Germany
CAPITOL CITY
Berlin
LANGUAGE
German
CURRENCY
Euro
FLIGHT DURATION
0 hours
My love for Germany began with schnitzel and a stein of beer.
Germany feels almost like a second home to me. I’ve been there more times than I can count, with Berlin as my all-time favourite — I must’ve visited the city at least ten times by now!
But my love for Germany goes far beyond the capital. From the vibrant port city of Hamburg to the charming Regensburg, and from the industrial heart of Oberhausen and Dortmund to the cosy southern vibes of Munich and Stuttgart — every part of Germany has its own character and charm.
Cities like Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hanover, Nuremberg, and Bremen have welcomed me more than once. Even smaller places like Elten and the creative neighbourhood of Neukölln in Berlin have earned a special place in my travel memories.
What keeps drawing me back is the warm, relaxed atmosphere you find in German restaurants and beer gardens. Whether you’re digging into a hearty schnitzel, a steaming plate of bratwurst, or a freshly baked pretzel with Obatzda — the food in Germany never disappoints.
And it’s not just about the food — it’s about the whole experience: the long wooden tables, the hum of people enjoying life, and that feeling of being truly welcome, whether you’re travelling solo or with a group of friends.
Germany keeps surprising me. Every city adds another story to my collection of memories. Whether I’m getting lost in Berlin’s alternative backstreets, strolling along the Rhine in Cologne, or treating myself to a Weissbier in a Munich beer garden — I know there are many more stories still to come.
Practical tips
- Public transport in Berlin: Berlin boasts an efficient public transportation system that facilitates quick and easy travel around the city. Please note that trains departing from outside the city may experience delays.
- Explore the city by scooter: On a sunny day, Berlin is perfect to explore by electric scooter. Just download an app to rent one, and you’ll be zipping through the city in no time — fast, fun, and flexible.
Berlin – A City of History, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences
For me (Grethe), Berlin used to be a city I only knew from news reports and school videos — especially those iconic “Hallo aus Berlin” clips that left a lasting impression on me back in the day. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally took the plunge and went on my first solo trip. Berlin turned out to be the perfect destination for it. It wasn’t just a city full of history — it was a place where I discovered myself as a traveller. I shared that adventure through Polarsteps, and I’m happy to now share some of the highlights from that trip with you.
Berlin is a city that embraces you, makes you feel like you’re never truly alone, and at the same time gives you complete freedom to be yourself. The city breathes diversity. From the raw, unfinished architecture to the vibrant graffiti, from unexpected alleys to the scent of delicious street food — everything about Berlin is unique. And somehow, I feel completely at ease here, even when I’m on my own.
My food & drink experiences
- Murphy’s Irish Pub at Checkpoint Charlie: A cosy pub that’s not only great for grabbing a beer, but also perfect for watching live sports. A great place to soak up Berlin’s atmosphere with a local pint.
- Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus: Situated on Unter den Linden, this traditional Berlin restaurant boasts a stunning view of the Brandenburg Gate. Perfect for enjoying a cold beer while taking in one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
- Checkpoint Curry 207: Currywurst may not be my favourite dish, but it’s a must-try while in Berlin. A piece of Berlin culture you can’t skip!
- Burgermeister Schlesisches Tor: This iconic burger joint under the train line is always busy, but absolutely worth the wait. Find a spot at one of the shared tables and enjoy one of the best burgers in the city.
- Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke: Love karaoke? This is Berlin’s biggest karaoke bar — the perfect place to let your inner star shine, whether solo or with friends.
- Steakhouse ASADOR: A bit of an old-school interior, but the food is excellent! If you’re in the mood for a great steak in a cosy setting, this is the place.
Where I stayed
- During my stay in Berlin, I chose Hotel Select Checkpoint Charlie. This 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the renowned Friedrichstraße shopping street and Kochstraße metro station. The location was ideal, with major landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall all within walking distance.
What I saw and did
- Mauermuseum: This museum at Checkpoint Charlie tells the powerful story of the Berlin Wall and the many people who risked everything to escape to the West.
- Checkpoint Charlie: The historic border crossing that once stood at the heart of the Cold War. A must-see for anyone interested in Berlin’s complex history.
- Fernsehturm: For a panoramic view of the city, the Fernsehturm is Berlin’s tallest tower. From the top, you can see the city in all its glory.
- East Side Gallery: The longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall, covered in artworks that symbolise freedom and the longing for unity.
- Gendarmenmarkt: One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, surrounded by stunning architecture including the German and French cathedrals.
- RAW Gelände: A former industrial site turned cultural hotspot, filled with street art, markets, clubs, and cafés — the perfect place to experience Berlin’s alternative scene.
- Berghain: Berlin’s legendary nightclub (sadly closed when I visited — but definitely a reason to return!).
- Berlin Unterwelten: Explore the underground bunkers and tunnels that reveal Berlin’s World War II history.
- Kurfürstendamm: Berlin’s famous shopping boulevard, perfect for a stroll and a bit of retail therapy.
- Alexanderplatz: The city’s central square, home to the iconic world clock and the Alexanderhaus. A great spot to pause and take in the city’s energy.
- Hackescher Markt: A lively square full of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s the perfect place to soak up Berlin’s vibe and find a moment of calm amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.