hipster berlin travel guide

Your Guide to Hipster Berlin

When you head to berlin, ditch the guidebook and don your horn-rimmed glasses. famously described as “poor but sexy” by a former mayor, berlin will inspire you to venture beyond the classic sights in search of emerging cultural hotspots, fantastic food, and unexpected spaces. follow this guide, and you’ll be acquainted with the grey city from the perspective of its hippest residents..

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• 13 June 2020

An alternative guide to Berlin – your local hipster guide

Insider tips: an alternative guide to berlin.

Berlin is my favorite city in Europe because of the special vibe the place has. After living there for a year, I still often think back about the vibes and I still miss the city. Berlin is an alternative city by itself, but with this article, I would like to provide you with an Alternative Guide to Berlin that focuses on the places to see and visit you might not think of straight away. The local and hipster guide is suitable for first-time visitors looking for more than the general sights or for returning visitors looking for something new and more alternative things to do, all written by someone who has lived in Berlin for over a year (me!).

When in Berlin and you want to put this alternative guide to Berlin in practice, Friedrichshain (read my F’hain guide) or Neukolln (check the guide) is the perfect neighborhoods to stay. 

Great hotel options in Friedrichshain are  The Michelberger Hotel  (€100),  Amano Eastside  (€90) or  Luxoise Apartments,  (€200). Hotel options in Neukolln are  Motel Plus  (€80),  Grand Hostel Berlin Urban  (€40),    Aeronaut Serviced Apartements  (€180). 

1 || Visit the Teufelsberg

One of my favorite places in/around Berlin. Visiting the Teufelsberg is a great thing to do. We took a bike and biked all the way here, to experience a bit more of the area and make it a full day out. Don’t forget to bring something to eat and drink as you can have a picnic at the place. The Teufelsberg is a former spy station, now out of use, and a street art Walhalla. The easiest way to get there is by bike, or to take the S-Bahn (S7) to the station Grunewald and walk around 30 minutes from here. A while back, this was an abandoned place, illegal to enter. But since 2011, guided tours are organized and it became more of a sight. The entrance has to be paid for and will cost you €8 or €15 including a guided tour. I would recommend going on a bright way, so you can enjoy the views and take your time exploring all the street art in and around the building.

2 || Kinderkrankenhaus Weißensee

Well, let’s start with the fact that entering this place might not be fully legal, and don’t expect it to be in service. This Kinderkrankenhaus Weißensee is abandoned for a while now and the place is also referred to as “Zombie Hospital”. However, you still get a vibe from the colorful rooms throughout the whole hospital. Getting here is easiest with the M4 tram from Alexanderplatz and get off at the stop Buchsallee/Hansastrasse and walk a little from here. Getting in was in my opinion not too difficult. Online, I read many things about climbing a fence, however, we easily found a whole/way through the bushes to avoid the fence. When insight, be careful as you might be surprised by other visitors/homeless people. Always use your good sense, as of course, it is an abandoned building which causes it not to be the safest place.

3 || Head to the nearby city of Potsdam

Not Berlin, but a small village near Berlin that is called Potsdam. Potsdam is known for its beautiful palace and gardens. Thereby, there is also a little Dutch Quarter – that’s where you have me of course. First of all, you can easily reach Potsdam with the S-Bahn (S7) from Alexanderplatz to Potsdam (don’t forget to buy a ticket that is also valid for zone C). The main sight is called Schloss Sanssouci and is worth a visit. Don’t forget to have a drink on a terrace in the Holländisches Viertel (Dutch Neighborhood). Something I liked about Potsdam is the neat atmosphere and the terraces with a vibe you don’t find that easily in Berlin.

4 || Thai park - street food market

A culinary experience in Berlin. Be surprised by the colorful umbrellas all over the place all representing a little food or drink stall. From April to October, you’ll find this spectacle from Friday to Sunday in the “Preußenpark” in Berlin Wilmersdorf.

5 || Take an Unterwelten Tour

If you are into history and want to experience more of the history of Berlin, mainly related to the war periods, I would highly recommend taking an Unterwelten Tour. I did like the tour where they are highlighting some U-Bahn stations. The tour is called Bunkers, Subways, and the Cold War. Check out and book all the different tours here. 

6 || Tempelhofer feld + guided tour

Tempelhofer Feld is an airport not in function. Therefore, it is a unique place where you can enter the runways. Tempelhofer Feld is popular for biking, longboarding, and just for a relaxed afternoon. If you are interested to know more about the airport, definitely book a tour through the airport. A tour takes two hours and costs €15 for adults. The English tour departs from Wednesday to Sunday at 1:30 pm. 

Generally, I do like Neukolln as a neighborhood to discover the alternative side of Berlin. I’ve already written a full Neukolln Neighbourhood Guide, check it out!

7 || C/o berlin

I have to admit that I’m not that into musea. However, I do love a good photography museum! In Berlin, I would definitely recommend visiting C/O Berlin with great exhibitions changing regularly. 

8 || Do a späti crawl

If there is one thing I miss about Berlin, it will probably be spätis on almost every corner and being able to legally drink on the streets and enjoy a beer on the way. Spätis are little shops especially used for buying beer and little snacks. Most of them are open all day and night. You can of course host a crawl yourself, or arrange one through AirBnB experience. The link can be found here.

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Are you an artist? A poet? A bohemian? A deep thinker? Well, Berlin has cool places that are young and with a cutting edge vibe to answer all of your needs! Berlin is often referred to as “hipster central” and with good reason. Since the fall of The Berlin Wall in the 1980s, the city has continued to transform and evolve and is a favorite for thousands who arrive in search of the coolest and hippest places around. Find out more on your trip to Berlin! Trust us, there is an endless number of hipster bars, cafés and places to hang out in around the city.  Use our Berlin Hipster Guide to find the best places to check out around the city.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Germany !

Hipster Bars in Berlin

Multilayerladen – We’re starting off our Berlin Hipster Guide in one of  Berlin ‘s best bars, Multilayerladen. Though it may be small, it more than makes up for it by having genuine character. In fact, the size has everything to do with why it is such a great bar to include on your trip to Berlin. Mutilayerladen is an intimate cafe-turned-bar and venue, which hosts a wide variety of local bands and musicians in the evenings. The small nature of the space inside is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the local crowd and it is quite normal to spend an evening here discussing the local performances with strangers sitting on the table next to you. We want to give you some travel options that will reduce as many of these challenges for you as possible. Travel to Europe because is the best place to start from!

Hipster Cafes in Berlin

Cafe CK – Matcha latte and yummy banana bread, anyone? The rich aroma from the coffee plantations of central Kenya makes its way through the chic and trendy decorated interior of what is quite possibly the best hipster cafe in Berlin. If you are planning a trip to Berlin , make sure this coffee shop is where you start your morning. Cafe CK serves up a perfect mix of mouthwatering cakes, fine tea, delicious coffee and a very friendly staff in a relaxing and cool atmosphere.

Mein Haus am See  –  The moment you set foot inside “Mein Haus am See” you’ll see why this is one of the best coffee shops in Berlin! This former bookshop is an ultra trendy cafe to hang out during the day and also a highly sociable joint to spend the evening in. A lot of budding entrepreneurs can be found working away on their laptops and creating the next big Startup venture. It is much more spacious than many of the other cafes or bars you will find around Berlin, there is a nicely thought out area for those who like smoking and the random design of the furniture scattered around the space gives Mein Haus am See a very homely feel.

Best Hipster Nightclub in Berlin

Chalet –  There are many good choices for hipster nightclubs in Berlin but if you are planning a trip to Germany in the near future and would like a groovy vibe then Chalet is an uber cool place to visit. The music is consistently good, there is a nice mix in terms of the crowd and there is a charming personality to the interior design. One of the things that makes Chalet one of the best nightclubs in Berlin, is the enticing beer garden which makes for an excellent place to chill. It even has a dance-floor outside and a fire pit –let’s face it, sometimes you just need a good fire pit!

Best Hipster Art Gallery in Berlin

Zozoville –  An essential on any Berlin Hipster Guide, this Unique and quirky gallery describes itself as “a platform for freaks, misfits, and the occasional well balanced individual.”  Zozoville is one of the little secrets and best local experiences in Berlin as far as art and museums are considered. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the raw talent and unique style of two of the city’s most inspiring talents in a small local setting. How can we explain the art? Let’s just say you will have to go there and experience it for yourself!

Best Hipster Museum in Berlin

Museum Für Fotografie –  The Museum of Photography is known for having the works of Helmut Newton on display, but there are also many individual styles and concepts on each floor to explore. This is by far the best place in the city in terms of photography collections. While it’s certainly the most mainstream place to visit on this list, the design of the building itself, combined with the excellent work on show, make it a favorite for local hipsters in Berlin.

Best Berlin Hipster Icon

East Side Gallery – Next on our Berlin Hipster Guide is an iconic memorial for freedom and diversity. The wall was used to divide the German population until its fall in the 1980s. This open air gallery is made from that wall, which served as a huge canvas and an art gallery for fatastic and colorful paintings, graffiti and messages of peace and hope. The East Side Gallery was painted by 118 artists depicting  political events that took place in 1989 and 1990 in over 100 works of art found on the eastern side of the wall. The paintings on the east side of the wall are a poignant contrast to the days when that side was blank as opposed to the west side.

Best Berlin Hipster Bookshop

Motto –    With its shelves overflowing with art and photography magazines, literature and poetry, this little bookshop is hipster’s heaven. Motto is tucked away in a courtyard just off Skalitzer Strasse and offers a safe haven for book lovers, with rare finds, posters and discontinued magazine. A perfect sanctuary for a rainy day!

Best Literary Bar in Berlin

Cafe Hilde – Cozy, comfy and artsy, this cafe has everything an aspiring hipster needs. Aside from the delicious Irish breakfast and yummy homemade cakes, this cafe is a perfect literary getaway, hosting prose and poetry events, book readings, film nights and the famous Orson Welles Appreciation Society of Berlin’s radio play season.

Best Berlin Hipster Neighborhood

Kreuzberg – Known as “Europe’s hipster central, “Kreuzeberg is where it all goes down. Referred to as X-Berg by the locals, the neighborhood is full of wall art and graffiti, cool vintage shops and groovy cafes. Kreuzeberg also has the world’s highest density of businesses accepting Bitcoin. When you visit, make sure to rent a bike and have a leisurely brunch as all locals do. Yes, being a hipster in Berlin is a full- time job but, hey, somebody’s gotta do it!

Have you made your own discoveries while in Berlin? Let us know what you would add to your Berlin Hipster Guide!

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Berlin: City Of Hipsters, City Of Entrepreneurs

Published: September 5, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Binnie Davila

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Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin, a place where art, culture, and entrepreneurship merge to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere. With its rich history and diverse population, Berlin has become a hub for creative minds and innovative thinkers. In recent years, the city has gained a reputation as the capital of hipster culture and a hotbed for entrepreneurs.

But what exactly is a hipster? The term “hipster” refers to a subculture of individuals who pride themselves on their non-conformist attitudes, eclectic fashion sense, and passion for all things alternative and independent. They are known for their love of art, music, vintage fashion, and organic and sustainable living.

Berlin’s vibrant and dynamic energy has attracted a large number of these hipsters, who have contributed to the city’s artistic and entrepreneurial scenes in profound ways. This influx of creative individuals has transformed Berlin into a bustling hub for cultural events, art galleries, music festivals, and pop-up markets.

Moreover, Berlin has also become a breeding ground for entrepreneurial talent, attracting start-ups from around the world. The city provides a supportive ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters collaboration, and encourages risk-taking. This unique blend of creativity and entrepreneurship has made Berlin an ideal destination for those looking to launch their own businesses and make their mark on the world.

Throughout this article, we will explore the rise of hipster culture in Berlin and the influences it has had on the city’s entrepreneurial landscape. We will delve into the start-up scene, the prevalence of collaborative workspaces, and the thriving creative industries. Additionally, we will discuss the support systems in place for entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in this ever-evolving city.

So, get ready to uncover the fascinating relationship between hipster culture and entrepreneurship in Berlin, and discover why this vibrant city is a magnet for creative minds and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Rise of Hipster Culture in Berlin

Berlin’s transformation into a haven for hipsters can be attributed to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. In the early 2000s, the city’s low cost of living and abundance of abandoned buildings and warehouses provided affordable spaces for artists, musicians, and creatives to gather and create. This attracted a wave of alternative individuals seeking a more authentic and independent lifestyle.

The underground music scene played a crucial role in the rise of hipster culture in Berlin. The city became known for its thriving techno and electronic music scene, with clubs like Berghain and Watergate gaining global recognition. These clubs became meccas for techno enthusiasts, attracting a diverse mix of locals and international visitors who were drawn to the city’s vibrant nightlife and avant-garde sounds.

Alongside the music scene, Berlin’s hipster culture began to flourish in its neighborhoods, such as Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain. These areas became synonymous with cool and edgy cafes, vintage shops, and street art. The streets were filled with people sporting stylish and unconventional fashion, showcasing their individuality.

The hipster movement in Berlin embraces a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, emphasizing handmade and unique products. Artisanal craft shops, organic and vegan restaurants, and sustainable fashion boutiques began popping up across the city. The emphasis on supporting local businesses and sustainable living became a defining characteristic of the hipster culture in Berlin.

