Berlin: where to go and what to see. Berlin in summer: Where to go? What to eat? Where to live? Mini guide What to do in Berlin in summer

Berlin. Of all the places I've visited, this is the city with the freest morals. You will definitely be impressed by it. Berlin is ready to tell you many stories: about the division of one city into two (West and East Berlin), about the past, present and future, about the tragedies of past times and the tolerance of our days.

Berlin today is an explosive mixture of wild parties where beer flows like a river, and serious businessmen, artists and hipsters.

If you are reading this post before your trip to Berlin, I will stop spoiling and give you some practical advice:

I lived in Berlin for about 2 months, setting a clear goal - to visit as many new places as possible, make as many new discoveries as possible and generally find out everything. All for what? That's right - so that you can better plan your trip! And don't thank me! 🙂

For convenience, I’ve compiled a whole list of must-dos when you’re in Berlin: 22 things that are really worth your time! So, here they are:

22 THINGS YOU JUST MUST DO IN BERLIN

1. VIEW THE IMPRESSIVE BRANDERBURG GATE

The Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument that has been part of Berlin history since the 18th century.

It is a symbol of the city's division into East and West Berlin and one of the city's most important monuments. I advise you to definitely visit this historical place. The photos you can take there are simply magnificent!

2. ADVISE WORKS OF ART ON MUSEUM ISLAND

Museum Island is located on the northern part of the Spreeinsel Island on the Spree River. It is called that because all the most famous museums in Berlin are located there. By the way, this complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a fan of visiting museums, it is best to take a three-day pass and devote the whole day to this activity.

Don't forget to take a bottle of water with you. You'll definitely get thirsty after a couple of hours of exploring the exhibitions, and water on the island costs as much as 3 euros per bottle!

Here is a brief description of all the museums on the island:

The Pergamon Museum is one of the most visited museums in Europe! There is the Babylonian Ishtar Gate, and a fragment of the Processional Road that led to it, the Miletus Market Gate, and even the Museum of Islamic Art, among other things. I really liked it there! More than in all other museums.
Bode Museum - sculptures from Byzantine and ancient times are on display here.
New museum - objects of ancient art of Egypt.
Old Museum - objects of ancient art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.
The Old National Gallery is a national gallery that exhibits works in the styles of neoclassicism, romanticism, impressionism and early modernism.

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE: An audio guide is included in your admission price! Don't forget to use it!

3. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE ROOF OF THE TV TOWER

16. VISIT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Have I already told you that I am a big fan of the Botanical Gardens? I try to visit them in every country I visit. Berlin has an incredibly huge Botanical Garden. He's definitely in the top 5 in my personal rankings!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKwLT28gUP7/?tagged=misstourist_germany

More than 22,000 thousand different plants grow there, including huge bamboos, white water lilies, orchids and cacti. Even if you are not a keen gardener, you will definitely enjoy walking among these beautiful greenhouses with a variety of flora and fauna. And what fresh air is here!

FUN FACTS ABOUT BERLIN

Do you know an easy way to determine whether you are in the East or West part of the city? Just look at the traffic light! If there is a picture of a funny man, you are in East Berlin, if there is an ordinary circle, you are in West Berlin! Check out this site to find out more about this.
If you donate plastic or glass bottles, you can earn some money. This can be done at any kiosk or supermarket. Usually they charge 25 cents for one bottle. You can check this at the checkout. Large supermarkets even have special machines for receiving bottles.
Go kayaking on the Spree River. This way you can successfully combine a tour of Berlin and a good workout.

LIFE HACK: Buy a Berlin Welcome Card. It costs only 19.90 euros, but with it you can use public transport for 2 days free of charge and get a 50% discount on visiting more than 200 different attractions.

A visitor's card is an indispensable thing for a tourist. It gives free travel and discounts on visiting a huge number of different museums.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO BERLIN?

I've been to Berlin twice. The first time I went was in October and it was cold. And the second time - at the beginning of September and the weather was beautiful! So you can’t really predict anything here.

Berlin's weather generally changes dramatically, so it's best to check the forecast before you start packing your bags.

In any case, take warm clothes. It's windy here!

They say Berlin is also beautiful in April and early May, when the cherry blossoms bloom and the gardens are full of all shades of pink!

