Introduction
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is a city that is famous for its history and heritage and multiple districts. Flooding Berlin like a real tourist may be highly beneficial as you will get the feeling of what it is like to live in the city. In this guide, let me guide you through the major aspects that you can try and do in Berlin as a local would do.
1. Neighborhoods to Explore
Every city is divided into districts and Berlin is not an exception: it’s full of districts and each of them is quite different from another one. Here are a few neighborhoods that can be thought of as interesting:
Kreuzberg
Its attitude, architecture and the people offer exotic tastes as Kreuzberg is famous for its vivid nightlife. In particular, Oranienstraße offers smaller shops, graffiti, and various ethnic restaurants.
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg is the adorable quarter enriched with exquisite architecture and stunning apartment houses as well as various coffee shops. Go shopping on Kastanienallee street and see the store concentrates on selling various type of items in the city.
Neukölln
This is a multicultural area that has old buildings and structure mixed up with the new newly developed ones. For having some beers along with mouthwatering eating joints, and bar and for a flavour of bohemian life, one must visit Weserstraße.
2. Transportation
Modern modes of transport are well and easily available in Berlin and thus it quite easy to move from one place to another like a local. Here are some tips:
Public Transport Tickets
It is advisable to secure a Berlin Welcome Card or a day ticket that will allow you to use buses, trams, and trains within Berlin.
Biking
It is common knowledge that cycling is quite popular in Berlin and the city has several bike-only lanes available. If you prefer to be on your own in organizing the timetable and visiting places of your interest, you can rent a bike and do it independently.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are the fastest means of transport which consist of the subway and the urban railway. U-Bahn is a type of rapid transit rail system which is mostly found underground while the S-Bahn is a rapid transit rail system that is partly found underground and partly above the surface.
3. Explore the Historical Sites
Nonetheless, Berlin is a city that promises history lovers an exciting time as it holds a rich history. Here are some to add:
Brandenburg Gate
As one of the most noted Berlin’s sights, the Brandenburg Gate symbolizes unity. It is the best time to take a walk past Pariser Platz and marvel at the architectural design of this unusually designed square.
Reichstag Building
The plot of this work is the building in which the German Parliament is located The building is called the Reichstag Building. For that purpose, it is advisable to take an organized tour in advance and, on top of that, visit the roof of the church, which offers beautiful vistas.
Checkpoint Charlie
The first destination presents an idea to visit the place where the border between East and West Berlin used to be during the Cold War. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum near the hotel offers information regarding the division of the city.
4. Sample Local Cuisine
When the tourist prefers to move around a city like a local then, he should also get a taste of local morsels. Here are some of the foods you MUST taste in this area:
Currywurst
Currywurst is a Berlin classic. It entails steamed and fried pork sausage accompanied by a spicy ketchup and curry powder. It is completely accessible at street vendors within the city area.
Döner Kebab
One of Berlin’s most popular fast foods is Döner Kebab, a closer look at which is taken in the next section. It has been my pleasure to have tender meat, juicy vegetables and nicely spiced sauces enclosed within a soft flat bread.
Berliner Pfannkuchen
Most of the food items add to the recommendations include a Berliner Pfannkuchen that is a traditional jelly filled doughnut. They are available in almost any bakery shops within the city.
5. Embrace the Nightlife
With its rich parties all through the night, the Berlin nightlife is incredibly fabulous, and that has to be witnessed as a true Berliner. Here are a few recommendations:
Clubs
Techno clubs in Berlin are among the most renowned in the world and, once there, I intended to visit some of them. Go clubbing at Berghain, Watergate or Tresor to get the best of German techno music.
Kiez Kneipen
One can still feel the warm aura of the street at the “Kiez Kneipen” literally meaning local bars. Catch a beer and socialize with Berliners in bars, for instance, Zum Starken August or, Brachvogel.
Kreuzberg’s Görlitzer Park
Görlitzer Park is liked by many Berlin inhabitants as a favorite place to meet as well as a perfect place for spending the evening together with friends. It’s appropriate to get some food and refreshments and relax with the rest of the people that frequent this park.
Conclusion
An essential point of view that one can find oneself by exploring Berlin with no haste and aimlessly, is the spirit of the city. Therefore, one can truly experience Berlin, only if he or she participates in its neighborhoods, tastes their and the national cuisine, visits historical places, and gets used to the night’s rhythm. Therefore, run wild, and do as the locals do: Visit Berlin!
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