Another factor contributing to the rise of hipster culture in Berlin is the city’s long history of counterculture and resistance. Berlin has overcome significant challenges throughout its history, including World War II and the division of the city during the Cold War. This resilience has bred a sense of individualism and a willingness to challenge societal norms, which aligns with the values of the hipster subculture.

The rise of social media also played a role in the spread of hipster culture in Berlin. Platforms like Instagram allowed individuals to document and share their unique experiences, showcasing Berlin’s vibrant street art, trendy coffee shops, and experimental fashion scenes. The visual appeal of the city’s hipster culture attracted a wider audience, leading to an increase in tourism and further growth of the movement.

Overall, Berlin’s rise as a city of hipsters can be attributed to a combination of affordable living conditions, a thriving music scene, a focus on sustainability and individual expression, a history of counterculture, and the power of social media. This convergence of factors has made Berlin an iconic destination for those seeking alternative lifestyles and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Influences of Hipster Culture on Entrepreneurship

Hipster culture has had a profound influence on the entrepreneurial landscape of Berlin. The values and aesthetics embraced by hipsters have shaped the way businesses operate and the types of products and services that gain traction in the market.

One key influence of hipster culture on entrepreneurship is the focus on authenticity and uniqueness. Hipsters value products and experiences that are original, handmade, and independent. This has led to the rise of small, niche businesses that cater to the discerning tastes of the hipster community. From artisanal coffee shops and craft breweries to vintage clothing stores and independent record labels, these businesses prioritize quality and individuality over mass production.

Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability in hipster culture has pushed entrepreneurs to adopt eco-friendly practices. Many hipster-inspired businesses in Berlin focus on using organic and locally sourced materials, reducing waste, and promoting ethical production processes. These initiatives align with the values of the hipster community, attracting a loyal customer base and setting an example for other entrepreneurs.

The strong sense of community within the hipster subculture has also influenced entrepreneurship in Berlin. Collaborative platforms and co-working spaces have become popular among start-ups and freelancers, fostering a supportive environment for networking, skill-sharing, and collaboration. These spaces provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and form mutually beneficial partnerships.

Additionally, the hipster movement has led to a resurgence of interest in traditional craftsmanship and artisanship. Berlin has witnessed a renaissance of skilled artisans in fields such as woodworking, ceramics, and textiles. These traditional crafts are often combined with modern designs and techniques, creating unique and sought-after products that appeal to both hipsters and a wider audience.

Moreover, the entrepreneurial spirit within the hipster community has inspired individuals to start their own businesses and pursue their passions. Whether it’s opening a vintage clothing store, launching a vegan restaurant, or starting an independent music label, hipsters in Berlin have turned their creative pursuits into viable business ventures. This has contributed to the diversity and vibrancy of the city’s entrepreneurial scene.

Overall, hipster culture has played a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurship landscape of Berlin. From promoting authenticity and sustainability to fostering collaboration and celebrating craftsmanship, the influence of hipsters has led to the emergence of a thriving and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city.

Start-Up Scene in Berlin

Berlin has emerged as one of the most dynamic and vibrant start-up ecosystems in Europe, attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit, affordable living costs, and supportive infrastructure have made it an ideal destination for those looking to launch their own businesses and join the start-up scene.

One of the key factors contributing to Berlin’s thriving start-up scene is the availability of venture capital and funding opportunities. The city has seen a steady increase in investment in recent years, with venture capitalists and angel investors eager to support innovative and promising start-ups. This access to funding has allowed entrepreneurs in Berlin to turn their ideas into reality and transform their businesses into market-leading ventures.

Berlin’s start-up scene is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with a significant focus on technology, e-commerce, fintech, and creative industries. This diversity has created a fertile ground for collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, leading to innovative solutions and disruptive business models.

Another advantage of the start-up scene in Berlin is the presence of numerous incubators and accelerators. These organizations provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to early-stage start-ups, helping them navigate the complexities of the business world and accelerate their growth. The support offered by these incubators and accelerators has been instrumental in the success of many start-ups in Berlin.

The German government has also played a significant role in fostering the growth of the start-up scene in Berlin. Several government initiatives and programs, such as grants and tax incentives, have been put in place to support entrepreneurship and innovation. These initiatives have created a favorable environment for start-ups to thrive and have attracted talented individuals from both within Germany and abroad.

Furthermore, the city’s international and multicultural population is a valuable asset for the start-up scene in Berlin. The diversity of perspectives and experiences brings fresh ideas and enables a global outlook. It also helps start-ups tap into different markets and international networks, contributing to their growth and expansion.

Start-up events and networking opportunities are abundant in Berlin, creating a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. Events such as tech conferences, hackathons, and pitch competitions provide valuable platforms for founders to showcase their ideas and attract attention from investors and industry experts.

Overall, the start-up scene in Berlin is buzzing with energy and innovation. The availability of funding, the presence of incubators and accelerators, government support, and the multicultural environment all contribute to Berlin’s reputation as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and a prime destination for aspiring start-up founders.

Collaborative Workspaces and Co-working Culture

Collaborative workspaces and co-working culture have become integral components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Berlin. The city is renowned for its vibrant and diverse range of co-working spaces, offering entrepreneurs a flexible and collaborative environment to work and connect with like-minded individuals.

One of the advantages of collaborative workspaces in Berlin is the variety of spaces available. From modern and sleek co-working hubs to quirky and artistic spaces, entrepreneurs have a wide selection to choose from based on their preferences and needs. These spaces are designed to foster creativity, productivity, and collaboration, providing amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, communal areas, and even in-house cafes.

The co-working culture in Berlin promotes a sense of community and encourages knowledge sharing and networking among entrepreneurs. Many co-working spaces organize events, workshops, and networking sessions to facilitate interactions and collaborations. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to connect with professionals from various fields, exchange ideas, and find potential business partners or mentors.

The collaborative nature of co-working spaces also allows entrepreneurs to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of the community. Start-ups often face similar challenges in their early stages, and being part of a co-working space provides access to a supportive network that can offer guidance, advice, and potential solutions.

Moreover, co-working spaces in Berlin often attract individuals from different industries and backgrounds. This diversity brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences, stimulating creativity and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. Entrepreneurs benefit from exposure to new ideas and different approaches, which can lead to innovative solutions and unique business opportunities.

Furthermore, co-working spaces offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to work in a professional environment without the financial burden of traditional office spaces. This cost-effective option is particularly appealing for young start-ups with limited resources. By sharing resources and facilities, entrepreneurs can access high-quality office infrastructure at a fraction of the cost, allowing them to allocate more funds to other areas of their business.

The flexibility of co-working spaces is also highly advantageous for entrepreneurs in Berlin. Start-ups often experience rapid growth and change, and co-working spaces can accommodate these fluctuations. Entrepreneurs have the flexibility to scale up or down based on their business needs, without the constraints of long-term leases or hefty financial commitments.

In summary, collaborative workspaces and co-working culture have flourished in Berlin, providing entrepreneurs with flexible, collaborative, and cost-effective environments to work, connect, and thrive. The sense of community, the combined knowledge and expertise, and the diverse networking opportunities make co-working spaces an indispensable asset for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city.

Creative Industries in Berlin

Berlin is a renowned global hub for creative industries, attracting artists, designers, musicians, and innovators from around the world. The city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and avant-garde atmosphere have fostered a thriving creative community that fuels the growth of various creative industries.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of creative industries in Berlin is the affordable cost of living and workspaces. Compared to other major cities like London or New York, Berlin offers lower living expenses and cheaper rent, making it an attractive destination for artists and creatives looking to establish their careers.

Visual arts have a strong presence in Berlin, with numerous galleries, art museums, and alternative spaces showcasing a wide range of contemporary art. Neighborhoods like Mitte and Kreuzberg are especially known for their diverse art galleries and street art, providing platforms and exposure for emerging artists.

Design and fashion also play an important role in Berlin’s creative industries. The city’s fashion scene is known for its avant-garde and experimental approach, with emerging designers often pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms. Fashion events, such as Berlin Fashion Week, attract international attention, showcasing the city’s unique style and creativity.

Berlin’s music scene is dynamic and diverse, spanning genres like techno, electronic, indie, and experimental. Renowned clubs such as Berghain and Watergate have solidified the city’s reputation as a global center for electronic music, drawing DJs and music enthusiasts from around the world. The city also hosts several music festivals, further adding to its vibrant music culture.

Furthermore, Berlin’s film and media industries have been thriving, with an increasing number of film productions, post-production studios, and animation companies calling the city home. The city hosts various film festivals, such as the Berlin International Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and industry professionals from all over the world.

The digital media and gaming industries are also on the rise in Berlin. The city has a growing number of start-ups in these sectors, creating innovative content and technological solutions. Berlin’s digital media and gaming scene offers a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise, attracting talent and investment.

Collaboration between different creative industries is a notable characteristic of Berlin’s creative ecosystem. Artists, designers, musicians, and filmmakers often collaborate on projects, blurring the boundaries between different art forms and generating new and exciting works. This cross-pollination of creative disciplines fosters innovation and encourages unconventional approaches.

Overall, Berlin’s creative industries form a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. The city’s affordable cost of living, diverse arts scene, and collaborative spirit have created an environment that nurtures and supports the growth of artists, designers, musicians, and innovators, making Berlin a leading destination for creative minds.

Berlin’s Supportive Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

Berlin is known for fostering a supportive ecosystem that nurtures and encourages entrepreneurship. The city provides a wide range of resources, programs, and initiatives that help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.

One of the key pillars of Berlin’s supportive ecosystem is the presence of numerous incubators and accelerators. These organizations offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources, helping start-ups refine their business models, develop their products, and scale their operations. The guidance and support provided by these programs are instrumental in boosting the success rate of start-ups.

Additionally, Berlin has a well-established network of angel investors and venture capitalists who are actively seeking investment opportunities. This access to funding allows entrepreneurs to secure the capital needed to launch and grow their businesses. The availability of investment capital in Berlin has played a significant role in attracting top talent and fueling innovation.

The supportive ecosystem in Berlin extends to government initiatives and programs. The German government has implemented various policies and regulations to facilitate entrepreneurship and promote innovation. These include tax incentives, grants, and subsidies, which help reduce the financial burden on start-ups and promote their growth.

Furthermore, Berlin is home to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Networking events, meetups, and industry-specific conferences are regularly organized, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and collaborate. This strong sense of community fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship to thrive.

The city also boasts a strong academic presence, with renowned universities and research institutions. These institutions provide a fertile ground for innovation and serve as a source of talent and expertise for entrepreneurs. The collaborative partnerships between academia and industry contribute to the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and ideas.

Moreover, Berlin embraces a culture of risk-taking and resilience, which is essential for entrepreneurship. Failure is seen as a learning experience rather than a stigma, and the lessons learned from unsuccessful ventures are often applied to future endeavors. This mindset of embracing failure and taking calculated risks encourages entrepreneurs to push boundaries and pursue innovative ideas.

Lastly, the international nature of Berlin’s ecosystem is a significant advantage for entrepreneurs. The city attracts talent from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural environment. This diversity fosters cross-cultural collaborations, enables access to global markets, and encourages a multicultural approach to business.

Overall, Berlin’s supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, characterized by access to funding, incubators, government initiatives, a strong community, academic presence, a culture of risk-taking, and international connections, makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start, grow, and scale their businesses.

Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs in Berlin

While Berlin offers a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, they also face their fair share of challenges in building and growing their businesses in the city.

One of the prominent challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Berlin is fierce competition. The city’s thriving start-up scene attracts talented individuals from around the world, resulting in a highly competitive environment. Start-ups need to differentiate themselves and find unique value propositions to stand out in crowded markets.

Access to funding can be a hurdle for entrepreneurs, particularly for those in the early stages. While Berlin has seen an increase in available funding, securing investment is still a competitive process. Start-ups need to develop solid business plans, demonstrate market potential, and present a compelling case to secure the necessary capital.

Another challenge is the high cost of living in certain areas of Berlin. As the city’s popularity has grown, so has the demand for housing and office spaces in desirable neighborhoods. This has led to increased rental prices, putting financial strain on entrepreneurs, especially those with limited resources.

Moreover, Berlin’s diverse and multicultural environment can present language and cultural barriers for some entrepreneurs. While English is widely spoken, German proficiency is still beneficial, particularly for dealing with official procedures, local stakeholders, and attracting a broader customer base. Entrepreneurs need to navigate cultural nuances and build relationships across diverse communities.

Regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy can be another challenge for entrepreneurs in Berlin. Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can be complex and time-consuming. Understanding and complying with local regulations, obtaining the necessary permits, and ensuring legal compliance can require significant effort and resources.

Furthermore, while Berlin offers a supportive ecosystem, finding the right talent for start-ups can be challenging. The demand for skilled professionals often outweighs the available supply, leading to fierce competition for talent. Start-ups need to be creative in attracting and retaining talented individuals, offering competitive compensation packages and providing opportunities for growth.

Finally, entrepreneurs in Berlin face the ever-present risk of failure. Start-ups must navigate uncertainties, adapt to rapidly changing markets, and overcome inevitable setbacks. Maintaining resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges is crucial for long-term success.

Despite these challenges, entrepreneurs in Berlin benefit from the city’s supportive ecosystem, access to funding, vibrant community, and international connections. By leveraging the available resources and approaching obstacles with a strategic mindset, entrepreneurs can overcome these challenges and thrive in Berlin’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Berlin has emerged as a city where arts, culture, and entrepreneurship intersect to create a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem. The rise of hipster culture in Berlin has contributed to the city’s unique identity as a hub for creativity and innovation. From the thriving start-up scene to the collaborative workspaces and supportive infrastructure, Berlin offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs to flourish.

