Berliner

Dec 21, 2013

Six hours definitely isn’t enough time to have in Berlin but with a few tips from Hannah and a quick Google while waiting for my flight, I think I made those six hours count. Luckily pretty much everyone in Berlin speaks good English, taxis are way cheaper than they are in London and exploring a city on my own is pretty high on my “favourite things to do” list. I probably should have checked the weather before I went although speed exploring kept me warmer than wasting time in H&M buying a new jumper. Here are my must sees:

First stop – The Brandenburg Gate. I’m no historical expert but this is definitely the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of Berlin. Loads of guided tours leave from here and the tourist office is next door and will give you a map for €1 (way less then you’ll spend on internet fees Google mapping on your iPhone). The first of many Christmas trees here – I think the Germans did invent them after all.

Next stop: Checkpoint Charlie. Another must-see, this piece of graffiti-ed wall stands outside the museum. The museum is small but absolutely packed with information – I could have spent much longer inside if I’d had more time. Don’t forget the giftshop for some quirky souvenirs or even a piece of the wall.

A short hop in a taxi took me to the East side of the city. Almost 25 years after the wall came down a section of it still remains, walk along the west side of the wall which has become an outdoor gallery reflecting on the history of the city’s division.


Berlin has over 60 Christmas markets. I made it to two of them, this one in Alexanderplatz – right in the centre of town.

Solo exploring necessitates a selfie. I also popped up to the top of the TV Tower for views of the city at sunset, visited the famous KaDeWe department store (the food hall is a must-see) and sheltered from the freezing weather in Cafe Einstein on Unter Der Linten.