Berlin Fast Facts
While living in Berlin, I tried to explore as much as possible. Here are some of my favorite places, and things to do.
Quick Eats
- Dolores – I love Berlin, but I have to say it- their Mexican food is terrible. That being said, when I have a craving for Mexican (which is basically always), Dolores is always a good spot to grab a burrito.
- Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap – Most locals will tell you this is a touristy spot, but it is still worth trying. Just make sure you get there early- the line can get pretty long.
- Burgermeister – One of my friends recommended this spot to me. They make a great burger. Their original location is under the U-bahn in an old toilet (which is super cool). I would definitely try the original location if you can!
- Takumi NINE Sapporo – If you are in the mood for Ramen, this spot is great. This is my go-to place when I am craving some hot soup.
Dinner
- 12 Apostoli – My family took me here when I first moved in with them. The pizza is good, just make sure you bring money with you- they are a cash only restaurant!
- Markthalle Neun – I love food markets, and this place never disappoints (except when they are closed on Sundays!). You can be sure to find tons of yummy food options.
Sunday Activities
- Mauerpark – This is literally the best place to spend your Sunday (weather dependent). They have a flea market, food trucks, beer gardens, and open-air karaoke. Honestly this is a MUST if you’re in Berlin on a Sunday.
- East Side Gallery – This is not limited to a Sunday activity, however, since most shops are closed on Sundays, this is a great time to walk the East Side Gallery (and of course snap some pics).
- Sony Center – Potsdamer Platz – When the weather is not so great (hello winter in Berlin) I love going to see new movies. The CineStar in the Sony Center plays movies in English, so you don’t have to miss out on the openings of your favorite movies (like when you are living in Berlin for the release of Avengers: Endgame).
- RAW Flohmarkt – Honestly, flea markets are my Sunday go-to. Who doesn’t love finding great European fashion for ridiculously cheap prices? RAW is also next to a lot of cool bars and beer gardens. You could spend the day shopping (or selling) and then treat yourself to a drink in a cool bar.
- Tempelhof Airport/Tempelhofer Feld – This is an old airport that is no longer active. You can do a tour of the airport or head to the field for a picnic or a bike ride…or if you are like me, bring your roller-blades and skate along the runway. They also have mini-golf and different areas for sports or grilling.
- Zoo Berlin – Being an Au Pair, I spent many afternoons with the kids at the zoo. This is a great place to spend a sunny day. They also have a great playground, so if you are traveling with little ones, they can take a brake from walking around.
- Karl’s – I would say this is a strawberry field, but it is so much more than that. It’s a strawberry world. Name literally anything, and they probably have it in strawberry flavor/scent. They have restaurants, play areas, go-karts, horses, and a giant slide (that to be honest, I don’t know who had more fun on- me or the kids). It is also free to get in, so it’s possible to spend the afternoon there without spending any money (which you know I love).
Breakfast
- Coffee Drink Your Monkey – This is a great coffee shop for working on your computer (plenty of space inside) or meeting new friends (they have a ton of cute tables outside). If you’re looking for a coffee and a light breakfast, this is a great spot.
- Café au Lait – This is a cute little breakfast spot in Charlottenburg. A great spot for catching up with friends.
- Rose Garden Berlin – This place is absolutely adorable. I would recommend going here for brunch, so you can order a cocktail with your breakfast.
Beer Gardens
- Café am Neuen See (CANS) – This is one of the first beer gardens I went to with my family. They have a restaurant with pretty good pizza. They also are right on the water, and have cute twinkly lights (can you say adorable date spot?). If you want to sound like a local, call it CANS (thanks Jessi & Max for keeping me hip).
- Prater – This is right by Mauerpark, so feel free to stop by here after shopping at the flea market.
- Schleusenkrug – This place is a bit smaller, but they have a small play area for kids. I would recommend this place if you are not a fan of larger/more crowded beer gardens.
Night Out
- Clärchens Ballroom – This old ballroom is now a nightclub and restaurant. I went there with my family for dinner and dancing, and it was a great night out.
- Irish Pub (Europa-Center) – It is probably not a good sign when they bar tenders know your name, but how many bars can you say feel like home? This is the oldest Irish Pub in Berlin. They imported all their decor from Ireland, so you get an authentic feel when you are there. They also have live music every night, which is what brought me to them. I have spent more night than I can count singing, dancing, and of course drinking with my friends and family.
- Klunkerkranich – This place has a great view of the city. You do have to pay to get in, but if you are a sucker for sunsets, then it will totally be worth it.
- Birgit & Beer – This club is so cool. I love the old carnival vibe that they have outside. They also offer different rooms with different music to cater to many musical preferences.
- Bohnengold – This is a small, hole-in-the-wall type bar. They have movie theater seats and video games. You could probably find many bars like this in Berlin, but this is one I loved.
- Dead Chicken Alley – This is not really a bar. It’s an alley full of graffiti, restaurants, bars and a movie theater. Definitely worth a visit while you’re in Berlin…unless you don’t like the hipster vibe, then it’s probably not for you.
Museums
- Museum für Naturkunde – Nerd moment: The Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin (The Natural History Museum) has one of the three most complete T. Rex skeletons in the world (Tristan)! The museum also exhibits many other skeletons in its Dinosaur Hall and an interesting collection of preserved animals (included some extinct species). If you have some free time in Berlin, I definitely recommend adding this museum to your list!⠀⠀
- Pergamon Museum – This museum literally has buildings inside of it. Really, like full buildings. Maybe I am just a nerd, but I thought it was so cool. They also have a lot of Islamic art that I thought was so beautiful.
Day Trips
- Treptower Park – This park is located along the Spree, and a great place to walk around on a sunny afternoon.
- Potsdam – Sanssouci Palace is beautiful. If you have time to take a day trip to Potsdam, it is worth adding it to your itinerary.
I am always adding new places, so make sure you check back to see more recommendations for Berlin!
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