It's not unusual for people to head to Berlin specifically for it's nightlife, and while it's commonly known as the best destination in the world for those seeking that sort of thing out, it often means that much of Berlin's colourful history and rich artistic culture is swept under the rug and left forgotten by 20-something techno-heads. Which, when you think about it, is a little sad - the city has a magnitude to offer outside of it's famously vibrant nightlife. And so, that's exactly what we did - we did our trip to Berlin without going to a single bar or nightclub, and had an incredible time.
Free Walking Tour
Famous world-over, Sandeman's New Europe Tours do a particularly amazing walking tour in Berlin, surely thanks in part to the fact that a lot of the most important sites to see in the city are within close and walkable proximity. Start your first day in Berlin with this one, giving you the chance to gain your bearings in the city and soak up and appreciate the historical landmarks that form the backdrop for so much of the art and lifestyle of the city you see today.
Burgermeister
Like most of Berlin’s hotspots, Burgermeister is housed in a space that once catered to something wildly different to it's current-day use. Burgers and beers, in this case, have taken over a space once inhabited by train station bathrooms. And, as one of Berlin's top 10 restaurants, you surely can't go wrong.
East Side Gallery
As it's not as central as most of Berlin's other popular sightseeing destinations, the famous East Side Gallery is worth a visit of it's own. Find your favourite iconic murals for a quick flick, and as you walk, enjoy a moment to reflect on the powerful underlying values that the wall's remnants now represent.
Urban Spree Galerie
In summer the larger Urban Spree area may be overflowing with activity, but that doesn’t mean you should give it a miss in winter - there's always great art exhibitions and a great store stocking prints and books by artists both international and local.
Small Contemporary Art Spaces
Walking around Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln is your best bet for this one. Most galleries welcome photography in case you're looking to document your favourite pieces, or spice up your Instagram to ensure people know how artistically inclined and sophisticated you are - hey, I'm not judging.
Shopping
Voo Store is the Berliner hypebeast's dream, stocking everything from Marni and Proenza Schouler to MM6 and the newest Nikes. It’s also great for a coffee stop, with plenty of reading material à la fashion publications also available.
