Berlin, Germany, is a unique European capital. Unlike many of Europe’s largest cities that still have Old-World charm around every corner, Berlin is a bustling, modern metropolis. Due to heavy World War II damage, there are far more modern structures than original.
Like many of Europe’s major tourist hubs, Berlin has a well-beaten tourist path. It’s mandatory to see the Brandenburg Gate or go to the top of the Reichstag, but once you’ve checked those off your list — go forth! Check out Berlin’s many extremely cool lesser-known attractions or jump into the local party (Berliners know how to have fun)!
Another unexpected bonus is that Berlin’s streets are just as rebuilt as everything else, meaning you’ll find wide, well-paved streets and fewer tangled, narrow lanes. While driving in European cities is always an adventure, if you can handle driving in most American cities, driving in Berlin shouldn’t present too much of a problem. Just make sure to study a map, learn the local parking signs (because they’re not in English!) and familiarize yourself with some general driving tips before you hit the road with a rental car.
Festivals
Berlin is a city that knows how to party. If you don’t check the events roster while you’re in town, you’re missing out! All through the summer, major festivals take to the streets–from the international flare of Carnival of Cultures each May, to the sweet sounds of music flowing through the air for Fete de la Musique, an open-air music fest, to some of the largest LGBT festivals in Europe. If you visit in October, keep an eye out for the Festival of Lights. During this nifty happening, all of Berlin’s major landmarks are lit with projected lighting. Some get bold colors, others may get cheetah spots. If you think the sights look great by day, you’ll love them even more at night.
Ku’damm
Ku’damm is short for Kurfurstendamm (and a whole lot easier to say) and is essentially Berlin’s Champs-Elysees. Many visitors stay in this area for a reason. It’s filled with hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants, and is the place to take a stroll if you enjoy window shopping (or even if you don’t). The easternmost end of Ku’damm is a great jumping off point for other things to do, including visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church or continuing your shopping spree at KaDeWe–the largest department store in continental Europe with a fabulous food hall on the top floor.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is one of the most striking sights anywhere in Berlin. Originally built in the 1890s, the church took some heavy damage during a WWII air raid…and yet kept standing. Berlin is famous for rebuilding, but this church was left as is. Its church spire is half crumbled and burned from bombs. If you want to go inside, you can explore a memorial hall on the first floor.
Tiergarten
Also not far from Ku’damm is Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest greenspace and former hunting grounds to kings. Today, there isn’t a whole lot of hunting going on (and if you see some, you should call the police), but the park is a peaceful respite from the busy city that surrounds you. Wander along the pathways and you’ll come across sculptures, ponds and even the Berlin Zoo.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum
The Berlin Wall is mostly gone, but there are still pieces of it throughout Berlin. If you want to dig into Wall history, head to the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie. You’ll see re-enactor guards still manning Checkpoint Charlie outside and exhibitions inside. This museum can skew toward quirky at times as people tried some inventive ways to get over the wall, including hot air balloons and homemade submarines. Nearby are pieces of the Wall still standing.
Nightlife
It’s no secret that Berlin can get a little wild after dark, but that doesn’t mean the only nightlife options are clubs. Head to Auguststrasse, an area known for its galleries and ritzy restaurants. Dine out and tour a gallery, or dance the night away at the historic Clerchen’s Ballroom, where you can show off your fancy footwork in style…or just watch while other people do!
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Disclosure: Enterprise is a supporting partner of Wanderlust and Lipstick but had no influence on the content of this article.
Photo credits:
Festival of Lights: Till Krech via Flickr
Carnival of Cultures: Till Krech via Flickr
Kurfürstendamm: Roger via Flickr
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church: Luis Villa del Campo via Flickr
Tiergarten: Francisco Osorio via Flicker
Checkpoint Charlie Museum: Leandro Neumann Cluffo via Flickr
Auguststrasse: Wolfgang Staudt via Flickr