Boho Guide to Berlin
For years, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from family, friends and fellow bloggers who have traveled or lived in Berlin. Having not made it to the hip city myself until last month, I now realize what all the fuss is about. Berlin is a quintessential avant-garde city that suits all different personality types and interest levels. Here are five boho tips to make your days in Berlin memorable.
1) Tour the City by Bike
Europe in general is more bike friendly than most places in the United States and other countries but in Berlin, biking is the preferred mode of transportation. Almost everyone owns or rents a bike and while the subway and tram are also available, bikes seem to speak to the heart of Berlin the most. If you plan on living in the city for an extended amount of time, try picking up a vintage bike at one of the local fleas. For tourists, there is a bike rental system with stations scattered throughout the city.
2) Think Outside the Box
One of the benefits of Berlin is that compared to other Western European cities, it’s much less expensive. I took advantage of the few people I knew in Berlin to give me tips on where to eat and I’m pretty happy with the result. This popular local spot called Kauf dich Glücklich had exactly the quirky element I was hoping to find. Located in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, everything inside the restaurant is for sale, from vintage accessories to actual pieces of furniture. I chose to stick strictly to the food.
3) Experience the Alternative Side of Berlin
A trip to Berlin is not complete without taking a walk down alternative lane. For years, the city has been a hub for artists, architects and other creative types particularly for the unique and edgy flair that Berlin embodies. I opted for a bit of a crash course into the street art scene and signed up for New Berlin Tours‘ Alernative Tour, which I found both affordable and highly enlightening. Our tour started with a look at several “squats” and ended in Kreuzberg, a neighborhood with a street art-heavy culture.
4) Sing & Shop at the Local Flea
In true Berlin fashion, flea markets are not hard to find. One of the newer fleas takes place every Sunday at Mauerpark. I arrived on the early side, around 10am and the space was already buzzing with locals on the hunt for vintage items, second-hand bikes and inexpensive clothes. I wandered aimlessly through the park for about an hour just taking in the sights and sounds of the city. If you arrive later in the afternoon, a live karaoke party breaks out. It’s the perfect place to release your inner diva.
5) Walk along the Open Air Galleries
While Berlin museums generally have a small entrance fee, there are endless opportunities to see inspiring art and design for free. The Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery is of course a tourist trap but it’s such an important historic site that skipping this would be a mistake. Now covered with more than 100 colorful wall paintings, what used to be the wall dividing East Berlin from West Berlin is now a positive symbol of the city. Other wall paintings and graffiti work can be seen on almost any street, especially in Kreuzberg.
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20 Comments
Oh my god, that waffle looks absolutely amazing!! I had such a great time when I was in Berlin. Your tips are great!
Diana Edelman recently posted..Help yourself to a Slice of Swedish Hospitality
Thanks Diana! I’m a sucker for waffles and this one was pretty delicious
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Boho Guide to Berlin
I feel like everyone is telling me to go to Berlin lately — must be good! WIll be in Germany next summer, so I’ll keep your tips in mind
Brooke vs. the World recently posted..We Drank the Horse Milk
It’s a great city Brooke! I know you will love it
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Boho Guide to Berlin
Berlin is everywhere at the moment – this is the time to go for sure! I don’t know when we will finally get there but I absolutely can not wait!
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..How to book a houseboat in Kerala
I agree! So many people told me how amazing Berlin was and now I see why
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Boho Guide to Berlin
I love Berlin. It’s such an amazing city. Great guide to it.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Capture the Colour: Australia and New Zealand
Thanks Bobbi! I totally fell in love with Berlin. Can’t wait to go back.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Boho Guide to Berlin
With the right kind of bike you could combine all of these I think!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Buenos Aires, Argentina Pt. I – Walking Tours, La Boca and the World’s Widest Street
You are so right Brock!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Boho Guide to Berlin
I love that Berlin is so bike-friendly. I will never forget a tour guide warning our group that if they stepped into the bike lane, they would be run over, and nobody would feel bad for them because bikes always have the right-of-way
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..6 Tips for Surviving the Four Day Tour to the Salar de Uyuni
Wow – that would scare me a little. I agree – I loved how bike friendly the city is. Next time I’m there I definitely want to rent one!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Day Tripping to Grenoble
Oh, c’mon, I reckon you can do better than that!
In one of the most bohemian cities in the world, I wanted stories of absinth-soaked bars, electro-thrash nightclubs, underground art galleries, smoke-filled cafes… and the occasional pretzel.
Turtle recently posted..Acropolis wow!
Very true! I probably should have lived more on the edge
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..There’s No Place Like Norway
Berlin is on my list…we almost made it there on our last trip, but didn’t. Thanks for the great tips! A visit to the flea market sounds like an awesome time.
Shanna Schultz recently posted..Fabulous Friday Foto: Midwest Images of a Sunset
You will make it there I’m sure! and yes – definitely stop by the flea!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..The Mighty Fjords in Photos
Mauerpark began in 2004- I don’t think that counts as new.
Hey Karolin, in the grand sceme of things, I would consider it on the newer side but yes, you make a good point.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Traveling through Norway in Style
We love touring cities by bikes when we get the chance. Our favorite day in NYC was spent riding bikes through Central Park.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..PANAMA Photos- Our Own Private Island!
It’s funny, I’ve lived here 3.5 years and still have not gone biking in Central Park
I need to finally do that
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..How to Avoid Toxic Travelers