THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN BERLIN: DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS BEYOND TOURIST SPOTS

Art galleries, vintage shops and techno music: aren’t these the perfect ingredients for the ideal weekend? I spent three days in Berlin mixing just these three elements, and the result was surprising. Although it was my first time visiting the city, I wanted to enjoy it freely, focusing on what I actually felt like doing, without feeling compelled to see all the monuments that “must” be visited simply because they are historic or famous. No Berlin Wall, no Brandenburg Gate, no Reichstag. Instead, I wandered through the streets of this huge city, enjoyed the silence of its residential areas, was impressed by the effortless coolness of the people walking its streets, and went in search of its creative spirit.

The bridge over the Sprea.

Here are my recommended itineraries for discovering the city. If you’re passionate about art and history, don’t miss Museum Island and the Mitte district! If, on the other hand, you love vintage shops and prefer hopping from one contemporary art gallery to another, then this Kreuzberg itinerary is perfect for you.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTS MADE SIMPLE

You can easily get around by subway or by renting a bike, but keep in mind that Berlin is a huge city and getting from one side to the other can take hours. It is essential to download the BGV app to purchase tickets online. You can buy a ticket valid for 2h or a shorter one that lasts just 20 minutes. If you buy a pack of 4 tickets, you’ll receive a significant discount. There are three different types of public transport:

-        S -> trains

-        U ->subway

-        M -> Bus

NB: If you are travelling by train to or from the airport, remember to buy a ticket that includes Zone C, otherwise you may be fined.

MITTE ITINERARY: EXPLORE BERLIN'S HEART IN 24 HOURS

From wherever you are, you will easily find a metro that takes you to Alexanderplatz, the heart of the city of Berlin. Cross the square passing beside the famous Television Tower and head toward Museum Island.

THE MUSEUM ISLAND

What do you do with a small island in the middle of the Spree, Berlin's main river? You build as many museums as possible! Here you’ll find a wide range covering different historical periods:

• Pergamon Museum: home to the Pergamon Altar, as well as many Babylonian, ancient Greek, and Middle Eastern treasures. Unfortunately, it was under renovation, so I couldn’t visit it.

• Neue Museum: it houses works from antiquity, including an important Egyptian collection with the famous Bust of Nefertiti.

• Alte Gallerie: features statues and paintings by major artists from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. I chose to visit this museum because it felt more meaningful to focus on the work of german artists.

• Museum of the GDR: not exactly on the island but on the opposite bank of the Spree, this museum explores everyday life in East Berlin before the fall of the Wall.

• Berlin Cathedral: not a museum, but a ticket is still required to visit this cathedral, which has an unusual central plan. After climbing a fair number of steps, you can also reach the dome, which offers a great view over the city.

The Alte Gallerie.

MITTE

It is the Centre of the city, a fashionable and popular neighbourhood. he streets here are very quiet and peaceful, lined with many shops and concept stores, as well as cafés and florists. The vintage shops I recommend in the area are:

• Lunettes vintage: a shop specialised in eyewear.

• OFT vintage: if you check Google reviews, the rating is quite low (around 2 out of 5 stars), mainly due to the legendary personality of the owner. In reality, the shop offers high-quality vintage furniture and clothing.

• Paul’s Chapters: a small independent shop where you can find classic vintage pieces.

• The New Black: offers selections of designer clothing, prices are naturally higher.

I also visited Haus Schwarzenberg, an industrial building that nowadays hosts a book shop, a café, a small gallery and a ‘no photos allowed’ bar where you can sip an excellent alcoholic lemonade at any time of day. Nearby, I also recommend taking a look at the inner courtyards of Sophienstrasse, where former industrial buildings have been restored and transformed into cosy architectural spaces.

RAW AND REAL KREUZBERG: EXPLORING BERLIN’S CREATIVE SOUL

Famous for its alternative spirit, street art and the strong presence of the Turkish community, Kreuzberg is one of the most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods in Berlin. Here you can’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the best kebabs in Berlin and to visit the Turkish market, held along the banks of the Maybachufer canal every Friday morning.

Fun fact: the idea of ‘Kebab’ served inside a sandwich was actually invented in Berlin, while in Turkish tradition this type of meat roasted on a spit is mainly served on a plate. Among the best places to try it, there are certainly Hasir, the restaurant of none other than Mehmet Aygün, the man who invented the kebab sandwich in 1971, and Al Faisal, a Syrian restaurant that serves excellent shawarma (its 4.9 stars on Google Maps are absolutely deserved).

Then get lost among some of the best vintage shops in the city located in this area, including Humana, Repeater and Let Them Eat Cake. I highly recommend stopping by Sing Blackbird, it has a beautiful selection of designer items from the 1990s and 2000s at great prices. Music lovers, on the other hand, will not be disappointed by Soultrade Recordstore, a shop specializing in vinyl records.

I had also noted another nice vintage shop, CALYPT store, and I originally planned to finish my itinerary at the East Side Gallery. In the end, however, I preferred to head west and visit other museums and galleries in the neighborhood, in particular the König Galerie and the Berlinische Galerie.

The Myabachufer canal.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

Berlin's creative soul seem to leak out from every window. Many of the city’s historic buildings were unfortunately destroyed, but reconstruction on the one hand and the rehabilitation of industrial spaces on the other have made room for innovation and experimentation. Today, Berlin is a vibrant hub for contemporary artists.

Here are some of the contemporary art museums and galleries I would have liked to visit:

• Koning Gallerie: a gallery located inside a deconsecrated church. The ground floor displays works by the artists it represents, while the upper floor hosts temporary exhibitions. Admission is free.

Koning Gallerie.

• Berlinische Galerie: the State Museum of Modern Art, Photography, and Architecture, showcasing art created in Berlin from 1870 to the present day. It features a permanent collection arranged chronologically, along with one or two rotating temporary exhibitions.

• O/C: a must for photography lovers, this exhibition space is dedicated to photography and visual media. It frequently organises artist talks, panel discussions, film screenings, and guided tours.

• Gropius Bau: the building was designed by Martin Gropius (nephew of Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus movement) together with Heino Schmieden. In addition to hosting modern and contemporary art exhibitions, it also organises concerts, theatrical performances, and talks with artists.

NIGHT LIFE

I think it takes several months - if not years - to uncover all the secrets of Berlin’s night life, so in just two days I only got a small taste of it. Berlin's nightlife is a truly unique experience, up to the point that it has been recently become part of the UNESCO cultural heritage. Here you can choose between bars hosting talented DJs on weekend nights and iconic temples of electronic music. Whether you will try (and fail) to get into Berghain, want to experience the kinky side of KitKatClub, or dive into the colorful nighttime world of Sisyphos, it is definitely worth spending at least one evening enjoying the best electronic music in the world in one of these (or many other) cult clubs of Berlin. Being yourself is the key that opens the doors to places free from rules and prejudice. That said, getting into these “no photos allowed” venues isn’t always easy. I therefore recommend trying to get on a guest list, speaking German at the door could help, and showing up respectful and not completely drunk is definitely needed. Inside, you’ll surely find whatever you need: food, drinks, captivating music, and the freedom to express your creativity. I ended up talking to truly interesting people - private chefs, DJs, or students escaping for the weekend—everyone very open and eager to engage in a short conversation.