Why You Should Add Berlin, Germany To Your Bucket List

by the Passionate Traveller 

Berlin has often intrigued me. The very name conjures up all kinds of images – mostly around those incredible scenes we all witnessed on the news in 1989. But what is the Berlin that came from that momentous night? For some reason, I had never made the leap and actually been there, until recently.

Experiencing Germany 

Last year I took my first trip to the German capital on a warm August weekend. On arriving into the city I was immediately treated to a vast array of architectural styles. I wouldn’t claim to be any kind of architecture aficionado but seeing the magnificent modern dome of the Reichstag contrasting with the intricate Baroque detailing of the building itself had me gazing in awe for a good while. The Reichstag acts as a handy metaphor for Berlin as a whole – it’s about embracing differences and using them to complement one another – modern & old, east & west, urban & green.

As I ventured around the city on foot there seemed to be more treats for my camera at every turn – whether it was the sun setting through the Brandenburg Gate, the picturesque German riverside setting of the Bode Museum or the acres of green space that is the Tiergarten. However, the sight that will stay with me the longest is now known as the East Side Gallery. A one-mile section of the Berlin Wall which has been left as a reminder of the past. However, it has become something beautiful as artists from all over the world have turned it into a work of art with messages of hope and explosions of colour. A perfect way of turning something so negative into something so positive.

What To Eat In Berlin 

Away from the buildings, the other thing that really stood out for me was the food. A real melting pot of influences makes the cuisine of Berlin a non-stop treat for the taste buds. There are delicacies for every budget, but for me, it was the good old fashioned street food, favoured by everyday Berliners, that captured my imagination the most. In fact, Berliners gave their name to a humble doughnut filled with sweet tangy jam which is a must for any visitor to the city. 

For the more savoury minded there is the classic Currywurst – a sliced hot dog sausage covered in a delicious paprika flavoured sauce and served with a bread roll. It could scarcely be simpler but it was one of the tastiest snacks I have had in a long while – all for just €4*! Legend has it that the Döner Kebab was invented in Berlin. You would be well within your rights to not give them a second thought bearing in mind how they are in the UK, but a visit to Mustafa’s may well change your mind… utterly delicious!

If this has inspired you to consider Berlin your next holiday destination, our collection of holidays to Germany will have what you are looking for. We also have departures exclusive to solo travellers. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

*Please note that prices may vary. Correct at time of publishing.