When you arrive in Berlin, you realize that you’ve never seen a grayer and gloomier city. Berlin is strikingly different from other German cities: there are no neat squares, half-timbered houses, narrow streets, Gothic churches, or picturesque canals with babbling brooks. Berlin is strict, and its residents are unremarkable. As they say, Berlin is not love at first sight, or even second. But still – it is love. It’s a strange city, but it’s worth getting to know. Today I share the unusual beauty of Berlin. I want to tell some interesting facts about the city, provide useful information, and inspire you to visit!
Unusual beauty of Berlin.
Just take a closer look, and you begin to see a different Berlin. You’ll realize how many unusual places there are, and how diverse the people are – it seems everyone has found their place in the sun. Berlin’s life is vibrant, and to understand it, you need to see the city not from the facade but from within. To truly know the capital of Germany, you should delve deep. And for those who didn’t fall in love with Berlin, they simply didn’t get a chance to see it properly.
Don’t limit yourself to the standard set of attractions: the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and Charlottenburg. Wander down unknown streets, enter unusual buildings, and even strange alleys. This is the best way to get to know the city, see it through your own eyes, with your unique perspective. See what isn’t written in guidebooks and learn what no guide will tell you.
To better understand the city, take an evening walk through the Treptow and Prenzlauer Berg districts. It seems that everyone has left their apartments and forgotten about their chores until late at night. Even if there’s a football game, everyone gathers in a restaurant and watches the match right from the bar.
Creative people express themselves: some draw with sand, some with watercolors, some play the hurdy-gurdy, and some even play on pots – quite skillfully, I might add. And on the Oberbaum Bridge, there are free concerts where you can spend a pleasant evening.
Berlin is multifaceted; its pompous palaces peacefully coexist with modern, sometimes even futuristic giants. It’s a city where modernity grows into antiquity.
If a city is modern – it’s Potsdamer Platz. If it’s a mixed bag – it’s the historical center, at the junction of the western and eastern parts of the city. Here, from the Brandenburg Gate to Alexanderplatz, are Berlin’s typical attractions – a must-see, best explored on foot.
If you’re planning a trip to Germany for the first time, my posts about Munich in Bavaria, the Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, and Berchtesgaden might interest you.
On both sides of the Berlin wall.
The Berlin Wall once divided the city into two states – East Berlin and West Berlin, with Checkpoint Charlie being the only crossing point. Just imagine, in one city, there were two countries, the GDR and the FRG, and to get from one to the other, you needed a complicated visa and had to pass through Charlie. The checkpoint remains similar today.
From the east, the wall was a steel curtain with barking guard dogs, searchlights, watchtowers with squinting guards, and a shooting range. On the west side, the wall wasn’t guarded. Instead, it was covered in art-house paintings. In some ways, it became a peaceful protest.
The remains of the Berlin Wall are preserved in only three areas of the city. The fall of the wall sparked a cultural boom. Today, Berlin hosts major touring stars, intriguing exhibitions, and festivals. Creative people from Asia, America, and Europe flock to the German capital. Over 4,000 artists have studios here, and 350 art galleries cater to art lovers. Berlin is not only becoming a political capital but also a major cultural center.
Ampelmann – The Traffic Light Man.
Another cute feature of unusual beauty of Berlin is the Ampelmann – the traffic light man. His story goes: when the number of road fatalities reached critical levels in 1961, the Ampelmann was installed, a cheerful traffic light figure that made people respond to the road sign. He caught on with the public and even became a character in Julia Safronova’s children’s traffic rules manual.
Today, the green-red man helps even those who are colorblind. If his arms are spread out – movement is prohibited, if he is stepping – it’s time to go.
Unconventional Berlin.
And it needed a fitting architectural frame. Thus was born the project to renew Berlin – probably the most ambitious, bold, and expensive urban planning initiative of modern times. The Germans spent 100 billion euros just on its development.
