Discover Berlin: A Traveler’s Guide to Art, History, and Cuisine

Kimberly·November 8, 2024·0 comments

Berlin, a city steeped in history, art, and culture, is a must-visit for any traveler. If you have a few days to discover this vibrant metropolis, here are my top picks from an unforgettable weekend in Berlin.

Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall

Checkpoint Charlie, situated in what was once West Berlin, is an iconic spot perfect for photo opportunities. Visitors here are friendly, often trading turns to snap each other’s pictures. Just down the road, an outdoor exhibit tells the story of Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall through preserved wall segments and historical panels. While there’s also an indoor museum nearby, I chose to explore one in East Berlin instead.

The image shows a Kimberly posing at Checkpoint Charlie, a historic Cold War site in Berlin, Germany. She is standing next to a small structure resembling a guard post, marked with the words "U.S. Army Checkpoint." The post is surrounded by sandbags, adding to the historic military aesthetic. The woman is dressed casually, wearing a red beret, denim jacket, black pants, and white sneakers, giving her a stylish, traveler vibe. In the background, there are signs for the Wall Museum and other buildings
A white sign stating you are now leaving the American Sector, under the wording in English you can see the same warning in Russian and German.
An arch of the Berlin Wall. The two pieces have graffiti on them and are on top of gravel. In the background you can see a child playing and adults walking around.

A quick train ride takes you to East Berlin, where impressive sections of the Berlin Wall still stand. I visited a museum that offered a profound look at the Wall’s history, including a poignant moment on the balcony overlooking the river, where a young boy tragically drowned during the era of Russian control. The museum was both moving and highly informative.

A piece of art in the Wall Museum. This is from Pink Floyds The Wall. IT says" The Wall Live in Berlin on July 21 1990 at Postdamer Platz"

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, many parts were transformed into public art. One standout is the mural My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love, featuring Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker in a symbolic socialist fraternal kiss. The vivid art along the East Side Gallery is a testament to resilience and creative expression.

This image captures a section of the Berlin Wall featuring a large mural. The artwork prominently displays the word "BERLIN" in bold white letters. Above the text, there are stylized images of cityscapes, connecting Berlin with other cities, including "New York" on the left. The artwork includes a web of white barbed wire lines that converge at a central red orb, symbolizing a divided world or Berlin’s historical division. The mural has a dark background, which contrasts with the bright colors and white lines, making the imagery stand out. This mural serves as a visual representation of Berlin's connection to the world and its historical significance as a city once divided.
Kimberly standing in front of a mural on the Berlin Wall, the mural is My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love, featuring Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker in a symbolic socialist fraternal kiss
A piece of the Berlin Wall that has a saying in German, below it there is the English translation that says: Many Small People who in Verandern many small places do many small things that can alter the face of the world.

Museum shops around the area sell fragments of the Berlin Wall, making for a unique and meaningful souvenir. I couldn’t resist picking one up for myself!

The German Film Museum: The Deutsche Kinemathek

The Deutsche Kinemathek is a must-visit for film buffs. This museum explores the global evolution of film and the development of television in Germany, showcasing an impressive collection of German and international films, including treasures from Hollywood. Artifacts on display range from original costumes and directors’ notes to rare photographs of legendary film stars. The highlight for me was seeing one of the very first Oscars—truly a surreal experience!

A golden Oscar statue in a display case. In the background is a piece of paper that says "Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 1928 first award for Distinctive Achievement Emil Jarrings.
A room with display cases of costumes from old Hollywood movies. This one shows a cream colored skirt with a black lace top and beige fringe hanging from the sleeves. Around the display case are close up pictures in black and white of the actress who wore the outfit.
An old film camera on wheels. It stands about 6ft high and in the background is an image of the camera being used.

Altes Museum

Located on Berlin’s famous Museum Island, the Altes Museum is a masterpiece of architecture and a treasure trove of ancient art. It houses stunning sculptures depicting Greek mythology, including pieces of Zeus and Aphrodite, along with a bust of Cleopatra and a statue of Marcus Aurelius dating back to 150 AD. Even if you’re not typically drawn to art museums, Museum Island itself, with its beautiful park and classical architecture, is worth a visit.

