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Explore Berlin like Locals - Berlin Travel Guide
- May 14, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Berlin is a city that offers the best flavor of everything. It has an amazing Spree River flowing where you can enjoy the cruise, one of the largest Grunewald “Green forest” for the tracking, the Wannsee beach allowing you to get some tan and sunbathe, the city with unique history and culture and uncountable museums and art galleries, the craziest nightlife and best restaurants where you can try the world cuisines.
Alright, first things first: How do you score some sweet discounts on your way to reach Berlin?
Here in this blog, we will provide the guidelines to explore Berlin like a local. Mostly, the people come to the capital of Germany and only visit the main tourist spots.
Believe us, there is a lot more to explore other than the main tourist spots. If you're short on time, check out our blog about the Main attractions in Berlin below.
Every street in Berlin has its own feel and culture. Let's Explore the hidden treasure of Berlin.
Let's check out how to Explore Berlin like Locals
1. Berlin Mitte (Central Berlin):
All the tourists are familiar with Alexander Platz and TV Tower Berlin and it's one of the top suggestions that appear on Google search but apart from it, we would say the must place to go in the center of Berlin is Nicholas Quarter.
It's a cobblestone street quarter near Alexanderplatz, check out Nicholas church and Nicholas Quarter. The quarter has small restaurants, cafés, and small traditional shops.
We would highly recommend exploring the center of Berlin which is a neighborhood of Alexanderplatz with bicycles, Scooters, or E-scooters.
It has one of the most crowded and coziest streets with small street-side cafés, bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.
My favorite area in Mitte is Rosenthaler Platz. It has amazing bars and a late-night café.
The street is always full of tourists and is also the best place to stay in the city. The Rosa Luxemburg platz, Oranienburger strasse, Schönhauser strasse and Weinmeisterstraße are the most lively streets of Berlin. We would highly recommend enjoying the walk and get the Berliner feeling.
One of my favorite spots near Northbahnhof is Beachbar Mitte. It has an amazing beach bar with volleyball courts, a trampoline, and mounting activities with obstacles.
It’s the best place to go with friends and enjoy the best of summers there.
From Rosenthaler Platz, we would suggest walking towards Hackescher Market and exploring Hackesche Höfe. It’s like eight interconnected complexes with outdoor galleries, cinemas, and theatres.
We would recommend visiting Haus Schwarzenberg Street Art Alley to see the best Graffiti. Moreover, it also offers a unique and elite shopping experience and dining options.
2. Hackescher Markt:
Apart from the famous small local designer shops, there are many café, restaurants, beach bars, and Shisha cafes where you can enjoy the best sunset.
You can also sit in the park along the Spree River and enjoy the amazing view with the hustle and bustle of people.
If you walk along a spree, you can also find open-air spots for partying in summer. we would highly suggest discovering the famous Anne Frank Zentrum where you will be lost in the world of graffiti.
3. Humboldt university of berlin:
If you are an architecture admiral, we would highly suggest visiting the Humboldt University of Berlin and you will be amazed at it. It’s just located a few miles from the Berlin Dome.
We would highly suggest taking a walk on the famous road called ‘’Unter den Linden’’. It has many amazing landmarks of the city.
4. Kurfurstendamm:
We would highly suggest exploring the Parisian-style streets with all brands, restaurants, and cafes near the famous Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
5. Tranenpalast:
The famous Tranenpalast is also located in the Heart of Berlin Friedrichstrasse. To experience how the life of the Berliners was before the reunification of Germany when they wanted to travel East to West, Tranenpalast is the place to find the stories and experiences of locals.
Every time before reunification, they used to face the passport check and luggage check at Freidrichstrasse Railway station.
6. Charlottenburg Palace:
The palace is located in the district called Charlottenburg. It’s the biggest palace along the Spree River with a peaceful and calm neighborhood. The Palace used to be a residence of Prussian Queen Sophie Charlotte.
The Palace has a lush green park and a small lake which is coming out of the Spree River. There are many festivals taking place every year, especially the Christmas festivity and market.
We would also suggest to explore the town center of Charlottenburg. If you are using the S-Bahn, there is a shopping district just a few miles away with all the famous day-to-day brands.
On the back side of the S-Bahn station, there are many street café and restaurants with residential buildings.
7. Tempelhoferfeld:
Tempelhof was the old airport of Berlin. In 2008, the airport was closed and opened the field for the Public. It’s an open field park for the public with provides a picnic, jogging, and walking spot for the Berliners.
