A Weekend in Berlin, Germany with a Local

A Weekend in Berlin, Germany with a Local

What better way to experience a city, than to be guided by a local resident. Join us as we dive into Berlin to experience street art, architecture and a world of history. The city offers expansive options making it easy to extend your trip for longer than just a weekend. This ultimate Berlin city guide includes: - Transportation options around Berlin - Famous spots to see - Things to do - Where to eat - Special Events - Trip Inspiration We had the unique experience to explore town while Germany is hosting the 2024 European Soccer Championship. A few spots have been closed due to their fan zone that would normally be open during the year. This has made it a fun way to experience the people and culture of Germany. Berlin is well known for their eclectic and lively nightlife scene. While this is not something we did much with, it makes for a great way to spend the evening for those 18 and older.
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Welcome to Berlin

For those flying, you will arrive to the Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER) located south of central downtown Berlin. This large, international airport has daily flights arriving from around the world.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport
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Large, international airport located in South Berlin
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How to Get Around Berlin

I would give Berlin a Public Transportation Score 9/10 for their easily accessible forms of transportation that will take you everywhere around the city.

Trains/Trams/Busses: 

Using the trains, trams and busses is the easiest way to get around Berlin. With an extensive transport system spanning the entire city, you can interchange forms of transportation using the same one ticket.

Tickets can be purchased on-board the Trams/Trains (Euro coins only!), at train stations and online via their app. I recommend downloading their app -  BVG Tickets - to easily purchase digital tickets using card. They have a variety of ticket options available (single trip, 24 hour pass, and group tickets). When purchasing tickets, there are 3 main regions (A, B, C) A is the closest section to the city center. B is the next ring just outside of the city center covering some of the suburbs. C is the outer most ring furthest from the city center and where the Berlin Airport is located. Depending on your destination will determine what ticket you need to purchase.

Biking/Electric Scooter: 

Berlin is a very bike friendly city. With an expansive network of bike lanes and bike trails, you can easily bike the entire city. This can be a great alternative way to get around town. There are bike rental spots located around the city. Alternatively they've also got various brands of electric scooters to easily make your way around town.

Ride Share Options:

Ride share options do exist as well (Uber, Bolt, etc.) as well as a local company called MILES (where you pay to use a car solely based on the KM driven similar to a scooter.) Check out their website and app for more information as well.

Driving & Parking Info:

You do not necessarily need a car to get around Berlin if you plan to stay in the central downtown area. If you'd like to do activities widely located outside of the central town, we would recommend getting a rental car. 

If you elect to rent a car, most places around town function by using on street parking. Most often in Berlin, parking is very limited. 

Travel Tip: Catch the 200 Bus to ride it around town to see a good part of the city for a cheaper cost than the Hop on/Hop off tourism buses. 

Famous Places to See

Checkpoint Charlie
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Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
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Brandenburg Gate
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St. Mary's Church
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Rotes Rathaus
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Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
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Highly recommend visiting this memorial site. Free to visit and extremely thought provoking.
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Berlin Wall - East Side Gallery
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Parts of the original Berlin Wall that remain standing have been turned into a large outdoor gallery space featuring works from various artists.
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Oberbaum Bridge
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Olympiastadion Berlin
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Berlin TV Tower
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Berlin Cathedral
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Potsdamer Platz
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Reichstag Building
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Museums to Enjoy

Museum Island
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Computer Games Museum
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Things to Do

Holzmarkt 25
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Tucked along the Spree river is the Holzmarket, a half indoor/half outdoor space full of art, small restaurants and tons of culture. We grabbed a smoothie and sat outside in the space enjoying it. Perfect place to grab a book and read all afternoon.
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Alexanderplatz
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Another popular and famous plaza in Berlin. Home to the Berlin TV tower and other stores. Very popular among tourists. Beware of pick pocketers in this area.
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Gardens of the World
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Massive garden space, perfect for a day out and for families. Part of the garden is paid access only (9 Euros per adult) which also includes access to the gondola that connects the middle section and north section.
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Humboldt University of Berlin
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Officially the local University, Humboldt University boasts magnificent buildings where classes are held. WE highly recommend walking around the outside of their campus to enjoy the stunning architecture.
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KurfĂĽrstendamm
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Huge shopping plaza nearby the Zoological train station. Lots of name brand stores located along the streets here.
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Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum
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Located south of central Berlin, the Botanical Garden space is a beautiful spot to enjoy peace and nature. Featuring unique plants from around the world. They have night entry days with special lights too.
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Berta Block
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Great indoor bouldering gym outside of downtown Berlin. A good variety of route options for all skill levels. Friendly staff.
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Magic Mountain (Climbing / Bouldering)
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Mainly indoor with a small outdoor climbing area. great for top roping but not as good if you are only looking to boulder.
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Berlin Zoological Garden
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Parks to Enjoy 

Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände
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Strandbad Orankesee
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Special Events Locations

Uber Arena
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Super large event space often used for large concerts and sporting events.
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Where to Eat & Dessert Shops

Restaurant Wiesenblick
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For a traditional German dinner, this is the place to be. We recommend enjoying the food sitting outside but they have indoor seating as well. They can accommodate larger groups as well.
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Cafe Holzmarktperle
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Cute cafe with smoothies, coffee and other vegan dessert treats. Their cakes looked delicious but we opted for smoothies when we visited. Lots of great indoor and outdoor seating.
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Duo Sicilian Ice Cream
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If you are a Gelato fan, this place won't disappoint. With a smaller selection of unique flavors, your taste buds will be dancing. I personally went for the Tiramisu flavor and it was delicious. Can get gelato in a cup or a cone.
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Heuberger
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A traditional outdoor Biergarten space that is pretty popular amongst guests and locals.
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Hi fellow travelers! Thanks for stopping by to check out this guide with over 40 places to check out in the greater Briançon region. Tucked away in the heart of the giants, the quaint city of Briançon is full of breathtaking mountain views, delicious boulangeries, and tons of outdoor adventure activities for the adrenaline addict in the family. In this destination guide, you will get a sneak peek into what it's like to live like a local in Briançon. From our favorite restaurants, to various adventure options, this guide has it all. Come along with us as we explore the area with local resident Alexandre, who I had the pleasure of spending a month with. Due to staying with a local, I did not include recommendations of where to stay. There are a variety of options from Hotels, Airbnb's, Gîtes, and camping in the surrounding area. During the high tourist season, places can book up quickly so be sure to make your accommodations in advance. --- All year round you can find activities to do in Briançon, but peek summer tourist season starts in late June, July, August, early September, and the winter tourist season begins in late December and runs until the end of March. Some activities listed in this guide are seasonal and are not open year round. Always check before booking a trip. Things to note: Briançon is located part in the valley but is full of hills and steep climbs. This is a very walkable city designed for the outdoor enthusiast, nature lover and sports participant. This is a live guide and will update as information changes in real time.
Backpacker • Car-free • Groups • Female Solo • Family • Digital Nomads • Couples • Adventure • Mountain • Slow Travel • Nature • Budget • Outdoors • Road Trip • History • Foodie • Photography
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Michigan, U.S.A. Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer in Zablajk, Montenegro ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
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