WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BERLIN BEFORE GOING THERE FOR A WEEKEND?
Berlin is an artistic city in which the art of international renown intertwines with the avant-garde with the lightness. Creative people who look for creative space come to the German capital to develop their imagination without limit, both as creators and recipients. Berlin can boast of a huge number of cultural institutions, from large concert halls, theaters and museums to small clubs with live music or alternative galleries. The city's club scene is also well-developed and recognizable all over the world. Despite the stereotypical German neatness and orderliness, nightlife pulsates in Berlin to the early hours of the morning, sometimes without closing its doors. Since the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989, things have been happening and changing in Berlin all the time. New buildings are erected and the old ones are being renovated. The state cares about a complete detachment from the post-war division of the city into the eastern and western parts, and the obliteration of the differences that have developed over the years. With the rest of the thirty years since the merger of the city, the differences practically ceased to be noticeable.
Berlin is a tolerant city, which is the center connecting Eastern and Western Europe. More than 190 different nationalities live here. Jewish restaurants and schools can be noticed in the Center's quarter, while Wedding and Kreuzberg are dominated by Turkish immigrants. Quite frequently, German children attend a French music school or a high school with a Russian language program. Berlin boasts the world's largest number of parks and green areas located in the area of such a large metropolis.
Ecology is a very important area for the residents of the city, so they try to use bicycles and public transport as often as possible. The city is also unofficially the largest trading place for organic food and the second most favorable vegan place in the world.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BERLIN?
Happy Go Lucky - one of the cheapest options in Berlin. You can rent both private en-suite rooms and a bed in a dormitory. If you don’t care about luxury HGL is an option to consider, because due to the proximity of communication lines, the hostel is an ideal starting point for sightseeing.
Three Little Pigs - The hostel is located in a 19th-century church building, a 10-minute walk from Potsdamer Platz. It offers private rooms and beds in dormitories. In addition, you can buy a breakfast buffet.
nHow - is a music hotel where you can rent a recording studio. The restaurant located on the banks of the Spree is characterized by a unique interior, which is a combination of retro and futurism. The rooms are soundproofed, but the music resonates here at every step.
Eastern Comfort - a unique hostel on a boat anchored top the banks of the Spree River. There 47 different cabins to rent and some have gaps through which you can observe the bottom of the river.
Ackselhaus - beautifully, variously furnished rooms and suites inspired by art, film and travel. A real oasis of peace in the city center. Prices start at 120 euros per night.
Private accommodation and rooms can be booked on websites: www.123berlinzimmer.de and www.all-berlin-apartments.com
WHERE TO EAT IN BERLIN?
Tajik's Tea Room - offers a unique tea ceremony in the atmosphere of Tales from Thousand and One Nights. In addition, you can eat Russian specialties here.
White Crow Cafe - 100% vegan cafe, serving cakes, bagels, as well as lunches in the form of soups, salads and veggie bowls.
Vegan Tiger - vegan and organic food, freshly prepared on site.
Habba-Habba - all kinds of wraps with hummus and falafel. The perfect place for an inexpensive, fast (and vegan!) dinner.
Emma Pea Vegan Food & Bar - large, vegan burgers, prepared with fresh ingredients on the spot.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND BERLIN?
A fantastic solution for the weekend in Berlin is the purchase of the Welcome-Card, which entitles you to unlimited travel on all public transport. Its price varies depending on the length and area of operation, and starts from 20 euros for 48 hours in the AB zone (including the Berlin-Tegel airport). More information can be found HERE.
Sightseeing in Berlin can be also done on a bicycle with an individual guide. Expeditions are organized daily, but you must have your bike (you can rent it, for example HERE). Bicycle groups are not bigger than 8 people, and prices start from 20 euros per person. More information can be found HERE.
Self-guided tours can be started by taking bus no. 100, which passes through all the most important monuments of Berlin. The route runs from the Zoo Station to Alexander Square.
FEW INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BERLIN:
in Berlin take place around seven demonstrations per day,
the inhabitants of Berlin produce the least amount of carbon dioxide in the whole country,
for new, alternative sounds, it's best to go to a concert to Chocolate club,
there are over 400 galleries in Berlin,
on the outskirts of the city there is the world's largest animal shelter, which together with the animal cemetery occupies 16 ha.
Berlin is a place that allows making the ideas and dreams come true, especially those artistic ones. The city is constantly changing, every day surprising not only tourists, but also permanent residents. Every now and then you can find things you didn’t know about before. Despite these constant transformations, you do not lose the impression that everything fits together. Could such a place get boring? In the next post I will present the most important monuments of Berlin and places worth seeing, such as the Potsdam Square, the Television Tower or the Film Museum. And what is the most recognizable place in Berlin in your opinion?