My latest destination: Berlin. The city of darkness and the unknown. Berlin isn’t for everyone, but for those who like it the first day of arrival- you will more than likely LOVE it the second day.
Case in point, by my second day, I was ready to apply for residency. The city has personality unlike any other, especially given that it is artfully wrapped in murals and graffiti. Fun fact: Berliners compliment the almost stage-like aesthetic, as they are known for their edgy sense of style, their height, and how unbelievably nice they are.
GETTING OUT/GETTING IN:
I arrived to my AirBnb located in Schönhauser, a five minute walk to the Berliner Dome (My favorite building by far). It was also located near all the museums and restaurants. My good friend and I arrived on a Sunday at 11 am with just enough time to shower and head out to what is supposed to be the best club in the world, Berghain. We didn’t know much about it, we just knew it was (1) extremely hard to get in and (2) formal black attire was necessary.
Out into the dark and in all black we arrived, only to discover the longest line of my life. We waited in line for five hours, YES FIVE HOURS!
The building itself looks like an old warehouse, huge! As we got closer to the door, we started to get nervous. No one knows who gets, no one knows why you make in or not. All we could do is keep trying, at that point.
We didn’t make the first cut. When we reached the front of the door, nightclub manager simply said ” NEIN” or “NO” in English. We didn’t have time to ask why or beseech his compassion for having waited for so long.
Although we were initially denied, we were determined to get in. We tried again a few hours later, and finally made it in at 5 am. It was worth it. I’d never seen such a decadent escape. The music, the people, and the vibe were insane. If you’ve got lots of time and patience, give it a try. If you’ve got a hook up, then use it!
FOOD:
A major plus? The food and drinks are very cheap in Berlin. Everything tastes good and the beer is amazing. Some of the places I tried and highly recommend are Gasthaus Krombach (Typical German Food), Que Pasa is for those who love Mexican Food (They are located everywhere, their portions are huge), Tim Rue is a great Thai restaurant, and don’t forget to try the Farmer’s Market- on Fridays they have happy hour from 6-10pm and offer all kinds of delicious food.
WATER PLAY:
If you’re in Berlin during the summer Badeschiff is a most. It’s a public pool in the middle on the river and the pool is nicely heated. It’s nice to see happy Germans running around under the sun!
HISTORY:
If you’re in Berlin, you must witness at least a piece of history. Although Berlin is incredibly fun and entertaining, it also holds a painful history.
Sachsenhausen was the first concentration camp and it’s very important that you see what once took place in this gorgeous city. Save some tears for this trip, you’ll need them. In addition, pay attention when you walk the streets on the Berlin.
You’ll find little metal plates with family names. The plates are placed where a family home used to exist, and the names are from the family who lost their lives to the Nazis. Some of the plates represent families who had been in the same home for as many as four generations.
BOOK TICKETS?
If you haven’t decided where you want to go this summer, I would highly recommend traveling to Berlin. My advice when traveling to Berlin or anywhere new? Be open, jump in, and enjoy. Cheers!
Excellent review, and really captured the essence of Berlin. I think the author did a great job detailing what to expect, and great sneak peak into how great of a get away it must be.
Gotta do Berlin by next year. Thanks for the insight. If you get a hook up for Berghain…. share!