10 Unique experiences that make Berlin Berlin
I’ve lived in Berlin a long time. It’s become like an old family member to me, and we love our family in spite of (or sometimes because of) their flaws. Berlin isn’t perfect, but it is my favourite city on earth.
Whether you hate Berlin, love Berlin like I do, or you’re coming here for the first time, here are 10 uniquely Berlin experiences that capture this madhouse for me:
The U1/U3 line clattering through Kreuzberg 36
1. Riding the iconic yellow U-Bahn
Navigating Berlin via its underground system is an experience in itself. The U-Bahn is efficient, and each line has its own character, especially the U8 and U1 lines that pass through some of Berlin's most vibrant neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln.
I won’t pretend that riding the U-Bahn is always pleasant, but at the same time when I see those yellow trains, especially the old ones, I know I’m home.
Soak up the atmosphere at Berlin’s most iconic U-Bahn stations
Get some old-timey feel at Wittenberg Platz station on the Ku’damm. Berlin’s oldest U-Bahn station looks as charming now as it did when it opened in 1902.
Schlesisches Tor station hearkens back to Berlin’s grand old days, but is in the heart of where you’ll find Berlin’s modern night life. There’s even a concert venue under the station!
Get lost in Alexanderplatz U-Bahn Station. Many of Berlin’s stations were designed by the fantastic architect Alfred Grenander, and this has to be his crowning glory. It’s not his prettiest station, but the fact that it functions so well more than 100 years after it first opens is testament to the genius of Grenander’s “theatre of traffic” design.
2. Getting a Döner Kebab
Forget what you know about kebabs. Berlin is the city that invented the Döner thanks to its wonderful Turkish population. The Berlin Döner Kebab mixes tender meat with fresh veggies and sauces in soft bread. It's the contrast that makes it special: juicy meat against crunchy salad, all brought together with tasty sauces - I always go for the scarf (spicy) sauce. The Döner reflects Berlin's mix of cultures, it’s both filling and flavourful, and I recommend you have one early in your trip because I bet you’ll go for seconds!
Where should I have a Berlin Döner kebab?
In my experience there are very few bad ones, so try your luck wherever you see one.
Teras The winner of Berlin’s Döner of the Year 2023. You’ll find it here, on Wilhelmstrasse in the heart of the historic government district. It’s on the route of my highlights, WWII & Third Reich, and audio tours!
Hasir Ocakbaşı in Kreuzberg, near to Kottbusser Tor, is one of Berlin’s priciest options, but the trick is to make a proper meal of it - the Berlin Döner Kebab is only one part of the puzzle at Hasir, which is a full-blown Turkish restaurant, so order around the menu as well! Find Hasir here.
K'Ups Gemüsekebap in Prenzlauer Berg is home to, in my opinion, Berlin’s freshest-tasting döner. The secret is the dash of lime they throw on at the end! Find K’Ups here.
What about vegetarian Döner Kebab?
Vegetarians and vegans don’t worry, you won’t be left out of the Döner party. Firstly, what makes a Berlin Döner Kebab so good is all the juicy tomatoes and crunchy salad that comes with it. Secondly, you can swap out the meat for halloumi, or my favourite, falafel.
For the full kebab experience check out doen doen® kebap in Friedrichshain. Their vegan kebabs are so good you wonder why Berliners are still eating the meat ones.
3. Experiencing Späti Culture
Visit one of the city's many Spätis (late-night convenience stores) for a cold drink or a snack. They're social hubs where locals hang out at all hours, often sat on benches outside the front. They’re informal, cheap, and ubiquitous. I couldn’t imagine Berlin without them. Best of all, you can grab your beers to go (drinking on the street is legal). So for only €2 you could be drinking a top-quality German beer while chatting away with your pals and taking in the sights.
Where can I experience Späti culture in Berlin?
Wherever there’s a Späti, there’s Späti culture., and you’ll find them everywhere in Berlin! If you try and find one near you on Google Maps though, don’t search for ‘Späti’, that’s just what we call them in Berlin. Although Berlin’s Späti culture is famous throughout Germany, the rest of the country call them “Kiosks”, so you’re better off searching for that instead.
Wondering the vast expanse of Tempelhofer Feld is a true Berlin experience
4. Exploring Tempelhofer Feld
Once an airport, this vast public park is now a space where Berliners picnic, skate, bike, and barbecue. Don’t be intimidated, come for a walk or a jog and soak up the history of this amazing place. It was originally built during the “Third Reich”, but the airport hasn’t been in use since 2008. Its real claim to fame is the ‘Berlin Airlift’: from June 1948 - May 1949 US forces flew vast amounts of supplies into Berlin via Tempelhof airport during the "Berlin blockade”.
