Arguably the coolest city in Europe (where else would you find techno-playing spas and abandoned amusement parks?), Berlin, Germnay is the rough diamond of the continent where people play hard and work hard.
Here’s how to spend your time in Germany’s capital to really get a feel for its artsy vibes.
What to see/do: Berlin Germany
Boros Sammlung gallery:
A former Cold War bunker that’s been turned into an art gallery which features 20th century and contemporary art specially designed for the bunker rooms.
Stasi museum:
A museum dedicated to the history of Germany’s secret police is now located in their old headquarters and is well worth a visit.
Learn how they used to monitor, interrogate, and intimidate during the Cold War and tour the preserved offices.
Badeschiff swimming pool:
Fancy a dip in a floating swimming pool? The Badeschiff is a harbored barge that functions as a public swimming pool where you can do lengths in style.
Mauerpark:
A Sunday tradition, no weekend in Berlin is complete without a wander through the flea market at this public park. Sunday sessions include roaring karaoke in the square, food stalls and vintage bric-a-brac.
Check Best Hotels Near Mauerpark
Liquidrom:
A futuristic spa with saunas, hot tubs and a heated saltwater pool with underwater classical and techno music by live DJs, this is relaxation Berlin-style.
Where to eat:
Hall of Mirrors in Clärchens Ballhaus:
A Berlin institution, this biergarten/restaurant/dancehall is an beautiful WW1 ballroom with 1920s class and a comfort food menu of Weiner Schnitzel and apple strudel.
It’s the secret mirrored room upstairs that makes Clachens a true gem.
Burgermeister:
A local hotspot, this tasty burger joint is located in what was once a railway bathroom station underneath the tracks and it’s become a firm favourite in the city. Juicy burgers and reasonable prices make it a must.
Cocolo:
Berlin’s ramen champion never fails for hot, slurpy-worthy bowls of Japanese goodness. While the tiny Mitte location is the original (and best!), their place in Kreuzberg is better for getting a table straightaway.
Where to drink:
Klunkerkranich:
The perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun, this gorgeous rooftop garden is on top of a shopping mall parking garage in Berlin and is the beer garden to beat all others.
Rum Trader:
One of Berlin’s oldest cocktail bars, the Rum Trader (a.k.a ‘Institute for Advanced Drinking’) is a uniquely classy drinking experience. There’s no menu – the owner, Mr Scholl, will make you the perfect tipple.
Barbie Deinhoff’s:
A queer art space that’s become a Berlin nightlife classic, this neon-drenched bar is filled with quirky characters, cheap beer and an anything goes attitude – everything you could ever want, basically.
Where to stay:
Looking for luxury?
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin:
This stylish hotel has fur-lined hammocks and Jungle Rooms overlooking the elephant enclosures in the nearby zoo. A funky rooftop bar and sauna add some extra class.
Hüttenpalast:
A quirky hotel that offers accommodation in retro-style caravans and cabins located within an indoor camping site, inside two old factory halls. Berlin oddness at its best.
Have we left out any of your favourite spots in Berlin? Let us know in the comments below!
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