A marble statue of Zeus, he has hair to his shoulders and a beard. No shirt on but has a toga wrapped around his right shoulder and waist. He is holding a disk in his right hand and a staff in his left. Below the staff at his feet is an Eagle looking up.
A bust of Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen wears the broad royal diadem of the dynasty on her heard. Her hair is pulled back into a bun, and she is not smiling. The bust sits on a block of marble on top of a white stand. The wall behind the bust is painted red.
A statue of Marcus Aurelius, He has short wavy hair and is in his armour with a skirt and lace up sandals. He is holding something in his right hand and a sheet wrapped around his hand hangs towards the ground. He is on a white display block with a white curtain behind him.
This image shows the Altes Museum in Berlin, Germany, a neoclassical building with a row of tall columns at its front. The museum is adorned with banners, one of which reads "ALTES MUSEUM," and another with "ANTIKE," indicating its focus on ancient artifacts. A Ukrainian flag flies atop the museum, symbolizing solidarity with Ukraine. In front of the building, there is a fountain with water spraying up, surrounded by visitors walking, sitting, and taking photos on the museum grounds. The sky above is cloudy and overcast, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scene. The grassy area and open plaza provide a sense of space and grandeur.

Tastes of Berlin

Markthalle Neun

This lively indoor market boasts a diverse selection of international food vendors and unique shopping stalls. I was lucky to visit on a Thursday, which happens to be Street Food Day! I indulged in an incredible bao from the Bao Gao Club—the best I’ve ever tasted—paired with a local porter from Heidenpeters.

A brick wall with a white poster on top. The poster in black writing says Street Food Thursday. There is yellow, green, and pink paint splattered on top of the writing.
A plate with a pile of bao (dough shaped into balls) next to them on the plate is a bowl with some noodles and cilantro on top, next to the bowl are two little ramekins of dipping sauce. Next to the plate of food is a dark beer in a pint glass. In the background you can see people sitting at other picnic tables.
Kimberly's hand holding up a dark beer. In the background is a booth that has wood paneling and white beams around it. There is a sign above it that reads Heidnepters and a wooden beer stein behind it. You can see some beers on the counter and a cooler in the background with beer.

Peter Pane

With several locations across Berlin, Peter Pane is a local favorite offering delicious vegetarian options. I opted for the Klassik Vacon: a plant-based chicken cutlet with crispy cornflake breading, vegan bacon, and red onions, served with a side of fries and creamy mayonnaise for dipping.

A plate of food sits on a table. On the plate is a bowl of fries and next to it is a fried "chicken" burger. Behind the plate is the menu and in the background you can see more picnic tables.

#HASHTAG Coffee Shop

This charming spot is perfect for taking a break and planning your next move. After visiting Checkpoint Charlie, I stopped in for their “Be Creative with Your Lunch” bowl for €12. It was hearty and exactly what I needed on a cool summer day.

A plate of food sits on a blue and brown table. The plate has chopped potatoes and tofu with a creamy dressing on top. There is also corn, lettuce, and tomatoes on the plate. In the background is a tray with a plant and condiments on it.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, passionate about art, or simply looking for great food, Berlin has something special to offer everyone.

Today’s Helpful Tips

The Wall Museum – Even though it was sad, this museum was a perfect glimpse into history. I loved its walkability to the Berlin Wall Graffiti walls.

The German Film Museum: The Deutsche Kinemathek – A must visit for any film buff!

Altes Museum – Filled with beautiful statues on the Roman Empire and Greek Mythology.

Markthalle Neun – A lively food hall, I recommend visiting on a Thursday to take advantage of the street food vendors.

Peter Pane – If you are in the mood for burgers that offer a variety of vegetarian options this is a great stop.

#HASHTAG Coffee Shop – I loved this quaint little coffee shop, walking distance from Checkpoint Charlie, they have a laid back vibe and excellent food.

Kimberly

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