CONCLUSION:

Any German will tell you that Berlin is not Germany, and Germany is not Berlin. In addition, in comparison with other cities in Germany, Berlin looks poorer, but somehow... more interesting, it has its own soul!

It’s not for nothing that they call him “poor, but sexy!” J

He will tell you a story about two cities - East and West Berlin. The spirit of avant-gardeism is in the air there. The city is filled with free-spirited people who treat each other with respect. And yes, beer flows like a river here!

Berlin is constantly changing and developing, and nothing can stop it.

I will come back here again and again and wish you a great trip!

As always, you can ask me any question in the comments below the post!

Berlin turns out to be a very comfortable city when it comes to budget travel. Here you can not only have a free meal or find a place to stay for the night, but also have some good entertainment. So, what should a public sector employee do in the German capital?

Go to a concert

The Berlin Philharmonic gives free concerts on Tuesdays for all music lovers. Both young and famous musicians perform. The concerts start at 13:00, but it is better to arrive in advance - 30-40 minutes before the start, otherwise all the seats will be taken.

Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Berlin-Tiergarten

Look down on the city

We are talking about observation platforms in Berlin: Panoramapunkt, which is at the very top of the Kollhoff tower on Potsdamer Platz, and the monument at the top of Kreuzberg hill in Victoria Park. From the first one you can clearly see the old and new cities, and there is also a cafe on the site and various exhibitions. The second one offers beautiful views, especially at sunset.

For Russian tourists, this point of the program can be called a cult.
In May 1945 Reichstag Soviet troops took it by storm, hoisted a red banner on it and left memorial inscriptions in Russian.
The palace was built at the end of the 19th century, but in 1933 there was a fire in the building, which was blamed on the Communist Party. This gave political opponents grounds for accusations, repressions and arrests.
After the collapse of the Third Reich Reichstag remained in ruins for a long time, then it was restored, the last reconstruction took place in 1991 according to the design of the architect Norman Foster. Foster preserved the historical facade, but completely redid the interiors, incorporating original fragments into them, for example, inscriptions in Russian.

Reichstag. Berlin.

Above Reichstag They erected a glass dome into which you can climb up along an internal spiral, admiring the views and reflections in a broken mirror cone.

Reichstag. Berlin.

Now in Reichstag The Bundestag, the German parliament, meets.
And Reichstag is a tourist attraction that can be visit for free by registering in advance on the website.
Registration allows you to log in Reichstag skip the line, climb the dome, listen to a tour of Reichstag with visits to various places (we recommend choosing this option, there are excursions in Russian) or attend a parliamentary meeting.
https://visite.bundestag.de/BAPWeb/pages/createBookingRequest.jsf?lang=en

2. Climb the TV Tower and go to the Red Town Hall.

TV tower was erected on Alexanderplatz in 1969. This tallest building in Germany. An elevator takes visitors to a height of 203 meters, from here a panoramic view opens up. If you climb a little further up the stairs, you find yourself in a revolving restaurant.

TV tower. Berlin.

The ticket costs 10.5 euros. There is usually a long queue. A VIP ticket worth 17.5 euros gives you the right to an extraordinary ascent to the tower.

Five steps from the TV Tower is Red Town Hall, located in geographical center of Berlin.

Red Town Hall. Berlin.

Red Town Hall made of red brick, but not only this circumstance gave it its name; during socialism, the city council, the “red power”, was located here.
Today the town hall houses the office of the ruling burgomaster of Berlin and the Berlin Senate. Entrance to the Town Hall is free during working hours.

Red Town Hall. Berlin.

3. Admire pieces of Ancient Rome in the Pergamon Museum and take a walk along the island of museums.

Museum Island- This is part of the island on the Spree River, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The largest museum complex in Europe was created in 1830 according to the design of the architect Schinkel. There are five museums here - Pergamon, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, New and Old Museum, which house about 1.5 million works of art.
Pergamon Museum- one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany and the world, built in 1910-30. designed by the architect Wessel and Hoffmann. The most famous and important exhibit of the museum is the Pergamon Altar (180 BC), which is considered one of the wonders of the world. It was discovered by the German engineer K. Human in the ancient city of Pergamum in Turkey, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon.
The huge altar is surrounded by a frieze depicting the battle of gods and titans.
Open: Tue-Sun from 10 to 18, Thu from 10 to 22.