You can also do kite flying as the area is windy due to the big open field. It’s also an ideal place for skateboarding as well. Sometimes, they also for circus and other events on the weekends.
8. Spandau:
To explore like a local, we would also suggest getting the entire feel of Berlin. Spandau has significant historical importance as it has the oldest East German watch tower. It has its own old town with lots of cafes and restaurants and a shopping mall where all day-to-day brands are available.
You can also visit the Kolk Quarter that's the oldest park in Spandau. The Zitadelle Berlin is the best-preserved fortress also located near the old town of Spandau. You can also visit the River Havel and also bring your boat to float in the river.
You can also cycle along the river bank. Spandau also has a lush green forest which is an ideal place for hikers and trackers.
9. Mauer Park & Volkspark:
To enjoy the best of summers, locals normally spend their evenings in Mauerpark. The park is located in Prenzlauer Berg. It's one of the biggest parks in Berlin and lots of people are coming over there for a picnic. You can come for grill and barbecue parties. It’s also ideal for cycling and jogging.
Every Sunday (depending on the weather), there’s always a Karaoke session going on after 3 PM. You can also find a flea market next to Mauerpark if you are interested in buying some secondhand items. The park is full of people, especially on weekends and there are also lots of artists playing music in the park.
Be careful - You might also find some weed dealers who are trying to approach you secretly if you are interested in buying some stuff from them. There are lots of cafes and restaurants in the locality as well. The park also has a path that leads to the Berlin Wall.
Another ideal park for the Berliners is Volkspark, the park has a unique sculpture and fountain of fairy tales. It’s a very popular spot for the summer.
10. Tierpark:
For animal lovers, Berlin is the must place to visit where they can get a chance to see two biggest Zoos in Germany. Tierpark is located in Freidrichfelde. You can also buy your tickets in advance.
11. Zoologischer Garten:
It’s the most famous and oldest zoo in Germany located in Tiergarten. It’s a heaven for the animal lovers with the aquarium as well.
12. Tiergarten Park:
Tiergarten Park is like a New York Central Park for the Berliners. It’s located in the middle of the city and connects main landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz.
It’s one of the most famous picnic points in the city and a highly relaxing spot in the scorching heat of Berlin nowadays. The park also has a small lake and a small café located nearby to enjoy your favorite drinks.
13. Wannsee Beach:
Yes !!! You are reading it correctly. Berlin has a 1.3 KM long sandy artificial beach. You can go and swim over there and enjoy the sun. You can also play soccer and volleyball.
14. Ferry:
You can also enjoy the ferry ride in Berlin with the cost of a Berlin A-B ticket (normally cost under € 4). It’s operated by Berlin's local transport and you can enjoy the best sightseeing. There are a total 5-6 Ferry routes but we would highly suggest F10 which crosses Wannsee Lake.
15. Tropical Island:
To enjoy the tropical island and palm trees, you don’t need to fly to the Tropical zone. You can just visit Tropical Island near Berlin which allows the best tropical experience in Europe.
It's an indoor water park with crazy water slides and Sauna and Spa. You can also book your rooms, suites, Lodge, or tents in the palms to enjoy and experience the best of the tropical environment.
16. Grunewald:
Another surprise of the Berlin is Grunewald. It’s one of the largest and greenest forests in Berlin. When you are tired of the hustle and bustle and hectic life of Berlin you need a narrow escape from your routine - it's a go-to place.
Grunewald is the place to offer peace and calm to your mind. You can have a relaxing walk in the forests and lost in the beauty of the forests.
17. Gardens of the World:
To experience the beauty of the different gardens of the world, you just need to visit Marzahn Park Berlin and lose yourself in the beauty of Cheery blossoms and other perks of the different gardens. You can also attend different events in the park along with the cable car ride of the beautiful view.
Note: You can also get a chance to Stay in Floating hotels on a Big Cruise boat near the East Gallery of Berlin at very affordable price.
Ending Note:
Berlin has so much more to offer other than the usual tourist spots, Explore the hidden gems of Berlin like locals, and enjoy the true spirit of the city. Happy exploring!
Ending Note:
Berlin is the Largest city in German speaking world and no trip to Europe is complete without visit this wanderlust.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, check out Trancoso in Bahia, Brazil. You can find more about it here: https://hotelin.com/hotels/Brazil/Bahia/Trancoso. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot, with amazing beaches and a laid-back vibe. If you're into exploring hidden gems and authentic local experiences, I highly recommend visiting. It’s a perfect blend of culture, nature, and tranquility!