Having just had our last planned visitors for the year stay with us for a long weekend, I realised that mostly when people come to visit me and Zab in Berlin, we often do similar things with them. So I thought it would make a good blog post! Here's where I'd likely take you if you come to visit me in Berlin!
Touristy Stuff
Alexanderplatz
While it may not be the most exciting part of Berlin, Alexanderplatz, and its most famous landmark, the TV Tower, is certainly iconic of the city and most visitors want the chance to see it. I've actually never been up to the viewing deck, which offers the highest view over Berlin, but that's something we could totally do…especially if you're paying!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFwd4RNIiHK/
From there, I'd probably take you down to the Nikolaiviertel to see one of the oldest still preserved sections of central Berlin, across the Museum Insel to see the Berlin Cathedral and then on the bus down Unter den Linden towards the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.
Kreuzberg street art
While Berlin certainly has a lot of street art, some of the city's best works may be in the district of Kreuzberg. There are a lot of pieces in very close walking distance to each other, so it's an easy place to go for a little walking tour of the street art, noticing all the different styles and artists represented.
https://www.instagram.com/p/8fP7b5oiN2/
Tempelhofer Feld
I love Tempelhofer Feld! The fact that this city has retained the entire area of former airfield as as public park is just wonderful! It's the place I go when I crave wide, open spaces, and it can be beautiful in winter as well as summer, when on bright and sunny but cold days, it's the perfect place to go for a long walk. On summer evenings, it's great for picnicking, catching a random musical performance and watching the sunset.
https://www.instagram.com/p/yAtFjEoiHE/
Going out
Kino International
For an easy evening outing, especially on a Monday, the Kino International on Karl-Marx-Allee, the grand boulevard of former East Berlin, is something a bit special. The location itself is noteworthy with weird and fun architectural and design features, and the cinema shows interesting films in their original version that are hard to find playing at other venues.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ275f4hID9/
Klunkerkranich
If it's warm, and an evening of drinks with a view sounds appealing, I'd take us to Klunkerkranich, a rooftop bar above a shopping centre. The location doesn't at first seem very salubrious, as entry is only possible through the centre's car park, but once up there, the views over the city are quite stunning. Plus, it doubles as a community garden so you're surrounded by plants growing in raised beds and outdoor furniture made of pallets. Perfect at sunset.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKBJSBJBi__/
Schwuz
If we feel like dancing, I'll probably suggest going to Schwuz. It's perhaps the least pretentious gay club in Berlin, where everyone is welcome. The music tends to be fun and maybe a bit cheesy, so if that's what we're in the mood for, even better! Oh, and I'd probably suggest it even more strongly if there happens to be a naked party that evening!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BD3W7jNoiF9/
Eating
Mos Eisley
Pretty much regardless of weather, I'm up for ice cream most days, so I would subject you to getting a scoop or two of soy peanut butter crunch ice cream from the wonderfully named Mos Eisley in Schillerkiez…as long as it's open. Perfect paired with a visit to Tempelhofer Feld at sunset!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8xEdvIiA_/
Sunday brunch
Going out for all-you-can-eat vegan brunch on a Sunday with me is a given. With so many places to choose from, the only real question is which one to visit. Whatever you choose, we'll be stuffing ourselves silly all Sunday morning (and likely into the afternoon too), before rolling home for a much needed nap.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEoJGyhoiME/
Café Vux
I wouldn't let you leave Berlin without trying some cake at my local vegan café. The huge slices of decadently iced cakes are just amazing. Each one is basically a small meal, so better not do this the same day as brunch! Perhaps on an indulgent day of eating vegan fast food instead.
https://www.instagram.com/p/8uo-S1oiAu/
So, when are you coming to visit Berlin?