Pergamon Museum. Berlin.

4. See modern architecture at Potsdamerplatz.

In the XIX-XX centuries. Potsdamerplatz was one of the busiest squares, with heavy traffic, shopping centers and office buildings, during the Second World War the square turned into ruins, as Hitler's underground bunker was located nearby. After the war the movement Potsdamerplatz was blocked, and later the Berlin Wall appeared, running along the square, which, having become a no-man's land, was overgrown with weeds and turned into a wasteland.
But after the reunification of Germany, it was decided to return the square to its former glory. A huge construction project took place and Potsdamerplatz postmodern high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete have grown, the most famous of which is the Sony-Center, which covered 7 ultra-modern buildings with a tent roof.

Potsdamerplatz. Berlin.

5. Walk along Unter den Linden street to the Brandenburg Gate.

Unter den Linden street stretches 1,400 m from the Palace Bridge to the Brandenburg Gate. In the 17th century Thousands of linden trees were planted, which grew to form a green alley, hence the name of the street - “under the linden trees.” Along Unter den Linden there are outstanding architectural monuments of the 18th-19th centuries.
The medieval one was surrounded by 14 gates. Brandenburg Gate initially there were ordinary gates in the city wall, but in 1788-91. a gate was erected in the classicist style with 12 Doric columns 26 m high. Two extensions in the form of Greek temples adjoin the gate on both sides. Thus, the Brandenburg Gate looks like a Triumphal Arch and symbolizes the victory of the German nation. The top of the gate is decorated with a quadriga with a winged goddess.

Brandenburg Gate. Berlin.

6. See the remains of the Berlin Wall.

For 28 years the wall divided into two parts - Eastern and Western. The wall appeared on August 13, 1961 and stretched for 155 km. In 1989, the wall was dismantled, only small parts of it were preserved as a memory.

Wall. Berlin.

7. Visit the Bauhaus Museum.

Bauhaus is a world-famous school of design and art, operating from 1919 to 1933 in Germany. The school was opened in Weimar, in 1925 the school moved to Dessau, and in 1932 to Berlin.
Over the years in Bauhaus his own recognizable style was created, which had a huge influence on modern industrial design, architecture and art.
Among the teachers Bauhaus there were brilliant creators and art theorists, innovators who were at the forefront of European art, including Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Johannes Itten, Otto Linding, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Oskar Schlemmer and others.
IN Bauhaus Archive in Berlin you can see artwork, photographs, ceramics of some of the school’s teachers, building models, and interior items. There are also exhibitions dedicated to the work of various teachers. Bauchoise.

Museum address: Klingelhoferstrae 14
Open: Wednesday - Monday from 10 to 17, closed - Tuesday.
Ticket 7 euros - on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, ticket 6 euros - on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

8. Wander through the streets of the Nikolaivirtel quarter.

Nikolaivirtel quarter– this is a piece of old Berlin, several narrow picturesque streets running along the Spree River.
Back in the 12th century. a trading settlement arose in this place around the Church of St. Nicholas. During the war the area was heavily damaged by bombing, but was restored in 1987. Modern layout Nikolaivirtel very accurately reproduces the historical street layout; in the center of the block, on a tiny square, stands the Church of St. Nicholas, which houses a museum of medieval art.
Many buildings in the quarter are stylized as German Baroque; the streets are full of cozy cafes, restaurants and pubs, souvenir shops and antique shops.

Nikolaivirtel quarter. Berlin.

9. Taste German cuisine and drink beer.

It so happened historically that German cuisine is hearty and high-quality with a wide variety of meat dishes - pork knee, schnitzels, beefsteaks, schnellklops and cutlets, they also love potatoes - boiled in their jackets, baked, fried and with herring, mashed potatoes, potato salads, vegetables often served as a side dish - stewed cabbage, bean pods.
Sausages and frankfurters occupy a special place. And the most popular fast food in Germany is sausage with ketchup and curry (currywurst).

Currywurst. Berlin.

Beer is a truly German drink, but do not forget that excellent Riesling wines are also produced in Germany.

"Meter of beer." Berlin.

There are a great variety of cafes, restaurants, snack bars and pubs, including those with very low prices.
- a huge and multinational metropolis, this has left its mark on gastronomic life: in Berlin there are many restaurants with cuisines from, perhaps, all the nations of the world. Don't ignore them either!

