Exploring Berlin like a Local

As the capital and largest city in Germany, Berlin is constantly changing and trying out new hats. It brings something to the table for everyone. Whether you love parties or you're passionate about history, history or nature, this stunning city is your go-to place. Even food enthusiasts can find the best and finest cuisine here. Berlin truly is a multifaceted city.

It's surprising but, for some reason, everything makes sense in Berlin. You will even find the most conflicting realities such as cats getting along with dogs. You'll even find that 50-year-olds party like there's no tomorrow with much younger people. Berlin is a complete reflection of freedom to choose your lifestyle and what type of person you want to become. This independence is what makes Berlin so striking and desirable for tourists. Whenever you visit Berlin it's like a breath of fresh air.

So, here's a short guide on the reasons why you'll fall in love with Berlin whether you're a first-time visitor or you've already visited on several occasions. Even better we give you a glimpse of the best places to visit from a local’s perspective.

Get the Best of what Berlin Has to Offer

What you need to know first is that Berlin doesn't have a city centre. Although most believe that Alexanderplatz is downtown Berlin, they couldn't be further from the truth. Berlin never was a city. It was more like a gathering of small towns such as Berlin, Friedrichswerder, Cölln, Friedrichsstadt, Dorotheenstadt, Schöneberg, Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, Spandau, Lichtenberg, Teltow, and Niederbarnim. These settlements have formed what we know as the Berlin of today.You'll find 6 regions and things to do, suggested by a local;

• Kreuzberg, where you'll enjoy mind-blowing entertainment and a lively city;
• Neukolln, for its cuisine;
• Friedrichshain, for the pubs and bars;
• Mitte, because it's a cultural area with impressive museums and landmarks;
• Charlottenburg, for a shopping spree; and
• Prenzlauer Perg, where any hipster feels at home.

Breakdown of Berlin's regions

Here's a breakdown of what you can do in each of these regions in Berlin to get the best of the city.

Exploring Kreuzberg, Berlin

• Check out the Eastside Gallery;
• Enjoy the SO36 which is the most legendary nightclub in Berlin. Stars such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop used to club there in the past.
• Savor the city's amazing doner kebab at Hasir Kreuzberg;
• Party all night long at the exclusive Berghain club;
• Check out the strange Molecule Man;
• Admire the graffiti, which you'll find everywhere.

And when In Neukolln, Berlin

• Appreciate the fine architecture of Gründerzeit;
• You'll adore the sunsets at Klunkerkranich, which is a bar you'll find above a parking lot;
• Enjoy fine cuisine at Roamers;
• Swim in Stadtbad Neukölln which was one of Europe's majestic spas;
• Enjoy a picnic with your family at Tempelhofer Feld;
• Drink as much as you wish at one of the secret bars in Kottbuser Tor.

About Friedrichshain, Berlin

• Walk down Karl-Marx-Allee, which is a Stalinist boulevard where you'll notice Soviet-like buildings;
• Head to Kreuzberg and Cross the Oberbaumbrücke;
• Enjoy the Simon-Dach-Straße. It's one of the loudest and busiest pub streets in the city;
• Check out the Boxhagener Platz flea-market;
• Visit the grand Frankfurter Tor.

Visiting Mitte, Berlin

• Visit the Museum Island to enjoy some of the best museums in the world;
• Visit the Berlin TV-Tower for a panoramic view of the city;
• Go to the Victory Column in Berlin Siegessäule for another fabulous view of the city;
• Visit one of the best places in Berlin, respectively, Gendarmenmarkt;
• Go to the fantastic Berliner Dom and relax in the park which you'll find in front of the Dom;
• Go to the amazing Jewish Synagogue
• Enjoy a walk through the Nikolaiviertel zone, which is the oldest area of Berlin;
• Enjoy a free-of-charge visit of the Reichstag;
• Take a selfie next to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin;
• Take a ride through Soviet history at Check Point Charlie;
• Admire the magnificent artwork in Hackescher Markt.

When in Charlottenburg, Berlin

• Find out about Berlin's royals by visiting the Charlottenburg Palace;
• Appreciate the ruins at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church where concerts take place;
• The Berlin Zoo is a must-see;
• Take in the amazing Kurfürstendamm atmosphere;
• Enjoy a shopping spree at KaDeWe, which is the largest department store in Europe;
• Go to Bahnhof Zoo, which was the principle train station until 2006, captured forever in the popular "We Children from Bahnhof Zoo".

Visiting Prenzlauer Perg, Berlin

• Go to Fast Rabbit for the tastiest veggie wraps;
• Negotiate all day on Sunday at the Mauerpark flea-market;
• Sing your heart out at the open karaoke shows in Mauerpark;
• Go to the Jewish cemetery, which you'll find on Schönhauser Allee;
• Get into the groove at Kastanienallee and enjoy the bars and restaurants.

And, in the end, just love each minute you spend in Berlin! Just rent a bike for the day and explore the city. It'll only cost you up to €10. Berlin is waiting for you to discover everything about it.