You will definitely arrive at Berlin with previous information about places like the Brandenburg Gate or even East and West Berlin divided by Berlin Wall or Museum Island. However, if you want to try something more nontraditional, there is nothing better than choosing from a list of Berlin’s alternative sights, which can introduce the guest to the city’s bohemian spirit. Here we decided to provide a list of the best things to do in Berlin in order to make your trip exceptional!
1. Find Berlin Street Art
Berlin has rich tradition of various types of street art, so, the fans of the same will be excited to explore the street art of Berlin. Visit the Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain districts and you will stumble upon murals and graffiti art everywhere around. You shouldn’t miss going to the East Side Gallery which is a section of the Berlin Wall that has been painted and turned into an art gallery.
2. Visit Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld used to be an airport, but now it is a vast public space with excessive empty land for various uses. Visit this one of a kind green space by cycling or simply go for a jog. You can also engage yourselves in many activities including kiteboarding, rollerblading or just going for a picnic and enjoying the scenery. Away from the busy city life, it’s the right place to be.
3. Get to know the Up and Coming Area of Neukölln
Neukölln is a kind of district that is liberal as much as Berlin is liberal. Take a cup of coffee at one of the number of urban and bohemian cafés, shop at the vintage stores, and check out the non-mainstream art galleries. I still remember the weekly flea market at Nowkoelln Flowmarkt where you can always spot beautiful gems for home decor and good live music.
4. Experience Berlin’s Evening/Tongiht Live
The best-known part of Berlin’s subculture is its nightlife. This city is famous for techno clubs, sulky jazz pubs and cool beer gardens and much more can be found here. Other great clubs are located in Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain, which is integral too. The only thing you should bear in mind is whether to dress appropriately and always carry some money as some restaurants may not accept any form of credit cards.
5. Go for a Concert, or better still a Carnival.
Each year Berlin hosts a number of famous music festivals and street parties. It can be easier to cool it when visiting cultural shows such as Karneval der Kulturen or Myfest and fests like Fête de la Musique that brings out the best street entertainment. This is wonderful chance to get acquainted with the spirit of Berlin subculture communities and citizens, as well as like-minded travelers.
6. Berlin’s Alternative Markets to Visit
Berlin has numerous speciality and preferred markets which are peculiar in terms of shopping. A Sunday trip to the Mauerpark has a flea market within the park where one can find vintage clothing, used records and other old items and experience a Karaoke night. There are more markets, such as the Turkish Market on Maybachufer with great street food or RAW Gelände market inside a former industrial area filled with graffiti, food and vintage trucks.
Conclusion
As eclectic as Berlin is riveting some of the best examples of underground culture can be found in the city. It does not matter if you like art, music or basically, you want to view the city from a different angle, Berlin has it. From understanding the sterotypes of the city through exploring the street art to finding new unusual districts and being impressed by night life, the trip to Berlin can be perfect to create unforgettable memories. Well, move over the ordinary sightseeing, and discover the offbeat side of this incredible city!
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