What’s the best way to experience Tempelhofer Feld?
There are many entrances and exits to the park, but I recommend taking the S- or U-Bahn to Tempelhof station and walking all the way across to the Herrfurth Strasse entrance, where you’ll find loads of cafes, bars and restaurants in Berlin’s trendy Schillerkiez neighbourhood.
You haven't done karaoke until you've done it at Mauerpark
5. Catching a Flea Market
Berlin's flea markets, like the one at Mauerpark, are perfect for experiencing the city's eclectic vibe. Enjoy browsing through vintage goods, handmade crafts, and enjoy the spontaneous karaoke sessions that erupt in the park. As cool as that is, everyone knows about Mauerpark, so what are some others?
Flohmarkt am Boxhagener Platz - Located in Friedrichshain, this Sunday flea market is surrounded by cozy cafes and offers an array of items including antiques, books, furniture, art prints, records, and vintage clothing.
Arkonaplatz Flea Market - Just on the edge of Berlin’s Mitte district, this Sunday market is smaller and more intimate. You have the usual knick-knacks on sale here, but it’s best known for its vintage furniture.
RAW Flohmarkt - Situated in the culturally vibrant RAW complex in Friedrichshain, this market operates on Sundays and is part of a larger area known for its clubs and cultural events. The flea market itself is a hotspot for second-hand clothing, books, and records, as well as a variety of international food stands.
Alaniz’s Angel - Berlin’s Street Art scene is world famous!
6. Exploring Berlin's Street Art Scene
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Berlin's street art, which turns the city into a sprawling open-air gallery. Wander through neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Mitte to discover stunning murals, graffiti, and installations by internationally renowned artists and local talents alike. This exploration not only showcases Berlin's creative pulse but also offers insights into its political and cultural narratives.
Where can I find Berlin’s famous street art?
It can be tricky to find everything, and of course, Street Art disappears, as its nature. Still, you can follow a self-guided walk along with a map that I’ve made, or you can book a Berlin Street Art & Alternative Culture Tour with me!
There’s also a free graffiti wall in Haus Schwarzenberg, or you could wander the RAW Gelände and visit Urban Spree for prints, books, and other Street Art merch.
Explore the Berliners’ Berlin walking along the beautiful Landwehr Canal
7. Walking Along the Landwehr Canal
Take a leisurely stroll or join the locals sitting along the banks of the Landwehr Canal, especially during the warmer months. It's a great place to enjoy a (späti) beer and watch the sunset.
Highlights along the way include wonderful coffee and sandwiches from Populus, great pizza at Ammazza - Che Pizza, luxurious vegan donuts at Brammibal’s, and sipping Aperol Spritz at the Pavillon am Ufer.
Berlin’s vintage furniture-filled bars are the cornerstone of the city’s famous nightlife
8. Experience Berlin's Nightlife
Berlin is world famous for its techno clubs like Berghain, Sisyphos, and Tresor. I’m the wrong person to ask about those, but I am the right person to ask about bars with dance floors!
Monarch Bar - Hidden behind a nondescript white door covered in stickers and graffiti near Kottbusser Tor. Head upstairs and you’re in! Pleasant and friendly vibe
Paolo Pinkel - Neon lights, designer furniture, food, cocktails!
Filmkunst Bar - In Reichenberger Strasse you’ll find filmkunst bar. A lively little joint that doubles as a DVD rental shop. Really! Expect drinks, dancing, and fun. I once got told off here for singing along too loudly with trashy ‘90s pop hits.
SO36 - Ok, technically this is a concert venue, but they have club nights too. The ‘80s cheese night is so much fun.
Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke - The best karaoke bar I’ve ever been to. You can rent a booth and sing away with your friends, or join the main room and have a big party.
I had to use AI to get a grumpy Berliner image, lest I have risked my life
9. Getting Told Off by a Stranger
Berlin's straightforward communication style might catch you off guard. Whether it's for crossing the street incorrectly or something else, it's a small, memorable part of interacting with the city's no-nonsense inhabitants. I’m not saying you’ll like this one, I’m just saying it’ll happen.
My favourite of Berlin’s vintage cinemas is Kino International on Karl-Marx-Allee
10. Visiting a Vintage Cinema from the Yorck Group
Berlin’s Yorck cinema chain do wonderful week: they maintain and use loads of old cinemas all over Berlin! This includes offering showings in English and with subtitles, so even if you’re visiting and don’t speak German, you’ll be able to soak up the old school Berlin vibe in one of any number of beautiful old cinemas. My favourites are the Odeon in Schöneberg, the Delphi Filmpalast by Zoo Station, and Kino International!
