Where do you want to be when the clock strikes on a new year? Perhaps dancing the night away in the VIP section of some swanky club? Maybe you prefer ooh-ing and aah-ing at free fireworks downtown or making a toast in a tower over 300 meters above the city lights? If you chose any of the above, then pick up the phone because Berlin just might be calling you!
Situated to the north of the most-populated country in Western Europe, Berlin's history dates back several hundred centuries. It was founded by Albert the Bear all the way back in 1157 along the Spree river which henceforth placed the region under German rule. In time Berlin became the capital of the historically significant Prussian Kingdom in 1701, which lasted until after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire in 1815. The collapse of the former empire eventually resulted in the formation of the New German Empire (aka the Second Reich) in 1871 when the most powerful kingdoms in the region officially unified to create what is essentially modern-day Germany. Berlin has since remained the capital of the country except for a long period between 1949 and 1989 when the Germanic nation was split into two and the capitals became Bronn and East Berlin for West and East Germany, respectively.
Berlin is now the most populated city of the country with the world's fourth-biggest economy and is also famed for its rich culture, breathtaking art, classical architecture as well as its booming nightlife. For that last reason alone, it often makes the shortlist for best cities to party the night away, especially for New Year's Eve. It's not surprising that the city attracts some of the most world-renowned musicians and venues often don't close until just past sunrise. Even if you don't decide to travel to Berlin during the winter holiday, this guide still has everything you need to enjoy your trip to the home of currywurst to the fullest.
Many factors drew some girlfriends and me to explore the city for a few days to ring in a new year and a new decade for NYE 2019, and I'm so glad we went It turned out to be an amazing trip brimming with stunning sights, delicious cuisine and late nights but the fun and adventure admittedly came with a somewhat hefty price.
That’s not to say that Berlin is by any means unaffordable, as the restaurant and bar scenes offer fare with prices similar to those in the rest of Europe and North America, but good, central accommodation can be costly. We elected to shell out for an AirBnB since we could split the price tag and the kitchen allowed us to save money by allowing us to cook most of our meals. Doing so allowed us to splurge when we did eat out and we still found reasonable prices in most locales.
Thus if you have a couple vacation days and pocket money to spare, then there’s no better place to head for the winter holidays (or any holiday, really) than Berlin if you’re seeking some more thrill for the night. It doesn’t hurt that it’s the home of a World UNESCO site either so here's the ultimate guide on how to spend New Year’s Eve in Berlin like we did, living it up like rock-stars. Let the festivities begin!
How Many Days To Spend And Where To Stay
While the length of your trip entirely rests on how many vacation days you've racked up, it's essential to keep in mind that Berlin is one of the largest cities in Europe. Subsequently, many of its monuments are spread out across a wide area that takes some time to travel around, even via the very reliable public transportation systems. Therefore, I highly recommend setting aside at least three days to really do the place justice because even after spending five days there, we still didn't end up seeing everything. Still, this guide will be broken up according to the proximity of famous sites so feel free to zip around the city, checking them off your list a la carte!
As far as accommodation is concerned, Berlin has several quaint neighborhoods to stay in while you explore, from the ritzy and upscale to the trendy and upcoming. More importantly, these come in a wide range of prices to fit even the most shoestring budget as long as you stay realistic. For those who prefer to live in the lap of luxury close to the city center, Mitte and Kreuzberg are filled with enough classy hotels, boutique hostels, and lush resto-bars to make your jaw drop.
These places generally come with steeper costs which is why we decided to rent a gorgeous AirBnB in Tempelhof, just south of the city center. It took about 20-25 minutes by metro to reach the center from there but it was a quiet neighborhood and that commute seems like nothing after living in Madrid. Tiergarten to the west and Prenzlauer Berg to the north also encompass more affordable digs without being too far off the beaten path while Neukölln is another trendy neighborhood complete with cool street art to the southeast.
No matter where you stay, however, you can rest assured that your area will be filled with restaurants and bars packed with locals. Just don’t forget to book a seat ahead of time or you just might find yourself standing outside in the bitter cold for an hour or more.
Reservations To Make Before You Leave
Berlin has certainly earned its reputation for being a huge party city and during the holidays this is doubly true. Even though we landed on a weekday, the streets were crowded with people bar-hopping until the wee hours because clubs there typically don’t close until 6 AM. This worked out perfectly since we were all committed to prolonging our first night out but, like in most urban cities, admission was first come, first served, and lines got long. This just goes to show that, in a city that receives more than 13 million visitors a year, sometimes it’s necessary to reserve spots in advance.
This rule even applied to some of the most prominent attractions in the city since a few free ones, such as the Bundestag (German parliament), require reservations that take weeks to scoop up. In fact, when we tried to go the day of to see if we could snag a last-minute spot for a friend who tagged along for our midday tour, we found a sea of people congested outside of the historic building in lines that zig-zagged all the way down the block.
