Great freedom on the Spree

So international, so much history, so colorful, so tolerant and open to new things: Berlin is a German cosmopolitan city. And what a city it is. In Berlin, everyone can be whoever they want to be. In Berlin, you are not asked where you come from - but rather where you want to go. This city knows no closing time, it vibrates, reinvents itself again and again. The Berlin beat is always a bit faster than elsewhere, and yet the city is also casual. There is no dress code, for example. Younger Berliners will initially seem a bit underdressed to travelers - but that's simply the unmistakable Berlin style, which already makes people shake their heads in Hamburg. And, by the way, you can't copy it that easily... Important prerequisite: You have to know the really trendy second-hand stores.

The metropolis on the Spree has grown together from East and West Berlin. And scars will remain, in the architecture, in the people, in Berlin's culture, which often reflects its own eventful history, especially since the Weimar Republic. Berlin, as a guest, must realize, has not only one center, but at least two, Ku'damm and Mitte. And it is a city of neighborhoods: There are worlds between Charlottenburg and Lichtenberg, between Wedding and Friedrichshain, between Zehlendorf and Köpenick. But that doesn't matter, it makes forays through the city surprising, even for Berliners. The best way to explore the city is by bike. Along the way, you'll discover interesting corners, stark contrasts, large green parks where, in summer, bratwursts and köfte are equally at home on the grill. Berliners love being outside, because in winter the gray skies often hang low. That's why you sit outside in the café again as early as you can, wrapped up thickly with jacket, cap, scarf - and are served there, of course.

What else? Berlin is a city of snarky humor (you have to counter sharply right away and you are quite friendly with each other). The city not only has world-famous museums, monuments, theaters, concert halls and opera houses - it also has truly unique sights: Tempelhofer Feld, for example - the site of the former Tempelhof Airport is now home to skaters, kiters and cyclists. The open-air Berlin Wall memorial on Bernauer Strasse, the GDR Museum in Mitte, Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, the Reichstag dome. Neukölln should be roamed, experience GDR architecture in Karl-Marx-Allee and stroll through the Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg. There are also many weekly and flea markets, open-air swimming pools and beaches, and yes, yes: beer gardens. The city lives not only from its world-famous high culture, but also from the many small backyard theaters, off-cabarets and readings, performances and events of small initiatives. Berlin is open again and ready to welcome guests.

Also good to know: Berlin can do even more. Because what many do not know: Berlin's nature is surprisingly versatile and has always provided recreation, relaxation and discovery. Does that fit with the usual image of the metropolis? Very well, in fact. Because in Berlin you can find numerous destinations for excursions. You can even attend events in nature in Berlin.

The capital is full of lakes and rivers - the most famous are Müggelsee and Wannsee as well as the Spree, Havel and Landwehr Canal. Every Berliner has his favorite spot on the water. If you like to actively explore, go directly on the water, go kayaking or take a water hike. If you are more in the mood for rest and relaxation, then get to know the numerous beaches of the metropolis - as you can see: everyone finds their favorite place to relax in Berlin.

The Parks, gardens and forests in and around Berlin are waiting to be discovered. Experience the versatile hiking routes or actively cover your exploration tour by bike. The green side of this city is ready for you and gives you always and at any time its most beautiful facets. From the Schöneberger Südgelände Nature Park to the nature bobsled run on the Marzahn Kienberg - Berlin's nature is unique.

Berlin. Also that.

Germany's number one city break destination is one of the few cities in Germany to have three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides the Museum Island and the Prussian palaces and gardens, Berlin's modernist housing estates are also part of it. The German capital is also the only city in the world with three opera houses. There are 174 museums, 300 galleries and 2100 bridges, 564 of which cross water. The city area is nine times larger than that of Paris, the largest extension from east to west is 45 kilometers, from north to south 38 kilometers. There were 34.12 million overnight stays in Berlin last year, 18.6 million of which were booked by guests from Germany.

The absolute street food classic in Berlin, along with doner kebab and falafel, is of course curry sausage - best eaten, for example, at Curry 36 in Kreuzberg, at Wittys Organic Food on Wittenbergplatz, or at Konnopke's Imbiss on Schönhauser Allee. Berlin cuisine is simple - typical dishes include Bulette with potato salad, potato soup, Königsberger Klopse (meatballs), falscher Hase (meatloaf) or liver. But Berlin wouldn't be Berlin if it couldn't do things differently: The German capital is also a dream destination for vegans: Berlin has about 90 vegan restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlors, and there are even vegan supermarkets. And for vegetarians, the choice is even almost limitless.

As international as Berlin is in terms of its inhabitants, the cuisine is now also cosmopolitan: Israeli, Thai, French, Swabian, African - all no problem. Of course, there are many top restaurants, more precisely, 24 are decorated with Michelin stars. But you can often still eat surprisingly well and cheaply in the city. At the small Asian restaurant, at the Arabian, in the proverbial Berlin corner pub or at the small Italian around the corner, the prices are rather small-town. A specialty that takes some getting used to is Berliner Weiße - beer with either woodruff or raspberry syrup. Less well known: But the city is also the capital of Germany's craft beer scene - some 30 breweries serve flavorful varieties from pale ale to IPA. And wine, yes a very little bit of wine, is also grown in Berlin. The city has ten vineyards.

Cover photo: View of Berlin's city center with the TV tower © visitBerlin, Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien