Berlin is Germany’s largest city and among the best destinations in the world for tourists, businesses and its lucky natives. When people visit here for the first time they’re always blown away by its delights. So to get more people to recognise just how amazing Berlin is – we’ve showcased 33 reasons that make it one of the most incredible places in the world…
The incredible Holocaust Memorial
Wandering around this memorial really gets you thinking about what happened in the past. The huge space it takes up and the way you can get lost in it gets you thinking like no other memorial.
Recent and relevant history is everywhere from the Wall, to Check Point Charlie to the Brandenburg gate
When you travel to many countries there is an abundance of history, but in Berlin it feels like it is all so recent you are walking within history.
You can drink pretty much anywhere including public transport, parks and even on the streets
The liberal licensing laws mean that if you want a beer on the way home from work on public transport or in a park in the summer that is no problem at all. You also get money for returning the bottles.
Berlin has one of the best public transport systems in the world
Everything is on time and just works. Very little need for a car with public transport that works this well.
Incredible nightclubs including the once in a lifetime experience at Berghain
Nightclubs follow a pretty standard format the world over but in Berlin you’ll be transported to another world. Crazy disused buildings, hidden rooms and fun people dancing indoors and out make this the clubbing capital of the world.
Cheap spacious apartments are everywhere
One of the cheapest cities in Europe to find rented rooms or apartments and because of their high ceilings and large buildings there is always lots of space.
The insanely liberal attitude towards all things sex
Sex is just a way of life here and not something that is hidden or overly taboo. We’ve all heard the stories or seen first hand people having sex openly in nightclubs.
You can party 24/7
This truly is the city that never sleeps. Just because you have been dancing all night doesn’t mean that you can’t find somewhere to boogie the morning away or just take the party to the park.
The brilliant tech scene with co-working culture around the city
The creative edge to the city has lent itself perfectly to the start up scene which is now washing over the entire city. You’ll be amazed by the energy in the cafes were people are sharing ideas and co-working.
The huge variety of museums
There are over 170 museums with a brilliant eclectic mix of topics covered and lots of free and paid options.
There are naked people everywhere
Shedding one’s clothes is the norm in Berlin and if you feel like going completely naked it won’t be frowned upon and there are specific beaches and areas for it.
You can take your dog or your bike on public transport
Not only is the public transport some of the best in the world but you’ll also see sensible rules where people can bring their bikes or pets with them making life so much easier.
German beer – especially large bottles of German beer
Who doesn’t love German beer? The large 500ml bottle is king here.
Currywurst
You’ll have to trust us on this one if you haven’t tasted one yet but sausage covered in curry sauce with chips is one of the great tastes in life and famous in the city.
The street art is the very best in the world
Rather than trying to clamp down on graffiti and street art the city have instead embraced it and the result is a beautiful, vibrant and colourful city with amazing art everywhere.
The huge variety of parks for the summer and how they become a way of life for Berliners
There are over 2,500 parks in the city and with that many they just become a way of life with Berliner’s spending so much time outdoors.
You’ll not find a more cyclist friendly city in Europe
The streets have been designed with cyclists in mind. They have their own lanes, corridors and cyclists are safe across the city.
The LGBT community has always been at the fore in this city
Long been a home for LGBT community how feel at home here because of the liberal attitude that has pervaded for the last couple of decades while other countries are still stuck in the dark ages.
Because you can swim in a pool on the river
What could be cooler than sitting in a slick swimming pool that itself is floating on a river. Grab a beer and you could be anywhere in the world on a beach in summer.
The awesome and varied food scene
Because there are so many outside cultures in the city (Japanese and Vietnamese are especially strong for food here) the quality of the food and the diversity is incredible).
The awesome electronic music scene
You name the type of electronic music and you will find a club night or even a whole club dedicated to it. One big never ending party of awesome tunes.
You can find anything you could ever want to buy in any of the many flea markets
The flea markets have to be seen to be believed and if you are looking for anything from a Polaroid camera to antique furniture this is the place to find it.
In Club Mate
One of the most caffeinated drinks in the world that is something like red bull mixed with coffee. If you don’t have energy after one of these you never will.
The amazing and unique shopping in the indie boutiques of Kreuzberg
The bustling streets are full of some of the coolest people you’ll ever come across and the shops and hidden boutiques around this area are simply incredible and totally unique.
The Reichstag’s dome
You could argue that this is the centre of power in Europe at the moment and you can take a trip to the top and get a wonderful view of this incredible city.
Heading to any of the local lakes
As soon as the heat comes you can be sure that Berliners will head to the local lakes with beer and deck chairs to unwind, relax and get a different perspective on their city.
Not one but three amazing opera houses in one city
Hardly a surprise to have an opera house in a city that cares so much about culture but only Berlin could have 3 of these stunning buildings.
Europe’s largest train station
You have step inside Friedrichstraße train station to understand just how big it is with it’s multiple levels, hundreds of daily trains and multiple shops and restaurants.
Späti
Only Berliners could decide that pubs and bars were too mainstream for them and come up with an alternative. Buying a bottle of beer (€1-2 at most) on the way to a club and sitting in a courtyard or outside a shop has taken off big time.
Döner Kebab
You probably think you have had a nice one of these somewhere around the world before but you’ve never had a proper one until you’ve eaten them in Berlin.
Being yourself
Most cities or cultures force you to modify your personality in some way but in Berlin you can 100% be yourself. Nobody cares what you look like, what you do or how you act.
Recycling that works
There is no problem partying, staying up all night or having fun but just make sure you clean up after yourself. The whole city is spotless and well looked after with a system that just works.
You never know where you’ll end up
Berlin is full of hidden clubs, new bars and shops that you’ve never seen before. The beauty of a night out is that you will never know where you could end up and that makes is what makes it so exciting.