What's more, the tickets were all sold out for that day and those lines had actually been to acquire tickets for the following day. This is all to say that if you’re planning on doing some cultural activities in Berlin, you might just need some paperwork, especially around the holidays. Here are some reservations to account for when you’re planning your trip to the Land of Poets, Thinkers and House Music:
Bundestag (aka Reichstag and dome tour)
Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
Berlin 7-in-1 NYE Pass
They might seem simple enough to book but none of these come without a few caveats, however. For instance, given that the Bundestag is a functioning government office, not only must you apply for a tour of the building but also register through the official website using valid identification. That means if you want to reserve your spots as part of a group tour, you’re going to have to have everyone’s information ready when submitting your request, down to their birthdays.
Germans (being as wonderful as they are) have made the website readily available in English so you should at least have no problems navigating through the process and picking your dates. Simply give yourself a grace period of at least a month and you’ll be all set.
Alternatively, while some might only be interested in visiting the glossy dome of the Reichstag building, I strongly encourage you to go for the 90-minute guided tour of the whole place, too. Not only will you learn some interesting, historical tidbits but you’ll also get to see some cool relics leftover from World War II and visit the heart of the German government. Just don’t do what I did and nearly mar one by placing your heavy winter coat on it (#facepalm). Our knowledgeable tour guide, Ronald, kept us all laughing with his dry wit and even humored everyone’s obsessive need to take pictures with minimal eye-rolling while teaching us trivia for German flag pins.
All in all, it was a fantastic experience and I got plenty of memorable shots, including this . The best part is that the service is provided completely for free so make sure to check it out if you have the time.
Another hot commodity that is nearly as unattainable as a tour of the Reichstag is a seat in Berlin’s famed TV Tower. The 368-meter tower is marketed as the highest place in the city to get a drink and features both a bar and a restaurant in its rotating head. Both have their pros and cons but I would say skip the restaurant if you’re looking to save time and money.
I say this because the TV tower actually offers a combination of entrance prices depending on the time of day, seating arrangement as well as menu options. If you’re looking for more of a view than something to eat, Bar 203 will at least provide you with refreshments to wet your whistle as you take in the city from above. If you’re going for a bit more ambiance, then spend a bit more to upgrade to a 2-hour time slot in the restaurant. The earlier the meal, the more economic the price but inner circle seats are normally only slightly cheaper than those on the outer circle so we splurge a little to sit there.
Still, by the time we went to reserve our table about three weeks before our trip, most of the best time slots were already gone with not one left for NYE. We were lucky to get a table at all for a couple days later and even luckier to get one that coincided just before sunset at 3PM DST (because winters are the worst).
While the scenery and lighting were undoubtedly breathtaking, so were the restaurant’s prices in the end. We made the mistake of ordering a bottle of water to share without double-checking the menu and were shocked to later find out that it had cost a whopping 8€ for 1L. Hate to say it, but I would recommend sticking to beer (unsurprisingly, the only reasonably priced item on the menu) and then dining elsewhere to get more bang for your buck.
Picking Your VIP Pass
Speaking of bucks, who's a fan of unlimited Jagerbomb shots? Well, you’ll have more than enough to fill your gullet when you invest in a Berlin 7-in-1 VIP party pass. The name says it all; seven clubs and dozens of more dance floors all for one price with shuttle buses in between included. Did I mention that these places are also open-bar?
The party pass is much more attainable than the other two guest-lists previously mentioned but the prices do jump the closer it gets to the holidays. Do yourself a favor and land the early-bird prices so you can save some dough no matter which version of the pass you end up getting.
Perhaps it’s because we’re getting old (officially rang in my dirty thirties in Malta) but my friends and I decided to get a slightly different party pass. Instead of running around to a bunch of places all night, we stayed in one venue (that year Alte Munze) which consisted of three buildings with a total of seven dance floors. Each live DJ played a different genre of music from rock to pop to hip hop and the facilities also included what appeared to be empty sex dungeons (because Germans).
Not only was this the cheaper option in the end, but it also saved us from having to waste most of the night moving from place to place. I met several people on a VIP pub crawl during NYE who were disappointed to find out after the fact that they could’ve stayed at one venue like we did and I was relieved to be able to conserve my energy only for dancing.
I mean, that lack of moving around still didn't stop me from losing my phone in the colossal complex that is Alte Munze but, through a series of fortunate events, I was able to get it back just a couple days later (a story for a different day). Either way, save yourself some trouble by comparing VIP passes before you stick to a party plan. Some other travelers I ran into said theirs included a party boat so you never know what you can find. Here are just a few places where you can start planning the NYE of your Berlin dreams.
What To Pack
Berlin is very cold in the winter months, experiencing a wet and humid climate that's freezing in the morning and perhaps sunny yet windy during the day. While we were there over the NYE holiday, the thermostat hovered somewhere around -5C at sunrise and about -2C at sunset. Make of that what you will but, as a Canadian, I wasn't much bothered by the cold (though it was definitely much colder than balmy Madrid) yet I know my American pals suffered terribly.
