many parts of the Airport look just as they did when the military families lived there. It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend for anyone interested in WWII, architecture or aviation. TIP: be sure to check tour times, as they do change with the seasons.
If you're more partial to art, Alte Nationalgalerie has a great exhibit and the outside of the building is beautiful! There is a cluster of other art museums nearby, so you can hop around.
Take a break at Prater Biergarten!
For German food for dinner, check out Borchardts!
SUNDAY
Sunday morning is the best time to visit the Berlin Wall, as it is considerably less crowded. I headed straight for the East Side Gallery, where the wall was covered with art by graffiti artists.
After, hop on a bus and head to the DDR museum, which gives you a glimpse of life behind the Iron Curtain. I learned so much about daily activities, from kindergarten to the type of music that teen Berliners listened to.
Don't leave Berlin without a burger from Burgermeister. There are a few different locations around the city.
If you still have time, visit the Topography of Terror. This museum was built on the same grounds where the Gestapo was housed during the Nazi regime. The exhibit documents the horrors of the Nazis. TIP: join the free English guided tour at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday
Sick of history at this point? No judgement! Check out the Flea Market at Mauerpark, it has countless rows of vendors selling anything you can imagine. It's also a great place to relax on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
If you're not as much of a history nut as I am, Berlin still has incredible sights. From live music to food festivals, the options are endless. Check out ExBerliner for the latest events!
If you want to take in the views from the restaurant inside the dome of the German Parliament Building (Reichstag Building), it's important to fill out this form here first.
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