However, when visiting a new city, you’re likely to stick to the tourist paths and visit the popular landmarks. What if, however, you do want to experience another part of Berlin? Alternative tourism is a new way of taking in the city that presents you with its vibrant subcultures, hidden gems and local experiences, and allows you to find them. In this blog post, I want to explore why alternative tourism is actually the way to go if you really want to experience Berlin.

1. Take advantage of Berlin’s Street Art Scene

Berlin’s vibrant street arts scene is one of the most well known in the world, and alternative tourism is the perfect way to see this artistic culture for yourself. Instead of traditional museums, there’s a number of murals and graffiti along the streets of Picasso’s Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighborhoods. For any art lover it’s also a must see – the East Side Gallery is a wall painted with beautiful street art covering a stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Tips:

If you don’t know the story and history of the artworks around you, consider joining a street art tour where you’ll do just that.

Do not vandalise or profane the art.

2. Start exploring Berlin’s Alternative Music Scene

In Berlin, there’s always music on these days, ranging from underground techno clubs to punk rock gigs. Alternative tourism gives you a chance to see another part of the city and find out the lesser known music venues and hear the local talent. And if you’re looking for good places to dance the night away to electronic beats or headbang to live music, check out SO36 in Kreuzberg or Kater Blau in Friedrichshain.

Tips:

There should be upcoming gigs and events, research the local music listings or ask locals what to listen to.

Think about what other types of music and styles you’re willing to be open to, that you might not be so familiar with at the moment.

3. Discover Berlin’s Intriguing History Afar From the Big Tourist Sites

Leading landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall are each a must-see, but alternative tourism opens a window into Berlin’s rich history. Go to Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg or Wedding to look at historical sites, abandoned buildings and the remains of the city’s past. The Berlin Cold War history is all on display within the Teufelsberg, a former NSA listening station.

Tips:

Whilst you may wish to take a historical tour through the city or download a mobile app that gives you the historical information about particular areas it is possible you will just end up overwhelmed and not know what to do or where to start.

When exploring abandoned buildings the rules are not the same as you would apply for normal, residential buildings and you should respect any restricted areas.

4. Discover Berlin’s Unique Culinary Spot

And Berlin’s food scene is beyond traditional German cuisine. With alternative tourism, you can explore the depths of an entire city featuring diverse gastronomic contents. Regardless whether you are in looking for food markets and street food stalls, vegan cafes or multicultural eateries, Berlin is a food lovers paradise. Don’t let the crowded Markthalle Neun pass you by, as here you can try local gastronomy and international fare.

Tips:

Make use of research on food blogs, and local recommendations to find hidden culinary gems.

Try dishes of different cultures and cuisines, be adventurous and try them.

5. Support Local Business and Communities

An alternative to mass tourism, alternative tourism allows you to support local businesses and communities in your travel. You can choose alternative activities, accommodations, and dining options to support the local economy as well as encourage sustainable tourism practices. In addition, it facilitates you to get to know the locals better, how they live and discover the Berlin culture.

Tips:

Support local businesses by finding accommodations in local neighborhoods like guesthouses or bed and breakfast.

Support local and sustainable sourcing at independent restaurants and cafes.

Conclusion

The alternative ways of exploring Berlin through tourism, grants for a great and immersive experience that differs from the common tourist attractions. Living Amsterdam is simple: accept it as what it is and take the dive into local street art, music, history, cuisine and support local businesses. Well, here’s an alternative city visit to break away from the ordinary and see!