Pack some long-sleeved shirts, long pants, scarves, gloves, beanies, windbreakers, thermal pantyhose, earmuffs, or long-johns if you have them. The last thing you want is to be freezing your tail off outside trying to watch the free fireworks going off all across the city at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. Don't regret trying to travel lightly just to be uncomfortable later.
Getting From Berlin Airport To The City Center
The fastest way to get from the airport to the city center is by car but, in a city already so expensive, perhaps you want the more eco- and wallet-friendly public transportation. Berlin actually has two functioning international airports, Berlin Tegel (TXL) to the northwest and Berlin Schoenefeld (SXF) to the southeast as well as one that has been under construction for over a decade (and recently finished construction). SXF is a frequent hub for low-budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet so make sure to verify which one you’re flying into in any case.
Unfortunately, the Berlin underground doesn't run directly to either airports unlike the one in Madrid (the one time Spaniards beat Germans at efficiency) but several bus lines can transport passengers to various parts of the city.
As we were staying in Tempelhof to the south but landed at Berlin Tegel, it took us 1 bus and 2 metro lines to reach our accommodation. In total, it was a journey of 45 minutes but travelers planning to reside in the north should have less of a commute.
Buying a bus pass from the airport is pretty straight forward enough (just look for the long line right outside) and the multilingual kiosks also have a variety of different ticket options to consider for all ages.* Pricing for tickets also depends on distance with the transportation system consisting of 3 zones (A, B, and C) which radiate out from the city center. The airports are both out in Zone C so make sure to select a single fare ticket and not a short-distance ticket:
Short-distance ticket: 1.90€, reduced: 1.40€
Tariff zone AB: 2.90€, reduced: 1.80€
Tariff zone BC: 3.30€, reduced: 2.30€
Tariff zone ABC: 3.60€, reduced: 2.60€
*Children between 6-14 years old qualify for reduced fare.
A short-distance single fare ticket is valid for only 3 stops on the main transportation routes, the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (overground). This ticket will at least allow you to change trains if necessary and can also be used for up to 6 stops on buses and trams when not changing vehicles.
There is still a jumble of other ticket options to decide between depending on how long you're planning to be in town and where you're staying. Here's a rough outline for every travel itinerary:
~1-day single-person ticket:
Tariff AB: 8.60€, reduced: 5.50€
Tariff ABC: 9.60€, reduced: 6.00€
Bonus: price includes 3 children up to age 14
Caveat: Invalid after 3 AM
~7-day single-person ticket:
Tariff AB: 34.00€
Tariff ABC: 41.00€
Caveat: Invalid after midnight on 7th day
~1-day group ticket:
Tariff AB: 23.50€
Tariff ABC: 24.90€
Bonus: Valid for up to 5 people
Caveat: Invalid after 3 AM
To leave the airport, you need a single ABC tariff ticket which should stay valid long enough for you to make it safely to your accommodation. There are enough routes to make your head spin so to make sure you get on the right bus, I've broken them down by the airport.
From Berlin Tegel Airport
If you’re departing from Berlin Tegel and heading toward Mitte, hop on the TXL Bus going south and then hop off at Berlin’s Central Train Station to transfer onto the S-Bahn. Take the S3, S5, S7, and S9 toward Karlshorst and get off at Alexanderplatz. Your destination should be somewhere around the corner.
Total time: 35-40 minutes; 5 bus stops and 6 metro stops, including 1 transfer
If you’re staying in Kreuzberg, then you have a few possible routes. From Berlin Tegel, you can either catch the 109 Bus south and transfer to the U-Bahn at Kurfürstendamm Station. Board the U1 toward Kottbusser Tor and get off anywhere after Prinzenstraße Station depending on your accommodation.
Total time: 40-45 minutes; 16 bus tops and 7 metro stops, including 1 transfer
Alternatively, you can take the X9 Bus from Berlin Tegel and then switch to the U-Bahn but this route requires at least one other metro transfer. If you’re in a hurry and must take the X9 Bus, ride it south to Bhf Jakob-Kaiser-Platz Station. From this station, get on the U-Bahn and catch the U7 toward Rudow before transferring again at Möckernbrücke Station. Get onto the U3 toward Kottbusser Tor and exit at Prinzenstraße Station. Try to avoid this route if you have a lot of baggage, however, as there are a lot of stairs and not so many escalators between metro platforms.
Total time: 40-45 minutes; 1 bus stop and 17 metro stops, including 2 transfers
If your destination lies in Tiergarten, then you practically live in the neighborhood! Simply catch the 109 Bus for a few minutes and get off at Beusselstraße bus stop to change to the 106 Bus for the last leg. You’ll be there before you know it.
