🎂 Birthday in Berlin: the perfect itinerary for 24 hours
I could start this text like this: once the two authors of Piligrimos met in Berlin to celebrate a birthday. Now you can’t talk about this so casually, but in 2018 there were no problems with logistics and visas. Therefore, I easily came to the capital of Germany, and the birthday girl Diana flew there from Tallinn.
Offtopic, it’s already becoming a tradition for us to celebrate her anniversaries somewhere while traveling. We celebrated Dianina's 25th in Estonia, I came to visit her, and then we went by ship to Helsinki.
But let's go back 5 years. It was the end of January, beginning of February. My friend and I have always lived in different countries and for several years in a row we agreed to meet somewhere “in neutral,” especially on someone’s holiday. Finally, the stars aligned, we coordinated our work schedules, bought tickets and went to Germany.
Even though it was winter then, the weather was kind to us. I only remember our comfortable walks. So don’t believe the stereotypes that in winter you either go skiing or go to warmer climes.
Transport
I bought tickets for the Ecolines bus about a week before the trip. I knew that tickets would definitely be on sale, and the price would not change, so I was in no hurry. I had a transfer in Vilnius and 5 hours left to walk. Diana booked a round trip flight from Tallinn at least a month in advance.
In Berlin, you only had to walk or take buses and trains, for example, to get to neighboring Potsdam.
Housing
We also constantly passed by another Radisson Blu hotel and managed to see the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium inside. Unfortunately, it collapsed last year.
Entertainment
Currywurst
This was not the first trip to Berlin for both Diana and me. But if she had already tried the almost national dish currywurst, then I had not yet. To be honest, I didn’t even have the desire to. I don't really like curry and fatty sausage. But I convinced myself and now my opinion is exactly the opposite – I advise everyone to try the iconic German snack. It can be bought at any food truck or restaurant. The only difference is the price tag.
Shopping at a second-hand store
Berlin parks
A separate type of art. All the parks in Berlin that I visited were very stylish and well-groomed. There are benches, drinking fountains, places where you can have a snack and buy souvenirs everywhere. You can wander around the Tiergarten central park alone for hours. And you won't get tired of it.
Electonic music
Berlin is famous for its electronic music, street performers, themed stand-ups, and developed creative industry. If you lack inspiration, then Berlin will quickly cope with this problem. You should definitely listen to electronic music, says a person who, on that visit in 2018, never went to a single nightclub with his girlfriend. The fact is that Diana celebrated her 20th birthday, and only those over 21 were allowed into clubs. Pam Pam. But believe me, it didn’t spoil our mood then. We still danced to the electronic music that sounded day and night from all the city's party spots, food trucks, parks and restaurants.
Beer
What trip to Germany would be complete without German beer? Even if people over 21 are allowed into clubs (data from 2018), alcohol will be served from 18 onwards. I don’t really like beer, but I had to try German craft beer, especially since the birthday girl insisted, and I’m certainly not a joy killer.
We chose an unusual place, decorated in the spirit of the Labor chemical laboratory. We were also pleased with the serving of beer; they brought us drinks in flasks and test tubes. And the assortment was huge: I still remember that they ordered coffee beer and mango-flavored one, and then gave up because for me my choice turned out to be too strong and tart, while Diana’s was too sweet. Unfortunately, I found out that the establishment was closed. But the choice of bars and pubs in Berlin is still huge, with dozens of themed places to suit every taste.
Madame Tussauds museum
If you suddenly think that famous wax copies are only available in London, then no. The museum has many branches in major cities around the world, with eight in Europe alone. But each museum is unique, reflecting the culture and heritage of its city and country. For the sake of objectivity, I will say that near the ticket office there was a Lady Gaga who didn’t look exactly like herself, but inside the museum the copies were quite plausible.
In the Berlin branch you can see many famous personalities of German history: Marx, Freud, Merkel, Pope Benedict XVI, Heidi Klum. You can photograph everyone except Hitler. Somewhere there are even props for shooting and separate photo zones.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall, dividing Germany into East (GDR) and West (FRG), although it fell more than 30 years ago, left many traces in the city. Fragments of the concrete barrier still exist in different parts of Berlin, and part of the wall still divides the capital. The most popular place among tourists is the multi-meter graffiti on the wall, or rather its partial copy.
East Side Gallery, built on the site of the Berlin Wall in the eastern part of the city, is the world's longest open-air gallery. Be sure to take a walk there. I see crowds of tourists at the most famous “painting” on the wall: “Lord! Help me survive among this mortal love!” Dmitry Vrubel with the kiss of Brezhnev and Honecker.
By the way, if this list in the German capital is not enough for you, then take a look at this text. Here local residents shared their recommendations for the top locations.
From Berlin to Potsdam it takes half an hour by train. If you have a few days in the capital or this is not your first time there, then you can safely stop by the neighboring city. Of course, Potsdam deserves a separate review, but I can tell you briefly.
Potsdam is the former residence of the Prussian kings and the capital of the federal state of Brandenburg. But essentially, this is a suburb of Berlin. The entire cultural urban landscape is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Even if you only have time to see the palace and park of Sans Souci, you can already consider that you have seen the city – this is the main attraction. In general, one day is enough for a trip there. But we also went not to explore museums and galleries, but to celebrate a birthday in an interesting way. We walked a lot, talked and took pictures. Potsdam is one big postcard, just have time to pose.
A travel birthday is always a great idea. At a minimum, because neither you nor your guests will ever forget this particular holiday. Of course, I’m leaving out all our crazy dances and songs on the street, hugs, new acquaintances, attempts to manage to work in any free minute, photos in hotel robes and masks.
Each of your trips, even to the same city, is unique. But now you know for sure that Berlin is the ideal place to celebrate a birthday with friends. So more happy holidays and trips to you!