Hipster culture has influenced entrepreneurship in Berlin by promoting authenticity, uniqueness, and sustainability. Start-ups in the city often prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and environmentally-friendly practices, catering to the discerning tastes of the hipster community.

Berlin’s supportive ecosystem provides vital resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Incubators, accelerators, and access to funding facilitate the growth of start-ups, while government initiatives and programs create a favorable environment for entrepreneurship. The strong sense of community and networking events foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Despite the advantages, entrepreneurs in Berlin face challenges such as fierce competition, access to funding, high living costs, language and cultural barriers, regulatory complexity, talent acquisition, and the risk of failure. However, with resilience, strategic thinking, and leveraging the city’s resources, entrepreneurs can overcome these obstacles and thrive.

In conclusion, Berlin’s blend of hipster culture, creative industries, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem make it a compelling destination for those seeking to launch their own ventures. The city’s energy, diversity, and spirit of innovation continue to attract talent from around the world. As Berlin evolves, it promises to remain a hotspot for arts, culture, and entrepreneurship, driving forward creativity, innovation, and economic growth.

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The Berlin Hipster Break: 8 Ways to Channel Your Inner Hipster in Berlin

See recent posts by Toby Orton

To make the most of a long weekend in Berlin , we suggest embracing the independence and quirks of one of Europe’s most stylish cities. And, if that means getting in touch with your inner hipster, then so be it. If you want to explore Berlin’s hippest hotels to the best bars in Friedrichshain , pull on your plaid shirts, strut through Görlitzer Park,  and -- like JFK in 1963 -- repeat “Ich bin ein… hipster” as you go. Here are eight ways to channel your inner hipster in Berlin.  

People Watch In Kreuzberg

Tony Webster via Flickr

Begin by immersing yourself in Kreuzberg with some prime people watching. Once one of Berlin’s poorest areas, this neighbourhood is now one of its hippest. When you’re not taking in the crowds, keep your eyes peeled for the great art at the East Side Gallery, the summer open-air performances in Gorlitzer Park, and the huge array of vintage shops. Garage is a favourite — it charges by weight rather than item, so any budget will buy you a full hipster uniform!

Oyster Hotel Tip: Stay at Kreuzberg’s  Relexa Hotel Stuttgarter Hof . All room rates include an extensive breakfast buffet and there’s even an in-house tanning bed if the weather outside lets you down.

Watch Outdoor Karaoke

Julia Viajando via Flickr

Make sure your stay includes a Sunday. Why? Well, because Sunday means outdoor Bearpit Karaoke at Mauerpark, which is possibly Berlin’s most unmissable event. Hundreds (if not thousands) of people gather every week at the amphitheatre to watch brave volunteers give their best renditions of Total Eclipse of the Heart/Living on a Prayer/I Will Always Love You (delete as appropriate).

Cycle Everywhere

Jan Voigtmann via Flickr

If you want to get about like the locals, then it has to be on two wheels. Exploring Berlin by bike is the best way to see the real city, and fortunately, it’s quite easy. Most sidewalks have cycle lanes, the roads are wide, and most importantly, it’s flat. Take one of the many tours or pedal whimsically from cafe to bar, stopping at will.

Oyster Hotel Tip: The modern Abba Berlin Hotel in Charlottenburg provides its own bike hire service to save you time and effort. Its plush rooms offer big bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.

Bargain Hunt At The Flea Markets

Gertrud K. via Flickr

Your flight might not leave for another few days but you can still go hang out at the airport; the old Tempelhof Airport that is! Boom-tish! Closed in 2008, the huge public space is the pride of Berliners. It’s used for music festivals, skating, cycling, running, and all manner of wholesome activities — but as a hipster you’ll be mainly grilling food and drinking beer in the vast BBQ area.

Eat Berlin's Best Burgers

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Hipster Berlin

Posted on Last updated: 31 August 2023

Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin » Kreuzberg » Hipster Berlin

Berlin may as well be a hipster heaven, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite highlights of the most hipster city in Europe (or at least of the few I’ve been to).

First, a quick introduction…

Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood has an interesting history. But while history can be interesting, I’m a bit more fascinated by what’s happening NOW. It’s been said before and by others, but Berlin really feels like  the place to be right now. Things are happening here. Art, culture, politics—Berlin feels like a true modern-day melting pot . An international city with big dreams and high hopes for the future. (Kind of like me, I suppose…) 

Kreuzberg has been a part of Berlin’s “alternative” culture for a while now. Long a hotspot for cheap housing, the neighborhood has attracted a generally younger demographic, especially since the fall of the Berlin wall . Hipsters, artists, bohemians, international tourists, immigrants and expats—Kreuzberg just may be the coolest, most hip part of Berlin.

Görlitzer Park is one of a few parks in Kreuzberg , but it’s definitely the one with the most character. Every summer afternoon you can find an assortment of people just hanging out here. (Just not too early, because hipsters like to sleep in late.) In evenings, there are sometimes spontaneous parties—people bring their music, and everyone gets to enjoy it. There’s a bar das edelweiss which has a pretty popular Friday-night jazz jam session. There’s the King of Bottles who happily comes by to take your empty bottles. There’s the guy who goes around selling samosas (€2.50 for 2 – not the greatest deal, but saves you the trouble of going far to find food). There’s a delicious roast-chicken stand just outside the park (Hühnerhaus – check out this guy rapping about it on YouTube ) where you can get half a chicken with fries & mayo/ketchup for just €3.50.

A park where there is almost always free music, attractive hipsters, grass, samosa delivery service, cheap food & a bar? It’s got everything I never knew I needed in a park!

Excellent blog post thanks a lot for sharing :-)

Hi Adam, have you tried the Volkspark Friedrichshain? It’s similar, but different. ;)

Went there this afternoon! Not as cool as Görlitzer, but still a very nice park. There was a massive slackline set up (the longest I’ve ever seen) and lots of people trying to tightrope across it. Not to mention the beach volleyball. Pretty different from Görlitzer but still very cool!

Sounds like a fun place! Your description of Berlin sounds a lot like the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in NYC.  Hipsters in abundance, and McCarren Park would be the equivalent of Görlitzer Park.

Yes! McCarren Park is the park I was thinking of but couldn’t remember the name. Thanks for sharing!

Every Berlin post just makes the itch to go back greater :-) Thanks for introducing me to another green space!

Berlin would be a great place to spend time with you!

Berlin is a great city – enjoy it!

Berlin has got so much going for it! Definitely worth another visit :)

Cant believe I missed ya! Hope you had a fantastic time here.

Having a fantastic time is so easy in Berlin!

Sounds like the perfect summer hangout, shame I wasn’t aware of it when I was in Berlin. +1 ;)

[…] und Julia. Besides briefly running into some sort of outdoor Shakespeare production at Görlitzer Park last summer, I haven’t seen any theater production in years. And though this one was nice and […]

TOP 5: ALTERNATIVE AND COOL HOTELS IN BERLIN

Berlin is a melting pot of free thinkers, innovators, startuppers, bohemians, artists, and anything a little unconventional. This city is filled with youthful energy, a legendary past, vibrant street art, and bustling nightlife. 

With its reputation for being alternative and hipster, it’s not surprising that you can find so many cool hotels in Berlin. Here are the top boutique hotels in Berlin with a unique vibe and concept that will inject lashings of color, creativity, and playfulness into your Berlin stay!

1. HÜTTENPALAST: A Cool Hotel in Berlin With a Camping And Caravanning Theme

Neighborhood:

Neukölln, an international, multicultural, and trendy district, with tons of exotic restaurants, Middle Eastern pastry shops, vintage shops, a Turkish market, and many hip bars. 

Best parts?

● The Hüttenpalast is an alternative and cool hotel in Berlin located in a post-industrial space. The hall with an area of 150 square meters was once a factory workshop producing vacuum cleaners.

● This urban camping site houses eight vintage caravans and three small wooden houses, each of which can accommodate two people. 

● Every motorhome is unique in design and decoration: one features a domed metal ceiling, the other was part of the Berlin Festival' Art Village and was painted by the renowned Berlin artist Nomad. Each of the caravans has its unique story.

● In the garden, the green oasis of this quirky campsite, you can relax and meet other travelers. 

Photos courtesy of Huttenpalast 

Worst parts?

The caravans are a bit narrow. Therefore, if you are claustrophobic, it is better to stay in the more spacious, factory-loft-style Hüttenpalast rooms. Besides, you will have to use shared bathrooms in the caravan area, just like in a real campsite. If it's an issue for you, opt for the loft rooms that feature private bathrooms.

Summary: Is this hotel right for you?  

This hotel is perfect for travelers who like a camping and caravanning vibe but want to have all the hotel comfort. Hüttenpalast is an excellent choice for couples who love adventure and unusual places, as well as for a group of friends. 

Moreover, you can organize an event or a themed bachelor party here, as groups of up to14 people can book one entire hall for exclusive use! 

Click here for more information and the latest prices

2. MICHELBERGER: An Alternative and Hipster Eco-Hotel In Berlin

Neighborhood: 

The hotel is located in the Friedrichshain district of East Berlin. 

It's known for its alternative vibe, techno clubs, incredible street art scene, indie boutiques, hipster bars, and restaurants. It is one of Berlin's most vibrant nightlife areas. The hotel itself is a 10-minute walk from Berlin's iconic East Side Gallery. 

● The former factory has been transformed into a hipster dream with white walls and designer furnishings: an eco-friendly hotel in shabby chic style. 

●The design of the hotel perfectly captures the artistic and rebellious spirit of Berlin. Post-industrial rooms with high ceilings are decorated with kitsch wallpaper, flea market items, and TVs built into industrial boxes. 

● The funky, book-filled lobby has a piano instead of a TV that you can play on. 

● In summer, you can sit back and relax in the hotel's spacious courtyard, where the café and bar work: in the evenings, they turn into a party. 

● The hotel features an organic restaurant, one of the best in the neighborhood. The big breakfast buffet includes vegan and gluten-free options. 

● You can have fun in their cool bar with live music on most evenings. It often hosts concerts by little-known but talented indie musicians and more famous artists like Damien Rice or Arcade Fire. 

If you're looking for a hip and cool hotel in Berlin, you've found it. The Michelberger has a hipster vibe, from a former factory setting and quirky decor to live local music and organic food in the restaurant.

Photos courtesy of Michelberger Hotel

Most of the rooms in this budget boutique hotel are quite small. Showers in some rooms have windows into the rooms and therefore lack privacy. Breakfast is not included in the rate. 

Summary: Is this hotel right for you? 

This funky hotel's main clientele is made up of hipsters, musicians, models, entertainers, young entrepreneurs, media people, and techno club enthusiasts. How do you like this company? This hotel is suitable for trendy, creative, and artistic young people who value uniqueness in everything.

It will be ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends. 

Get more info about Michelberger Hotel  

3. Provocateur Berlin: It's Time For Two! A Sensual And Unique Hotel in Berlin.

West Berlin, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. The hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Kurfürstendamm shopping street. It's Berlin's most famous boulevard and the heart of the western part of Berlin. 

Along the Kurfürstendamm, there are flagship stores of famous and luxury labels, international brands, and large department stores. It's a district of well-groomed courtyards and beautiful old architecture. This chic area of Berlin, with many small cozy cafes and trendy restaurants, is the second center of the German capital. 

Best parts? 

● A small and intimate boutique hotel in Berlin

● Sexy rooms with a seductive interior 

● Burlesque atmosphere

● A fabulous Asian-themed restaurant by a renowned local chef 

● A glamorous bar for late-night conversations with a glass of wine 

● A restaurant with delicious food that got tons of positive reviews 

● Sensual textiles, red velvet decor, and gorgeous bedding

● Luxury furniture 

● Freestanding pearl-shaped baths in the middle of the room 

● A luxury stay at an affordable price 

Photos courtesy of Provocateur Hotel

Worst parts?  

Lounge music is often played until 2 a.m. in the bar that can be heard in some rooms on the first floor. If you are a light sleeper, ask for rooms on other floors. This hotel is not the best option for business travelers. 

Summary: is this hotel right for you?  

Provocateur is a perfect hotel for couples and a romantic getaway in Berlin.

With its sensual ambiance, this boutique hotel in Berlin will be a haven, retreat, and unique experience for your couple. Whether you want to celebrate Valentine's day in Berlin or just spend a romantic weekend with your partner, this is the hotel you will remember for a long time. 

4. 25hours Hotel Bikini: A Hip Design Hotel in Berlin With a Jungle Theme

Photos courtesy of 25hours Hotel Berlin Bikini

West Berlin, close to the city center, only 3 minutes walk from the nearest metro station and only 3 km from the Brandenburg Gate.  

The hotel is located in a green area, near a huge park and a zoo. 

● Cool room designs with casual chic and urban jungle atmosphere.

● An abundance of indoor plants.

● Hammocks for relaxation. 

● Park view from the room windows.

● In the evening, you can relax in the hotel's rooftop bar - Monkey Bar, one of the best nightlife spots in Berlin. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. 

● As a true hipster place, the hotel has its own bakery. 

● The hotel provides free bicycles for the day to explore Berlin like a green eco-traveler. 

● After an active day in the city, you can relax in the hotel's sauna. 

● An Airstream street food van is permanently parked outside the hotel. 

