I was first drawn to Berlin by its incredible art scene, vibrant international culture, and (relatively) low cost of living. Living here, I’ve found that the city is always hiding something new in its dreamy cobbled streets or between the Cold War-era Plattenbau buildings. Here’s my guide to seeing Berlin like a local.
Getting Started in Berlin
The first thing you should do when you get to Berlin is… validate your transport ticket! Berlin’s bus, rail, and tram services operate on an honor system, which is very convenient but can sometimes catch visitors off guard. Tickets need to be stamped before traveling, or you could face a hefty fine.
Your Weekend in Berlin
A typical weekend involves… enjoying brunch at a trendy coffee shop, browsing through items at one of the city’s many flea markets, strolling through a beautiful park, and meeting friends for dinner and drinks, or for some, simply partying non-stop in a nightclub for 48 hours.
Getting to Know Berlin
The best way to see the city is… by taking the 100 bus. If it’s your first day in Berlin and you want to get your bearings, this bus service covers many tourist hotspots like Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Museum Island, and the Reichstag. Buy a regular public transport day ticket and you can hop on or off as you wish.
Discover Hidden Gems
But be sure to see… the less well-known parts of Berlin. While monuments and museums are impressive, the underground offerings can be even more exciting. Neukölln has a flourishing art scene and incredible bars, Friedrichshain is filled with world-class nightclubs, and Kreuzberg offers gritty charm that you might fall in love with.
Embracing History
One of the best things about Berlin is… its abundance of history. However amazing the food and beautiful the city, nothing compares to experiencing pivotal elements from Berlin’s complex past. From the Prussian-era palaces to the Berlin Wall, the Unterwelten Museum to the Reichstag, Berlin is rich with captivating reminders of its storied history.
A Few Drawbacks
My least favorite thing about Berlin is… the outdated airports. A new hub was slated to open in 2011; however, the project has faced numerous challenges, leaving Berliners stuck with the aging Schönefeld and Tegel!
Food and Dining on a Budget
When I’m looking for a cheap eat… I go to Street Food auf Achse, the weekly street food market in Prenzlauer Berg. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday, you can explore the historic Kulturbrauerei and choose from various food trucks before heading to the nearby Mauerpark for some afternoon karaoke, a few beers in the sun, or a stroll through the giant flea market.
Embracing the Nightlife
If you’re on a budget… don’t worry. You can live well on a tight budget in this vibrant city. Many Berliners prefer to drink their Sternis (beers) on benches outside the Späti (late-night shop) rather than going to bars. It’s easy to find great food at a low price anywhere in the city. Moreover, if you’re a wine lover, Weinerei Forum is a wine bar with a pay-what-you-want system from 8pm.
When I’m up for a big night out… there are loads of options. Berlin is overflowing with nightclubs catering to all kinds of unique tastes. Do you only listen to Italian Trap Jazz Fusion? You’ll find an event for that. Local favorites like Griessmühle or ://about blank are great choices; however, ask around to get the local lowdown on any cool events happening or clubs that suit your tastes.
Daytime Adventures in Berlin
If you’re not a night owl… there’s plenty to do during the day. Berliners adore their pastries, and the city is packed with exquisite coffee roasteries, so start your day with a fresh Schokobrötchen (chocolate croissant) and a flat white. Afterward, you might enjoy shopping in Charlottenburg or taking in the scenery at the airport-turned-public-park at Tempelhofer Feld. Vintage enthusiasts will appreciate rummaging through the wares offered by Berlin’s many second-hand shops, while art lovers can spend their time seeking out one of the countless galleries to soak up some culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
Take your kids… all over the city. Berlin offers plenty of play areas for young children, and the Zoo is a popular spot. Do make sure to take the little ones to Rausch Schokoladenhaus to see the giant chocolate sculptures or visit the Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt, where they can design their own chocolate bar.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to be in Berlin is… summer! Although Berlin is a complete wonderland at Christmastime and beautiful in the autumn, nothing compares to having a picnic in stunning Hasenheide park, feeling the community buzz on the streets, and visiting one of the idyllic swimming lakes situated around the city. Summer is when the locals gather along the banks of the Landwehr Canal to enjoy warm evenings with friends, dance the weekends away at outdoor events like Sisyphos, and indulge in lazy brunches on the side streets. Berlin is delightful any time of year, but you can’t beat summer in the city.
This article was originally published in December 2019 and last updated March 2020.
