🇩🇪 Berlin through the eyes of locals: top 10 secret places

Berlin is the German capital, which is called one of the most party centers in Europe. A city that is great to visit at any time of the year, because whether in winter or summer, there is enough entertainment and places to visit under any circumstances. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, historical memorial complexes – the sights are too obvious and a must-see. Pilgrimos decided to ask Berliners themselves where they like to spend time in the city.

The center of Berlin is very rich in attractions. Let's imagine that you know that you can visit the Bundestag for free and climb the dome (you must reserve a place in advance). You have already walked a little and examined the Brandenburg Gate and along the way you looked into the green heart of the city and the largest park in the capital – Tiergarten. It contains a lot of monuments and various installations. Tourist plan – done! Now we hit the road following the recommendations of the locals.

Firstly, no one walks on an empty stomach. Did you know that döner kebab was invented in Germany? No? Great, then we’ll give them a snack! In the process of preparing the material, three unrelated people included the famous oriental fast food in their top list. Mustafa's Gemuese Kebab and Rueyam Gemuese Kebab were included in the top must eat. The locations of this network are also located in the center. Finding them won't be difficult.

Tatyana, lives in Berlin for two years

— One of my favorite places in Berlin is the site of the old airport – Tempelhofer Feld. At some time it became too small for the needs of the city, so they decided to close it. But, given that this frontal place is in the center, the territory was adapted. For example , the building itself is often used as an exhibition hall. And entry to the runway and the field itself is free.

This summer I often came there with my friends to relax. And we saw orchestra rehearsals, tent circuses, people grilling, just relaxing on blankets – this is a very unusual place in the heart of Berlin. Here you can slow down and relax. If you have ever heard the expression “Berlin vibe of freedom”, then in this place you can feel it 100%. 

Let's move to Museum Island – a complex of museums in the historical center. Here is the densest presence of art and historical objects per square meter. Even if you don’t plan to see the exhibitions, it’s worth at least just taking a walk in this area. The first Sunday of the month – museums can be visited for free. Large, wide streets in contrast to the western part of the city, a pleasant park, Berliner Dom – the largest Protestant church in the country. The case when the eyes are simply pleased to look around.

To see a beautiful perspective of the city, I advise you to go up to the Humboldt Forum terrace instead of the TV tower (it’s expensive and without a wow effect). Entrance for students is €1.5, for others – €3.

A must see for tourists in Berlin is the wall, the bricks of which remain only a reminder of those events. Residents of the city know what is hidden behind it – a treasure in the form of the Spree River. This is just the perfect place to grab food and drinks and sit and chat with friends. This is the same picture from a movie or carefree moments in life.

Another big love of mine is Mauerpark. I like to come there when I feel nostalgic for my homeland. It seems that the trees are the same everywhere, but in this place there is something especially familiar and close. On weekends, the park hosts a large flea market where you can find many interesting and vintage items. There is a large graffiti wall near the football stadium where anyone can draw whatever they want. The place is so popular that in the morning there can be one drawing, and by the evening there is another. The park is located in the eastern part of the city, where trams operate. Fun fact about Berlin – there are no trams in the western part of the city.

Thanks to Rome Tanya for the virtual tour of her favorite places and we go for a walk with Alexandra. Before a long hike around Berlin, we suggest having a bite of the most German fast food – currywurst with fries. Iconic sausage snack! Let's go to an establishment that has been operating since 1980 – Curry 36 on Mehringdamm. Tasty, Berlin-style and easy on the wallet.

Alexandra, lives in Berlin for 10 years

— I really like Gendarmenmarkt in the city. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful square in Berlin. There are two symmetrical cathedrals (German and French), which are a real decoration of the place. It’s especially great to walk in this place on New Year’s or Christmas, when everything is decorated for the holidays.

When walking in the center, I like to go to the Xaksky Dvors area – this is one of the busiest places in the capital and the center of nightlife. Real estate prices in this area are perhaps the most expensive in the city, and maybe even the most. The peculiarity of the place is in the arrangement of the houses, which form eight closed courtyards. There is everything for a comfortable stay.

In the area itself there are many cafes, restaurants, shops, offices, as well as the large Hackescher Markt market square. There are no large shopping centers, but there are many designer shops, as well as various outrageous boutiques. True, their prices correspond to the location.

On Sundays in Berlin, flea fairs are held in different parts of the city. My favorite is the market at Boxhagener Platz – a real mecca for lovers of history and atmospheric things. Grab a coffee and go look at vintage items early in the morning – it’s so meditative in Berlin.

A separate type of pleasure for me in my free time is walking by the water. This can be like a boat ride on the Spree River, on which Berlin stands (believe me, the city opens up completely differently from the water), or a walk around the largest lakes in the capital – Wannsee, Mügelsee. A ferry ticket costs the same as a ticket for public transport.

Still, autumn is making itself felt outside, so the walk around the German capital has come to an end. We hope you enjoyed your city tour!

Write in the comments, have you been to Berlin? Which place did you like most and where x hotels would you like to visit?