If you get the chance to travel while you’re here in Prague, you’ll find the world feels pretty open. There’s an endless list of beautiful places to visit, all just hours away by train or plane. For my first trip I chose Berlin; it’s four hours away, home to another study away site and known as a cool and vibrant city. The only problem: I didn’t know where to go. I turned to RA Vašek for help. He gave me a list of recommendations so, in the spirit of acting as a virtual tour guide, here are the suggestions I tried out and some of my thoughts.
East Side Gallery
Vašek called this site a “tourist classic” – and he wasn’t wrong. This open-air gallery is one of the first spots many visit in Berlin. It’s a section of the old Berlin wall covered in murals and paintings. I had a lovely time strolling down this street, passing through other tourists snapping photos, and discussing the art with my friends. If you’re looking to be inspired and intrigued by art, this is the place to go.
Friedrichshain
This next recommendation is not a single place, but a neighborhood, and home to the East Side Gallery. Cool clothing boutiques and trendy beer spots line these streets adorned with graffiti and posters. It’s the perfect place to window shop or to just walk around and take in the scene. Plus, there’s flea markets every week in a nearby park called Boxhagener Platz.
This is part of Vašek’s favorite quarter in Berlin and was certainly one of the highlights of my time there.
Kebap
Though I did not get to try the world’s most famous kebap (according to Vašek, this is located at Mustafas Gemüse Kebap) I did try the dish itself. Essentially, it’s döner – a pita or bread wrap stuffed to the brim with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of meat. Just one is sure to sustain you for a long day of traveling and sightseeing.
Checkpoint Charlie
Another touristy spot with some charm. Checkpoint Charlie is another significant location in Berlin history — this site was a forming border crossing. Now, the area is host to a variety of shops and restaurants, from I <3 Berlin tourist stores to a pop-up döner stand serving up delicious, cheap food wrapped in pita. If you choose to visit Checkpoint Charlie you can still see the “leaving the American Sector” sign, relics of what the area used to be, or walk through a museum and learn a bit more about the history of Berlin.
Multilayerladen
If you’re looking for a place to end – or begin – the night, look no further than Multilayerladen. What may seem from both the outside and the menu, to be a standard hip cocktail bar, is actually one of the most unique bars I’ve ever visited. Throughout the space, which is no larger than a typical New York City bar, are raised beds at various heights, complete with pillows, blankets, and comforters. Enjoy a beer in what can only be described as a king-sized bunk bed or sit on a swing at the bar. This spot was recommended to me by Vašek and endorsed by my friend – a Berlin local of about a month – and it’s certainly worth checking out.
Berlin is a beautiful, lively city – there’s no doubt you’ll find something to do if you visit, whether you want to explore the famous nightlife or gorge on the döner (or both) your entire trip. Having a couple tried-and-true recommendations, however, definitely can’t hurt.
By Holly Kase