10. Go shopping in Berlin.

Shopping in is designed for different tastes and wallet thicknesses.
So Kurfuerstendamm is the main shopping street in West Berlin, and Friedrichstrasse– the shopping artery of the eastern part of the city offers luxury shopping. Here you can find Chanel, Gucci, Sonia Rykiel, Jil Sander, Max Mara, Prada, Louis Vuitton and other top brands.
On Kurfuerstendamm next to the metro station Wittenberplatz the largest shopping center is located KaDaWe, which is 100 years old, and is located on Friedrichstrasse Gallery Lafayette.
Cheaper shops can be found around Alexander Platz, where the TV tower rises.
Alexanderplatz- center of Eastern. The history of the square began in the 14th century, at that time livestock and wool were traded here. On October 22, 1805, Russian Emperor Alexander I arrived to conclude an alliance with Emperor Frederick III against Napoleon, after this visit the square was named Alexanderplatz.
In the 19th century the area became an important transport and commercial center. But during the war, Alexanderplatz was heavily damaged by bombing. Later, the square was completely rebuilt, a TV tower and a tall hotel appeared here in the 1970s. a unique architectural ensemble has emerged.
Now Alexanderplatz is one of the most lively and party places, in high-rise buildings there are shops, shopping galleries and restaurants, young people and a varied crowd gather in the square, here you can meet singers, musicians, freaks, representatives of all youth movements, whose meeting place is the fountain in the center Alexanderplatz with the eloquent name “Friendship of Peoples”.
The affordable Kaufhof department store offers a wide selection of clothing, tableware, food, and a self-service restaurant on the top floor.

You should also remember about the tax-free system - a refund of value added tax on goods exported from Europe by persons who are not residents of Europe.
In Germany, tax-free returns on purchases over 25 euros.

Style, ease and lightness reign in Berlin. Too many grandiose and at the same time tragic events occurred in the German capital - the declaration of the Third Reich, Nazi pogroms, almost complete destruction by bombing, half a century of division into Western and Eastern parts. Now the city seems to be resting and happily writing its history anew.

Berlin's districts are completely different from each other. In the historical central part rise the gloomy hulks of the Reichstag and the palaces of Museum Island. The trendy eastern quarters host interesting restaurants, stylish clubs and art spaces. The best shops in the city are located on Kurfürstendamm Boulevard.

Berlin, of course, is not as elegant and ceremonial as other European capitals, but it has its own soul, which gradually reveals itself to the traveler.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Berlin?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

An important architectural monument of Berlin with special symbolic meaning. In 1871, a ceremonial procession of Prussian regiments passed through the gates, marking the declaration of the German Empire. In 1933, the famous Nazi torchlight procession took place here and the “Thousand Year Reich” was proclaimed. After World War II, the Brandenburg Gate became the dividing line between West and East Germany.

The Reichstag was the seat of the German Legislative Assembly during the German Empire, the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. The modern German parliament also holds meetings in the Reichstag. The building itself was built in a very pompous and somewhat overwhelming manner, which, according to the architects, was supposed to emphasize the greatness of the Empire. Everything in the Reichstag seems huge and incomprehensible - the columns, gray facades, the grandiose glass dome.

The wall, which, following the Second World War, divided Berlin into zones of influence of two main opponents - the military blocs of the Warsaw Department and NATO. The wall stood for almost 30 years and became a symbol of the Cold War. It was a real border with checkpoints and security. After the fall of the Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989, its rubble was gradually stolen for souvenirs. It was decided to preserve some fragments of the structure as a monument.

The largest Protestant church in Germany, located within the Museum Island. The cathedral was built in the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II and was conceived as a German analogue to St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. The building simply dazzles with its solemn and majestic architecture. It feels like it was built by giants. From the observation deck of the temple there is an excellent panoramic view of Berlin.

Palace of the late 17th century in the Baroque style, a gift from King Frederick I to his wife Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. After construction was completed, it immediately began to be used as a royal residence. In front of the palace there is a park in the classical traditions of French and English landscape art. At first the building was called Litzenburg, but after the death of the queen it was renamed in her honor.

