5 Unmissable Places to See In Berlin, Germany: Just like a true local

Never been to Berlin and wondering what to expect? Well, the answer has never been simpler: plenty of history, culture, food and obviously fun. Berlin is definitely one of the most diverse, eclectic and open-minded cities in Europe: a truly international atmosphere. Everybody wants to go there and if you plan to do the same, remember to book ahead and get up to 35% off.

First off, get yourself a ticket to get around town. Berlin's public transportation system includes 3 fare zones (A, B, and C) and it consists of the U-Bahn, the S-Bahn, buses, trams and ferries. You can buy single tickets or travel passes (valid for all forms of public transport) from bus or tram drivers, vending machines at U- or S-Bahn stations, and news kiosks. Now that you've sorted that out, here's a handy list of things to experience Berlin like a true local.

1. THE REICHSTAG

The Reichstag is the home of the German Parliament, the Bundestag. Pick up a free audio guide to learn everything about the political history of the place and be sure to enjoy a free lift ride to its roof terrace: be ready for a spectacular view over the city as well as incredible close-ups of the modern glass dome all around you. 

2. THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe near Brandenburg Gate, also known as The Holocaust Memorial, is a field of 19.000 square meters, covered with 2.711 concrete slabs designed by Peter Eisenman.  The memorial to the Shoah is supplemented by an Underground Information Centre which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am - 8 pm (from October to March, 10 am – 7 pm). As a place of contemplation and remembrance, it may look quite disorienting at first and there’s no doubt that you will feel lost the first time you walk through the stelae patch. Also, the uneven concrete floor surely fills up the visitors with a sense of uncertainty and discomfort: a whole new way to bring the monument and the memory back to life.

3. A PICNIC IN THE PARK

In summer Berliners pack a picnic and hit the city parks. Depending on how you're feeling, pick up the map and choose your destination: the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most popular inner-city park, a classic choice with lots of walking paths and trails, along with romantic corners. Mauerpark, on the other hand, is a more peculiar park, perfect whatever the season: it’s a mix of rundown park, Berlin Wall monument, flea market, public place to meet, pocket music festival and also… karaokeville. No doubt this park should make the top of your list.

4. ALEXANDERPLATZ

Over the years Alexanderplatz has become more and more relevant for tourists: as we speak more than 300.000 people visit this meeting point every single day. Located in the very heart of the city, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin is very close to Alexanderplatz but it’s also within easy reach of other city center’s top attractions. In fact, you can enjoy one impressive attraction right in the hotel lobby: the AquaDom, the world’s largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium.

5. CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War: history-speaking, it’s a place of incredible importance and a must-see landmark you can’t miss. Starting from famous sign at the former East–West Berlin border which reads "YOU ARE LEAVING THE AMERICAN SECTOR" in English, Russian, French, and German, you will travel back in time to the discovery of one of the darkest times in history. Once there, for 14,50€, you can visit the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie in Friedrichstraße: the museum contains an incredible number of documents on the escape attempts from East to West.

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