Worst parts? 

Make sure to check if the rooftop bar and the restaurant are open since the hotel sometimes rents it out for private events. If there are parties in the bar, it can be loud in the evening and part of the night. If you are a light sleeper, don't choose rooms located close to the rooftop bar. 

Summary: Is this hotel for you? 

This modern, playful and trendy hotel with the stylish urban jungle is a perfect choice for travelers loving the feeling of freedom, greenery, and quality in everything. 

See more details about 25hours Hotel Bikini

5. NHOW: The Coolest Music, Lifestyle and Pet Hotel in Berlin

East Berlin. Situated in a trendy area between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg with numerous hip bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and clubs. The East Side Gallery is just 11 minutes away. The hotel is also within walking distance of the best concert venues.

● This concept hotel is the first music hotel in Europe with musical decorations and amenities, two state-of-the-art recording studios, room service with guitars and keyboards. You can order instrument room service absolutely free of charge. Rooms are equipped with modern stereo systems with digital interfaces. 

● In addition to playing musical instruments, you can also go to impromptu concerts on the hotel's rooftop. 

Attend art, exhibitions, fashion shows, product presentations, conferences - NHOW is a hub for art and lifestyle in Berlin. 

● The hotel is housed in a building with a unique design. At the top of the building is a giant shiny cube that not only serves as decoration - there are rooms inside! 

● Unusual futuristic design and atmosphere in the rooms. The interior is decorated with psychedelic colors and quirky designer furniture. Harmonious colors and shapes of furniture relax you and transport you to another dimension.

● You can relax in a huge spa oasis right in the hotel. It is equipped with a gym, fitness and cardio machines, two saunas, a steam bath, and several experience showers. Don't miss their massage package. 

● It's a pet-friendly hotel!

If you travel with your dog, just book a totally pet-ready room with everything your pet would need: a dreamy bed, a water bowl, and a food bowl. The hotel also provides advice on pet-friendly places in Berlin. 

Photos courtesy of NHOW Hotel

I didn't find any! 

Are you looking for a hotel in Berlin to fully enjoy the thriving music scene? Then nhow Berlin is the place for you. If you have not played the guitar for a long time and want to remember your youth, here you can order a guitar or a keyboard to your room or even record a song in a recording studio. 

This unique hotel with a rock 'n' roll lifestyle is suitable for solo travelers, creative couples, and traveling friends who love art, design, and music. 

The hotel is also suitable for travelers with children - children of up to 11 years of age stay free of charge in their parents' room.

And, the last but not least, this hotel is also perfect for travelers with pets, as pets are treated as VIPs at NHOW. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, nice to meet you! I'm Sasha Naslin, a founder of The Alternative Travel Guide and a world citizen at heart.  

I traveled to 60+ countries on different continents and stopped counting cities after two hundred.  I didn’t quit my job to travel the world. Instead, I created my job out of travel.

I help people to travel deeper, authentically and try new things. I want travel to change you in ways you never imagined.

More about me and The Alternative Travel Guide

Connect with me on Facebook

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The hipster’s guide to Berlin

1990 vegan living. (Private photo)

The very best of Berlin? Our student writer Caroline Sølver can help! She moved to Berlin when she was 18 years old. She planned to stay for a gap year, but one year turned into three. Now her favorite experiences have been turned into a guidebook in Danish that shares a more contemporary, hip take on Berlin than the traditional guides offer. In this CBS Wire guide, she shares six of her favorite Berlin spots.

Guide |   30. Jun 2021

Caroline Sølver

For me, Berlin is the perfect city. It has everything blended together in a beautiful mix – it’s a cultural melting pot, it’s startup central, which means it’s flooded with innovation and good ideas, it has interesting, recent history (how crazy is it to think that it’s just 31 years since the wall came down?!), it has amazing restaurants, it has unique night life. And I could go on.

My love for the city is what fueled my wish to write a guidebook that would collect all my favorite spots in Berlin. I wanted the guide to be personal and to include all the hip spots that traditional guides don’t include. That also means that my guide doesn’t include the main sights found in traditional guides.

It was hard to choose, but in this unique Berlin guide for CBS Wire, I’ve picked six of my absolute favorite spots in the German capital that you should definitely experience next time you’re in Berlin.

Coffee, bagels and books at Shakespeare and Sons

This spot collects three of my very favorite things; good coffee, delicious bagels and a wonderful selection of books. Besides that, the vibe here is amazing. I can’t count the hours I’ve spent here, writing my guidebook or articles for CBS Wire, drinking coffee, eating bagels with cream cheese and discovering the great selection of books.

One of my favorite books, Stasiland by Anna Funder, was purchased here. In the book, the journalist interviews a list of people who were connected to Stasi, either as agents or as enemies of the totalitarian system.

Tip! Right next to Shakespeare and Sons, you’ll find Brammibals Donuts , and not only is it a beautiful pink space, they also serve amazing donuts that are vegan. Wild!

Warschauer Str. 74, 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain)

Saturday market at Boxhagener Platz

It’s a tradition that whenever I’m in Berlin on a Saturday, the day starts with the weekly food market at Boxhagener Platz, the local square, (or Boxi as the initiated call it).

The farmers from outside Berlin drive to the city with their delicious produce, local craftsmen bring their products; from handmade soaps to ceramics and other crafts, the coffee scooter has pulled up and food trucks serve yummy bites.

There’s a lovely local feel and I love seeing the green-focused Germans who bring their own Tupperware and wrapping to go zero-waste shopping.

(Private photo)

I always get coffee from the coffee scooter and kvark (thick yogurt) from the Kvarkbar, which serves an abundance of homemade yogurts; from raspberry tiramisu yogurt to coconut and white chocolate. It’s oh so good.

Grünberger Str. 75, 10245 Berlin (Friedrichshain)

Berlin’s best döner at Döner Dach

After the market, it’s time for lunch. And when in Berlin, you must have at least one döner. According to me, the best döner in the city can be found at Döner Dach. I’ve taken all my visitors there during the past seven years, and they all agree. It’s come to the point where my friends across different friend groups even run in to each other randomly when in Berlin. Another friend of mine once ate there four times in one day.

Yes, it’s that good.

The döner is a wholesome meal consisting of delicious, fluffy bread, salad, feta cheese, sauces; garlic, herb, sesame and chili (and if you’re a pro, you’ll ask for a mix of all the sauces instead of choosing one!), and your choice of protein. The chicken kebab is great, and as a vegetarian, I go for the halloumi. Just writing this is making my mouth water.

Simon-Dach-Straße 11, 10245 Berlin (Friedrichshain)

Shopping in Voo Store

Although I hardly ever buy anything here, Voo Store is the coolest store in Berlin. Located in Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg, which is the neighborhood with the biggest population of Turkish people outside Turkey, it’s a very interesting location. It almost feels like you’re suddenly in Turkey. The store is nestled in a very beautiful, classic Berlin former industrial factory backyard.

Unless you’ve put on your big spending pants (a directly translated Danish idiom), Voo Store is great inspiration for window shopping. The store offers a handpicked selection of Prada, Acne, cool sneakers and nice perfumes from smaller, handpicked brands.

Oranienstraße 24, 10999 Berlin (Kreuzberg)

A tour of the former Stasi headquarters

Although I haven’t included the main sights, such as the TV Tower, in my guidebook, I have added some of the city’s lesser known, wild historical experiences. What’s so unique and interesting about Berlin is that the history is so recent and ubiquitous.

It’s not like visiting Rome, where the sights are thousands of years old and it’s difficult to relate. Just a little more than 30 years ago, the city was split by a wall, loved ones couldn’t see each other, and the East part of the city and country was locked in a totalitarian dictatorship.

Big brother was watching, as Stasi, the official state security, had one agent per four inhabitants. In total, Stasi employed 85,000 full-time spies and 170,000 civilian informants, many of whom were forced to spy on their loved ones. Stasi knew everything about everyone. Scary thought.

At the former Stasi headquarters, you get to tour the offices of Erich Mielke, the Minister for State Security, and hear all about the sick methods that Stasi used to spy on their inhabitants. It’s a mind-boggling, sad, yet very interesting experience.

Read more about visiting the former Stasi headquarters here .

Normannenstraße 20/Haus 1, 10365 Berlin (Lichtenberg)

Vegan Asian tapas at 1990 Vegan Living

Berlin is very big on veganism, and although I’m not vegan, I am a huge fan of how widespread veganism is in Berlin. Every restaurant has at least one vegan dish and lots of restaurants and cafes are fully vegan, like 1990 Vegan Living. And you don’t have to be vegan to eat there. In fact, I took my 81-year-old grandfather there, who’s definitely not vegan, and he loved it.

At 1990 Vegan Living, they serve Asian dishes tapas style. Every dish costs € 3.5 and a rule of thumb is to order three dishes per person and share all the dishes. They are so good.

Some of them use imitation meat products, such as a vegan take on chicken satay and pork bao buns as well as classic Asian dishes such as spring rolls, summer rolls and papaya salad. It’s so good, served beautifully and the restaurant itself is decorated as if you were sitting in a street kitchen somewhere in Vietnam. The drinks are great too, exotic smoothies with a splash of vodka.

Krossener Str. 19, 10245 Berlin (Friedrichshain)

I hope that my insider tips will help you explore some of the best spots that Berlin has to offer. Enjoy!

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Locals' Secrets: How to See Berlin in a Weekend

It only took me nearly five years of living in Berlin to FINALLY write a two-day itinerary for Berlin. I winged it with so many visitors – but this time, I wrote it down. Just for you 😘 If you only have a weekend in Berlin, obviously it’s impossible to see absolutely everything – but you can still have an incredible experience and leave the city wanting more!

Here is the itinerary for seeing Berlin in two days, which strives for a balance between the most important touristic and historical sights and having some great local experiences: whether it’s underground art, great international food, or scenic viewpoints a little further outside the city center. I can understand that it’s a pretty popular option to do just 2 days in Berlin, so you have to optimize what you see for your first time and what you save for your next trip.

I’m pretty sure I can help you there 😉

Here’s my local guide to Berlin in a weekend , based on living here for more than four years! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to follow up quickly. 👌

Some links in this post are to affiliate sites. If you purchase something through them, I may earn a small comission — which costs you nothing! I am very grateful when you use my links to make a purchase.

Table of Contents – I started writing this guide and it got a bit…long. Here are specific things you can do in two days in Berlin, as well as my top recommendations for food, drinks, where to stay, tours and activities, and (BONUS!) a section for special things you can do in Berlin depending on what season you’re visiting in 😏

Where to stay in Berlin

Best things to do in berlin on the weekend, day 1: city center and landmarks, day 2: hipster berlin, tours and activities to try in berlin, getting around berlin, things to do in berlin by season, day trips from berlin.

The most important thing when choosing accommodation in Berlin (especially during Winter, which is coming up), is selecting a hotel that is close to a subway station. When it’s cold at night or even raining, the last thing you want to do is be waiting for a notoriously late bus, or walking long distances against strong wind.

For first-time visitors to Berlin , I almost always recommend staying in Mitte , which is the most central neighborhood in the city. Super close to the most famous landmarks, lots of transportation hubs that will take you in any direction, and easy to get to/from Berlin’s airports. It has a really urban vibe, but is so well-connected that you’ll have no trouble getting to neighborhoods all over the city.

My hotel recommendation in Mitte is The Circus Hotel which has tons going for it: awesome location at Rosenthaler Platz with excellent food and restaurants nearby, connected to the U8 subway, and the floor-level breakfast spot called Commonground is one of the best brunch locations in Berlin in its own right.

If you’re on a tighter budget, just across the street is their sister property, The Circus Hostel . Possibly the top-rated hostel in Berlin, it is often booked out so be sure to reserve in advance.

I’ve got an entire post dedicated to the best places to stay in Berlin , so check that out for an in-depth Berlin neighborhood guide based on your budget and requirements.

Learn about the best areas to stay in Berlin, whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran. This Berlin neighborhood guide demystifies how to decide where to stay in Berlin, based on my experience living in Berlin for over five years!

Coming up is a super long itinerary of exactly how to spend 2 days in Berlin , as recommended by myself! But if you're just looking for the highlights, here are the coupled of don't-miss activities that I always recommend to people who come and visit me and only have a weekend in Berlin.

• Berlin TV Tower Fast Track tickets : The weekends are especially busy days for tourism in Berlin, since Berlin is such a popular city break, so skip-the-line tickets are a good idea. From the TV tower you can get a birds-eye view of Berlin from its highest point (and most recognizable landmark!).
• 1-hour Berlin City Tour by Boat : One awesome thing about Berlin is that so many of the most impressive landmarks can be seen from the river, such as the Berlin Cathedral and the German Parliament. How cool is that? This tour has audioguides in a bunch of languages, so you don't have to worry about your tour guide having a "very thick accent" 😉 I've taken my parents AND my boyfriend's parents boat trips with this company when they visited us!
• Berlin Top 20 Sightseeing Tour : So, obviously when I have visitors I am the tour guide but since you don't have me to show you around, this seems like the next best thing. It covers some of my favorite sights, and the reviews for this walking tour are through the roof. Especially on a sunny day, a walking tour is an awesome and active way to see the city.

Looking for a massive, awesome, updated and ultra-detailed list of activities to try in Berlin? Head over to my list of the best things to do in Berlin for a bajillion additional recommendations based on my last 5 years in the city.

