I’ve been fascinated from afar with the city of Berlin for years. So much so that I made it my mission to visit this summer no matter the circumstances! Admittedly my expectations were high for this city and I mean very high. Friends of mine who love contemporary art and techno music as much as I do have claimed this city as one of their favorites for ages. And boy did it not disappoint! Berlin doesn’t make itself readily available to you, however. It reveals its complex flavors layer by layer as the sun rises and sets. Below is my guide on making the most of 72hrs in Berlin.
What to Pack:
- Berlin is a nitty-gritty city and if I have one regret about my packing it was that I didn’t bring a single article of black clothing. I quickly came to realize that this was an enormous mistake if you have any intention of going out at night in Berlin haha! But apart from that I’d say anything goes. This is a city that not only tolerates but encourages self-expression, so wear what makes you happy and plan to go dark in flat sneakers or boots by night.
Where to Stay:
- Soho House Berlin: I unfortunately didn’t get to stay here overnight because they were completely booked but I did go for lunch at their Cecconi’s and check out their concept shop The Store x Berlin and absolutely loved both. From what I gathered, and with the number of Soho Houses I’ve visited, I can say this one seemed very low-key, chic, while still staying true to the Berlin aesthetic.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: situated across from the Postdamer Platz and around the corner from the Brandedburg Gate, it is a perfect abode in the former west of the city. It also has an incredible collection of fashion-art displayed throughout the property and a new fragrance bar that is worth a visit even if you aren’t staying there. I also found the concierge to be particularly helpful in arranging hard to get tickets to Boros Bunker.
- Hilton Berlin: I spent my 3 nights in Berlin at this property on Mohrenstraße and loved the location. It was within walking distance of many major historical landmarks in the East (Checkpoint Charlie, Pariser Platz, Berlin Cathedral, and Reichstag building) and super modern, clean, pristine. If you are looking to be away from the major tourist attractions then I’d look at something closer to Prenzlauer Berg.
What to See:
- River Cruise along the Spree where you can catch the Reichstag Building and Berlin TV tower. An absolutely gorgeous way to introduce yourself to the city.
- Walking tour in the east where you can see Checkpoint Charlie, Pariser Platz, Berlin Cathedral and more.
- East Side Gallery which is an open air gallery displaying incredible murals painted on a 1,316 m stretch of the former Berlin Wall.
- RAW Culture Centre which houses a beer garden, skate park, and a pretty direct glimpse into the unpolished charm of the city.
- Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, specifically Kastanienallee street which has a multitude of cute boutiques, art supply stores, cafes and book shops.
- The Feurle Collection, a former WW2 telecommunications bunker which houses one of the coolest private art collections I’ve ever seen. This is a MUST see.
- Hamburger Bahnhof one of Berlin’s strongest contemporary art museums.
- Mauer Park, specifically on Sundays, where they have an amphitheater sized public karaoke sing along.
- Boros Bunker for an amazing 4 floor tour of 18 contemporary artists in another former WW2 telecommunications bunker.
- KW Gallery in the Mitte district of Berlin which also boasts super cute galleries and boutiques.
Where to Eat:
- Cecconi’s (Soho House Berlin)
- NENI Berlin (Rooftop of 25hrs Hotel)
- Konnopke’s Imbiss
- Horvath
- Facil
Where to Shop:
- Voo Store
- The Store (Soho House Berlin)
- Bikini Mall with independent boutiques and concept stores
Where to Play:
- Prater Garten
- Odessa Bar
- Monkey Bar
- Berghain (for the more adventurous)
- Sisyphos (also for the more adventurous)
