Bitchin Berlin - Top 12 Things to Do and See in this Culture Hub

Berlin is one of those cities that is on trend no matter what time of the year you visit. Whether you are a culture vulture, chasing culinary highs or if techno raves are more your scene, Berlin's diverse cultural landscape and dark history make planning your city escape all the more daunting. There really is something for everyone and if your time is limited (which assuming it is) use this guide to get you started on planning your itinerary. My advice - don't go totally unprepared, whilst winging it may be your usual travel style, some of the top attractions require tickets to be booked well in advance so make sure you do a little bit of planning to make the most of your Berlin break!

(In no particular order)

1. Visit The Reichstag (German Parliament)

This spectacular Dome-Shaped architectural feature is symbol of a new era in German Politics. I spent a couple of hours trying to get to speed via the audio tour but could have spent all day here. The building offers spectacular views of the city if the architecture and the vast history isn't enough to keep you captivated. Make sure to book tickets in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.

District: Mitte

2. Grab a Cocktail with a view at Monkey Bar

Such a vibrant, fun bar overlooking the Berlin Zoo (hence the name) this is a great venue for a cocktail, morning, noon or night. By sunset this is probably one of the more popular Berlin bars for tourists and locals alike so be wary of the queues.

District: Budapester

3. Berghain

The Berghain has been hailed by many as "The best club in the world" and lives up to expectations! Housed in a former power station, the club (and the bouncers) can be incredibly intimidating. Approach with caution, keep an open mind if you do make it through the doors (that is if you survive the queue) and stay sober enough to make it passed the doormen (or guardians of this Techno Temple!) Large groups of Stag or Hen parties are not typically welcome and there is a random select door policy - if you are cool (but not too much of a try-hard) you are in.

District: Friedrichshain

4. Topographie des Terrors

Headquarters of the Secret State Police during the Nazi Reign of Terror between 1933 - 1945, be prepared for a reality check and a swift change of mood once you enter this museum. The exhibitions detail the history of repression under the Nazis where many political prisoners were tortured and executed. A fascinating history but the topographie des terrors brings it to life. I had goosebumps the entire time. Bring tissues - be prepared for tears and emotions. This s*** is real people.

District: Niederkirchnerstraße

5. Have Brunch in the House of Small Wonder

This Brooklyn Hotspot opened in Berlin in 2014, with a very simple brunch offering, but mouth watering selections. Heads up - they offer a bottomless set menu (try the lemonade punch!) for 32Euro pp. The setting is minimalist, jungle-esk (a lot of plants) a great little oasis in the busy Mitte neighborhood and the coffee isn't too bad either! You cannot make reservations for brunch so be prepared to queue. Word on the street, they are now taking dinner reservations too.

District: Mitte

House of Small Wonder, Berlin

6. Ottorink Weinbar - For a Cosy Wine Guzzling Experience

I stumbled across this little gem on a very cold and wet January evening and was delighted with myself. Exactly what the doctor ordered - German (and worldly wines) on tap plus a selection of cheeses. Note to Londoners / Parisians or those with generally a low tolerance for waiting - the service here is slow but that is the relaxed vibe and energy of the establishment. My advice, sit back, relax and order by the bottle!

District: Kreuzberg

7. Sink some Steins at BRLO Brewhouse

This Microbrewery, and home of the Berlin Craft Beer Movement is very impressive, if not least for its huge beer garden (in summer months). A craft Beer Playground, constructed from up-cycled shipping containers, this is a hotspot for beerculture attracting locals and tourists. I would highly recommend booking one of the tours in advance - and include a food pairing as their food offering is a culinary delight (and great for the gram!) Prost to that.

District: Gleisdreieck

8. Remember the deceased at the Holocostal Memorial

With no explanation required, this memorial erected in memory of all the murdered Jews across Europe was designed by acclaimed architect Peter Eisenman. Take your time to walk through the concrete slabs and gather your thoughts. The full scale of the tragedy that was the Holocaust is hard to fully comprehend but this memorial site does well to depict the isolation and loneliness of the final days and hours of the deceased.

District: Mitte

9. Grab a Kebab to go at Adana Grillhaus

Not your average Kebab House, this Turkish Family run Kitchen is an eclectic mix of Turkish traditional dishes with a 'Kreuzberg Flair'. The bread - the mixed grill - the meatballs. Ticking all the boxes for locals and tourists in the know, Adana is a no frills, relaxed atmosphere, great place to grab a bite with friends.

District: Kreuzberg

10. Shop the traditional Berlin Markets

Mauerpark Flea Market on every Sunday is one of my faves. This market offers everything from vintage clothing to arts and crafts and street food and from 3pm on a Sunday afternoon there are karaoke sessions that take place at the amphitheater. These sessions alone draw in the curious crowds who are a good mixture of hip Berliners and tourists.

District: Prenzlauer Berg

11. Eat Like a Local at Das Lokal

This little restaurant offering up German staple dishes sourced from fresh, local ingredients is a real hit in the neighborhood. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

District: Mitte

12. Take a trip down memory lane at Checkpoint Charlie.

No trip to Berlin is complete without a visit to this sight of huge historical and emotional resonance. It is today an iconic marker of territorial boundary and political division - where you can see some of the last remains of the Berlin Wall. Take a stroll around the Checkpoint Charlie Museum in the immediate vicinity. The Stories are captivating and heartbreaking.

District: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

#Berlin #Germany #citybreak #eurotrip #eurotravel #seetheworld #exploremore #travelblog #traveleurope #destinationeurope #mountaingirl #travelinspo #bestofberlin #berlinwall #checkpointcharlie #houseofsmallwonders #brlo #mitte