How to spend a weekend in Berlin

So, I’ve broken this itinerary into two parts that I think are really important, especially if you are a first-time visitor to Berlin. On the first day, we’ll see historical Berlin: all the famous landmarks, museums, things going on in the city center. I’ll give you tips on which tourist spots to avoid as well as the ones that are really worth your time.

On the second day, you’ll get a look at the “real Berlin” as many people experience it, in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg. That’s where I’ve lived the whole time I’ve lived in Berlin, so you can say I’m a bit of an expert 😏 That said, it’s a massive neighborhood so I’ll pick out my absolute favorite spots for you to spend your second day at.

• Day 1: City center and famous landmarks : Centered around Mitte and the main historical landmarks in the center of Berlin.
• Day 2: Hipster Berlin : “Real Berlin” how the city’s world-famous hipsters, artists, and alternative crowd experience it.

Gooood morning! Assuming you have a full first day in Berlin, let’s start in the morning with breakfast. Where you decide to stay in Berlin will determine the best spots you can go for breakfast, naturally. If you’re staying in Mitte, I recommend a couple different nice spots for breakfast:

• Chipps – Make a reservation online to be sure you’ll get a spot. Great vegetarian options.
• Commonground – Beautiful cafe on the ground floor of the Circus Hotel at Rosenthaler Platz. You can come here even if you don’t stay at the hotel.

Breakfast in our bellies, let’s get started with the day!

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is perhaps one of the most iconic sights in all of Germany. It was built on top of the former city gate, on the orders of the Prussian king Frederick William II in the late 1700s. About fifteen years later, Napoleon has even passed through the Brandenburg gate, after the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt. So just think, you’ll be passing through a place where Napoleon once stood!

If you want to take photos with minimal crowds, do show up early in the morning. Brandenburg Gate is one of the most popular sites in Berlin for a reason!

Plus, the gate is very close to a couple of other important locations we’re going to visit next: the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Reichstag.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

It wouldn’t be right to visit Berlin without recognizing what happened in the city and in Europe during World War II. Just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial. The memorial was only built in recent years, from 2003-2004 to commmemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the second World War.

There’s a place you can visit underground containing the names of about 3 million Jewish victims. It’s a somber place, but important to visit.

If you want to learn more about Jewish history in Germany, I highly recommend the Jewish Museum in Kreuzberg. It covers not only the war-time experiences of the Jews in Germany, but also their rich history in the region and their many contributions to society. Entry to the Jewish Museum is included in the Berlin Museum Pass .

The Reichstag is the name of the building that is home to the German Parliament (called the Bundestag). It’s located a short walk away from the Brandenburg Gate and has a vast lawn stretching out in front of it. The Reichstag original dome was damaged during World War II, and ultimately was replaced with the glass dome we know today. You can visit this dome, as well as eat at a restaurant on top of the Reichstag – maybe you’ll see some famous German politicians you’d never recognize 😎

You NEED to register in advance in order to visit the Reichstag, because the German government will run a quick check on you (you are entering a government building after all!). Ideally register at LEAST one month in advance, the more the better. It can, and has happened to people visiting me in Berlin, that there were no more slots available.

There are a few different ways to register for entrance to the Reichstag. You can either register directly with the German government or sign up for a guided tour that will take care of the registration for you . This is especially important as an option for those who procrastinate (!) because tour operators reserve a certain number of tickets.

Check availability of guided Reichstag tours

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Victory Column

The Victory Column (called the Siegessäule in German) gives you sweeping views over Berlin, where you can see the Tiergarten on one side, all the way to the Brandenburg Gate down a row of trees (it’s hard to see because I took this on a foggy day but I promise it’s there!). One interesting fact is that the current location of the column, at Großer Stern , was implemented by the Nazis. They had a lot of ideas for how to redesign Berlin as a city. Fortunately, the fact that they did relocate the monument meant that it was saved from a lot of the bombing by the Americans on Berlin during WWII.

The entrance fee costs just a few euro, and allows you to climb the stairs inside the column to a height of 51 meters. It takes nearly 285 steps to get there, but the view is well worth it. I’ve been up twice and unfortunately both times it was cloudy but I’m sure it’s even better when the skies are clear 😂

To reach the Victory Column from the Reichstag you can either walk through the Tiergarten park for about 25 minutes, or take the 100 Bus for about 15 minutes. Since it’s only 4 stops, you can get a Kurzstrecke (short trip) bus ticket for just 1.50 €. But the walk is nice too 😄

Finding the best photography locations in Berlin can be tricky as a tourist, but this list is a solid blend of classic locations and locals-only secrets! Here are the best spots to take photos in Berlin during all seasons.

Tiergarten is a huge park that encompasses the Berlin Zoo (home to the most species in the world), the Victory Column (as mentioned above), as well as the next spot on our list (one of Berlin’s nicest beer gardens).

Tiergarten is German’s third largest urban park, after Tempelhofer Feld (also in Berlin) and Munich’s Englischer Garten . It’s absolutely huge and you won’t possibly see every corner, but you can hit the highlights.

In good weather, Tiergarten is a beautiful place to have a picnic or just walk around. In Germany, there are no laws about not being able to drink in public, so you can freely bring your own beer to the park and have a drink by a pond or while sunbathing.

Alternatively, you can visit one of Berlin’s prettiest beer gardens: Cafe am Neun See

Cafe am Neun See

This beer garden is situated on an inlet from the Spree river in the middle of the gigantic Tiergarten park.

While it’s not world class food, the view and atmosphere is fabulous. Enjoy a traditional German beer and go for a typical German food, whether that’s currywurst (sausage with curry sauce), potato salad, or bail out and go for a pizza. This spot is one of my favorite beer gardens in Berlin for its beautiful views, but do be aware that beer gardens open in late Spring and close in Autumn!

If you’re in Berlin for a weekend, expect this place to be pretty crowded. It’s popular with both locals and tourists. The earlier in the day you’re able to come, the better.

From here, it’s time to take public transit back to the center for an afternoon of sight-seeing and museum-hopping. You can take the same 100 Bus the other direction, and get out at Lustgarten , which is a stop right behind the Berlin Cathedral on the Museum Island.

Berlin Cathedral

Before heading into a museum frenzy, take a minute to enjoy Berlin Cathedral. Some of the best views of the cathedral can be head from the park in from of it, or from the Friedrichsbrücke which connects Museum Island to Hackescher Markt.

If you have the time, you can buy a ticket that lets you go to the top of the dome and get a view from above. I’ve never done this myself, but some members of my boyfriend’s family have done it and really enjoyed it. The cost is 7€ per person.

Photo of the Berlin Cathedral, taken from the Friedrichsbrücke.

Museum Island

Museum Island is quite literally an island in the middle of the River Spree, which runs through the city. It hosts a complex of internationally recognized museums, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Museum Island is connected by short bridges from the main part part of the city.

Here are some of the museums I would recommend checking out while you’re in Berlin. You can spend days in all of Berlin’s more than 170 museums, but here are a few right in the middle of the city you can pop into. Entrance to each museum costs 10-19€, depending on the museum.

If you know which museum you want to visit, I’d advise buying a ticket in advance . Otherwise you will end up waiting in line during the peak tourist season to buy tickets. I’ve seen it. I’ve done it.

Be mindful that the museums close at 6PM most days, so do check how much time you have. Be sure to also check opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting in case of special events, bank holidays, etc.

* - If you want my opinion, Neues Museum and Pergamon Museum are the two coolest museums on Museum Island. And if you only have two days, you probably don’t want to spend ALL your time in museums. While the Museum Island day pass is an excellent deal if you’re visiting several museums, at only 18€, it does NOT include the Asisi Panorama which is one of the main attractions of visiting Pergamon. If I had to pick just ONE for you, I’d recommend the Pergamon Museum , including the Panorama for 19€. Unless you are an Egyptian nerd, in which case the Neues Museum is your ticket.

How to get the best deal on Berlin’s museum tickets

If you plan to go to museums on both days of your trip, check out the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass . The 3-day museum pass costs 29 € (~$33) and covers 30 museums, whereas individual museums on Museum Island cost 10-19 €. So in short, you need to visit 3 museums to make the pass worth the cost, unless you add the Pergamon Museum then it only takes 2 because Pergamon is expensive!

However, if you only plan to visit museums on ONE day and ONLY the museums on Museum Island (there are many more museums besides on the one on Museum Island), you can also buy the Museum Island-only day pass for 18 € (~$22) which is obviously cheaper.

NOTE – Berlin also offers reduced ticket prices for seniors, students, and those with severe disabilities. If you want to get a student ticket, you need to be able to present a student ID that has a date on it. If you’re under 18, you qualify for a free ticket .

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz isn’t the prettiest part of Berlin, but you can see the TV tower up close here. It’s possible to go up to the top of the TV tower, and even eat at a restaurant up there! I’ve never done it but it’s something I really need to do before I leave Berlin. You can get skip-the-line tickets for the TV tower so you don’t need to wait.

Apparently you can even book a ticket for the TV tower that includes getting a window seat at the restaurant! If that sounds awesome to you, you can get a ticket here for just 3€ more than you’d pay for the regular ticket.

If you want to go somewhere high up where you can also see the TV tower, try the Panoramapunkt . This is a cheaper alternative to the TV tower that costs just 7.50€ and gives you a chance to ride the fastest elevator in Europe! It’s located at Potsdamer Platz so you’ll need to take the subway or a bus to reach it.

Otherwise, also located at Alexanderplatz is the St. Marienkirche and the Rotes Rathaus . If you come in Christmas there’s a popular Christmas Market here as well.

This photo was taken from Museum Island, facing Alexanderplatz.

Hackescher Markt

Hackescher Markt is one of the main areas you can go shopping in Berlin. If you want to pick up some mementos of your time here, this would be a great place to do it. My personal favorite shop on Hackescher Markt is Muji , which is a Japanese clothing brand. From here you also have tons of restaurants to try, or places that are within walking distance. Now that the day is mostly done, let’s talk about dinner!

Where to eat in Berlin Mitte

Berlin is like a Mecca for fabulous international food. Thanks to the rich cultural diversity of the city, you can basically eat any kind of food you want here (except really good Mexican food…but I digress). Buuut, I’m going to guess that when you’re in Berlin for just 2 days, you want to try something local. So here are a couple of great places to go for dinner, with a heavy focus on trying the local cuisine.

• Schnitzelei Mitte ($$) – Menu – Excellent Schnitzel, tasty craft beer, also has plenty of vegetarian options and one vegan option. Outdoor seating available in good weather.
• Clärchens Ballhaus ($$) – Menu – Combines classic German dishes with some more generic offerings, you’ll find something for everyone. One vegan option 🌿 Plenty of outdoor seating for good weather.
• Schwarzwaldstuben ($$) – Menu – Classic Southern German food, vegetarian options (not sure about vegan though). Just a few tables available outside.

In all cases, make a reservation . Of course you might get lucky, but reservations are free so get it done 😉

German restaurants in Berlin aren't hard to come by, but not all are created equally. These are my personal recommendations for where to eat German cuisine in Berlin!

Evening activities in Mitte

If you’re not totally wiped out from a busy day of activities, there are of course things to do at night. Here are a few ideas:

• See the landmarks illuminated. The Berlin Cathedral and the Brandenburg Gate both look very impressive by night.
• See a live show. There are some popular arobatics shows at Friedrichstadt-Palast as well as at the Chamaeleon Theatre .
• See a movie in English – with no subtitles! Super boring for those of you coming from English-speaking countries, but if you’re an expat living in Europe you can enjoy an English, subtitle-free movie at the Sony Center .

Welcome to day two of our two days in Berlin! Now that you’ve soaked in the biggest part of the typical Berlin tourist route, we’re going to spend some time doing as the locals do. And that begins with brunch.

I live in Kreuzberg, so this is the area I know best and can recommend a lot of local activities. Historically, Kreuzberg has been a Turkish neighborhood which has seen a lot more people move here. It was famously where David Bowie used to hang out when he was in Berlin.

Today we’re going to enjoy Kreuzberg’s local side, as well as see some of the best tourism highlights in the area: the Berlin Wall and Oberbaumbrücke.

Kreuzberg brunch

If you’re staying in Mitte, take the U8 to Kreuzberg. Depending on where you’d like to go for brunch, you’ll need different public transit options. Here are a few of my favorite places for brunch in East Kreuzberg.

• Cafe Bastard – Great traditional German breakfast. Come early, this place doesn’t accept reservations.
• Five Elephant or Bonanaza Coffee Roasters – If you’re not much of a breakfast person, stop by one of Berlin’s best coffee shops.

If you happen to get lucky and it’s the third Sunday of the month, you can also go the next place for a breakfast market…

Pancakes at Be Coffee My Friend , another great breakfast spot in Kreuzberg.

Markthalle IX (if open)

If you’re coming to Berlin on the weekend, double-check that Markthalle Neun is open before you arrive. Once a month on a Sunday, they have a breakfast market where you can basically get food from a ton of different stalls. Check out Markthalle IX's website for details on the different events they have going on.

If you happen to be here on a Thursday, you can come by for Street Food Thursdays, probably the most regular highlight of the market. Besides that, there are a number of stalls that are permanently installed. Such as the bakery where Berlin’s top-rated bread is baked at Sironi , some tasty craft beer at Heidenpeters , or just a really nice cup of coffee at Kaffee 9 .

