Visiting Berlin yes, but only in summer

visiting berlin yes summer
Visiting Berlin? Yes, but only in summer.

Visiting Berlin yes, but only in summer | Berlin is not as romantic as Paris, not as old as Rome, and not as cool as Amsterdam. Still Germany’s capital offers enough to attract tourists from all over the world to come and visit the remains of the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, off-the-beaten paths in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, Jewish heritage and Nazi sites. This rough city might not speak to glamour tourists, but to younger folks and backpackers.

The time frame to visit Berlin is limited. In autumn, winter and early spring you should avoid it, because Germany’s Capital will show you its dirty, ugly, cold face. But summer time simply has it. Sunshine and a lot of history will be waiting for you. Perfect example: the Berlin Wall (“Berliner Mauer”). Approx. 2km of this infamous site still remain today.

The Wall once was a 155km-long symbol of oppression that turned the western part of Berlin into an island of capitalism within a sea of socialism. Continually reinforced and refined, it grew into a complex security system that included a death strip riddled with trenches, floodlights, patrol roads, attack dogs, electric fences and watchtowers staffed by armed guards. Donald Trump would love to see such wall being built between America-first and Mexico. Between August 1961 and November 1989 around 5,000 people attempted to escape over this death strip, with an estimated death toll ranging from 136 to more than 200 in and around Berlin.

visiting berlin yes summer
Berlin Wall in 1986, from seen from Kreuzberg  (west side).

With a liberal and vibrant art scene, it’s no wonder Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has decided to set foot in Berlin as professor at the Universität der Künste. For some deeper understanding of Berlin’s convoluted history and subculture, head to Alexanderplatz at 11am for Alternative Berlin’s free 3-hour tour. Itineraries vary, but could include anything from a trip to an artists’ squat to a daytime rave.

visiting berlin yes summer
Berlin Alternative Scene

With food trucks everywhere, diners can spin the culinary globe without breaking your bank. Markthalle IX runs Street Food Thursdays. It just added a Breakfast Market, which serves a pretty loose interpretation of breakfast from early in the morning until 6pm every third Sunday of the month with no cover charge. Offerings range from congee to avocado toasts to Indian snacks, barbecue sandwiches and eggs benedict.

visiting berlin yes summer
Visiting Berlin – yes, but only in summer. Young people like Berlin a lot.

Every year some 1.2 million Berlin tourists pay €13 for a ride up the TV-Tower. Keep your money an try climbing up the Reichstag dome instead. The view is ok-ish and you’ll get it for free.

visiting berlin yes summer
Berlin Museumsinsel. Photo by János Balázs, wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Where to stay in Berlin

Our recommendations include the Circus Hostel, Grand Hostel Berlin, Wallyard Concept Hostel, the One80° Hostel and Generator Berlin Mitte. Just steps from the U-bahn station Rosenthaler Platz, the Circus Hostel provides shelter from €23, with a new microbrewery attached. Grand Hostel Berlin goes the extra mile with free German lessons and beer tastings, a cosy library bar and canalside seating in its 1870s Kreuzberg building. Dorms from €19. A new player is the Wallyard Concept Hostel. It has the soul of a designer boutique with dorms from €13. Equally stylish is One80° Hostel (dorms from €9), where the Wi-Fi is free and Alexanderplatz is just around the corner. If you’re a musician, you and your crew can get a free stay in exchange for a performance. Still our special recommendation will be the fantastic Generator Berlin Mitte. Right in Berlin’s Central Business District, with free wifi, some female-only dorms and a historic courtyard, this hostel is perfect for those wishing to visit Berlin on a budget. And don’t worry if you’re a couple. Generator Berlin Mitte offers some well-priced private rooms for you too :)

visiting berlin yes summer
Book budget accommodation in Berlin

Visiting Berlin yes summer. By Chili & Churp | © International Destinations | Find out more about Germany here -> GERMANY.