4 Days In Berlin, Germany

With its late-night club culture, stunning architecture (both historic and modern), thriving art scene, and vibrant people; I found Germany’s capital city had a lot to offer. Berlin was a place that I had often overlooked. But it is truly a city that is steeped with history, culture, and pride. Now after visiting, I can happily say I’d like to return again and again.

Itinerary

Sunday

1 PM: Arrival

I arrived in Berlin via train in the early afternoon, just in time to be the first solo traveler to check in at the Mitte location of St Christopher’s Inn. This hostel shines in almost all aspects. The location is incredibly accessible, the hostel bar has some pretty decent eats, and I’ll never complain about under-the-bunk locker storage or privacy curtains. Out of all of the St Christopher’s locations I’ve stayed in, this was by far one of the nicest.

3 PM: Stroll the Mauerpark Flea Market

When Berlin was divided, the site of Mauerpark served as the border strip of the Berlin Wall. Five years after the wall fell and Berlin was reunified, the area was turned into a public park that is now a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike. And it just so happened that I picked the perfect day to visit. Every Sunday, from 10-6, the Mauerpark Flea Market hosts private vendors selling everything from second-hand clothes and hand-crafted journals to bicycles and large furniture. There is international food and drink, and once you’ve satisfied all of your shopping desires, there is afternoon karaoke in the amphitheater.

7 PM: Burgers, Belushi’s, Berliner Luft

As a solo traveler, I’ve gotten comfortable with eating alone. However, at a hostel bar, it never really ends up that way. Someone will always introduce themselves or offer to buy you a drink. In fact, I never book a hostel that doesn’t have a bar. This trip was no different. There is a Belushi’s bar at every St Christopher’s hostel, open to both travelers and locals. So, after downing a slightly overdone burger, I quickly found myself with a group of both. This was when the locals introduced us to Berliner Luft, the cult classic beverage of the Berlin party scene. The sticky sweet peppermint liqueur is advertised as ‘clear and fresh, just like the Berlin air’. I may have overindulged BUT I would still say that Berliner Luft is a must-try.

Victory Column

Monday

11 AM: Morning Rally

Thank the universe for privacy curtains. Late start sponsored by Berliner Luft.

12 PM: Brandenburg Gate

A twenty-minute walk from the hostel is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate. As the city’s only surviving historical gate, the site symbolizes a reunified Germany. Make sure to note the statue on top of the gate, which was once stolen by Napoleon in 1806 and then returned to the city after his forced abdication.

12:30 PM: Pay respects at the Holocaust Memorial

Officially named The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site serves as the central Holocaust memorial in Germany. Across 19,000 square meters, 2711 steles sit at various heights. Beneath the memorial is a place of information that provides an exhibition documenting the persecution and extermination of the European Jews. While the memorial is an important site both historically and artistically, it is important to remember to act respectfully whilst there.

2 PM: Afternoon walk through Tiergarten

Once a large game park for the Great Elector Friedrich Wilhelm, Berlin’s now largest inner-city park has experienced several changes throughout the years. After WWII, the city has focused on restoring as much beauty to the park as possible. The park covers nearly 591 acres, is surrounded by several landmarks, and even has a beer garden. It’s the perfect place for an aimless afternoon.

Nearby landmarks include Potsdamer Platz, the Government quarter, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Parliament building, the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Haus der Kulturen der Welt – arts venue and cultural center, and the Zoological Garden.

3 PM: Victory Column

If you are looking for a cheap panoramic view, the Victory Column is the perfect spot. Located in Tiergarten Park, the landmark was designed to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the Second Schleswig War. Originally, it was three columns topped with a bronze statue but between 1938-1939, a fourth column was added making the column 219 feet high. The viewing platform sits at about 167 feet and is only accessible by a staircase, so make sure to bring your walking shoes!

East Side Gallery

Tuesday

12 PM: Marvel at the East Side Gallery

Berlin is home to the largest open-air art gallery in the world, the East Side Gallery. Immediately after the wall came down, a section of it along the river Spree was converted into an art gallery. It has been painted by 118 artists from 21 countries and is regularly maintained in order to preserve it. At almost a mile long, I recommend dedicating at least an hour to visiting this historical site.

1:30 PM: McDonald’s

There is something about trying McDonald’s in a new place. I rarely leave a place without doing so. So this is my official plea to add curry dipping sauce to the American McDonald’s menu.

2 PM: Take in the view at the Berlin TV Tower

Now this is a panoramic view that’s worth paying for but not for those with a fear of heights. At 656 feet in the air, the viewing platform at the Berlin Television Tower offers views like none other. With views of the parliament building and the Olympic Stadium and a revolving restaurant inside, this is a stop you may not want to miss. However, it is incredibly touristy so book your tickets in advance online.

4 PM: Berlin Cathedral

Nearby the TV Tower is the magnificent Berlin Cathedral. The church’s massive dome is an iconic image of Berlin’s cityscape and while the exterior is a sight within itself, the interior is worth the trip alone. With a mix of detailed sculptures, gold mosaics, and white marble, the church is well worth seeing. Note: the crypt is currently closed and is set to reopen in the spring of 2025.

Wednesday

11 AM: Spend the day at the iconic Berlin Zoo

This has been and always be, to me, the most iconic zoo in the world; therefore I dedicated a whole day to exploring it. Founded in 1844, the Berlin Zoo is the oldest in Germany. With over 20,000 animals and 1,200 species, it is also home to the largest number of species in the world. To be honest, it was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Additionally, the zoo has 31 partner projects that support species conservation worldwide. So whether you have time to visit or not, consider donating to their efforts!