A 17th-century fortress on the outskirts of Berlin, built during the reign of Joachim II. At the beginning of the 20th century, weapons and ammunition were manufactured on the territory of Spandau. In 1935, a secret Nazi laboratory was located here, where chemical weapons were developed. The last secret warehouse was found in the 70s. Tourists were allowed into the territory in 1992, after the final “unfreezing” of the site.

The building is located in the Tiergarten park. It is used as the residence of the German President. During the German Empire, Bellevue belonged to the ruling family and was used as the summer palace of one of the princes. After the fall of the monarchy, it became the property of the state; in 1935, the Museum of Applied Arts was located on the territory. The building can only be entered at certain times once a week.

A palace standing on the site of an ancient fortress (presumably built by the Slavs). In the 16th century, Köpenick was a more modest structure and was used as a hunting castle for Elector Joachim II. In the 17th century, the palace was expanded and a park was laid out on the adjacent territory. Nowadays, the building houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. Concerts are held on the square in front of the palace in the summer.

The Red Town Hall is the seat of the city government and the mayor of Berlin. This is a neo-Renaissance building with elements of the neo-Gothic style of the late 19th century. As a result of the bombing of Berlin in 1945, the building was severely damaged and a lengthy restoration was required. Interestingly, the main halls of the town hall can be rented for private events.

A six-story store from the early 20th century. Its permanent slogan is “Come, look, be surprised!” Despite its rather respectable age, the department store offers the best service and a wide variety of goods in almost all price categories. In terms of importance and prestige for Germans, it can be compared to London's Harrods. In Ka-De-Ve it is impossible to stumble upon a fake or buy a low-quality item.

The square where at the beginning of the 19th century Kaiser Wilhelm III received Emperor Alexander I. The place was named in honor of the Russian monarch. On the square there is the city hall, a modern television tower, and the Fountain of Friendship of Peoples. Until the 17th century, there was a cattle market and a place for executing criminals. Mostly butchers, cattlemen, traders, and shepherds lived in the houses surrounding the square. In the 18th century, the list of permanent residents was replenished with artisans and petty bourgeois.

The parade ground in the Tiergarten area on the site of the destroyed Potsdam Gate. Before the bombing of World War II, the square was adjacent to a comfortable quarter - a popular place for leisure and recreation for Berliners. Everything was destroyed and turned into ruins; nothing of the historical buildings survived. Today, modern high-rise buildings rise around the square, housing the offices of large corporations.

One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. The main architectural ensemble consists of three buildings: the German and French cathedrals and the concert hall located in the middle. All three buildings are designed in the colors of a strict classical style. In December, a Christmas tree is erected on the Gendarmenmarkt and the fair begins. Festive lighting is lit on the facades of the cathedrals and the Concert Hall.

The very first opera building was built in the middle of the 18th century. During the Second World War it was destroyed twice - during the bombings of 1941 and 1945. Restoration work was carried out until 1955. The renovated opera stage opened with a production of Die Meistersinger of Nuremberg, the immortal work of the German musical genius Richard Wagner.

Berlin branch of Madame Tussauds wax museum. Located on the Unten der Linden boulevard. Here you can look at copies of Otto von Bismarck, A. Einstein, Ludwig Beethoven, K. Marx. More modern exhibits include Angela Merkel, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Madonna and many other famous characters. The figure of Hitler behind the glass wall attracts particular attention. The sinister Fuhrer is depicted at the moment of making the decision to commit suicide.

Berlin's large museum quarter, listed as a UNESCO heritage site. There are five museums here: the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, the Old and New Museums, and the Pergamon Museum. Extensive exhibitions tell the story of history from primitive times to the present day; hundreds of paintings by masters from different countries, schools and periods are exhibited in numerous art galleries.

Memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. It is located on the territory where the headquarters of the SS and SD were located. The complex represents a whole group of expositions, memorials, open-air exhibitions, preserved administrative buildings of the Third Reich, cellars and barracks. Topography of Terror began work in 1987. The total exhibition area is more than 800 m².

Monument in honor of Jews killed by the Nazis. The memorial complex has a rather interesting and unusual architectural design, which accurately conveys the atmosphere of horror that reigned in Germany after Hitler came to power. The memorial consists of several rows of unmarked gray tombstones of varying sizes. They seem to form a labyrinth and symbolize death and hopelessness.

