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Berlin, Berlin, Berlin. Much has been said about this eccentric city.
From the moment I first set foot in this city to the time I left to now, over a year since I was there last, the city holds a spell over me. Calling my name. Begging me for a revisit. Telling me I need to go to Berlin now. Not just go, but to live there.
And I’m not the only one. Within weeks of each other, two friends of mine are making their way to Berlin to try their luck in the city. They know each other, but neither knew the other was going until they both had made plans.
So what is it about Berlin?
From the moment you arrive, you’re hit with it. The Vibe. The edgy, and yet laid back feeling. Not pretentious, but very European at the same time. It’s hard to put your finger on it exactly, but you know it’s there.
The best way of soaking in the city is by hanging out at a local cafe or bar with a drink in hand. Each more unique than the previous. Beer gardens in the summer are a mecca for the young and hip. Or, take your people watching to the streets. Enjoy the many green spaces of Berlin with a drink or two.
IIt’sfascinating, but turbulent history? From being the capital of the German Empire to the city divided in half by a wall to the fall of said wall. Berlin’s story has had its ups and downs. Everywhere you go, there are constant memories of its past. From bullet ridden buildings to memorials and remnants of the wall, the city wouldn’t be who it is today without it.
And yet, now when you walk down the streets, you see a city that is healing. A city that is being reborn and rediscovering who it is. The excitement of rebuilding can be seen and felt everywhere in the city. It is incredible to me that within my lifetime the city was once divided and then came together to start rebuilding.
Maybe it’s the cute green man (the Ampelmännchen) that beckons to you to cross the street. A reminder of a time pass, yet looking forward. Giving the physical and metaphoric green light to move forward. To move beyond the past.
Perhaps it’s the arts and culture available in the city. The vast number of museums – impossible to see them all in a visit. Imagine walking into a museum and seeing a whole ancient city laid out before your eyes. That is exactly what happens when you enter the Pergamon Museum.
Outside of the museums, the art is equally plentiful. Berlin has some of the best street art of any city that I’ve been. I don’t consider most graffiti as art, but these are true works of art, making the entire city and open air museum. You never know what you will discover when you turn the corner.
Photo: Tania Arwachan
Or is it about the food? (Let’s be real. For me, it’s totally about the food). My first bites of Asian food in the city was like heaven. I was so starved for comfort food after moving to Hungary. The diversity in available cuisines. Anything you can imagine, you can find. Of course there’s the street food – currywurst, pretzels, donair kebab, plus, beer.
Whatever it is, I can’t put my finger on it. No words can describe the feeling you get when you’re in the city. You won’t get it until you go to see and feel it for yourself.
Yes, yes it does 🙂
So go to Berlin. Eat the food. Wander the streets. Take in the history. Drink the beer. Inhale the atmosphere and perhaps you’ll fall in love too.
Have you fallen in love with a city? How do you articulate your feelings?
P.S. Another country I fell in love with – Slovenia: I Love You (and Why You Should Too)
There’s no doubt Berlin is an awesome city! Thanks for sharing!
As they say “I’ve never been there but it’s on my list”. I know a lot of people that have travelled to Berlin and who love it and its no wonder – the street art, food, museums, history – it looks like it has it all.
After reading your post I realized how different we perceive different places, Adelina. I visited Berlin last fall and I didn’t like it at all. That’s not to say that nothing attracts me in Berlin. There are very many beautiful sights, but the general feel was not appealing to me at all. Way too crowded and too touristy.
How interesting. I visited in the fall as well, but a couple years ago, and I felt there were no tourists. Some, but nothing compared to the masses during warmer weather.
Just from your pictures I can tell it has the vibe that I look for in a city! I’m so excited – Budapest tomorrow, then Prague, and then Berlin!! Berlin is another one that wasn’t on my original itinerary but about 8 different people told me how amazing it is I decided I had to go. After reading this I’m definitely glad I decided to squeeze it in. 🙂
Yay, glad you were able to squeeze in Berlin. It’s great. I love Budapest and hope you enjoyed it. In many ways I feel like Berlin is like Budapest, but more affluent.
I’m moving to Berlin later this year, so of course I love it! I think it’s exactly because it’s not like a city where there are so many obvious tourist attractions, and simply walking around, discovering cool street art, eating the amazing food and sitting in cool cafes is how to connect with the city. The food is indeed incredible. Man, you’re making me miss it, even though I was just there last week and will be back in a couple of months!
I’m so jealous! You’re going to have such a great time getting to know your new city. Hopefully I’ll get there soon!
…You know, I’ve never really been that interested in Berlin, per se–but everyone I know who’s been has LOVED it, so I might give it a shot!!…
Yes! You definitely should! Such a great city.
Oh man, I just left Berlin after a week there… And I gotta say… I did not like it. And I was SO hoping to because everyone loves it so much. I can’t deny that it has a fascinating history, but the city itself just did not speak to me. I hope to figure out why so I can articulate it into words someday!
Haha, that’s okay! Sometimes you just don’t connect to the city. There are a few like that to me (like Prague which I wrote about before), which I just don’t get. I can love Berlin for both of us 🙂
Yes, we’ll meet you in Berlin! Seriously, Berlin does have a great energy – it’s youthful and open-minded. Very arty. Janice only spent a brief couple of days there (too short), and we both would like to visit the city together and take it in more slowly…
There are is so much to do in Berlin! I was there for about 6 days and barely scratched the surface. Taking it in more slowly would be the best.
Love this post, Adelina. I, too, LOVE Berlin. I really want to go back again. I thought about living there, but I’ve heard it’s really difficult to go without a job and find one. Especially since I don’t speak German or having any qualifications!
Berlin is too awesome 🙂 One of my friends managed to get a visa without having a job, but I think it’s one of those youth mobility ones. I’m going to look into it for myself too!
It’s been many years since I visited Berlin, but your beautiful photos really make me want to visit it again! Hope to be back there soon. It is such a cool city, with so much history.
Thanks Maria! I really want to go back soon. Now that I have friends there, it makes it so much easier 🙂
Adelina, I absolutely love, love, love Berlin. Jim and I make a yearly pilgrimage in winter, so we’re planning our next one now!
Oh I’m so jealous! I would love to make annual pilgrimages to the city.
I was in Berlin in 2007. I had an amazing experience. Your post is making want to go back there.
Thanks Steve. Writing it made me want to go back asap! I hope we both make it there soon 🙂