Total time: 25-30 minutes; 9 bus stops, including 1 transfer
Prenzlauer Berg is another neighborhood not too far from Berlin Tegel and the commute there is just a hop onto a bus before skipping onto the U-Bahn. At the airport, take the TXL Bus heading toward Hauptbahnhof and descend at Beusselstraße Station. Once there, catch the S41 and exit anywhere after Prenzlauer Allee Station to arrive at your journey’s end
Total time: 30-35 minutes; 2 bus stops and 5 metro stops, including 1 transfer
From Berlin Schoenefeld Airport
If you're landing in Berlin's southern airport yet are staying in Mitte to the north, get on the S-Bahn to take either the S9, RE7 Bus, or RB14 Bus all the way up to Berlin's Central Train Station. At the station, catch the 123 Bus toward Saatwinkler Damm/Mäckeritzwiesen and get off after a few minutes at Perleberger Brücke bus stop. Voila, you’re in the heart of the neighborhood.
Total time: 50-55 minutes; 10 bus/metro stops including 1 transfer
To get to Kreuzberg, catch either the S9, RE7 Bus or RB14 Bus up to Berlin Ostbahnhof Station and then ride the 140 Bus for a few more minutes. Disembark at Prinzenstraße Station and you should get there without too much fuss.
Total time: 40-45 minutes; 13 bus stops, including 1 transfer
On the other hand, if you’re staying in Tiergarten, then you might have a bit of an odyssey ahead of you since it’s clear across town and requires a minimum of one transfer to reach. You have your pick out routes but the fastest would be to take the X7 Bus a short distance to Rudow Station where you can afterward transfer to the U-Bahn. Take the U7 toward Rathaus Spandau for the better part of the journey before getting off at Bahnhof Kleistpark Station a half-hour later. Transfer one last time to the 187 Bus heading north and descend at Großer Stern Station.
Total time: 60 minutes; 9 bus stops and 18 metro stops, including 2 transfers
If you don’t relish making all those transfers and can spare the time, an easier way to get to Tiergarten is to take the S9 directly from the airport all the way up to Bellevue Station. You’ll be within minutes of the famed Tiergarten Park, just a kilometer away.
Total time: 65 minutes; 16 metro stops
If time isn't of the essence but you can't be bothered to walk too far, then go for the longest route to Tiergarten. Get on the S45 traveling toward Südkreuz and then transfer at Berlin Südkreuz Station. From there, catch the 106 Bus heading north and finally get off at Großer Stern Station.
Total time: 75 minutes; 11 metro stops and 14 bus stops, including 1 transfer
Lastly, just like with other neighborhoods, you have your choice when it comes to routes to get to Prenzlauer Berg. Starting at the airport, you can first take the S9 toward Spandau Bhf (Berlin) and then transfer at Adlershof Station to catch the S8 toward Blankenburg. When you exit at Prenzlauer Allee Station, you won’t be too far from your destination.
Total time: 55-60 minutes; 14 metro stops, including 1 transfer
If you fancy riding a tram to Prenzlauer Berg, you can check it off your bucket list by taking either the S9, RE7 Bus, or RB14 Bus up to Alexanderplatz Station. Once there, take the M2 Tram toward Steinberg and descend at Prenzlauer Allee Station.
Total time: 60-65 minutes; 12 metro stops and 6 tram stops, including 1 transfer
What To See: A Self-Guided Tour
Hopefully, you were able to make it your accommodation without too many hiccups but one vital thing to consider before you go gallivanting around the city is that you must valid every ticket you buy at the machine located within the metro station or bus. Everyone who doesn't comply with this regulation is subject to a fine of 60€ even if you've bought a new ticket.
The agents will be dressed undercover in plain clothes as well so don't think too lightly about getting away with it (a similar situation happened to me in Paris where the officials were a homeless guy and a guy texting on his mobile phone). It's also not allowed to travel anywhere toward your starting point without a new ticket so I would recommend investing in a 4-pack metro pass, which is purchasable from the metro kiosks.
Not only are they cheaper than buying single tickets but they should save you some time from standing in line every time you hop on public transportation. There are four distinct transport systems via the bus, the underground railway (U-Bahn), the suburban railway (S-Bahn), or the tram, and this article will distinguish those accordingly going forth.
Berlin is filled with a plethora of astounding monuments and eye-catching architecture. It also houses a World UNESCO site but, whether you’re more into exploring culture or just having a good time, the city is bound to have something just for you. Make sure you wear comfy shoes because Berlin is BIG and we have a lot of ground to cover!
Regardless of what you’re looking for, there’s no better place to start than in the heart of the city, Alexanderplatz. It's one of the most well-known and well-placed destinations in the entire city. Plus, this plaza has everything in terms of food and entertainment while being in perfect walking-distance from many famous attractions. If you want to explore German cuisine, go shopping in lush boutiques, or just grab a drink at a bar, you need to look no further. Its neighborhood, Berlin-Mitte, is also very trendy so make sure to thoroughly look around, you might just stumble on a perfect spot.