Germany's main memorial dedicated to all victims of war and tyranny. It is a sculpture of a mother holding her murdered son in her arms. Neue Wahe appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and, according to the king’s idea, was supposed to serve as a monument to those killed in the Napoleonic Wars. In those years and until the end of the 20th century, it was a guardhouse with honorary guards. The sculpture was installed in 1993 on the initiative of Chancellor G. Kohl.

A late 19th-century temple built in honor of the first Kaiser of the united German Empire, Wilhelm I. The building was heavily damaged by bombing, and only part of the western tower remains. In the 60s A modern building was erected near the tower. It was assumed that the new building would form a harmonious ensemble with the remains of the church. Inside it is a 4.6-meter figure of Christ.

The oldest temple in Berlin. It is believed that it appeared in the 13th century. Services were held here until 1938. As a result of destruction during the war, only the outer walls remained of the church. After restoration in 1981, the building began to be used as a concert hall and as a venue for exhibitions. The building is a building in a typical “Protestant” style with laconic forms and sharp spiers of the towers.

An old functioning Lutheran church not far from the Berlin TV tower. The history of the church began in the 13th century, since then it has burned and been rebuilt several times. Like many historical buildings, St. Mary's Church was restored after the war in the 60s and 70s. XX century. Inside the temple there is an organ that J.S. himself played. Bach. On Sundays, during services you can enjoy the performance of the church choir.

Jewish temple of the mid-19th century. Surprisingly, the Wehrmacht authorities did not destroy it, but simply closed it in 1940, and converted the premises into a warehouse. The synagogue survived the bombing, although it was significantly damaged. After the war, they decided not to restore the temple, since almost all the Jews - potential parishioners were killed under Hitler. The building was demolished in 1958, leaving only the façade. After the reunification of Germany, the synagogue was restored.

An iconic and iconic place on Friedrichstrasse, a symbol of the confrontation between two irreconcilable enemies of the Cold War - the USSR and the USA. After the division of Germany, the border passed here and a military checkpoint was established. It was at Checkpoint Charlie that the tank confrontation took place during the Berlin crisis of 1958-1962, during which the world came close to nuclear war.

The television tower is more than 360 meters high. Builds the fourth tallest TV tower in Europe. Started working in 1969. In sunny weather, the outline of a cross (apparently from a nearby church) is reflected on the ball crowning the structure. Connected with this fact is the speculation that the architect was interrogated by the relevant authorities for allegedly deliberately designing the cross.

Zoological garden in the Tiergarten area with a total area of 25 hectares. There are 1,500 species of animals represented here (15 thousand individuals in total). The zoo was opened in the mid-19th century for the Prussian King William IV. Gradually, access was allowed to mere mortals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Berlin Zoo was considered one of the most advanced and modernly equipped zoological gardens. During the war, a bomb hit the territory, and out of almost 4 thousand animals, only about a hundred survived.

A park on the banks of the Spree River, where there is a large memorial complex in honor of Soviet liberating soldiers. The central monument of the park is an 8-meter figure of a soldier with a sword and a little girl in his arms. The Alley of Sarcophagi leads to the statue, where the remains of several thousand soldiers are buried in five mass graves. Parts of the Reichstag façade were used to make the alley slabs.

The garden was laid out in the 19th century and initially served as a recreation area. Over time, it became a research center. At the moment, several thousand plants grow here, among which there are many exotic specimens that are not typical for these latitudes. The Botanical Garden has several greenhouses displaying a rich variety of exotic flowers, cacti, ferns and other species.

One of the most famous streets in Berlin, the local “Broadway” and the center of the capital’s fashionable life. Famous city attractions are located along the boulevard. Unter den Linden begins at the palace square and leads to the Brandenburg Gate. Back in the 18th century, the boulevard became the hallmark of Prussia. The local nobility loved to organize evening promenades along the picturesque linden alleys.

A green oasis in the city center where you can admire nature and enjoy tranquility. Tiergarten has dozens of paths, well-groomed alleys, cozy pavilions and benches. In the center of the park stands the grandiose Triumphal Column, which symbolizes the power of the German nation. In the summer, people sunbathe on numerous lawns or simply relax in the generous shade of trees.

