Insiders’ Guide: Spending 24 Hours in Berlin
Often remembered because of its difficult history, Berlin is nowadays a city that cherishes diversity and people's singularity, attracting many young professionals and artists from multiple nationalities. Although the city requires more than a day to be fully explored, we have prepared a 24 hours guide for you to visit the best spots of the German capital with some insiders’ tips.
To go around the city, public transportation is highly recommended, as Berlin’s system is quite effective and affordable. If the weather allows, it is also worth renting a bicycle; locals are really into riding bikes, so cyclist-only lanes are distributed throughout the streets of Berlin.
Breakfast at Silo Coffee
Berlin is an oasis for vegan and vegetarian people. Even though we often associate German cuisine with meat, more precisely with a passion for sausages, the city is considered one of the best places to have a green meal in Europe. We recommend you stop by the Silo Coffee to enjoy a pleasant breakfast served with local producers’ ingredients.
Photo credits: Berlin Food Stories
Explore the East Side Gallery
One of the most famous walls worldwide with more than one kilometer of length, the Berlin Wall is today the world's longest open-air gallery. The paintings feature icons coming from pop culture, while some murals are changed over some period, thus granting an exquisite experience and worth visiting.
Photo credits: The Washington Post
Walk across the Oberbaum bridge
This double deck bridge is one of the trademarks of Berlin. Just a few steps from the East Side Gallery, we suggest you walk through the platform to have a privileged view of the Spree river. Some street artists are often there performing, so you might even have the chance to listen to very talented people along the way.
Photo credits: Vecteezy
When in Berlin, try the currywurst
For lunch, our suggestion is to grab this very traditional "junk" food: the currywurst. Basically it is a sausage-based dish, seasoned with a spicy sauce prepared with curry and tomato sauce. Stop by Curry61, a family owned fast food, to try this delicacy from Germany’s capital. They use only fresh ingredients, without relying on frozen food, which contributes to a delicious taste.
Photo credits: Curry61
Go shopping in the Hackescher Markt
This neighbourhood is the ultimate destination for young German fashion talents. The district has an old-fashioned Berlin vibe with shorter buildings, narrow streets and in general, a friendly environment.
Photo credits: Travel of Adam
Check Berlin’s icons: the Fernsehturm, Berliner Dom and Brandenburg Gate
A visit in Berlin is never done without going to the most well-known destinations in the city center. After spending some time shopping in the Hackescher Markt, walk a bit to reach the Fernsehturm (aka TV Tower) with a view deck on top, open to visit (it is important to buy the tickets in advance). Next, head to the Berliner Dom, an outstanding Cathedral that also allows visitation on its dome to see a spectacular view. Finally, check the one and only Brandenburg Gate, former city gate, and one of today’s most iconic tourist spots in Berlin.
Fernsehturm
Photo credits: imago images/Westend61
Berliner Dom
Photo credits: H-Hotels
Brandenburg Gate
Photo credits: Conde Nast Traveler
Dine in a pharmacy? Why not!
Jokes aside, finish the day by having dinner and some drinks in this amazing and unique place: Ora wine bar and restaurant. Once a pharmacy, the place was created in 2015, but still features old elements of the first location, opened in 1860. With woodworks and ceiling cornices from the 1800s and early 1900s, this dine offers a wide list of wine, together with variable fare that changes daily, based on the ingredients that arrive every morning. With seasonal dishes and a fixed menu with 2-4 courses (starters, mains, cheese and desert), the location is the perfect spot to have a good meal in an astonishing atmosphere.
Photo credits: Travel of Adam