Stroll through the park that used to be an airport terminal, visit an art gallery in a former luxury department store, sleep in the “Flying bed room”, and eat in the dark. Yuli Linssen-Kaminitz guides you to some of Berlin’s most unique places. Before visiting, consider Berlin apartments for rent.
By YULI LINSSEN-KAMINITZ
Berlin was not always the center for culture, music and art – as it is today. Berlin used to yearn for tourists in the years before the fall of the wall. Ever since the wall collapsed, Berlin has changed completely: immediate developments, construction works all over the east side of the city and establishment of a new, improved image. Visitors from all over the world started traveling there and Berlin was rediscovered in its full glory.
The city is known to be rather alternative - it is after all the Mecca for electronic, techno and dance music. Because the locals have been suppressed in the years before the wall fell, it is only natural that they would be so incredibly open-minded people.
In the list below you can find some of the strangest places to visit around the city - don’t miss out on them.
1. Tempelhof Park
Location: right next to the old Tempelhof airport
The moment you enter this surreal park you will be amazed to realize this used to be an old airport terminal just two years ago. Located few minutes from the city center and the same size as the famous Hyde Park in London, you will have the unusual option to take your bikes or roller skates and enjoy riding in this used to be “no enter” area. Not only is this spot perfect for meeting new people and have a nice afternoon, it is also extremely unique to be able to see an old airplane’s ruins from the time the airport was still active.
2. Kunsthaus Tacheles
Location: Oranienburger Str. 53 10117
This odd looking, bizarre building used to be a luxury department store. Today, this unique spot has transformed itself to an exceptional gallery which showcases art works from talented local artists. It will take some time for new visitors to get used to the funny smell and the dirty atmosphere. However, after the first shock fades away, you will be amazed to observe the incredible art pieces, the laid-back attitude, which lies in the surrounding bars and cafes, and the outgoing people you will meet there.
3. Propeller Island City Lodge
Location: Albrecht-Achilles-Straße 58 10709
This hotel is a regular guest in almost every “strangest hotels in the world” top list. Some will say it was the most creepy experienced they have ever had while others will not be able to stop talking about how great it was. The core idea of this hotel is to allow the visitors to sleep inside a living art object for a day, weekend or more. All the 30 rooms were designed by Lars Stroschen – a well-known German artist. Each room has its own wacky theme, personal touch and character. “The castle room” , “Flying bed room”, “Mirror room” and “Upside down room” are just part of this pleasant freak show.
4. Nocti Vagus – Dark Restaurant
Location: Saarbrücker Str. 36-38
This experience will for sure be something you will never forget! Take pleasure in an evening where you will be using your all senses except your eye sight.
You will be served by blind individuals who will guide you through the whole process. If you are allergic to some kinds of food, no need to worry, the waiter will give you the option to notify him about things you simply cannot or do not want to eat.
Yuli Linssen-Kaminitz works for EasyToBook.com, a website specializing in discount rates on hotels all over the world that range from simple motels all the way up to celebrated 5-star venues. For more information about hotels in Berlin, visit their site!
Berlin is such a cool city, it really did surprise me the last time I was there. So artsy I thought…
I haven’t been to Berlin myself yet but really want to visit. Reminds me of a photo blog by a Swedish girl living in Gothenburg that I used to read (don’t remember the url at the moment). She shared lots of cool photos from her and her husband’s trips to Berlin (if I’m not mistaken they even spent their honeymoon there).
http://sandrajuto.blogspot.com/
As soon as I’ve read the title, I thought: Tacheles!!! Berlin is incredibly full of energy and surprises! Good to know about the Dark Restaurant, for my next visit…soon, I hope :)
Hi Giulia, Have fun in Berlin (once you make it there)! The Dark Restaurant sounds especially appealing. I first heard about the concept of eating in the dark when living in Zurich five years ago thanks to http://www.blindekuh.ch/ Surely a memorable experience!
Berlin is certainly an up and coming destination for hipsters and artists! So much to do, so much to see! Nightlife is good too with a lot of underground parties going on.
You’re so right, Alyssa. I love cities like that. No risk of getting bored ’cause there’s constantly something new to discover – whether it’s sights, galleries, hotels, restaurants or nightlife. Need to make it to Berlin one of these days!
Hey Erica,
You should definitely book a ticket to go to Berlin, you’ll love the city. I spent the summer of 2008 there and I have really good memories. I didn’t go to the Tempelhof park, but seems to be a cool place to chill out over the weekend.
I used to live just beside the street where Kunsthaus Tacheles is located. It’s a good place to meet your friends over a beer. There are art galleries all over the building and you will find three different bars, each with its own atmosphere.
You would love a cozy place for coffee named “Café Lucia” located in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg and a restaurant in the heart of Prenzlauerberg (Frarosa).
Berlin is also well know for the clubbing scene. My favourite clubs are Picnic and Watergate. If you’re not into all the techno and electro scene you can always go to Cafe Burger.
Let me know whenever you’ll be going.
Hi Jokin,
I can bet I’d love Berlin too! Sounds like you lived in the perfect location while being there. Thanks for the café tip (Just found it on Qype http://www.qype.com/place/66742-Cafe-Luzia-Berlin). And I love techno and electro so I’d probably like the clubbing scene over there.
Haven’t been to Berlin for a few years but was really impressed by the city and “the vibe”.
Wasn’t too expensive for a capital either which is always nice.
That park looks amazing. I would love it there!
I have also been tipped that Berlin marathon is a good one.
Hope you can visit again and see that new park in person! And perhaps run Berlin marathon? Or at least watch. :)
i can’t belive people likes so much berlin, i never been in such an ugly city, it feels empty, everywhere you walk is like a ghost town with no energy and life, the buildings are so ugly, grey city dirty, bad food, good clubing and underground parties but that is all is good, is def a good city for party goers but apart from that has nothing else, but ofcourse is the trendy city to go now, so if you want to be trendy you have to say you like berlin even deep inside you don’t.
David. You are exactly the sort of person that Berlin is glad to see the back of. Berlin is not traditionally pretty like Paris but it has a beauty that you have to discover by delving into the real heart of the city. The bustling Turkish market in Kreuzberg, the small cinema on Richard Sorgee Strasse or the secret club on Weserstrasse in Neukolln. Berlin has some of the best Turkish food I have tasted – better than I got in Dalston (in London) or in Turkey itself. The city is not just about partying although that is a huge reason for its popularity.
Cheap rents (where else can you live in a house share for £80/100 euro per month?), a huge international crowd and a place where people are not obsessed with wealth, mortgages and status. I’ve never been happier or met more happy people than I have in Berlin. The city can feel empty if you don’t know what is going on. If you take the time to learn the language and get to know the locals you’ll love Berlin. Whether that be for a weekend or for a lifetime.