Oberbaumbrücke

After you’ve had a proper meal, let’s head by foot through Kreuzberg to one of the city’s most famous sights that also happens to lie outside the center: Oberbaumbrücke. This gorgeous bridge is probably one of the most common things you’ll see in movies or TV shows about Berlin. Perhaps you recognize it if you watched Berlin Station , the Netflix series, because in the show they thwarted a terror attack that was planned to happen on this bridge.

Come around to the north side of the bridge to take some fabulous photos, and then continue on to the East Side Gallery where you’ll see the best representation of the Berlin Wall that the city has standing.

East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

There are a lot of different places you can see the remnants of the Berlin Wall. For instance, there are some pieces at Potsdamer Platz, there are pieces in random places throughout Berlin. But the very best spot to see the Berlin wall, and the most famous art that has been painted on it, is at the East Side Gallery. This stretch of approximately 1 kilometer of wall is the longest in the city.

The art on the wall was painted in around 1990, and unfortunately there is a lot of vandalism that takes place and the murals are in need of regular restoration. You can grab an ice cream while you walk down the wall and reflect a bit on what it must’ve been like to live in a divided city. (In case you don’t know, there is only one city in the world today that is divided as such, and that is the capital of Cyprus).

This is my little sister. You know my itinerary is legit because I also use it on my own family 😂

For lunch, head back to the Schlesisches Tor U-bahn station and grab a burger at a Berlin institution, Burgermeister . They even have a veggie burger, so no one goes hungry!

From here, you have basically a lot of options for things to do in Kreuzberg. You can mix and match these depending on what you’re in the mood for and how much energy you have at the end of your trip!

Things to do in Kreuzberg

Visit Treptower Park where you’ll see a huge Soviet memorial with Stalin quotes everywhere. It’s pretty impressive albeit also strange. The main memorial is quite deep in the park so you’ll need to take public transit.

Go for a craft beer at Hopfenreich, a craft beer bar in Kreuzberg that opens its doors from 4:00 PM every day. They offer both domestic and imported beers and have limited but lovely outdoor seating for days with good weather.

Go for a walk down the Landwehrkanal , a canal that runs through Kreuzberg. On Tuesdays and Fridays you’ll find the Turkish Market at Maybachufer, where you can get street food and eat it by the water.

Alternatively, you can also take a Spree and Landwehrkanal boat tour . Did you know that Berlin has more bridges than Venice? Now you do. Learn that and more on this tour.

Visit Viktoriapark , my favorite park in all of Berlin. From the top you see a panoramic view over the entire city. Inside the park you also have a lovely beer garden where you can relax at the end of your trip and swipe through the neat photos you’ve taken.

Take an Alternative Berlin walking tour , this four-hour tour takes you through Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln as well as other districts where you’ll learn about the alternative side of Berlin. Whether it’s street art or house squatting. You’ll get a better idea of how people live in the city, what are their struggles, as well as what local culture and art is like.

Besides the tours and activities I’ve mentioned in this post, there are a few others that you might find particularly interesting, and worth doing instead of a different part of the itinerary.

• Berlin Underworld Tour – You can take a tour through the underground tunnels and bunkers that people hid in while Berlin was being bombed by the Allied forces in World War II. I’m planning to do this one with my Aunt and Uncle when they visit next month, and have heard good things about it from friends and colleagues (Note: there are four different tours offered by this company, check the others out too if you are interested)
• Berlin Tempelhof Airport Tour – This airport was originally commissioned by Hitler, and was used until the 80s. Today you can take a really awesome tour inside and learn about its interesting architecture and history. I’ve done this tour and it really exceeded my expectations.
• Berlin Sachsenhausen Memorial Day Tour – You might not realize it, but there is a concentration camp located just a 40 minutes subway ride from the Berlin city center. You can also go on your own, as admission is free. But to get the most out of it, you will want a guided tour.

Yes, sometimes travel isn’t the most uplifting but Berlin has a dark history and it’s important not to gloss over that. To wrap up this guide, I want to share with you a couple of specific things that happen in Berlin based on the season you’ll be visiting in.

Public transit in Berlin consists of four main parts: subway (U-bahn), express trains (S-bahn), busses, and trams (Strassenbahn). Any ticket you buy for one system will also be valid for the others. A daily pass will run you 7 € (which is a bit more expensive than 2 x 2.70 €, the cost of a standard ticket). You can also buy 4 tickets in a batch for 9 €. So for the daily ticket to make sense, you really need to be taking 3+ rides per day.

Do check out the Berlin Welcome Card , which offers unlimited public transit in A, B, & C zones (meaning, it includes the “budget” airport called Schönefeld, which is super far outside Berlin as well as Potsdam, the location of a famous palace). Plus, it includes all the museums on Museum Island, two photography museums, walking tours, boat tours, up to 30 different activities.

TIP – If you don’t opt for the Berlin Welcome Card, BVG, Berlin’s public transit company, has a handy mobile app you can use to buy tickets from. It’s often cheaper to buy batches of 4x tickets than individual tickets.

Besides public transit, you can get around by foot, using Uber, or by taxi.

Lastly, I want to collect all my favorite things to do in Berlin based on the season you’re visiting in. There is something unique for every time of the year!

Things to do in Berlin in Spring

There are plenty of great things you can do in Spring in Berlin, even if the weather is still relatively cold and subject to rain. Just be sure to pack layers to defend against the wind, and an umbrella and/or rain jacket.

• See Berlin’s more than 9,000 cherry blossoms. After the wall fell, Japan gifted Berlin with thousands of cherry blossom trees to mark a new era in her history. Find out where to find cherry blossoms in Berlin .
• Peruse art galleries during Gallery Weekend. Contemporary art fans will enjoy this weekend in Berlin where over 50 art galleries open their doors for three days. Learn more about it on the Berlin tourism website .
• Enjoy International Museum Day’s special tours and talks. This international event also takes place in Berlin and gives visitors a special museum experience!

You don't have to go to Japan to experience cherry blossom season. Berlin has over two kilometers of cherry blossoms waiting to be wandered through, admired, and photographed! Here are the best places in Berlin to enjoy cherry blossoms.

Things to do in Berlin in Summer

• Participate in two of Berlin’s biggest street fairs: Carneval of Cultures and May Day. Each of these street fairs gives you a chance to experience fabulous street food and live music.
• Take part in Europe’s largest street fair: Gay Pride in Berlin. More than 400,000 people participate every year. Happens in mid-July.
• Go to a German beer garden. Do like the Germans do and enjoy the great weather with a beer! Here’s where to find Berlin’s best beer gardens .
• Visit a nearby lake. Berlin has tons of beautiful lakes and green spaces. Come for a swim or even go naked in the FKK area.

No trip to Germany is complete without visiting a beer garden. Especially in the Summer where beer garden season is in full swing. Here are the best beer gardens in Berlin, based on my experience living here for the last four years!

Things to do in Berlin in Autumn

• Enjoy Oktoberfest…in September. Did you know that Oktoberfest happens in September? And that it also happens in Berlin? Now you do.
• See Berlin illuminated by the Festival of Lights. You can see some of the most famous sights of Berlin illuminated with artistic light shows around the middle of October for two nights.
• Go to Jazzfest! Berlin has some famous jazz clubs, and there’s no better time to enjoy them than this.

Autumn in Berlin is a transient season in a transient city. These things to do take advantage of the wonderful place between the vibrant summer and dead of winter!

Things to do in Berlin in Winter

• Attend Berlinale, a large international film festival. Berlinale takes place during the end of February into the first of March.
• Go to the Christmas markets! If you’re in Berlin for the holiday season, this is an activity you can’t miss. Visit the Berlin Christmas markets for a taste of mulled wine and pure holiday spirit. Christmas markets usually start at the end of November and end by January 1st.
• Read my full post on things to do in Berlin in Winter for loads of specific tips for your time in Berlin, especially during December and the holiday season.

Because it's the off season for tourism in Germany, Berlin in Winter is a side of the city that few visitors actually get to see. Here are the best things to do in Berlin in Winter, how to get around, and tips for Berlin's winter weather!

In my opinion, two days is too short to do day trips out of the city. You’ll just lose too much time. That said, if you have extra time or if you really want to get out of the city, there are a ton of great day trips from Berlin ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours away.

I have an entire article on the best day trips from Berlin so I won’t repeat all the information here. Just go have a read!

Whether you're looking for nature or culture, monuments or mealtime, these unique day trips from Berlin are a seriously great way to round out your experience in Berlin, Germany.

Will you visit Berlin anytime soon?

Share your thoughts in the comments about Berlin, whether you’d like to visit, and what you would want to see the most!

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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• The 10 Coolest Neighbourhoods In...

The 14 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Berlin

With 24-hour nightlife, a thriving cultural scene and a complex history, Berlin is a city in constant flux. Each with a unique character, Berlin’s various neighbourhoods (or k iez ) give the German capital its dynamic and cosmopolitan vibe.

Berlin is made up of an eclectic mix of districts. From history-rich Mitte to the hipster heaven that is Kreuzberg and laid-back Treptow, each of the city’s neighbourhoods offers something different to the curious urban explorer.

Friedrichshain

Architectural Landmark

Traditionally, Friedrichshain was the epicentre of Berlin’s counter-cultural activity, with huge riots between squatters and police taking place after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. While stylish cafés and boutiques have largely replaced the squats, Friedrichshain still boasts some important alternative venues, including the world-famous techno club Berghain and the RAW complex – a collection of industrial art spaces and music venues.

Boxhagener Platz hosts a street food market on Saturdays, and on Sundays, you can score a bargain or antique at one of the best flea markets in the city. The square is also possibly the best area for vegan dining, with 1990 Vegan Living , Chay Village and Vöner worth a try.

The Friedrichshain area also has a variety of DIY cinemas and outdoor screening venues, like B-ware Ladenkino and Durchsfenster. The latter is a secret cinema, whose name means “through the window cinema”; indeed, you’ll need to climb through a window on the ground floor to visit.

Most bars in the area stay open until the early morning hours, and it only takes a quick stroll down Oranienstrasse to stumble across a watering hole. Also, there are still plenty of cheap fast-food joints in the area, but for foodies, Paul-Linke Ufer offers some of Kreuzberg’s top restaurants and coffee shops, including Zola for pizza or modern Mexican cuisine at La Lucha . The indoor Markthalle Neun also boasts a diverse selection of world food pop-ups on Street Food Thursdays.

Don’t let the fact that Mitte (the “middle”) is frequented mostly by tourists put you off – the centre is a necessary stop for anyone travelling to Berlin. Once the heart of East Berlin, the area now boasts some of the city’s most renowned art galleries and cultural institutions. Auguststrasse is every art lover’s first point of call, and the surrounding streets offer a diverse range of traditional and modern eateries. Likewise, Museum Island is an unmissable stop for those interested in history and antiquity and is within walking distance of the historic Reichstag. Check out KW Institute for Contemporary Art , and grab a tuna burger at nearby Japanese-inspired eatery Shiso Burger .

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Next to the bustling Neukölln is the quieter, greener Treptow . Here is a great place to experience nature as it’s home to both Planterwald and Treptower Park , where the Soviet War Memorial stands as an impressive monument to anti-fascism. Home to an industrial complex boasting a host of eclectic underground music spaces and clubs, Treptow’s Ziegrastrasse is quickly becoming one of the most interesting spots for Berlin nightlife, with Griessmuehle, a popular techno warehouse, only a two-minute walk away.

Prenzlauer Berg

If the loud, party lifestyle is not for you, then perhaps a quieter, more residential district like Prenzlauer Berg would suit you well. Families and generally calmer people live in this area, attracting a local charm. Indie boutique stores litter the streets, and you will struggle to find any chain stores. Those with a little extra cash will find things to their taste here , as will nature lovers, with the area being very green. Recommended by Emily D’Silva .

Charlottenberg – Wilmersdorf

On the other side of the city is another calm and cleaner area, the heart of old West Berlin. As this area is quite large, not only a quieter crowd, but shopaholics and food addicts will also enjoy it here in Charlottenberg . With Berlin’s equivalent of Oxford Street in the shape of the famous Ku’damm, shopaholics will be in heaven on this busy street. Foodies will equally be spoiled for choice in the surrounding area with a multitude of restaurants and plenty of al fresco dining. Recommended by Emily D’Silva .

Berlin is fast becoming the European centre of the blockchain scene, and Graefekiez – set within Kreuzberg – is the city’s tech centre, with start-ups setting up shop in the neighbourhood. It’s so tech-friendly that many of the bars in the area even accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment, which seems oddly futuristic for a place that, on the surface, epitomises relaxed bohemian Berlin life with its well-preserved facades and Art Nouveau aesthetic.

Though this neighbourhood has been hit by gentrification, there are still places to soak up the beatnik atmosphere. The most notable of these is Admiral Bridge , a famous meeting point for artists and musicians and a popular local picnic spot once spring is in the air.

Rixdorf feels like a miniature village tucked away in the heart of urban Neukölln. Dating back to the 18th century when weavers from Bohemia first settled in the area, the cobblestone streets and former farm buildings are a novelty within Berlin. With some much-loved traditional restaurants and cafés in the vicinity, Rixdorf really offers the charm of Germany from another era. Close by is one of Berlin’s most beautiful grassy spots, Körnerpark , where you can relax in a well-maintained garden home to Neo-Baroque statues, cascading fountains and a sweeping stone staircase. For a nightcap, get a tap beer in trendy bar Alter Roter Löwe Rein.

