Berlin

I had a long weekend off from work, so I wanted to go and explore somewhere. Although I love the vast majority of the places I’ve been to. And, I often return. Especially now I have friends there. I’m also quite keen to explore new and different places.

For this particular trip, I had three days before I had to be back for work. So, I needed to go somewhere that wasn’t going to take up too much of that time travelling to and from. So that I could spend more time being there and exploring the place!

This was a solo trip. As the majority of my friends had other plans for this particular weekend. Ok, so it can be more fun (depending on who you go with!) with friends. But, at least travelling solo, you can make your own itinerary! You don’t necessarily have to change or tweak things to please each other!   

I chose Berlin for this particular trip. Mainly because I’d never been and was curious. I had visited Germany before. Acahen, Dusseldorf and Cologne. And so, I was keen to experience Berlin’s history and cultural aspects. Also, being May, I knew the weather would be pretty decent too!

I got the ICE train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf. The journey took about three and a half hours.

One thing I would recommend is getting yourself a Welcome to Berlin Card before your trip. It can save you from 25% to 50% on a large number of attractions and also acts as your ticket for public transport in and around the city. There are three options to choose from. I opted for the first, cheaper card for 26.90 euros, as I felt it was more than adequate for my 3 day trip. I found the card really handy. Especially for using on public transport.

I opted to stay at Hotel Arrival. Which I booked through Booking.com. Mainly because it was really close to the underground to the main attractions, close to restaurants and breakfast was included. It was only rated three stars. And yes, it was a tad dreary and outdated. But, it was convenient and I found it quiet and calm during my stay. Just what was required after a day of sightseeing and just wanting to chill afterwards.

I arrived in Berlin in the afternoon. Got myself checked in and began exploring for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

A magnificent, golden statue rising high into the sky. It sits in the middle of a huge roundabout in Grober Stern near Tiergarten.

Its purpose is to commemorate Germany’s victories between 1864 and 1871. You can also climb its 285 steps to the top for views of Tiergarten for a small fee. 

It was also nice to have a walk through Tiergarten. A huge urban park in the centre of Berlin. Relaxed, calm and tranquil. I love city life, but sometimes it is just nice to escape into the quietness and greenery for a little while.

Still standing in our modern times in a busy, bustling area of the city. I could see why it had been reserved as a memorial fixture in the city. Interesting to see for yourself. But a poignant reminder and harrowing realisation of just how devastating these times must have been for all.

In November 1943 the church was badly damaged during a bombing raid. What remained has been left as a symbol of Berlin’s rising from the ashes after the war.

Located in Wittenberg in the Mitte district. I opted for pizza with a beer. It was delicious, I’d certainly eat there again. Plus, it was a only a 10 minute walk back to my hotel.

Right next to the Checkpoint Charlie is the BlackBox Cold War Exhibition. Open 10am -6pm most days of the week. The exhibition hosts information on the Cold War in Germany at the time. Including that of Peter Fechter who tried to escape to the West but was horrifically shot and killed. As well as photographs and information on the eventual taking down of the wall.

It is located on the very spot where an armed confrontation occurred between the Americans and Russians at Checkpoint Charlie in 1961.

Check Point Charlie. Also known as Check Point C, was the border crossing between East communist Germany and West Democratic Germany. Built in 1961, it was a physical barrier between the two sides. It was designed to stop people from East Berlin from fleeing to the West side of the city.

The wall became the symbol of division in Germany. It was the site of numerous standoffs and escape attempts.

Today, it is an historical landmark. A replica of the original. Situated in the middle of a busy street with shops and restaurants on either side. The queue to have your photo taken was fairly long, so quite a popular tourist attraction! When I got to the front of the queue I was asked to pay 3 euros to have my photo taken, using my own phone! I got to wear one of the hat props and have two guards dressed in uniform pose with me.

When I researched this I mostly found that it was free to have your photo taken, but a voluntary payment would be asked for. I didn’t mind making a contribution, but it actually felt like it was non-negotiable and almost forceful as the guy held his hand out in my face. And as I was on my own I found it a bit intimidating. But it was a bit of fun and I got to have my photo taken with two relatively hot guys!

Having quite a keen interest in history. The Holocaust memorial was a must-visit. It is located near Brandenburg Gate in Mitte. It was impressive to see and walk around the different-sized concrete blocks. But also quite a solemn, eerie feeling giving it’s purpose, a memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.

I’m told this is one of Berlin’s most important monuments. It is the backdrop for political events and public gatherings. And a symbol of Berlin and German unity. It gained significance during the Cold War as a symbol of division between East and West Berlin. When I was there, it was pretty busy with people. There was also a guy performing some sort of protest.

So, I returned before I left to see it again properly. I was able to sit back with an ice cream as it was a really warm day. Thankfully, it wasn’t as crowded this time. Meaning that I could admire and enjoy the architecture and design.

The seat of the German parliament. According to my research before visiting, it is the most visited parliament in the world. The building was badly damaged during WWII, but has since been rebuilt and renovated.

As I’d had Italian the night before, I opted for a German restaurant this time. Again, it was close to the hotel so conveniently located. But, also a good choice food-wise. It was another lovely evening so I sat outside again.

The Berlin Wall fell in 1989 after a change in leadership in the East of Berlin and mass protests. The majority of it has been dismantled, but some parts still remain as a memorial and historic landmark. I took a walk along the East Side Gallery Spree in Friedrichshain, which is the longest section of the Berlin Wall left. After its fall many artists from various countries began painting on it for it to become an open-air gallery. It was really interesting to see the different artists’ interpretations, thoughts, feelings and beliefs expressed as I walked along.

Built in 1969, and standing at an impressive 368m tall with a viewing platform at 203m and a restaurant at 207m. Unfortunately, I really don’t like heights, so refrained from going up the tower to the observation platform this time! I chose to admire it from the ground instead! But, it was still interesting to see Germany’s tallest building.

A small courtyard area in the Mitte region full of incredible street art. Literally, every square inch is covered in some form of graffiti. It was interesting to visit and take a stroll around.

Berliner Dom…

Located on Museum Island in the centre of the city. This prominent landmark is a German Protestant church. Over time the bronze on its roof has been weathered and reacted with the elements causing the green colour.

Also known as Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church.

It is a magnificent, huge building that sits in pride of place. The building stands out amongst the traffic and pedestrians going about their daily business.  

It has a large green area in front of the cathedral where many people were just sitting, chilling with friends or having a picnic. As it was such a lovely warm day I too sat and chilled for a while. It was lovely to just sit, before I needed to head back for the train, and take in the beauty of the building’s architecture.

Berlin was an amazingly interesting city to explore. I had a brief stroll around the Jewish Quarter. But, I think if and when I return I’d like to take a guided group tour. And next time, I shall return with friends to experience more of the nightlife in the city!