Berlin City Guide: A Weekend in Germany

A Berlin city guide for your next jaunt to Germany. Enjoy!

If you’ve been here for a while, you know that last summer was quite possibly one of the best summers yet.

I went to Europe for the VERY. FIRST. TIME.

I know, I know. I’m behind. But I think I’m actually one of the first members of my family to fly across the pond! So crazy.

It all started the morning I woke Tim up early (typical) and told him my master plan: We were going to Europe for a month, for fun.

While his response was more realistic than my optimistic mood was hoping for, we made it happen. I still pinch myself when I think about our time in Europe. It was magical. So so magical. So, if you have been following along since last year you know we spent the majority of our month living in and working from the Netherlands. However, we did spend most of our weekends traveling around other cities in the Netherlands and exploring nearby countries. We spent a long weekend in Dublin, explored the foodie heaven Barcelona, and of course – gallivanted around Berlin, Germany.

Berlin City Guide: A weekend in Germany

Our weekend in Berlin was so much fun, but I wish we had weeks to spend exploring Germany. I fell in love immediately. The people, the places, the city – it was everything I loved. So, if you can take more time to visit Germany – do it! But if not, here’s a Berlin city guide for all the spots to visit during your weekend there.

Where to eat & drink in Berlin

• Mikkeller. While Mikkeller is a Danish craft brewery, its Berlin outpost is downright delightful. We wandered in on our first evening in Berlin to meet up with our favorite travel pals and enjoyed a long night of laughs, beer, and cheese plates. Need I say more?
• Ora. Ora had me at “pharmacy”. Curious? It’s a café, restaurant, and bar nestled in what used to be a pharmacy. The interior is divine! It was a bit out of the way for where we were and where we were heading that day, but I’m thrilled we went.
• Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. However long the line is, it’s worth it. Or you could head back early the next morning and avoid the 1-2 hour wait. But guess what? We did both. We went to Mustafa’s TWICE the one weekend we were in Berlin. You’ll understand it once you try it.
• Panama. I’m going to be honest with you that we didn’t visit Panama while were in Berlin, but you should! Just look at the restaurant – it’s gorgeous.
• And, I’m categorizing Prater Garten below in the ‘instagrammable spots’ section – but know that you must visit for beer and pretzels! 

What to do in Berlin

• Mauerpark. If you’re in Berlin on a Sunday (which you should be), head to Mauerpark. I can’t really explain it, but it’s a dream. And if you need a hint, follow the singing. You’ll be glad you did.
• Prenzlauer Berg. You’ll see this later in the guide, too. I fell in love with Prenzlauer Berg (one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Berlin, or at least one of my favorites), and I think you will too.
• Get lost. I’m serious! Go for a walk without any set destination in mind. You’re more likely than not to stumble upon an adorable café, bustling restaurant, or better yet – a biergarten.
• Explore the history. It comes as no surprise that Berlin has a dark past. I was really curious to see how they approach it before landing in Germany. Spend some time learning more about what happened in Berlin and where it is today. There’s history around every corner.

Where to get coffee in Berlin

• Pure Origins. We were lucky enough to discover Pure Origins as it was conveniently situated right across the street from our hotel. And, it was exactly what we needed after an early AM flight from the Netherlands. So much so, that we went back later that weekend for more caffeine….and a sweet treat.
• We were too busy drinking beer (*sorry, mom) to drink much coffee while we were in Berlin. So, to give you some more spots to check out, Stil In Berlin has an amazing round-up of cafés to visit!

Tourist Attractions worth visiting in Berlin

• East Side Gallery/Berlin Wall. I think this one goes without saying. If you’re in Berlin, you must visit the wall. We took a Berlin Wall bike tour and learned so very much from one of the sweetest locals. It’s a heavy tour, but it’s incredible to see how far Germany has come.
• Prater Garten. I’m not entirely certain if Prater Garten can be considered a tourist attraction, but it’s 100% worth a a visit! From what I remember, it’s the biggest biergarten in Berlin. It’s tucked away under a canopy of trees, and, you’d nearly miss it if you weren’t looking for it. We almost walked right by – it’s set back from the main street, so be sure to keep an eye out when you’re on your way.
• Brandenburg Gate. A tourist attraction, indeed. However, as this piece of the Berlin city guide suggests, it’s worth visiting while you’re in Berlin. Get there early if you want a shot with less people in it!
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews. I don’t want to call this one an ‘attraction’, but rather a memorial (like the Berlin Wall) which you should visit while you’re in Berlin. It’s smack dab in the middle of the city, you can’t (and shouldn’t) miss it.

Most Instagrammable spots in Berlin

• Prenzlauer Berg. I’m going to go ahead and say that basically all of Prenzlauer Berg is the most Instagrammable in Berlin. The neighborhood is brimming with cafés, restaurants, bars, and more. But you’re also likely to find a ton of quiet streets. Just remember to look up! The buildings are total beauts.
• Ora. Same deal as before, y’all. Ora is that gorgeous pharmacy-turned-restaurant/café that is most certainly an Instagrammable Berlin spot.
• Any biergarten. Get that beer and pretzels shot, y’all! Did you even go to Germany if you don’t have a huge beer in hand?
• Along the canals. The canals in Berlin are gorgeous – and the views you get across the canals are even better! Mosey along the Spree if the weather’s cooperative and you’re bound to find tons of Insta-worthy spots.

Where to Stay in Berlin

• Hotel Eurostars. We booked our trip last-minute through Hotwire and we couldn’t have lucked out more. We snagged an incredible deal at Eurostars Berlin. We were treated to the most incredible views of Berlin from our room – and better yet – we had our own private balcony! The view was just perfect. If I could have, I would have stayed on that patio for much longer than one weekend!

Heading to Germany anytime soon? Drop your Instagram handle in the comments below! I’d love to follow along.

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* This post is sponsored by Hotwire.
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