STOP 1: Berlin cathedral
From here, you can travel between all the different sites on foot or using your metro pass, depending on your mobility. The first stop is Berlin Cathedral (aka Berlin Dom), just a 2-stop ride away on the 100 or 245 Bus going toward the Reichstag or just over a 1-km walk. Go northwest in Alexanderplatz until you pass the Primark and the Burger King to find a street called Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. Either take the bus at the stop on the other side of the road or take a left and walk all the way down and then across Karl-Liebknecht Bridge to arrive at Museum Island officially (more on that later). Continue forward onto Bundestraße-2 until you hit Spandauer-Straße, make a right and you should see this beauty in the distance, built in 1905 by decree of Emperor William II. It’s the biggest Protestant church in Germany and still serves as one of the most significant dynastic tombs in Europe.
Sadly, it costs some pocket money to go inside and I’ve honestly seen enough gorgeous cathedrals in Europe without paying (RIP, Notre Dame) that I elected not to go in. If it was as stunning on the outside as it was on the inside, I’m sure it would have been worth the sacrifice to most people. Snag some pics to your heart's content and then go back to Bundesstraße-2/Schloßplatz to take Bus 100 or 245 just one stop before crossing to the other side of the street.
stop 2: staatssport unter den linden
Alternatively, you can walk the 700-m distance across Schloss Bridge onto Unter den Linden to end up at the same point. Find a small street called Bebelplatz past Staatssport Unter den Linden, a prestigious opera house that is also photo-worthy. Take the first right you come to and continue on to Bebelplatz and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral should be right in front of you, a Roman Catholic relic from the late-18th century. Its land was donated by King Frederick II at the request of local parishioners and modeled after the Parthenon in Rome (sadly, it's been closed for renovations since 2018).
stop 3: gendarmenmarkt
You should already be on or near Hedwigskirchgasse so take it down to Französische Straße where you'll make a right and then your second left onto Charlottenstraße which will lead you to the entry of Gendarmenmarkt, the sight of Berlin’s biggest Christmas market. During the winter holidays, usually starting at the beginning of December, towns all over Europe set up festive street markets to ring in the season and Germans apparently do them the best.
Stop here to let your feet rest and get some refreshments as you take in the wonderful holiday cheer amidst gleeful locals. Try some Gludwein or hot alcohol apple cider to fight away the chill or dig into a heaping plate of traditional cuisine from artisan bratwurst to handmade sauerkraut. There's typically live music throughout the day but the evening shows are the best for entertainment and are generally family-friendly.
stop 4: brandenburg torr
If you still have time in your day, however, it’s time to wipe off the Apfelstrudel crumbs and head to your next destination, Brandenburg Torr. This well-known monument is just about just a 15-minute walk or a hop and a skip away on the bus so double back to Charlottenstraße and turn right. Walk up to Unter den Linden and cross the street to catch Bus 100 or 245 on stop and then get off in front of the iconic landmark or simply head straight down on foot. The 28-m tall neoclassical masterpiece was erected in 1788 in the site of the ancient city gate at the behest of the Prussian king, Frederick William II. It indicates the start of the road between Berlin to Brandenburg an der Havel, the former capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg. Take some pictures from Pariser Platz on the east side and then view from the other side to decide which you prefer.
stop 5: memorial to the memorial jews
When you’ve had your fill, turn back to find a place that will take your breath away for entirely different reasons. Less than 600 meters away lies the Holocaust Memorial, more commonly referred to as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews. This place is a must-see for anyone passing through Berlin as it's the central site of remembrance in the country to honor those persecuted by the nation.
Spanning nearly the entire distance between Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz (4.7 acres!), the memorial consists of a rough maze of 2,771 concrete pillars, each of varying height. As the uneven slabs rise out of the sloping field in a vast labyrinth, almost like shuffling bodies, any correlating perceptions are meant to elicit a response from the viewer. The monument was designed by famed New York architect, Peter Eisenman, to symbolize the sense of disorientation the victims of the Third Reich must have felt but he left exact meaning ambiguous. Where some might see it represent a city ravaged by war, others might see a graveyard. It's really up to you to decide but the site is entirely free to visit.
What's more, there's a subterranean information center beneath it where you can learn even more about the atrocities of Nazi Germany through firsthand accounts of real survivors (watch out, the lines get crazy long year-round). It's also worth mentioning that the site is built near what used to be the heart of the Nazi headquarters where the Holocaust was planned and then put into effect? The memorial couldn't seem more apropos, placed in public where no one can forget the past but everyone is free to pay their respects to the fallen (although while we were there, some boisterous local teens were playing around the pillars which surprised me).
stop 6: tiergarten park and the victory column
You might need a change of scenery after all that gravitas so head to Tiergarten Park, located west of the monument. This is arguably the most popular park in all of Berlin and the third-largest in Germany, after Tempelhofer Park in south Berlin and Englischer Park in Munich. Within its 520 acres, Tiergarten Park also houses the Berlin Zoo as well as the historic Victory Column, originally erected in 1864 to commemorate the end of the Danish-Prussian War. The bronze statue of the angelic Victoria on top was added after more subsequent victories against the other foreign enemies but the monument was actually moved to its current location at the behest of Adolf Hilter.
