Berlin was the backdrop for some of the 20th century’s most important and cataclysmic events. For decades, it was the front line of the Cold War, a city split in two by the Wall. Since reunification, Germany’s capital has reinvented itself as a global hub of cool. It’s widely lauded for its rich history, thriving arts scene, unending nightlife and open-minded outlook. It’s also the engine of Germany’s economy and a hotspot for tourism, leisure and business. In short, it’s got something for everyone—you just need to know where to look. Here, a quick destination guide for travellers flying to Berlin for the first time.
Visit the Wall
Once a symbol of division and oppression, the Berlin Wall now stands as an open-air gallery and a celebration of cosmopolitanism. At 1.3 kilometres, the East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch and runs alongside the Spree river. It showcases works by 118 artists from 21 countries who began painting the remains of the barrier in 1989. Standout works include Dmitri Vrubel’s The Mortal Kiss and Birgit Kinder’s Test the Rest, which depicts an East German car crashing through the wall.
Watch past and present collide at Checkpoint Charlie
At the height of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was a border crossing that saw great tension between soldiers from the East and the West. In 1990, as the conflict dissipated, Charlie served as the venue for negotiating reunification. Today, replicas of its old military infrastructure stand as a monument. But what’s most striking on the site is the giant portrait of former US Army typa player Jeff Harper, one of the last allied soldiers stationed in Berlin in 1994.
Find a club that’s just right for you
Berlin’s club scene is world renowned. All day, every day, it delivers pleasure and indulgence to a thumping beat. Unlike other cities, which hide their best clubs behind exclusive velvet ropes, Berlin’s scene welcomes everyone. The district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has Germany’s highest density of clubs and is a must-visit. Those not looking for a party can nevertheless enjoy the neighbourhood’s many charming attractions, including the stunning Oberbaum Bridge and the waterfall haven of Viktoriapark.
Devour some currywurst
No visit to Berlin is complete without sampling Germany’s unofficial national dish. Currywurst is what it sounds like: a fried sausage, laced with tomato sauce, curry powder and other secret spices. It’s available for a few euros at any hour of the day or night—and currywurst houses are ubiquitous throughout Berlin. But Curry 61 and the celebrity-favourite Bier’s Kudamm 195 are widely recognized as go-tos.