Berlin offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from leisurely walks along its historic canals to culinary adventures in repurposed spaces and moments of quiet reflection at its significant memorials.
The Landwehrkanal, a 10.7km waterway, provides a scenic route through the city, traversing areas that were once East Berlin and now extend into the more affluent western districts. Particularly in good weather, the pedestrianized Admiralbrücke becomes a lively gathering spot in the evenings, with locals and visitors enjoying drinks and food.
Culinary exploration in Berlin ranges from the unique to the stylish. Burgermeister, situated in a converted public toilet near Schlesisches Tor, offers takeaway burgers. For a sit-down experience, the Michelberger Hotel presents stylish dining with main courses averaging around £20. More budget-friendly options include halloumi and falafel sandwiches from the Sudanese café Marafina for approximately £4.
Memorials and Green Spaces
Beyond its vibrant street life, Berlin holds significant historical and cultural sites. The Neue Wache, located on the grand boulevard Unter den Linden, serves as Germany's memorial for the victims of war and tyranny. Its centerpiece is Käthe Kollwitz's bronze sculpture of a mother and her dead son, displayed within a former 19th-century guardhouse.
Berlin is also renowned for its numerous lakes, with nearly 100 available for swimming. Grunewald offers access to Teufelssee via a short forest walk, while Schlactensee is more easily reached by underground and provides ample shade along its 5.3km length. Visitors are advised that while many locals swim nude, swimwear is also acceptable.
Treptower Park, Berlin's second-largest park, is a significant green oasis. Within its grounds lies the Karpfenteich lake and the imposing Soviet War Memorial, erected in 1949 to honor Red Army soldiers. The memorial, which occupies 50,000 square meters and features a 12-meter statue, has been a site of controversy, including graffiti following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Art and History Intertwined
Art enthusiasts can visit The Boros Collection, housed in a former Nazi bunker that later served as a Soviet prison and a nightclub before becoming an art gallery in 2008. The gallery exhibits works by artists such as Ai Wei Wei. Above ground, Villa Liebermann, the former summer home of impressionist painter Max Liebermann, showcases his oil paintings and surrounding gardens.