If there’s one city that I wouldn’t hesitate to move to, it would be Berlin. This was my second visit to this lively city and it definitely won’t be my last. There’s so much to see and do here… The art scene is one of the best in the world (even rivalling Paris in my opinion!), there’s so much history here, the food is amazing and the people who live here are very real and kind. Though your schedule would be jam-packed, it’s possible to see Berlin in as short as 3 days, and is worth every minute of rushing about. It’s the perfect long weekend stop if you’re doing a European tour.
Where To Stay
3 years ago we stayed at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, directly across the Brandenburg Gate. A lovely hotel with so much history. On my second trip after lots of research and great reviews, I booked the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. I couldn’t have been happier. The location is perfect, across the street from the Zoo as well as the Zoologischer Garten train station. Down the street from the famous KaDeWe department store and minutes from Berlin’s best shopping avenue, Kurfurstendamm.
The Waldorf Astoria Berlin, part of the Hilton brand, is a beautiful, luxurious Hotel. We were upgraded to a Junior Suite, a very spacious room facing the train station, with a nice bathroom and shower. I love the design and color scheme of the rooms. Beds were super comfortable and the shower was amazing!
There’s a Guerlain spa on the 5th floor of the hotel with access to an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and exercise room. The facilities are well maintained and very clean.
My favorite part of my stay at this Hotel has to be the daily buffet breakfast extravaganza! One of the best I have experienced in Europe. From your typical eggs and hot foods, to an array of cold meats, breads, fresh fruit, a beautiful display of honeycomb, an assortment of cereals and pastries… and you can’t miss the juice bar! Wow Wow Wow!
The staff at this fine hotel is so welcoming and friendly. From the bellman to the front staff and concierge team, to literally every employee, made my stay at the Waldorf better than I had ever expected. A big thank you to Fedda and Philipp in Concierge, Ivan and Giacomo at the front desk. I highly recommend the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin. This hotel is part of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Program, which give you Upgrades when available, free breakfasts, early check in and late check out, etc.
What To Do/See
The ever historical Brandenburg Gate, which symbolizes peace and unity, is a must. Built in the 18th century, this impressive monument has now come to symbolize German freedom after the Cold War. Around the corner is the Holocaust Memorial, which is a sobering remembrance of the millions of murdered Jews who were killed during WW2. Take a long and leisurely walk in the Tiergarten, one of Berlin’s biggest parks – there’s also a beautiful zoo here, if you’re traveling with little ones. When the weather is sunny, the Biergarten is open and you can grab a seat on the bench with your friends, drink beer and enjoy the outdoors.
The Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin, came down on November 9th, 1989. The East Side Gallery commemorates the wall with the most amazing graffiti art. The TV Tower of Alexanderplatz, is minutes away from the East Gallery – it’s the tallest building in Berlin, and has stunning views of the city. I highly recommend renting bikes and exploring the city that way. The river cruise is a great way to see the architecture of Berlin and some of the historical sights as well.
How To Get Around
Berlin has a very efficient transportation system of trains, trams and buses. Buy a daily, 2-day or weekly pass, and you’re on your way. It’s easiest to get around this way, but you can also book taxi services through your hotel if you prefer.
Where To Eat & Drink
One of the most fun parts of Berlin is Mitte, with lots of great restaurants, shops, cafes and clubs. You can spend hours wandering around this borough, finding awesome places to eat or drink everywhere you look. Rosenthaler Grill und Schlemmerbuffet is a great stop for doner kabob and shwarma – inexpensive and tasty! For a local bar with great music, head to Mein Haus Am See – “It’s not a bar, it’s not a club, it’s something sexier in between” is their motto, and pretty much sums it up!
For the best burgers in Berlin, there’s only one place… The Bird! Pictured is the BBQ burger with jalapeños. sooo good
NENI Berlin and Monkey Bar are both not to be missed. On the top floor of the 25Hours Hotel, this beautiful restaurant and bar is truly magical. With floor to ceiling views of the Tiergarten and the most delicious food and ambience, this is one of my fave spots in Berlin, hands down.
Sababa Mama’s Kitchen is perfect for lunch in Mitte. How delicious does everything look?
For an out of this world culinary experience, head to Tim Raue. While you wouldn’t think that Asian cuisine would be on the top of the list to try in Berlin, the food is outstanding and the restaurant is very popular, so reservations are a must.
Have you ever been to Berlin? What were some of your favorite spots? Tell me in the comments!
-Naz