TWO DAYS HANGING IN BERLIN
Lately, I went to Berlin for two amazing days to visit my bestfriend. Exactly one week before the dreadful events of December 19th 2016. I was about to post this article when I learnt what happened.
As a matter of fact, it was clearly not a good timing to post something about this amazing city, while people were mourning. It would have been really disrespectful. At least, that's my opinion.
Now that we are entering in the new year, I wanted to respectfully pay tribute to Berlin and to tell you about my short experience there, and if you allow me, to recommend you to visit this city. I may sound like a fool, but as a Parisian that was living in Paris the past two years, I know how important it is for a city and overall for its people to see tourists continuing to come. And if, with my little article, I can contribute to make you want to discover Berlin no matter what, then it would be a great accomplishment I would be proud of.
This being said - written? -, let's talk about Berlin, shall we?
Berlin, as we all know, is a city that matters historically speaking. It has truly a symbolic atmosphere, that you can feel while walking in the streets. How not to think to Kennedy's speech when you admire the Brandenburg Gate?
However, what stunned me the most during my stay is the people. I have rarely seen such a cosmopolite city - except in New York obviously! The multicultural aspect of Berlin is truly part of its nowadays identity. If you listen to people in the streets, you will probably hear them speak in German, French, English, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Danish, ... It's mind blowing. I would have never imagined this multiculturalism in Berlin.
Another aspect of Berlin's identity is the edge. Ok, I know that Berlin is famous for it, especially when it comes to clubs! In Berlin, the edge is everywhere. In small shops or cafes and restaurants. And I could not believe how affordable they were, compared to Paris. In Paris, the same kind of places would be twice more expensive!
So now that I talked a bit about Berlin, let me introduce you to the one-of-a-kind spots I discovered. Here are the hot spots!
HOT SPOTS:
See:
Brandenburg Gate, Kaufhaus des Westens & Großer Tiergarten:
A tourist is a tourist is a tourist! When you visit a city, there are places you can't avoid. So go discover those three iconic spots. And, of course, you can add so much more to those!
Museum Island:
One of the particularities of Berlin is the Museum Island, where most of the museum are gathered. You can visit them or just hang a while in this lovely area, where different architectural influences are mixed.
Zoo:
The Berlin Zoo is a reference for zoo lovers, such as my bestie. Personally, I absolutely fell in love with the Chinese-inspired gate!
Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin
Eat & Shop:
Bikini Berlin:
Located next to the zoo, Bikini Berlin gathers some edgy fashion stores. You will find several restaurants or bars in its area. But I really fell in love with the Super Concept Space, located on the rooftop of the mall. There you can shop, eat, chill and have a look at the zoo below! Simply A-MA-ZING!
Budapester Str. 38-50, 10787 Berlin
Turkish Market:
Located on the riverside of the Landwerhrkanal, the famous Turkish Market is one of the best discoveries I made during my stay. It is a really cosmopolite spot, where many families go to buy fabrics, food, spices and clothes. It is a go-to place!
Maybachufer 1-13, 10999 Berlin
Eat:
Mercosy:
Do you love korean and healthy food? Mercury is made for you! This tiny restaurant is absolutely awesome. The food is great and the atmosphere... come on just look to the walls! Whenever you go to the Turkish Market, have lunch at Mercosy.
Dresdener Str. 11, 10999 Berlin
An Einem Sonntag im August:
Need to chill? Hang with friends? Recover from a hangover? This cafe is for you! The brunch is perfect and what about the burgers... it is the specialty of the An Einem Sonntag im August! Trust me when you'll go there, you'll never want to leave.
Kastanienallee 103, 10435 Berlin
Shop:
Soul Objects:
This one is a must! It's been a long time, since I discovered such a great place. You will buy everything to redecorate your home - even if you don't own one! If there is only one shop you have to go, it is Soul Objects! Oh, and don't forget to have a chat with its adorable owners!
Prenzlauer Allee 24, 10405 Berlin
#DETAILSMATTER:
Street art crush: While hanging in Berlin, take time to have a look to the awesome street arts spread all over the city. As I am an amateur of this kind of atwork, I really enjoyed the talent of the Berliners. Sometimes you have to visit a city looking up, otherwise you'll miss all the fun!
Gastronomic experience: When you are in Berlin or Hamburg, your have to make an experience: eat some currywurst! You will either love it or hate it. Made of sausage and a special curry sauce, you will find some everywhere in this city. However, I recommend you ask the Berliners where to find the good currywurst spots.
(Photo credit: 4am Journal)