Jewish Memorial

Berlin is a place where tradition collides with transforming culture. The art, sounds, flavors and energy of this city are irresistible. To contrast this provocative and emerging new generation, is the city’s rich historical significance. There is a ton to see in Berlin, and each time you return, you can be sure its changed, its a place you will feel you can barely get it all in.

EXPERIENCE

Berlin is loaded with iconic attractions. Be sure to check out the big ones: Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag Building, the Brandenburg Gate, the Fernsehturm TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral and Alexanderplatz. Postdamer Platz is worth a stroll as well to take in the energy of the city and people watch. Spend some time exploring the graffiti and detail on the Berlin Wall, this is a pretty incredible place full of rich stories if you have the time to listen.  The Olympic Stadium is another interesting stop if you have the time, and the Zoo and Gardens are a great place to stroll and enjoy street vendors. I am not a huge church fan, but the scorched Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is worth stopping by, and is close to a nice walk in the park and located in a very bustling square that makes for a nice place to roam and grab a meal. 

If you want to venture off the beaten path a tad, visit Kunsthaus Tacheles. This is a hidden gem of Berlin and a place I have visited several times over the years in separate visits. This place was a highlight of my first backpacking trip through Europe in college and will forever remain a place synonymous with creative mystery and artistic community. I have read that this wonderful place has since been shut down, which is sad to hear, fingers crossed it will one day be reopened. A good art alternative is a wonderful Bauhaus Museum, The Bauhaus Archive,  I stumbled upon. While I typically don’t like to spend much time in museums while traveling, of a designer, this one will feel worth your time. 

If you have an afternoon, visit Schloss Charlottenburg. This palace is not only decedent but accompanied by some fantastic gardens reminiscent of Versailles. Another meaningful day trip would be to visit a concentration camp. Sachsenhausen is the most nearby and makes for a powerful visit and gives a meaningful glimpse into Berlin’s spattered past. 

STAY

I have had good luck with accommodations in Berlin. You should be pretty safe with staying in most parts of town, as its easy to get around via public transportation. The hotel from Bourne Identity is kind of a fun spot and the InterContinental is quite nice as well. If visiting Berlin for personal reasons, rather than business, I would be eager to check out 

EAT

German cuisine is often not the favorite, but I would encourage anyone to enjoy at least one authentic meal while here served up in this incredibly modern, well designed venue. Schnitzelei is this amazing tapas style German restaurant that allows your party to sample lots and lots of traditional German dishes without the commitment of a wiener schnitzel the size of your head arriving. Small bites, great Pilsner‘s, and a little taste of pickled and fermented everything. 

Other foods not to miss include the local favorite, Currywurst (best bought street side I believe).  I happened to be in Berlin once during the famed Oktoberfest. While the celebration here is not even close to what Munich has to offer, there are still festivities. My colleagues and I took several buses and trains to arrive at an amazing food and beer festival with wild live music and lots of dancing. The sausages and sauerkraut did not disappoint. If you happen to be in town during this event, do not let  the locals sway you into skipping Oktoberfest because you’re too far north!