Schillerkiez

Stroll down Schillerpromenade at the western border of Neukölln, and you’ll discover this micro-kiez (micro-neighbourhood). A lively area full of cafés and bars, kneipes (traditional German pubs) and modern bistros, Schillerkiez is also an ideal spot to scope out a weekend brunch.

Schillerkiez is still on the grittier end of gentrification, though it is growing in popularity. Offering easy access to Tempelhofer Feld – the abandoned airport-turned-community garden where you can have a barbecue, people-watch and observe epic sunsets – it’s only a short walk away from Volkspark Hasenheide, which hosts an annual funfair in May and offers open-air cinema screenings in the summer.

In the northwestern part of Berlin is Wedding , which many have speculated will become the hub for the new wave of artists and other creative types entering the city. Despite not having “made it” yet, there are a few little-known gems in the area, such as recently opened Silent Green KulturQuartier , which hosts an array of moving image events and illustration conferences and champions various underground arts initiatives.

The quiet secrecy of Wedding is part of its charm and makes it well worth a visit. Be sure to check out Berliner Unterwelten – a subterranean museum exploring the city’s underground history, with a focus on World War II air-raid shelters and tunnels – and the stunning 70-hectare Rehberge Park.

An area that was once home to the likes of David Bowie , Christopher Isherwood and Marlene Dietrich , Schöneberg is historically known for being the trendy center of Berlin. To this day it remains the most liberal part of an already famously liberal city and a thriving center of modern art. In addition, this picturesque area also happens to have recently welcomed many refugees. Recommended by Emily D’Silva .

Marzahn is where to go to see seemingly never-ending blocks of concrete and Communist architecture. You can get a real taste for the old east here but luckily artworks, colourful paint and nature add some much-needed life. Recommended by Megan King .

Adlershof in the south east of the city is where Berlin’s students of technology hang out. It used to be a former settlement, going all the way back to Büdner. Recommended by Megan King . This article is an updated version of a story created by Megan King .

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Moving to Berlin

Berlin Hipster Guide

How to be a berlin hipster.

Ever wondered what defines a real  Berlin hipster ? With our help you will be able to either spot or look like a real Berlin hipster in no time and for very little money.

Being a Berlin hipster is a mixture of lifestyle, looks and accessories . To help you blend in with the hip crowd in Berlin just follow our tips on how to look and dress like a Berlin hipster.

Hipster Hornbrille

One of the most outstanding signs of hipsters are the big glasses , most preferably in a Horn-look.

Either all hipsters have very bad eyes from watching too much Big Bang Theory on their macs or they just wear the glasses without precription glasses in them.

Hipster Juttebeutel

But thank God someone invented the Juttebeutel , which usually comes with very cool pictures like a King-Pug or a giant mustache on it. Very Eco-friendly and trendy.

Hipster mustache

And if you are too young to grow one yet, thankfully there are mustaches to glue on.

Also a very popular hipster accessory at any Start-up party.

Hipster Karohemd

If you are unsure if a certain item is ok or not, just try to remember Steve Urkel of the famous sitcom Family Matters. If he wore it, it is definitely ok and hipster-approved.

Hipster Hollandrad

As we established earlier hipsters are Eco-friendly and therefore don’t use car-sharing or BVG, but their bike.

And not any bike of course, it has to be a trendy Hollandrad . Very cool, but very pricey.

Hipster Iphone

No better way to do that than with your newest Iphone. Yes, right. Always get the newest version of the Ipone, because your old one is not up to date anymore after one year.

Hipster Club Mate

As most hipsters work either in Start-ups or are working on their own project, which never gets out of stealth-mode, and at the same time party till late, they need an energy drink that gets them through the day.

And this drink is called Club Mate , which goes surprisingly well with Vodka by the way.

We love Berlin Hipsters

Of course we all love the Berlin hipsters, or even want to be one of them. So hopefully no hipster is offended by this funny meant list of what defines a Berlin hipster.

To prove that Berlin hipsters are cool and can laugh about themselves just check out the yearly  Hipster Olympics close to Ostbahnhof.

No better way to see the newest trends in hipster style and drink a Club Mate with fellow Berlin hipsters.

The Insider’s Guide to Berlin

Five of the city’s culture movers—artists, curators, and designers—offer their best travel tips.

Ever wish you could text the most stylish people in the world to ask them for their lists of things to do in the places they know best? Here are insider travel tips for those who would never be caught dead in a tourist trap. Bon voyage!

There’s no shortage of romance and mythology surrounding Germany’s capital city. To cut through the noise, we spoke to five of Berlin’s most impactful tastemakers, all locals or longtime residents: Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik, the designers of Berlin-based label GmbH; Mumi Haiati, the founder of Reference Studios; artist Donna Huanca, known for her immersive installations and multisensory performances; and Nina Pohl, photographer and curator of the Schinkel Pavillon.

What to Bring

“Pack your G-string and leave behind any inhibitions,” says Huanca.

The truth is, you really don’t need much. The style of the city is laid-back and largely informal. When I first moved to Berlin (very spontaneously) in 2018, I lived out of a carry-on for five months before returning to New York to get my things. (I can’t imagine living this sparsely in Paris or London or so many other places, but here it is doable.)

Some essentials: Walkable shoes. Minimal sandals or a cool pair of sneakers are a must. Bring light layers if you’re planning on visiting in the summer or fall; it can get chilly at night. I might also suggest a pair of sturdy boots if you’re planning on clubbing. Nothing makes me feel safer on the dance floor than my seemingly impenetrable Docs.

I would also bring a good pair of denim, clothes that can easily go from day to night; the fanciest thing you’ll need would be a look you’d wear to a gallery opening. Don’t believe the rumors that this is a city of people wearing only black. Aesthetically, there’s room for fun and irony. Paloma Wool, ’90s Prada and Miu Miu, vintage sportswear, flea market finds, anything by Martine Rose, Kiko Kostadinov, neons, and of course Berlin’s locals like GmbH feel on the pulse. Consider also packing some detox supplies and a solid book to read in the park and in cafés—it’s a great city in which to be alone.

Finally, “bring swimwear,” says Huseby and Isik. Berlin is full of lakes and parks where you can picnic and take a dip throughout the summer months.

What to Leave Behind

Leave your heels at home. Moreover, if you’re swimming, your bikini is optional. “Simply leave it behind if you prefer the many ‘clothing optional’ (or FKK = ‘free body culture’) lakes and beaches,” Isik advises.

What to Keep in Mind

“Don’t say, ‘Berlin is so cheap,’” Huseby says. It’s worth being aware that Berlin is experiencing a housing crisis, with rents rising dramatically in recent years and wages remaining comparably low. What’s relatively inexpensive for you as a visitor may not be for the people creating the culture.

Moreover, “the biggest misconception is that Berlin is super liberal and free, just because the clubs and bars never seem to close,” Isik explains. “This is such an illusion that most foreigners don’t see past. Berlin is still in Germany, and has the same conservative laws and regulations for everything else. Take for instance gender equality and social mobility, which is way behind many comparable European countries.”

On a practical note, the city is easy to get around in. Jump on the train from the airport for a €4 trip into the city. The UBahn and SBahn are your friends.

Where to Stay

Huseby and Isik recommend Mitte, Berlin’s most central neighborhood, for first-time visitors. It’s easily connected to the rest of the city, and full of cafés, buzzy restaurants, green spaces, and wine bars. The best place to stay is “ SoHo House ,” says Huanca, admitting, “Sorry, it’s true.”

Chateau Royal is also a great option, with each room featuring original works by a different artist. The hotel collaborated with the KW Institute for Contemporary Art to collect pieces from over 100 international and local artists, including Anne Imhof and Jeremy Shaw. Another classic is the traditional five-star Hotel de Rome , which Pohl calls out for its rather ideal location on Museum Island—right next to Schinkel Pavillon .

If you’re staying on the west side, Haiati recommends the stately SO/ Berlin Das Stue and Regent , an opulent boutique property with old-school luxury appeal. (Try the afternoon tea.)

S/O Berlin Das Stue

Where to Start the Day

Everyone has their own favorite neighborhood café, but for an excellent cinnamon bun, traditional Northern European handmade bread, and the best cold brew, head to Sofi in Mitte .

Another outstanding option is Albatross Bakery in Neukolln . Go “for their Queen A pastry (a version of a kouign amann) pastry,” says Isik. “But not for their coffee.”

Pohl recommends the beautifully minimal Julius , the little brother to Michelin-starred Ernst . Come for freshly baked pastries and Japanese-influenced small plates.

A brunch favorite is Annelies . Enjoy mimosas and fluffy buttermilk pancakes before grabbing to-go drinks and people-watching in Görlitzer park.

Where to Eat

The food scene in Berlin is increasingly diverse, with plenty of Turkish and Vietnamese options, an array of hand-pulled Chinese noodle spots, and innovative takes on German-influenced, farm-to-table cuisine. Haiati recommends “ Borchardt for the best schnitzel in town and Baba Angora for Turkish brunch,” adding, “To go back in time to the golden days of West Berlin, head to Paris Bar . Grill Royal is the ultimate classic, as is the mysterious China Club—if you know a member—for a luxurious, high-end Chinese food experience.” (David Bowie and Rainer Werner Fassbinder were Paris Bar regulars during their Berlin eras, and the French brasserie is still a place to find interesting characters.)

Grill Royal

Huanca, meanwhile, suggests a visit to Dong Xuan Center , the largest Asian market in the city with food vendors especially from Vietnam but also representing China, Pakistan, and India. “It’s entering another dimension and you find authentic flavor there,” she notes.

“We love the Yemeni restaurant on Sonnenallee,” add Isik and Huseby. “Casual, busy and affordable, but great traditional Yemeni food.”

For a truly special experience, book a table at Coda , a two-star Michelin dessert-only restaurant in a small industrial space in Neukolln that pushes the boundaries of pastry-making. Think a pecan and Jerusalem artichoke popsicle coated in caviar or a paper-light waffle filled with Raclette cheese. Go with an open mind and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Shop

Berlin is full of markets, and is increasingly a top destination for sourcing vintage, especially ’90s and Y2K grails.

“I love to search at Sunday flea markets in Charlottenburg, Neukölln, Arkonaplatz,” Huanca says. “When I’m feeling like quiet luxury, I go to Manufactum for a true German experience.”

For high-end vintage, go to Pineapple Factory in Mitte , suggests Isik, Huseby, and Huanca. Haiati also recommends Townes for archival finds. Wsiura , a favorite of Huanca’s, gets its name from the Polish word for a poorly dressed woman; come here for vintage Mugler, Jil Sander, and a sex swing in the basement. A unique Berlin experience is BLESS , adds Haiati. The apartment-store in Prenzlauer Berg explores apparel and home objects through a playful, deconstructionist lens. For instance, the brand collaborated with Margiela in creating the fur wig seen in the fall 1997 ad campaign.

For those looking for ready-to-wear, Alex Eagle’s The Store has great stuff (and it’s a perfect “work-from-home” café—try the date smoothie with a shot of espresso), as does Voo store , which can not be missed. Andreas Murkudis is also a local institution. Head West to Charlottenburg for “KadeWe, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta,” Pohl suggests.

Where to Look at Art

Berlin has been the center of the conceptual art world for many years, and its fine art scene is a reason in and of itself to visit.

Book a tour (in advance) at Boros Collection , the private collection housed in a former WWII bunker-turned-GDR-era-banana-storage-facility, and later, hardcore techno club. Beyond its incredible Brutalist structure and a history that untangles the city’s, the collection itself—contemporary work making use of the space—is well worth engaging with. The James Turrell Chapel , located in the historic Dorotheenstädtischer Cemetery, is a truly meditative experience, and also requires a reservation.

Bunny Rogers at Boros Collection

As far as other institutions go, Haiati recommends Neue Nationalgalerie “under the direction of Klaus Biesenbach, plus Hamburger Bahnhof and Sprüth Magers & Buchholz for being some of the most directional galleries.”

“[The best art day] depends on the neighborhood, and I will go anywhere for a good show,” Huanca adds. “My favorites are: Number One Main Road , Peres Projects , Isabella Bortolozzi , Esther Schipper , Julia Stoschek , [and] Heidi Heidi Heidi .”

An installation view of Christophe de Rohan Chabot’s Untitled (Kim Kardashian) , 2022, at Heidi Heidi Heidi.

Where to Unwind

Wellness goes hand in hand with club culture in a city with plenty of offerings in both arenas. Try the Susanne Kaufmann spa at Das Stue Hotel, suggests Pohl. Another luxurious pick is the 111Skin Spa at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, complete with several restorative facials for serious skin revival. Save a day for Vabali , a sprawling, deeply calming spa full of steam rooms, saunas, and pools. (Just be aware that you have to be nude on the premises).

Susanne Kaufmann Spa

As for exercise, Haiati highly recommends booking a session with trainer Lesley Moon . BeCycle —with locations in Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Kreutzberg—has excellent spinning, yoga, and pilates classes. Three Boons Yoga is also a local favorite.

Where to Get Some Fresh Air

One of the best parts of summer in Berlin is experiencing the city’s lakes and parks. Head to “Tempelhof, lying in the grass or get out of the city to one of the lakes,” suggest Isik and Huseby.

Haiati recommends The Botanical Gardens, Grunewald —a beautiful forest near Charlottenburg—and Peacock Island, located in the lake of Wannsee in the west for inspiration. If you are a runner, Tiergarten park is lovely.

