Berlin

 

The world is full of amazing places. But there's a few cities scattered around the planet that stand above the rest. For history, aesthetics, culture, food, fashion - whatever it is. Think Rome, Lisbon, London, Melbourne - Berlin. Berlin is a city that needs no introduction. But in case you've been living under a rock, Berlin is a city in the North West of Germany and is the nation's capital. The mostly-landlocked city is home to 3.5 million people, and has the gorgeous River Spree running along the city centre. 

Berlin is special. It's progressive, dynamic, and has remained a hub for liberation, expression and diversity for hundreds of years.

From making world-shaping art, history, philosophy and cabaret, to the fall of one of society's most famous walls, to being one of the reigning capitals of Techno, Berlin has seen it all. And more. A quick disclaimer before I continue: I've spent a total of 9 days in Berlin, once during Uni for my 21st birthday trip, and again with some Barcelona friends (shout out) in November. In short, I've barely scratched the surface. I'm a Berlin novice. 

And although I only had a little taste, I got enough Berlin to know it's one of the best cities in the world. Plus, I've seen enough to know that I need to go again. Here's my take on Berlin, what to do, and why you need to grab your coolest all-black fit and go there A$AP Rocky. 

Where to Stay: Friedrichshain 

Friedrichshain is a neighbourhood in the central East part of Berlin, and it's where I've stayed both visits. And it is only 40 minutes away from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. It's a lively neighbourhood with a plethora of street art, colourful flats, buzzing squares, and some of the best nightclubs in the world, including Berghain, the most notoriously exclusive of them all. 

Friedrichshain has a huge variety of cafes and eateries, particularly lots of tasty Vietnamese joints - so make sure to get yourself a tasty ramen. Plus on the weekends, there's a great mini flea market bursting with vintage clothes, antiques, records, hot drinks and food stalls. Things to note: a lot of Berlin spots are cash only, so remember to take some Euros out! 

Sisyphus 

Berlin is world-famous for having the best nightclubs on the planet, and I can vouch. Berliners and seasoned visitors will say clubs like Kit Kat, Berghain and K133 are the best, (and while I'm sure they are), I can only write about where I've visited. And Sisyphus was honestly the best nightclub I've ever visited. It's a huge club and events venue in Hauptstrabe that's converted from an old factory. Now, it's a festival-esque designed open air meets spacey warehouse fusion. 

It costs 25 euros to get in, and it's sheer size makes it more than worth it. First of it's enormous, with over 7 different music rooms to choose from. Like an amusement park for adults. Plus it's got a gargantuan multi-level garden equipped with huge comfy beds, swings, climbing frames, and a giant warm campfire akin to Burning Man's famous effigy.

From tiny yuletide sheds blasting D&B, to multiple immense rooms thumping with deep techno and more, to the maze-like hallways padded with deep sofas and food stands, to some of the best DJ sets you'll see in your life. Sisyphus isn't a nightclub at all - it's a festival. Note: they put stickers on your cameras, but that's another reason why Berlin clubs are elite. 

 

Rent a Bike & See the Sites 

Berlin is a flat city - AKA, the prime fit for a long bike ride. Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore a new place - especially a place like Berlin, where the roads are lined with cycle paths. 

Some places you need to see whilst cycling around? Like I say, I'm a Berlin novice. But Museum Island, the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, Park am Gleisdreieck, and of course - a ride along the iconic Spree River. It's cold in the winter, but a long bike ride will warm you up in no time. 

Mauerpark

Berlin does well in many things. And despite it's cosmopolitan vibe, parks are one of them. You'll find lots of big, beautiful parks in the city centre. Mauerpark was my personal favourite. We walked up the park's famous hill for sunset, and it was buzzing with markets, loud boomboxes blasting tunes, families having a blast, and men with carts selling fresh mulled wine. All with a breathtaking view of the iconic Berlin skyline as the orange sun was setting. There's also a brilliant flea market there every single Sunday! 

(Christmas) Markets 

Speaking of markets, you've got to check out at least one Berlin market. This one is more applicable if you're visiting during the holidays. But I recommend a Christmas market if you're there in November or December. It was massive, buzzing, and had as many choices of cuisine as a Dubai food court. Plus all the lights, music and decorations really got you in the Christmas spirit! 

There you have it, my semi-limited take on Berlin. All I know?  I need to visit again!