Our Local Experts Share Their Berlin Favorites
Merren is an Aussie larrikin who has been living in Berlin since 2013. Having German grandparents, she wanted to get to know more about her heritage and was attracted to the vivacious, edgy, unassuming nature of the capital. She’s always up for a beer and is guaranteed to give you a stirring rendition of the Hof at the Brandenburg Gate.
“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find another city in the world with so many layers of history all meshed together and intertwined than right here in Berlin. Becoming a tour guide has been an incredibly rewarding way to connect with the history of Germany, and a great way to meet people from all over the globe!”
The Day City Tour as it’s the best way to get an overview of Berlin’s multifaceted history – from the Prussians to the Russians, Third Reich to the 21st Century melting pot that is Berlin.
East Side Gallery. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve walked that stretch of Wall with a kebap in one hand, beer in the other, contemplating those painted representations of the Cold War division.
It’s a little off the beaten track, but head out to the former Stasi Prison out at Hohenschönhausen. It’ll give you very interesting insight into the workings of the GDR's political justice system.
Jürgen is someone you could literally call a world citizen – he’s half German, born in Brazil, yet grew up in India! He moved to Germany at age 18 and, in his years studying Biology in Bremen, he increasingly felt the draw to the amazing and dynamic city of Berlin. When not on tour, he’s studying History and Theory of Culture, writing movie reviews and even producing films as well.
“Berlin is just crazy! It's dynamic, constantly evolving and you'll never get bored. Even after living here for seven years I still love to walk/bike around town to explore. Everyday you'll discover something new, something exciting. Whether it is a café, new street artist or piece of history – it’s amazing!”
The Cold War tour as this was a period that defined much of the 20th century and still influences (geo)politics today. Berlin was right in the heart it and is the city where ideologies truly clashed.
The Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe. It doesn’t come with dates, names or sentences describing historical events, but is a memorial that pulls you in, and asks you to interpret it for yourself.
For a great breakfast, head down to Neukölln to a little café called Roamer's. It's cozy (they only have five tables) with amazing food! Go for the beetroot sandwich or an egg dish. Trust me.