Apparently, the diabolical Fuhrer had plans to restructure Berlin’s layout and place Tiergarten in the center but thankfully his tyranny was brought to an end and he never got the chance. Celebrate his downfall by taking a leisurely stroll through the park until you find the jewel at its center after about 2 kilometers.
If the weather is too poor for you to brave the cold, head back to Unter den Linden to catch the 100 Bus going west toward the park to get there in about the same time. Get off after 5 stops and you should come directly in front of the winged statue in the middle of the park's Great Star. Find the crosswalk to navigate around the gigantic roundabout to get to the entrance and not just run through traffic as we did. It costs about 3€ to climb up to the top of the statue but the 360-view lets you get an eyeful of the park and Berlin from up high, making it the third-best lookout after the Berlin TV Tower and the Reichstag's dome. Check out the gallery at the bottom before you exit to see adorable miniature replicas of other famous monuments, including the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral in Paris.
stop 7: potsdamer platz
Our next destination is just across the park so take a leisurely stroll for a couple kilometers if you haven’t already, heading directly southeast. Exit the park onto Potsdamer Platz, another well-known public square that also features the Mall of Berlin. Spend the rest of your day shopping in splendor or head inside to rest your weary feet for a bit while you grab a coffee or something to eat at its over 300 shops.
stop 8: topagraphy of terror
When you’re done resting up, make sure to snag some photos of the cool, modern architecture in the plaza before leaving the area via Stresemannstraße. Take your first left onto Niederkirchnerstraße and continue until you pass Dessauer Straße and the Topography of Terror comes up on your right.
This place shouldn't be missed as it's an in-depth exhibition that provides more thorough details about everything that happened during the rise and fall of the Nazi regime before and during World War II. It paints a gruesome picture of the times but I highly recommend visiting it for all those who really want to know more about the Holocaust. It's entirely free to visit and even includes a free audio guide you can access directly on your mobile phone as you walk around. Give yourself a minimum of one hour to really do this place justice but beware that last admission is at 7:15PM, 45 minutes before closing. Also, keep in mind that the museum is usually closed for the holidays from December 31-January 1 so plan accordingly.
stop 9: checkpoint charlie
Hopefully, you still have some energy after all that moving around but our next destination is literally right down the street. Doubleback to Niederkirchnerstraße and continue due east until you cross Wilhemstraße and the street changes into Zimmerstraße. Take your second right after a few hundred meters and Checkpoint Charlie will be directly ahead of you.
This once heavily-patrolled border used to serve as one of the only entry points into the city after the Berlin Wall was erected during the Cold War. It also officially served to mark the border between Ally-backed West Berlin and the Soviet-occupied East Berlin until 1989. Now it stands as a testament to the renewed solidarity of German people from everywhere as well as visitors.
stop 10: berlin wall black box
For an added bonus, head back north on Friedrichstraße just a bit to find the Berlin Wall Black Box to learn a bit more history. The exhibition features a part of the Berlin Wall as well as a gallery of free pictures and passages where you can read all about the Cold War. These texts include discussions about the international connections between the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Korean Wall along with the Cuban missile crisis (because communism is bad, okay?).
stop 11: east side gallery (aka berlin wall)
In fact, to celebrate the end of the Soviet regime, why not head over to the Berlin Wall (aka East Side Gallery) to see what's left of the most famous symbol of the Cold War. Whip out your metro pass and catch the U6 train at Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie Station just up the block toward Alt-Tegel. Ride the train for 3 stops and then switch at Berlin Friedrichstraße Station onto the S3 (toward S Rummelsburg) or S5 (toward S Hoppegarten). Descend after 5 stops at Berlin Warschauer Straße Station and exit the metro to find the Wall Museum a mere stone's throw away. We didn't have the time to go inside before we did get to take in the structural uniqueness of Oberbaumbrucke (bridge) stretching across the Spree River.
