Berlin a city that takes your breath away!

Berlin, a city that takes your breath away!

Berlin is an incredibly energetic city in which to settle down for a while. Otherwise, I spent a hectic weekend, which made me want to go back one day longer!

You just have to wander for a few moments in the gigantic German capital (8 times the size of Paris!) To fall in love with it. There is space, green spaces, alternative neighborhoods, and above all, relaxed people! If you can visit on foot, the bike is probably more suitable. Otherwise, there is always the metro, which you can enter without having to go through gantries!

 

 

 

Berlin, between street art and wide open spaces

Berlin is above all the Wall, of course, which still stands in part, covered with colorful street art, joyful or protesting. Hard to imagine, I find that 30 years ago Berlin was split in two ...

If the symbol remains, the wall has been, I find, perfectly appropriated by the Berliners, who can thus remember that the worst is possible, and that we must constantly fight for the rights of peoples. On the ground, a line materializes the wall, a constant reminder of the difficult history of this city which knew how to rebuild itself.
Street Art in Berlin
Mural in Berlin

What to see in Berlin?
There are also street art everywhere in the city, both on recent buildings and on older buildings.
Where to find Street Art in Berlin?
Street Art Berlin

In the Turkish district of Neukölln, you can even find works by the French artist Clet on traffic signs!
Berlin: Turkish district of Neukölln

The place that I find most impressive is the RAW, a gigantic complex dedicated to street art, and where you can see artists painting.

Berlin: The raw-tempel
Alternative place in Berlin: The raw-tempel
The raw-temple: converted into a cultural and associative place

Berlin, a young and dynamic city

If you want to breathe some fresh air, head to the center of Berlin (yes yes, the center!), Near Brandenburger Tor, where you can walk in a vast green space, the Tiergarten park, very pleasant, and extending over 200 hectares. Something to jog in peace! You really wouldn't think you were in the heart of a European capital.

If the park is frankly nice, I am less a fan of the neighborhood surrounding the Brandenburger Tor, very touristy, of course. Having not planned this trip, it is unfortunately impossible for me to visit the Reichstag. If you are going to Berlin and want to see it, book in advance!

On the other hand, I particularly appreciate the Mitte district, where FriedrichStrasse is located, and which has nice corners. There is a certain sweetness of life, and a very Berlin relaxation.

Another very pleasant stroll consists in following the Spree, the river, which crosses very different districts of Berlin. Perfect for sunny weather, because yes, it can get hot, especially in summer!

If you are looking for a particularly pleasant place to enjoy a brunch, I particularly recommend this address, Pasternak, Knaackstraße 22/24, 10405 Berlin, a Russian restaurant that offers more food than your stomach can contain, in a quiet area and residential. Better to book because the restaurant is not super large, and often crowded! My stomach still has fond memories ...

But Berlin is also the story of Nazi Germany, and reminders on the ground show that the Germans also did not forget what happened during the Second World War.

The Church of Remembrance also recalls the bombings suffered by the city during the war. Having become a place of memory and commemoration, I for my part found that it was very crowded, and that it was suddenly difficult to feel anything ...

Berlin also offers plenty of other parks, beaches (!!), and a host of museums, which in two days I did not have time to see but which all seem more interesting than the others. Allow at least 5 days to properly visit the city, and walk around! And don't be surprised if you come back with a tattoo or a piercing!