Travel Diary| What to do in 3 Days in Berlin

For my first trip of 2019, I was lucky enough to go to Berlin. Even though it it only a 1 hour plane ride from Amsterdam I never gave it much thought to give it a visit, but now that I have, I can't wait to return. As the capital of Germany, the city has so much to offer that it's the perfect destination for a quick getaway or a fun city escape. Immersed in history, culture, art and beauty, being in Berlin felt like being in a painting. There was so much to learn, see, do and eat, the city as a whole is like in one big interactive museum.

Featuring photo's from my analogue camera, as well as some iPhone photography, come back in time with me and get inspired by what to do in 3 days in Berlin.

Day 1: Settling in & Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Film photo of Berlin streets

Landing in Berlin in the late afternoon, we had to make our way from the airport to Alexanderplatz. Arriving in the heart of the city, the first thing we noticed, whether we wanted to or not, was the Berliner Fernsehturm towering over us. Giving a dystopian vibe to the city, the Fernsehturm serves as a television tower where you can see Berlin from above or enjoy a meal at the sphere restaurant.

Film photo of the Berliner Fernsehturm 

Making our way to St Christopher's which was our hostel for the trip, we had lunch in the bar which was filled with other travellers which was great for socialising. We then had a well deserved nap after only having slept 4 hours the night before. 

To end the night, we dined at Hofbräu Munchen Berlin, a Bavarian style restaurant with long table and benches like in bier gardens. Being served by waiters in traditional dirndl outfits and enjoying live German music, beer and mash potatoes, sausage and sauerkraut, this restaurant was great to eat at. If you want to experience an October fest feel or a stereotypical German experience, then Hofbrau Berlin is definitely the place to go.

The Fernsehturm at night

Day 2: Walking tour around Berlin & visiting the Reichstag Dome 

Day two was all about exploring all that Berlin had to offer. Waking up in the late morning and making our way to the famous Brandenburg gate for a free 3 hour walking tour. As a group and with a guide, who was charismatic and kept the energy levels high, we wandered around the city hearing stories and obtaining information about the places, memorials, and landmarks of what makes Berlin what it is today. Throughout the tour, we got to see the Jewish memorial, pass by Checkpoint Charlie, "cross" what used to be the Berlin wall, and so much more. Exploring Berlin by foot, in a fun group all while learning about history is an amazing way to experience the city and grasp it all.

Hotel Adlon is one of the most famous hotels in Berlin, as this is where Micheal Jackson dangled his baby from the balcony back in the day + where Obama stayed when he was visting.

Memorial of the Murdered jews of Europe

Buildings in Gendarmenmarkt 

Berlin wall crossing

Bradenburg gate at night

In between the walking tour, we took a break at a local cafe to eat, and of course, when in Berlin, you have to have curry worst. Packed with favours and spices, and accompanied with bread, I see why it is a German fave. 

In the evening, we continued our sightseeing of Berlin by visiting the Reichstag dome, aka the dome on top of the Parliament. A part form gaining even more knowledge about the history of Germany, we also got to see Berlin from above a night, as well as stargaze from the hole on top of the dome. This place is also definitely a pit stop to while in Berlin. 

All in all, this day was filled with so much interactive and fun learning. As someone who studied European history in high school and specifically the 2 world wars, the rise of the third reich and it's aftermath, being able to actually see and be in a place I had learnt so much of before was so interesting. It really helped to contextualise my knowledge, and I think it's super important and an amazing thing to do, wether you have or have not studied European history.

Day 3: Alternative scene walking tour & Berlin wall

Day three was all about Germany's alternative scene. After having pretzel bagels for breakfast, we joined another free walking tour, with a bright orange haired hipster looking guide, who represented the alternative scene very well. Starting in Mitte and taking the metro, we looked at the different street art, through out the city, got informed about the history of squatting and the growing of gentrification in the west as well as saw art and alternative scenes.

During this alternative tour we got to see both the east and west side of Germany and it was interesting to see how the two sides differ. While east Germany has more history, the west has more of an urban feel. Being in the west I saw more multiculturalism ranging from restaurants to people, which is what I am more used to seeing. One interesting thing is also the pedestrian stop lights! While in west Berlin the stop lights are like regular stop lights that are seen all over Europe, in the east, the stoplights consists of a figure known as the Ampelmannchen, which is a man with a hat. They even have a whole store dedicated to him. How cute!

In the afternoon, we of course had to visit the super famous east side wall which features the art pieces that everyone knows today. It was beautiful to see how something, that was once so oppressive and limiting was turned into symbolic and peaceful art. 

Day two. was a relaxed chilled back experience of Berlin and after a night of exploring the German night life. This is where our journey ended as I returned back home.

...

Berlin is a beautiful historical city that is definitely worth a visit. Wether it be experiencing a German way of life like we did in day 1, learning about the history and culture of Berlin in an entertaining and interactive way like in day 2, or discovering the (street) art and alternative culture like in day 3, this city has everything for everyone. There’s an abundance of things to do, great food to eat and cool people to meet!

All in all for a 3 day trip including flight, accommodation, food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as activities, being in Berlin cost me less than 250 Euros! This budget friendly culture trip is definitely one to go on if you have contracted the travel bug, need an escape from reality or are just in need of a quick city trip. I highly recommend it!

What other European city is worth a visit? let me know in the comments below!

xo, 

Anaelle