Summary
The guidebooks are full of must-dos. Top museums, favored restaurants, and desirable shopping streets fill the itinerary of the traveler to Berlin. However, there are experiences that are not worth your time, as well as things you should absolutely avoid when visiting this vibrant city.
This cosmopolitan city is filled with astonishing sights and activities, alongside customs to respect during your visit. Therefore, here is a guide on the things you’ll want to skip when exploring Berlin.
Skip Going up in the Fernsehturm
The TV Tower at Alexanderplatz is hard to miss. Even if you don’t pass through this iconic square, the tallest structure in Germany is visible from various areas all over the city.
However, many would argue that the best viewpoint of the tower is from a distance rather than from its interior. While it’s convenient to admire the tower from afar, ascending it can be a hassle.
For starters, you have to contend with long admission lines, often exceeding an hour. If you are determined to visit, reserving a spot online is advisable.
Upon passing through security and riding the elevator, visitors are greeted by crowds and 1960s GDR decor. The viewing areas are behind insulated glass, providing limited but semi-panoramic views, far from ideal for photography.
Additionally, the ticket price—over ten euros—makes it one of the pricier attractions in Berlin.
Alternative suggestion: Better views of the city can be enjoyed from various rooftop bars, hot air balloons, and even the glass-domed Reichstag (government building).
Don’t Order Street Food at a Sit-Down Restaurant
While the currywurst is often the cheapest offering on menus, sit-down restaurants are not the best place to indulge in this local favorite. Street food can be conveniently found at an Imbiss (snack shop) on nearly every corner, prepared by those who take pride in their craft.
When dining in a restaurant, opt for a more substantial dish—something robustly meaty that demands a knife and fork, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the experience.
Alternative suggestion: Enjoy Berlin street food from the street. You can explore the city’s offerings of Döner Kebob and other local dishes. You’ll find a bratwurst from a street vendor for less than two euros, making it one of the best budget-friendly options.
Bypass Checkpoint Charlie
The iconic crossing point of the Berlin Wall between East and West still exists today, though its authenticity is questionable. Originally a critical access point, it now sees a constant influx of tourists.
Upon navigating through the crowds, visitors discover a re-staged scene devoid of true authenticity. The original guard booth has been relocated to a museum, and actors dressed as soldiers offer photo opportunities, all overshadowed by a flashy museum focused more on spectacle than genuine history.
Alternative suggestion: Instead, visit the Allied Museum. This informative venue, located near the American embassy, is free and houses the original guardhouse from Checkpoint Charlie.
Avoid City Bus Tours
In a city as large as Berlin, transportation is essential. However, some tourists opt for bus tours, which typically feature a mechanical, recorded voice and a sea of tourists snapping photos, leading to a subpar experience.
Alternative suggestion: The city’s public transport system is highly efficient, featuring UBahns (subway), S-Bahn, regional trains, trams, and buses, providing access to key sights affordably. For instance, buses 100 and 200 offer routes past major landmarks for the cost of a single ticket.
Keep Away from KaDeWe
Many visitors flock to Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), a symbol of West Berlin’s luxury, attracting both the curious and the image-conscious. T-shirts priced at €300: they have them. Moreover, the various international foods appeal to those who experienced gourmet shopping back home.
While the mall offers a cafeteria akin to fine dining, it is no longer the most exciting shopping destination in Berlin. The city’s dynamic atmosphere has birthed numerous eclectic shops across both former East and West Berlin.
Alternative suggestion: Explore new shops and markets throughout the city to discover unique finds. At locations like Berliner Trödelmarkt, browse for brass handles and chandeliers, indulge in the chaos for inexpensive jewelry at Mauerpark, or find fresh produce and fabrics at the Turkish Market on Maybachufer.
Ignore the Pieces of the Berlin Wall
Potsdamer Platz, once a mere muddy lot during the Berlin Wall’s existence, has transformed into a bustling area reminiscent of Times Square. Neon lights, a movie megaplex, and scattered pieces of the wall attract tourists seeking photo opportunities.
However, this location fails to offer an authentic experience of the Berlin Wall’s significance. Initially, following the wall’s fall, efforts were made to clear it, yet some sections were preserved for historical context. These standalone pieces do not capture the scale or the true historical weight of the wall.
Alternative suggestions: Two venues provide a far more accurate reflection of the wall’s impact. The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial features a comprehensive open-air museum, complete with replications of guard towers and wall segments, while the East Side Gallery showcases the longest remaining stretch of the wall, transformed into a gallery of peace.
Furthermore, it is crucial to note that defacing the East Side Gallery—by writing on it or removing pieces—is not acceptable and detracts from its historical value.
Forget the Führer
Many visitors scour the streets near Gertrud-Kolmar-Strasse looking for remnants of the infamous Führer. His demise in a bunker below the city is merely acknowledged by an information board, aimed at preventing neo-Nazi pilgrimages, often leading to disappointment.
Alternative suggestions: Instead of focusing on Hitler, dedicate your time to remembering his countless victims. The nearby Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe serves as a poignant place to reflect, with the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism and Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe just a short walk away.
Limit Your Time in Mitte
It’s disheartening to see guidebooks that focus primarily on Mitte (the central neighborhood) while barely touching on the rest of Berlin, a city with diverse neighborhoods, each boasting unique charm.
Alternative suggestions: Venture into neighborhoods like Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Prenzlauer Berg for a richer, more varied experience.
Don’t Spend Just a Few Days
Berlin is immense and enchanting. Many who visit for a weekend often find themselves extending their stay due to the wealth of experiences the city offers.
While there’s no prescribed time for a visit, the longer you stay, the more you can delve into the cultural richness of Berlin.
Don’t Go Against Traffic Rules
Berliners are typically rule-oriented. It’s crucial to understand and adhere to local traffic regulations. For instance, crossing when the pedestrian signal is red is strictly prohibited, and cyclists are expected to obey signals as well.
Pedestrians should avoid walking in bike lanes, as cyclists may not yield. Stick to sidewalks and avoid jaywalking to sidestep any conflicts with the local populace.
