Looking for a cosmopolitan, affordable weekend getaway in one of Europe’s most thrilling capitals? Long gone are the days of bitter Cold War Germany in a city that was once divided by a wall. Now a combination of glamour and grit, the country’s largest city is a must-see, making Berlin a wonderful destination for any upcoming euro trip.
Where to Stay
25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin
Located in former West Berlin, now Charlottenburg, this hotel directly faces the zoologischen Tiergarten and offers wonderful views of the park. It is also home to Neni Restaurant and Monkey Bar which both have roof access: AMAZING VIEWS!
Budget Friendly (average fare of CA$20 a night)
Wombat’s City Hostel Berlin: for its’ rooftop bar and St Christopher’s Inn Hostel for its’ convenient location in Mitte and bar.
To Do
From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the Museum Island or Tiergarten, Berlin has it all. If you wish to stay within budget, there’s no need to spend a dime when visiting main landmarks. Simply walk from Alexanderplatz, stop by Gendarmenmarkt, stroll down Unter den Linden which ends at Brandenburg Gate and you’re only a few feet away from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
If planning ahead isn’t your cup of tea, simply book a walking or sightseeing tour or even buy a pass that will grant you access to attractions, museums and events .
Here are other exciting attractions:
Panoramic view of Berlin at Fernsehturm
Charlottenburg Palace
Spending the day at the Zoo
River cruises and boat trips
Spending your Sunday at Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg
Visiting the Reichstag Dome
Seeing the remaining parts of the wall at East Side Gallery
Shopping
From gigantic shopping malls such as Kurfürstendamm to boutiques in Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin has made a name for itself in the fashion world.
Bikini Berlin (yes from that same hotel) is home to the first concept shopping mall. Businesses are offered 3-12 month leases allowing you to discover new and emerging brands.
Humana is a secondhand clothing retail chain with several locations in Berlin.
Mauerpark is probably the most popular flea market as it is the largest and most frequented by locals and tourists.
Food & Drink
From Döner Kebab, to cute little cafés, rooftop bars and unique places perfect for dancing until dawn (Berlin is home to iconic Berghain which has the world’s strictest door policy), each corner is a surprise when visiting Berlin. That said, here are some of our favorites places:
Betty’n Caty (Prenzlauer Berg)
Monkey Bar & NENI (Charlottenburg)
Holzmarkt (Friedrichshain) -open air market