The real gem of the area, however, is the open-air art gallery lining what used to be an opposing barrier that spanned over 140 kilometers but only has 1,316 meters remaining. The place is now a shining beacon to the end of that era and the vibrant and often political artwork is a testament to how much the mindset has changed since those brutal years. You can spend at least an hour taking in all the seemingly endless pieces and if you walk to the end, you’ll see some famous pieces such as this one.
stop 12: musuem island
Nevertheless, if you can't manage to fit the last destination into your itinerary due to scheduling or distance issues, have no fear because there's still so much to see. Right in the city center, there's also the wonder that is Museum Island, an idyllic mixture of classical and romantic architecture housing some of the most prominent artists in history. The complex was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and holds 5 museums:
Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)
Neues Museum (New Museum)
Altes Museum (Old Museum)
Alte Nationagalerie (Old National Gallery)
Bode Museum
The cost of a 1-day admission to every museum is 18€ full-price or 9€ with reduced fare although the complex is completely free to visit for those under 18 years of age. The museums are already listed by level of importance with the Pergamon Museum being by far the most popular for its eye-popping interior design. The New Museum is the home of the bust of Nefertiti and other ancient Egyptian artifacts while the Old Museum showcases a collection of Greek and Roman artistry from the time of Cleopatra and Caesar. The other museums can be equally impressive for those who enjoy Impressionist and modernist art or medieval sculptures such as in the case of the Old National Gallery and Bode Museum, respectively.
As breathtaking as this place is, there are some things to be wary of. Like, the fact that it’s nearly impossible to take a picture of some of the artwork, especially the bust of Nefertiti. I say nearly as a travel companion managed to sweet-talk her way into a photo op, not without some effort and begging. Another tiny issue is the operating hours since all the museums are closed on Mondays except for the New Museum and the Pergamon Museum, which are both open from 10AM to 6PM. Every other day of the week, the museums are open for the same hours except for Thursday when they're all open until 8PM.
If you’re a fan of art like I am, I suggest making Museum Island its own full-day activity to really take advantage of your museum pass. Feel free to take all that beauty in knowing that you’ve already checked every attraction left off your list.
eventual stops: reichstag and berlin tv tower
Now just make it to your reservations at the Reichstag and Berlin TV Tower and you’ll be grand. Just don’t be late like we were since Germans are sticklers for punctuality (oh, the looks we got).
Where To Eat
Regardless of which sites you elect to see, if you’re anything like me, your stomach might be grumbling after all that moving around all day. Walking around a foreign land is the best way to work up an appetite so in case you’re looking for something mouth-watering to snack on, I’ve got you covered.
I’m a thrifty gal so I’m a big fan of discount sites such as Groupon when it comes to tasty digs, particularly since they’re present even while abroad (offers subject availability notwithstanding). We managed to stumble upon a few quaint places that are sure to satisfy every palette.
One wonderful chain that we got to discover is WonderWaffel and you get one guess as to what they specialize in. If you voted for mouthwatering waffles with every topping imaginable, then you’d be correct so this place is the spot for anyone with a sweet tooth. The interior decoration at both locations is also adorably vibrant and definitely elevates the ambiance. Find locations outside the Mall of Berlin or in Kreuzberg, a lively neighborhood between Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery worth exploring for the nightlife.
If you want something to eat with a little more substance, try Wrapublic, which offers huge wraps filled with savory goodness for practically a steal. They have vegetarian-friendly options (yes, more than one) and their spicy sauce actually features one of the strongest kicks I've experienced in European cuisine to date. This chain has a few more locations that last with storefronts right by the East Side Gallery, one in Kreuzberg and another a few kilometers north of Alexanderplatz. We went to the last location straight smackdab in the heart of Mitte, one of Berlin’s most influential neighborhoods chalkful of chic bistros and boutiques.
For a place with a cool, urban vibe instead, head over to BrewDog for a tall cold one and music. There are two locations, one in Mitte not too far from Alexanderplatz as well as a huge microbrewery in South Berlin, about 30 minutes away by metro. The southern location is a must-try for true beer connoisseurs as there are many artisanal drafts on tap and it doesn’t hurt that the interior decoration is out of this world. Leave some space for more though as their wide variety of pizzas is nearly as noteworthy but, once again, watch out for the peppers on the spicy sausage! Maybe it’s due to the Turkish influence, but Germans don’t seem to mess around when it comes to the spice-meter.
One Mom-and-Pop restaurant that we did get to visit was Les Hummasapiens which specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Share one of their eclectic hummus bowls or go big and get a kebab for yourself along with a handful of falafel. The lone location is in Kreuzberg and within walking distance of the East Side Gallery if you’re in the neighborhood. This place gets packed after darkness falls so try to make a reservation ahead whenever possible.
There’s additionally a cafe that boasts being the only dedicated Ramones Museum in the world, not too far from Oberbaumbrucke. Whether or not you’re a super fan or just a casual listener, make sure to dip in to peruse through their classic rock records or a hot cup of joe.