Photo: Barcomi's Deli

American Cynthia Barcomi has been running her breakfasts in Berlin since 1994: they have the best coffee, yoghurts and pastries. On Sundays, the cafe opens at 10:00, and after half an hour there are no empty seats. Barcomi's Deli is located in cozy Sofia courtyards not far from Alexanderplatz. After breakfast, you can go for a walk around the neighboring quarters: look into art galleries, a synagogue, a wind instrument store and admire the city's street art.

Peace Gardens in Marzahn

Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com

Several dozen national parks over a large area: Chinese, Korean, Italian, all with fountains, playgrounds and ice cream parlours. You can get lost in the green maze, and if you are under 10 years old, you can squeal with delight. There is free parking. Entrance from April to October for adults is five euros, for children under 14 years old - one and a half.

Museum of Musical Instruments at the Kulturforum

Sim.spk-berlin.de

Photo: Frank Haase
Photo: Benjamin Asmussen
Photo: Thomas Queen

The museum is almost always half-empty, where, taking an audio guide, you can hear and see how the horn and harpsichord sound, dance to a Neapolitan polka and study the structure of the organ. Children from three years old are guaranteed to find it interesting. No knowledge of German is required.

Diner Heno Heno

Henoheno.de

Photo: Vilimblog

A microscopic Japanese eatery in Charlottenburg, where you need to order the entire menu at once, because it’s cheap and tasty. It's better to come in the afternoon or evening, although Heno Heno is open from 12:00 to 22:00. There is no alcohol on the menu, but if you're lucky, you can find delicious Japanese beer.

Children's educational museum MACHmit!

Machmitmuseum.de

Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Thomas Angermann

A three-dimensional labyrinth, thematic exhibitions, master classes, a puppet theater and a mirror room. If you're suddenly unlucky with the weather and your child needs to let off some steam, this is the place for you. Children will figure out how to have fun themselves - even without knowledge of German or English.

Park on the Tempelhof airport field

Thf-berlin.de

Photo: Tempelhoferfeld.info

Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/news-brothers.com

The oldest airport in Germany. Now there is a huge park on his field where you can ride a bike, take a walk or have a picnic - there are places for a grill (though you need to bring it with you). Scooters, Segways and bicycles are available for rental on site. Fans of the military theme should go on an excursion: visit the bunkers, chemical defense unit, power plant and arrivals hall.

Greendoor Cocktail Bar

Greendoor.de

Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner

A secret cocktail spot in Schöneberg for middle-aged freaks. The door is really green, metal, like the ones we put in entrances for security. Closed by default, you need to ring the bell. It's usually an extravagant lady who opens the door and lets you in if she thinks there's room for you. The work of the bartenders, constantly preparing cocktails, is fascinating (as are the cocktails themselves).

Arminius Markthalle

arminiushalle.zunftnetz.org

Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle

The 19th century indoor market is an alternative to the tourist Markthalle IX in Kreuzberg, only without the street onlookers and tourists. In addition to food stands, there are Germans, Vietnamese, and Italians here with their own cuisine, but we recommend Fish and Chips, which can be ordered at the Brewbaker bar, accompanied by Kreuzberger Tag, Bellevue Pils or IPA beer, brewed in Berlin. Directly behind the bar is a cozy room with drapery sofas and a floor lamp.

Brewery Eschenbrau

eschenbraeu.de

Photo: Crafty Ramblings

A brewing startup in red Wedding, whose owner never tires of repeating that he doesn’t need tourists here, but in practice he is friendly and welcomes everyone. Dark, light, seasonal beer, schnapps and Brandenburg apple juice, and for a snack - pretzel or Alsatian flammkuchen (pie with onions, bacon and cheese). By the way, you can bring food with you. It's nice here in the summer when there is a beer garden in the courtyard. The owner of the pub, Markus, a graduate of the Technical University of Berlin, often works behind the bar himself. He will be happy to talk about his path to success if he has a minute of time.

Ziervogels Kult Curry

Kult-curry.de

Photo: Ziervogels Kult Curry

Don't think that popular national dishes are only offered in tourist restaurants. Berliners love curry sausages, and Kult Curry offers you to eat them in the relaxed atmosphere of a cafe, where a motley crowd gathers for lunch - from painters and installers to programmers and marketers from surrounding offices. Pay attention to Menu 2, scharf zwei (medium spicy) - two sausages with potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise and a drink. If you have lunch like this, it will be very easy to refuse dinner.