A quick guide to eating, drinking and chilling out in Europe’s trendiest city
Forget about your run-of-the-mill tourist guides and telly documentaries when it comes to taking a quick trip to Europe from Singapore. We’ve personally gone to The Wall and beyond (in Germany – not Game of Thrones), and if you trust our ability to sniff out the cool stuff to do, you’d best pay attention to our five Berlin must-dos.
Crash an abandoned theme park
Pay top dollar and squish amongst hordes of crowds at the Berlin Zoo, or bask in solitude and travel back in time in this fun-land for absolutely free – pretty much a no brainer, don’t you think? Berlin’s Spreepark might’ve transitioned past its heyday a decade ago, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less fantastical. Somehow, colossal ferris wheels and tunnels of love seem more enchanting when nobody’s touched them in years; nothing except the withering cogs of time. One catch though – enter at your own risk!
Visit the East Side Gallery
No, you can’t actually see the whole Berlin Wall in its fully-intact state. But yes, you can measure yourself up to a chunk of it and see if you’re tall enough to pole-vault over it. What once separated Berlin into two halves now remains as a make-shift art gallery – a haven for political expression via swathes of graffiti and other forms of street art. While the avenue lining the wall is a 20-minute walk, we’re certain you’ll get lost in its history all the same.
Party ’til the break of dawn
If you love to unleash your party animal, Berlin is the best place to do so. As hedonistic – if not more – as other nightlife meccas like London and Ibiza, Berlin is a hub for some of the best clubs in the world. House, techno, nu-disco and hip-hop – you’ll find all these booming genres blasting through the amps of spots like Berghain, Watergate, Tresor and loads more. And the best part? These rave hideouts stay open ‘til the last partygoer passes out.
Eat ’til you’re beat
Nothing cures a hangover better than a hearty breakfast, and in Berlin, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice. Saunter down the streets of Berlin and you’ll pretty much find dining joints that will have you drooling waterfalls onto the pavement. Tender, crispy bratwurst sausages marinated in curry sauce and served with mayonnaise-drenched fries. Crackling pork knuckles complemented with beds of stringy, vinegary sauerkraut. Even Turkish food is on its A-game in Berlin with heaps of kebab and shwarma parlours, grilled and wrapped on the spot. We know, our stomach’s growling too.
Chill like the Beatniks do
When you’re done scurrying through the city’s attractions like a maniacal tourist, take a chill pill and relax in some of the most pristine parks that Berlin has to offer. One personal favourite of ours is Mauerpark, which comes alive on Sundays. Flocks of locals gather to socialise, shop around the flea markets that carry rare trinkets and treasures, and even get their groove on to the myriads of buskers parading the forested vicinities. There’s even an amphitheatre where you can watch comedians put on impromptu karaoke performances; and yes, you’re welcome to laugh at them. Sunshine and singing, paired with a pint and schnitzel sandwich – sounds like a perfect do-nothing day to us. (Top image: Osamu Kaneko)
