If there's one thing that makes Berlin unique among all the other European capitals, it has to be its intoxicating blend of cultures, traditions and flavors. From the many green spaces and hidden gardens to the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this city is a veritable maze of contrasting features.
Of course, when you think of Germany, you probably picture breweries and beer gardens. However, in reality, Berlin has much more to offer than just beers. In fact, Berlin is also home to some of Europe's most famous landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate or the Berlin Wall as well as some of its most impressive museums such as Checkpoint Charlie or the New National Gallery. This article will provide you with a complete checklist for your perfect trip to Berlin!
Before you go to Berlin
Before you go to Berlin, there are a few things you should do first. First and foremost, you should book your accommodation. Berlin is a very popular city and therefore, booking your accommodation in advance is highly recommended.
You should also think about your transportation to Berlin. There are a few options when it comes to traveling to Berlin such as car rental, bus, train or flights. The best choice will depend on your travel dates, your budget and your personal preferences.
If you go by bus, you have the choice between Eurolines and Flixbus. You should keep in mind that buses are significantly slower than trains, but they do have the advantage of being significantly cheaper.
Trains are much faster and give a scenic view on the way.
There are many local flights which are cheaper as well and with the Discover app you might get cheaper options if your dates are flexible.
One thing you should definitely not forget is your travel insurance. It is an essential part of any trip, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked. Your travel insurance will protect you in case of an accident or a sudden illness. It will also cover any cancellations or delays in your trip caused by weather, strikes or other unforeseeable events.
Travelling to Berlin - Local Basics
When traveling to Berlin, you have a few options when it comes to transportation. You can hire a car, take local buses,or train, which is the best choice for doing all the local sightseeing.
If you decide to travel by car, you should be aware that driving in Berlin is very different from driving in other parts of Europe. For one thing, you will need to keep an eye on your speedometer at all times since speeding is a very common offense in Berlin.
Buses and trains are cheaper as compared to car rental and with a day pass , it gets much more convenient to travel in public transport.
Train stations in Berlin are absolutely stunning and definitely a must see. You should take a train ride across the city to just see the stations. Beautiful and different color schemes on every station.
Your checklist : What to do on Berlin
If there's one thing you should do in Berlin, it is visiting the Brandenburg Gate. This iconic landmark is the symbol of the city and it is often referred to as the "Gateway to Berlin".
The Reichstag is another major Berlin landmark that you shouldn't miss. The building is one of Berlin's most famous landmarks and it is home to the German Parliament.
You should also visit the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall and east side gallery, it is one of the world's most famous landmarks, and it is certainly an experience you won't forget. This is definitely one of my favourite places in Berlin.
You should also pay a visit to the New National Gallery. This iconic museum is home to a wide range of art exhibitions and it is a great place to learn more about German culture.
Don't forget to visit the German historic museum to see how the city has overcome from all the dark past.
Some other spots you must cover are The Berliner Dom, checkpoint Charlie, Alexanderplatz , TV tower, DDR museum.
What to eat in Berlin-
Germany is famous for its delicious dishes, and Berlin is no exception. If you want to eat in Berlin, you will have a wide range of options. You should start by trying the Currywurst, which is Germany's national dish. It is a delicious dish made with pork and seasoned with curry powder.
You should also try the Berliner. If you love donuts, then you will love Berliner. It is a very popular type of donut that is traditionally filled with jam, custard or raspberry.
You should also try Weißwurst. This is a traditional German dish made with white meat and a type of white sausage.
Some more local cuisine you can try are -
*Königsberger klopse ( German meatballs)
*Wiener schnitzel ( Austrian speciality)
*Eisbein ( It is a dish consisting of pickled ham hock that is cured and boil an served smoked)
*Doner kebab ( It's a German - Turkish hybrid dish)
If there's one city you should visit in Germany, it has to be Berlin. This city is more than just a capital. It is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and flavors. You should definitely visit Berlin, but before you do so, you should make sure that you have a plan. This checklist will help you do just that.
I will be Posting more articles in detail about travelling in Berlin and photo ideas you can shoot if it's your first time.