Here’s our Berlin Anti-Tourist Guide so you make the best of it while feeling like a local
Berlin is the most famous city in Germany, and not only is it the biggest city in the country, it’s also the capital. There’s a lot to love about Berlin. Everyone is welcome there, and there’s something for everyone to do. You can spend your days in Germany discovering their culture, famous history (like the Second World War and the fall of the Berlin Wall), and outstanding nightlife. Ready to dive in? Here’s our Berlin Anti-Tourist Guide with all the best tips of what to do in town.
How many days should I save to visit Berlin?
This is always a tricky question. As with a lot of other cities and places in Europe, you could spend weeks discovering Berlin without getting bored. In general, you have enough time to visit Berlin in three days if you can do a lot in a short amount of time. If you want to take it easy and relax a bit in between, you should save four to five days for your visit.
What are the main highlights of Berlin?
1. Berlin’s Music Scene
a) Techno in Berlin
Berghain
Berghain is Berlin’s world-famous techno club where beats emanate from heavily guarded doors. It’s the definition of a clubber’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get in. The door policy is extremely strict and mysterious, and it’s hard to get through. Even if you make it to the front door after waiting for a couple of hours, the bouncer might still refuse you entry! There are some tricks to get in, but you’re never sure if you’ll make it into this legendary technotemple.
Tresor
Tresor is another super popular techno club in the city. It’s in an old power plant, so it’s got that raw industrial vibe we all love. They’ve got different rooms with different DJs, so everyone can find something they like.
b) Metal and Hardcore Punk in Berlin
Trinkteufel
If you’re into metal and/or hardcore punk, then Trinkteufel is definitely a place you’ll enjoy spending an evening. It’s in the Kreuzberg district, just like a lot of other bars there.
Paule’s Metal Eck
If you’re into metal and hardcore punk, you’ll also want to check out Paul’s Metal Eck. It’s got a great metal vibe, and they’ve got 14 different beers on tap. Plus, you can play pool or darts while you’re there!
c) Jazz in Berlin
Quasimodo
Quasimodo has been around since 1975, making it one of the oldest clubs in Berlin’s cultural scene. It’s a well-known spot for live music. Many international musicians and artists from different genres, like jazz, blues, and soul, have played there.
Junction Bar
The Junction Bar has been a well-known name in the music scene of Berlin since 1993. They put on different kinds of concerts in their cellar, similar to those you’d find in underground bars in Paris and New York. And you can enjoy a nice cocktail or beer at affordable prices, on top of the live music.
2. Where to eat in Berlin
Berlin is a huge city with a lot of options when it comes to food. If you want to experience the authentic German vibes, you have to visit Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus. This restaurant is hidden in a small street and when finding it you will immediately feel yourself in Berlin’s past. The interior is very warm with a lot of wood with traditional German music where you can eat all the typical German dishes! If you want to try something different, you can visit Thai Park during the weekends. Every weekend a lot of thai cooks set up their stalls in Preußenpark with authentic Thai food. It is a real cozy concept where you can eat outside with your friends and not very known by tourists! If you are in Berlin, you have no other choice than to try an authentic Curryworst. Konnopke’s Imbiß is one of the best places to try one. Since 1930 are they making the famous curryworst with a lovely currysauce. Great for if you are not very hungry but just looking for a snack!
3. What to see in Berlin
Topographie des Terrors
Topographie des Terrors is a historical site in Berlin with lots of info about the Nazis during World War II. It’s right where the Gestapo and SS headquarters used to be. You can visit the museum, where you’ll find out a lot about what happened and how they used that specific place.
The Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial is a memorial for all the Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. It is located on Cora-Berliner-Straße 1 in Berlin, east of the Tiergarten and in the historical Friedrichstadt district. It looks like a bunch of gray blocks through which you can walk, and it gives a truly strange feeling!
The Room of Silence
If you are searching for some peace and quiet in the middle of Berlin, than the Room of Silence is the perfect spot. At the Brandenburg Gate, one of the main attractions of the city, you will find this room where you can enjoy the incredible silence although being in the heart of Germany’s capital.
3. Alternative places in Berlin
Tempelhof Airport
Tempelhof Airport was Berlin’s original airport, but the Nazis took it over and turned it into a symbol of freedom. You might be wondering what’s so special about a former airport. Well, it’s free for everyone to enter and explore. You can walk, bike, or run on the runway. It’s a really unique and chill experience, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
Hackesche Höfe
Hackesche Höfe is also known as “Germany’s largest courtyard area.” It’s actually made up of eight buildings with commercial courtyards that have a lot of cool twists. In many of these courtyards, you’ll find graffiti and art, creating a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking to shop or grab a drink, Hackesche Höfe is definitely worth a visit!
World’s Smallest Club
Last but not least, Berlin is home to the World’s Smallest Club. The “Teledisko” is officially the smallest club in the world, with a footprint of just two square meters. You can find this cool club at RAW. Partygoers can use it for two euros and then choose their favorite song. There’s also an option to take party photos and print them right away.
5. Not sure where to stay?
Worry no more, our hostel in Berlin is one of the best in town and the best place for a great nights sleep and the best vibes in town.
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