Sadly, traditional places weren’t listed on Groupon but we did try a few well-known pubs at the behest of some locals. Our favorite had to be Aufsturz Berlin, a rustic German pub just around the corner from Museum Island. German cuisine can be a bit of a hit or miss some travelers, especially those who have dietary restrictions such as celiacs and vegans. Still, the menu was filled with pages and pages of delectable dishes that even pleasantly surprised my Bulgarian travel companion with their taste of home. We got the Berliner Platter fur Zwei (Berlin board for two; i.e. sample platter) to share among the group as well as some individual bowls of hearty Berliner Kartoffelsuppe (Berlin potato soup) to warm up our bellies. The platter consists of currywurst, homemade potato, and cabbage salad, meatballs, boiled eggs, ham, pickles, and cheese cubes which delightfully all complemented each other. Stick with the soup if you're not up to splurging on the platter which is cooked with fried sausages and is guaranteed not to break the bank or your sensitive tummy.
However, when all else fails or is closed at 3AM, look out for the Currywurst Stands scattered around downtown that are open until later. There are dozens of them so you won't have to search too far and you can't visit Berlin without having currywurst, diet restrictions notwithstanding. It was the brainchild of Herta Heuwer who created the dish in 1949 after mixing ketchup with some curry powder that she obtained from British soldiers stationed in Germany and pouring it over pork sausage. The phenomena took off and now currywurst is the archetype for cheap German cuisine on the go. I quite enjoyed the dish when I ate it at Gendarmenmarkt and would recommend getting the version with a bun if you have a predisposition for hot dogs and fries.
Now that you know where to get your drunk food after you call it quits for the night, why not stay out until the wee hours?
Where To Drink Or Party
You can't go wrong heading out around Alexanderplatz which is surrounded by bars and restaurants. An ex-pat favorite/tourist trap is Oase Deluxe Restaurant and Cocktail Bar less than 500 meters away. They have an outdoor terrace, a dance floor, and a live DJ that spins out a blend of top 40, pop music, and old-school 90s grooves. This place was super lively when we were there and we ended up dancing with a bunch of other travelers in town for the holidays yet there was enough space for people to chat and chill as well. As I said, though, this place is more geared toward tourists but the drinks were fairly priced and filled with a long list of cocktails that would make an alcoholic proud.
If you must get away from the other tourists, however, consider heading to Friedrichshain, the East Side Gallery’s neighborhood. Just a couple of streets over, between Rudolfstraße and Revaler Straße, lies Raw, an old industrial building turned hip venue that’s filled with trendy bars and restaurants to soak up the vibes like a proper Berliner. If the atmosphere’s a little too much for you, the surrounding neighborhood also features some great locales with a range of motifs for a quieter night on the town.
For those who want to shake a tail feather by checking out Berlin’s club scene, there’s plenty on offer for you, too. Regardless of what kind of music you like to listen to, you'll do best to stick away from the city center if you want to boogie until the dawn. Berlin is a huge hub for the techno/house scene so if that's your jam, spend the night at ://about blank, a popular venue with a large dancefloor located in Friedrichshain.
If you prefer your dancefloor to be a bit more intimate, why not try Golden Gate Club, conveniently located in Mitte? Its small interior bears some grunge and grime but the vibe is top-notch, the electro beats are killer and the drink prices are reasonable. In case you’re looking for an LGBTQ+-friendly scene with wicked high energy, head to SchuwZ in Neukölln to twirl under its disco ball to some underground house.
Perhaps electronic music isn’t your thing but you can’t exactly place your finger on what you want to groove to for the night. Fortunately, there’s Maxim Club in Charlottenburg which offers four dance floors that play all different genres such as rock, pop, hip hop as well as R&B. Soda also plays a similar mix of music with more Latin beat-styles but it’s further out of the way unless you’re staying in Kollwitzkiez to the north.
Looking to explore some wild kinks? There’s always KitKatClub, a co-ed fetish nightclub established in 1994 by an Austrian pornographic filmmaker. It's undoubtedly Berlin's most notorious hotspot as it's usually mandatory to partially strip before entering and sexual openness is positively reinforced. The decadent decor and live aerial shows over its indoor pool are surely enough to draw a crowd but finding a mysterious stranger just might make you stay the night. Venture at your own risk to enjoy their sauna but this might not be the best place for casual outings and, surprisingly, they have a very strict dress code to get in. Enter if you dare!
Final Thoughts
Berlin is a virtual paradise for anyone who craves a combination of cultural, arts, and entertainment whether you're looking to check out endless museums or party like it's going out of fashion. While the accommodation might be a tad costly, the local grub and brew are moderately priced and many of the most famous attractions are fortunately free to see. No matter which season you ultimately decide to travel there in, try to make reservations in advance where possible as venues quickly fill up year-round.
Though the weather around the winter holidays may be fierce and at times bone-chilling, there's sure to be enough Gludwein flowing to keep the cold at bay. Not only that but the place never seems to truly ever sleep with a myriad of activities to partake in until your head swims or your feet ache, whichever comes first. You're sure to never have a dull moment so prepare for what could be the trip of a lifetime in the heart of a historic city that happily welcomes nearly 50,000 travelers per weekend. Who knows who you might meet and the next round of drinks could just be on them so why not cheers to that? Prost!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M