The first “statement” for the new image was the radical reconstruction of the Reichstag, covered with a glass dome. And the first visible result was Potsdamer Platz, a square south of the Brandenburg Gate, through which the Berlin Wall once ran, cutting Germany and Germans into “Wessis” and “Ossis.” After development, the giant wasteland in the city center turned into a super modern district with brand new streets.
The interior of the Reichstag after the reconstruction resembles an alien spaceship. Secret: there’s a free toilet on the Reichstag dome. Modern Berlin is a mix of glamour, high technology, huge investments, and free creativity, making it the true capital of Europe.
Looking for amazing cities across Europe? Then check out my recent posts: How to spend time in Amsterdam and Cozy walks in Warsaw.
Berlin delicacies – Unusual beauty of Berlin.
German cuisine isn’t as intricate as French or Spanish, but no less tasty. There are over a thousand types of ordinary sausages in Germany – Swabian, Munich, Frankfurt. For example, Currywurst sausages were invented by Herta Heuwer, who once wanted to create something unique to make her diner stand out from hundreds of others, thus inventing Currywurst, a pork sausage grilled in tomato sauce and spiced with curry.
To get to know the city better, visit any café, for example, under the linden trees on Unter den Linden, order pear schnapps and Eisbein, a pork knuckle boiled for four hours.
How to get to Berlin.
Here’s how you can reach this exciting city:
By Air: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the main international gateway to the city. It’s well-connected to major cities around the world. Here’s what you need to know:
Flights: Direct flights are available from many international airports. Major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and easyJet offer regular services.
From the Airport to the City Center: The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE7, RB14) take you to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 30 minutes. Several bus lines, including X7, X71, and 163, connect the airport to different parts of Berlin. Taxis are available at the airport, with a trip to the city center costing around €30-€40. Rideshare services like Uber are also an option.
Check out Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Berlin if you are traveling from another country.
By Car: Driving to Berlin can be a scenic and flexible option. Highways: Berlin is accessible via several major autobahns (A10, A100, A111, A113, A115). Parking in the city center can be challenging. Look for Park-and-Ride options or use parking garages.
I highly recommend traveling by car, as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Unusual hotels in Berlin.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious adventurer, these distinctive accommodations promise to make your stay in Berlin unforgettable. Here are some of the most remarkable ones:
Propeller Island City Lodge: Step into an art installation at the Propeller Island City Lodge, where each room is a masterpiece designed by the artist Lars Stroschen. The hotel offers a surreal experience with rooms that defy conventional design. From a levitating bed to a kaleidoscope room, every detail is crafted to stimulate your imagination. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s an adventure in itself.
Hüttenpalast: For those who dream of camping in the heart of the city, Hüttenpalast is the perfect choice. This former vacuum-cleaner factory has been transformed into an indoor caravan park and wooden hut village. Each retro caravan and cozy hut offers a charming, rustic retreat within an urban setting. The communal garden adds to the relaxed, communal vibe, making it a perfect spot for social travelers.
Ostel – Das DDR Hostel: Travel back in time to East Berlin at the Ostel – Das DDR Hostel. This nostalgic hotel offers an authentic experience of life in the former East Germany, with rooms furnished in original 1970s GDR style. From vintage wallpaper to retro radios, every detail has been meticulously recreated. It’s a fascinating way to immerse yourself in Berlin’s recent history.
Eastern Comfort Hostelboat: For a truly unique stay, book a room on the Eastern Comfort Hostelboat, moored on the River Spree. This floating hostel offers a nautical experience with cozy cabins, a riverside deck, and beautiful views of the Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy being close to the water and want to experience Berlin from a different perspective.
Unusual Berlin’s hotel scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, a nostalgic trip to the past, or a whimsical adventure, these unusual hotels offer an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Book your stay at one of these extraordinary places and discover a side of Berlin you’ve never seen before.
If you liked this post “Unusual beauty of Berlin” then please follow me on Instagram, so you don’t miss any updates.
I am available for commercial work such as personal photography, brand photography, product photography and more. If you would like to work with me, feel free to email me – hello@foxgleann.com.
