Travel: Beautiful Berlin

Last week we took ourselves off to Berlin for a few days to see a friend and do some sightseeing. I cannot implore you enough to go visit this city, it is incredibly rich in history, the people are cool and considerate, there are so many good places to eat and drink and so many interesting things to see and do. If you've never been book a flight immediately! 

Here is a round up of my top 10 things to do while in Berlin.

Walking Tour 

This free walking tour lasts about 2 hours, takes you to the key places in Berlin and is vastly superior to the open bus tour. The guides work on a tip basis so you only pay what you think you think is fair. Our tour guide Theo was brilliant, filling our minds with so much interesting information as we wandered to key sites including The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, and to stand above Adolf Hitler's bunker where he committed suicide. This is a must-do when visiting Berlin.

Berlin Wall Memorial

While it's worth going to visit Checkpoint Charlie and the remains of the Berlin Wall nearby, we headed to another section of the wall in the north of the city where we could meander with less people around. The site contains listening towers and interesting personal accounts from families.

Tempelhofer Park

This airport with a fascinating history ceased to operate in 2008 and has now been turned into a park where you can run, skate, cycle and just hang out. It's a vast space and interesting to see, so hire some bikes and go and investigate!

Reichstag

Sadly we only walked past the Reichstag, Germany's Parliament building, and didn't get to go into the glass dome roof to take the tour, see Berlin from up high and spy on the German Parliament in session. You have to pre-book to do the free tours and all the spaces were taken, so next time we visit I will be signing up as soon as I've booked the flights.

Tiergarten

In the centre of Berlin you will find the picture perfect Tiergarten, perfect for a stroll or a cycle. If the weather is good take a picnic.

East Side Gallery

Take a wander along a 1.3km stretch of the Berlin Wall which has been covered with 105 images from artists all over the world. It's such a shame that most of the artwork has been damaged by sharpie wielding idiots who think it's their prerogative to tag or write their names. Thankfully the original images are in the process of being restored.

Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe

This is by far my favourite place in Berlin and arguably the most stunning and poignant memorial I have ever set eyes on. I first visited it on a work trip to Berlin about 7 years ago and I've wanted to go back ever since. The huge concrete blocks of varying heights are spread over a vast area and the floor undulates, so one moment you can see over the blocks and the next the blocks tower over you. Underneath the memorial is a fascinating and emotional museum detailing the incomprehensible  treatment of the Jewish people in Europe during the Second World War.

Oderberger Strasse
A wide long pretty tree-lined street filled with vintage stores, bars and restaurants. Good for brunch and evening drinks.

Shiso Burger
I wish there was a Shiso Burger restaurant near my home in London. A simple menu of around 10 different burgers, two of which were vegetarian (yay I had a choice!), with crunchy yummy sweet potato fries or normal fries, and other delicious trimmings. If you like burgers you'll love Shiso's offerings.

Mauerpark Sunday Market
While we didn't do any shopping in Berlin we did visit the Mauerpark market which happens each Sunday. It was full to the brim with vintage clothing, incredible furniture, trinkets and home wares at incredible prices. It's one of the best flea markets I've ever been to, so if you like to rummage for bargains I wholeheartedly recommend you go.

Thanks for a great time Berlin, we'll be back soon!