The Botanical Gardens

Where to Have a Drink

The relaxed culture of the city comes out in the bar scene. “Take drinks with you and sit in Tempelhof field (the abandoned airfield) on a sunny day,” says Huseby.

Depending on the neighborhood you start in, I would recommend grabbing a bottle of natural wine from The Rad , Rocket Wine (the staff is incredibly knowledgeable), or Nomi Wine Bar , which features female winemakers. Or stop by one of Berlin’s many spätis for a beer or lemonade.

Nomi Wine Bar

For cocktails, both Pohl and Haiati call out Victoria Bar , the Art Deco-style Schoneberg hub known for its crowd of artists and gallerists. Wax On in Neukolln has beautifully refined, stripped-down takes on classic cocktails. Kink Bar & Restaurant , next to Olafur Eliasson’s studio in Mitte, is an excellent option for more experimental drinks.

Victoria Bar

Where to Stay Up Late

“Berghain,” says Pohl. Little explanation is needed. “I love the sound system,” muses Huanca. “It can be a very bodily experience.”

Beyond the obvious, Huanca adds, “I love dancing at Roses , but will dance anywhere a good DJ is.”

Isik and Huseby, whose label was born in the club scene, share, “Currently the best parties in Berlin are MP3 , Nothing Special , and Floorgasm . They all happen quite irregularly and change venues from time to time.”

They also recommend Trauma Bar & Kino for live music.

“For classical music, Philharmonie ,” Pohl suggests. There’s a thriving live arts scene in the city that extends beyond electronic music, encompassing theater, opera, and dance. (Berlin has seven symphony orchestras and three opera houses; be sure to check openings.)

The Philharmonie Berlin

“[Come] late April for Gallery Weekend until Art Week and Atonal in September. After that it gets cold and gray,” Haiati says. The days also get shorter. Berlin is at its emotional and sensory peak in the warmer months.

Although the city has changed over the past decades, some constants remain. “[I love] the sentiment of the free spirit. Its vastness,” Haiati says. “The most common misconception is that of Berlin as a pure party city—it has much more cultural offerings. Walk around the Turkish market on Maybachufer on Saturdays. Go and see the Turkish and Arabic neighborhoods, and the Asian restaurants on Kantstraße.”

Huanca echoes this feeling. “For me, Berlin has been an energetic center of freedom, without the fussiness and transactional vibe of other big cities,” she shares. “It has real seasons, so when the weather changes, so does your mood. In the summertime, Berlin turns into a very sexy place, full of wild green spaces.”

TRAVEL BLOG

Long Weekend: Berlin

With its relentless reinvention, creativity and ‘anything goes’ attitude, Berlin is more of a state of mind than a city. Thankfully, resident writer/photographer Craig Robinson is on hand to teach us how to “Be Berlin”…

Before you arrive in the capital for the weekend shake off any pre-conceived notions of Germans and Germany . You’re not dealing with lederhosen or industrious, hard working, upper class people here. This is Berlin and these are the Berliners. The Berlin Burgermeister himself (no doubt after a shot of Jagermeister ) proclaimed the now famous Berlin anthem: “Berlin: Poor. But sexy.” The clarion call rang out loud and clear: get your poor, sexy, artistic booty to Berlin. And shake it. And they came. In droves. The city of Berlin is one giant sea of eclectic, swirling, shaking, skint neighborhoods surrounding one dull, boring, bombed-out-and-rebuilt-in-commie-concrete centre. Artists and students came for the cheap rent, developers came for the quick buck and whilst gentrification is slowly creeping in, you will still discover the beating heart of Berlin in the districts of Kreuzberg , Friedrichshain , Prenzlauer Berg and Neukölln .

Interested in gay travel? Berlin is one of our top picks for LGBT city breaks, but why not read where else made the list ? To read all of our coverage on the German capital meanwhile click here .

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Current version updated on April 21st, 2017

First published on April 3rd, 2012

Posted in City Guide with destination tags Berlin , Germany

16 thoughts on “ Long Weekend: Berlin ”

Hi guys, Nice tips – I visited Berlin January (God I will not do that again). I have to say it was quite warm during the day but when you wake up in the morning it is like -3 C and you can barely walk. I loved the The Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche) & the Victory Column (Siegessäule) Cheers, Katy

Currently one of the best city to visit in the world!! Can’t wait to go back in October!

Been to Berlin dozens of times.. this city is just.. different – in the most positive way possible. Sure, there are probably more hipsters than anywhere else in Europe, but this ever changing, rough and bubbling city is just a great place to visit. Can’t wait to go again!

nice blog interesting and well -written.

Thanks for the comment! I thoroughly enjoyed my 6.5 years in Berlin, even though it is no longer poor and sexy…

-Craig Robinson

Going to Berlin in April and cannot wait! White Trash sounds like a bloody fab place to go and I’ll definitely be going to Berghain at night! Thanks for sharing, Hannah

Let us know if you come back with any more good nightlife suggestions Hannah! Thanks for the comment 🙂

You’ll need to read this then, Bergain is notoriously hard to get into: https://thump.vice.com/en_uk/article/how-to-get-into-berghain-maybe-hopefully

make sure you know what dj is playing, don’t wear brands and easiest time to get in is Sunday mid-morning

I wouldn’t recommend Berlin unless you love hipsters, techno and late nights. My thoughts here: http://thetraveloid.com/5-reasons-shouldnt-bother-visiting-berlin

I would also suggest a photo walk: http://fadingcolors.com/berlin-private-photo-walk/

Beautiful pictures – i like! Craig you must come back to take more snapshots! Greetz

Super cool! much more creative tips than I found on other Berlin guides. I went this weekend and used some of these 🙂

Some really useful information here, thanks for sharing your tips. I agree that a Currywurst in Berlin is something that any meat eating traveller should enjoy.

Great detailed blog! We just got from Berlin a few days ago, love the city!

Skint neighbourhoods? No, mate. Not at all. Maybe ten years ago. Xberg, NK, Friedrichshain and even Wedding haven’t been ‘skint’ for a long time. I liked your article but I thought it might be an idea to weigh in on the cost side so people thinking of coming here don’t get dissapointed when they are asked 400-500euro pm for a room in a shared house. Berlin is still sexy, but the ‘poor’ is disappearing fast.

Yes, Ropaldo, Berlin is no longer skint. The ever-changing city of Berlin is changing even as I write this. This piece was written several years ago, so costs aren’t current, and have risen in direct proportion to the hipster population. This piece is also filed under ‘long weekend’ so expat costs of living aren’t factored into the story, sorry. -Craig Robinson

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What to do in Berlin if You're Not a Hipster

The German capital offers plenty of fun for non-hipsters too

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• 24 July 2019
• • 7 min read

If you’re a hipster, you should probably go and seek out a hipster travel guide to Berlin (there’s tonnes of them). However, if you couldn’t care less about street art, flea markets, edgy bars, man buns or alternative live indie music then you might want to read on. Berlin is renowned for being a hipster city, but there is so much to do off the tourist track in the German capital even if you’re not a hipster. There’s a reason Berlin is known as the city of cool: because it has something for everyone.

Discover Berlin from a local perspective and use our guide on What to do in Berlin if you’re not into hipster activities...

PARKS GALORE: BE AT ONE WITH NATURE

Not many cities in Europe can boast having over 2000 green spaces - but Berlin can. The German capital is packed with thousands of recreational public parks for you to enjoy; in fact the city is home to more parks and gardens than any other city on the continent. On a warm summer's day get out and explore the beautiful family-friendly spaces. Take a nice long walk, cycle amongst the forest or sunbathe by the lakes. Our favourite parks in Berlin are Körnerpark, Charlottenburg Palace Gardens, Tiergarten, Grunewald Forest, Volkspark and Viktoriapark.

INDULGE IN JAPANESE RESTAURANTS

Love Asian cuisine? Berlin doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delicious, authentic Asian food - particularly Japanese. You simply must head to one of the city’s best but affordable Japanese restaurants for dinner. We recommend Dudu near Alexanderplatz (claimed to one of George Clooney’s favourite restaurants in Berlin) and while that may make you think it’s expensive, it’s actually very reasonable, especially compared to London or Paris prices. Inside you’ll find a sophisticated crowd (maybe only 1 or two hipsters), amazing cocktails, silky melt-in-the-mouth sushi and tasty hot plates. Top tip: ask to sit outside in the Moroccon themed marquee.

BURLESQUE SHOWS

You may not know this but Berlin has an amazing burlesque scene. If you’re looking for an exciting evening plan, head to one of the city’s awesome burlesque shows where you can enjoy cocktails and a sizzling dance performance and great atmosphere. We recommend Prinzipal in Kreuzberg for a fun night of burlesque and top notch cocktails. While Kreuzberg is in the area of the city has its fair share of hipsters, the burlesque bar doesn’t seem to attract them.

HAPPY HOUR AND BURGERS AT BELUSHI’S

Instead of spending the evening in one of the cities edgy, hipster bars where you may not fit in amongst the sea of bold prints and beanies, opt for  Belushi’s  in Alexanderplatz instead. At this lively sports and party bar, you’re guaranteed to meet loads of other like-minded backpackers. The 2 for 1 Happy Hour at Belushi’s runs every day from 5pm - 9pm making it one of the longest happy hours in the city. What’s not to love? Serving up tasty burgers, a massive range of beers, cocktails and spirits combined with an epic playlist you can spend the whole night in Belushi’s.

Did you know a brand new Belushi’s is opening in Mitte?  Check it out 

ESCAPE ROOMS

Fancy a bit of a challenge? Get your friends together and have the best experience at an escape room. Escape Rooms are an awesome trend right now, not just in Berlin but all over the world. The German capital has its fair share of amazing, top-rated escape rooms to try. Our favourite is The Room, a live escape room experience where you solve a series of puzzles to complete the mission before the time runs out. Located in Berlin-Lichtenberg, this award-winning escape room is just great fun, especially on a rainy day in the city.

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THE FOOD AT ARMINIUSMARKTHALLE

One of the best non-hipster places to try street food in Berlin is Arminiusmarkthalle where you can experience a true German food market. Unlike Markethall Neun, which is a hipster street food market in Berlin's Kreuzberg, Arminiusmarkthalle is much cheaper and still has a couple of years in it yet before the hipsters takeover and make it their new market hangout. Sample stalls upon stalls of amazing food from around the world in the indoor market as well as German delicacies. You can try irresistible pastries, Italian pastas, sausages, fresh fish, craft beer, cheeses, pulled pork sandwiches and way more.

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HOFBRÄU BEER HALL

For a proper Bavarian dining experience, the Hofbräu in Mitte won’t let you down. Inspired by the oldest beer hall in Munich, the Hofbräu serves up huge steins of local German beer, massive pork knuckles and more hearty traditional food of Bavaria. The atmosphere in the Hofbräu is electric with waiters and waitresses dressed in lederhosen and dirndls and an awesome playlist to match. A great non-hipster experience of the city.

FREE WALKING TOUR

Looking to see the city with a knowledgeable guide to talk you through every sight? Then we recommend the Sandemans Free Walking Tour where you can have a free tour around Berlin’s most famous attractions with a group (who could become your newfound friends).  With some Berlin history thrown in, you will get to see the Bradenburg Gate, The Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and explore some of Berlin’s significant streets, all for free. You can book yourself onto the free walking tour at the hostel reception at St Christopher’s Inns.

HANGOUT WITH THE ANIMALS AT BERLIN ZOO

The most species-rich zoo in the world, Berlin Zoo is a great attraction to visit on a sunny day in the city. With almost 20,000 animals and over 1,300 species, see the birds, monkeys, hippos, sea lions, elephants, giraffes, gorillas and more. Entry to the zoo is €15.50 for an adult ticket. Open every day of the year, come say hi to the animals!

THE OLYMPIC STADIUM 

Olympiastadion in West Berlin is so worth a visit if you’re looking for something a bit different to do - especially if you’re a footie fan. Located in the Olympiapark, the stadium was built for the 1937 Summer Olympics and is now the third-largest football stadium in Germany. With a total of 74,475 seats and regularly playing host to massive sports events, concerts and festivals, it’s a pretty awesome tourist attraction. You can visit the stadium to have a look around for €8 if you’re an adult and €5 if you’re a student. With a ticket you’ll have access to most the stadium grounds.

GET A TASTE OF BERLIN'S STAPLE DISHES

This 3.5 hour tour is perfect for foodies who want to experience Berlin’s vibrant, multicultural food scene. On this Original Berlin Food Adventure Tour you can learn about the history of Berlin through food. Learn about the local neighbourhoods, enjoy 10 delicious food tastings and discover the city’s authentic cuisine like a local. You’ll get to try 10 dishes that basically sum the city up. From currywurst, local Berlin beer, Turkish baklava, Kartoffelpuffer (Germany’s favourite fried food) and more, definitely book yourself onto this if you love eating local food. For €25,20 per person all food and drinks will be provided as well as an expert guide to take you around.

ONE THING YOU CAN’T AVOID THOUGH

Coffee shops:.

Craving a good cup of coffee? Berlin is brimming with alternative cafes where the hipsters hangout and order their complex conclusions. These coffee shops are great and the baristas (who are also hipster) really know how to brew an awesome cup of caffeine. Expect minimalist interiors, plenty of greenery, contemporary colours, matcha options and maybe even an indie soundtrack. If you want a quaint local coffee shop away from the hipster vibes, there aren’t actually that many options if you’re looking for one of the city’s best coffees. Why settle for a mediocre coffee right?

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