LOCAL OF THE WEEK: BERLIN

Our local of the week this week is my good friend Robert. Robert and I went to high school together and have been friends ever since. When it comes to German travel, he is one of the most passionate people I know. A perfect Localphiles choice.

Robert, when/why did you decide to move to Berlin?

I moved to Berlin in January 2007 for a study abroad program that lasted until the beginning of April. I ended up not wanting to leave so I stayed an additional four months, and moved in to the biggest Wohngemeinschaft in Berlin – a house with 25 people from all over Europe and the rest of the world. It was a summer I will never forget and I really became a Berliner.

What were your most and least favorite things about living in Berlin?

My most favorite thing about Berlin is that it is so cheap! I mean, that could sound bad, but really, if you’re looking for a budget vacation in Europe, Berlin would be your choice. Klaus Wowereit, the mayor of Berlin, once said, “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy.” It means Berlin is poor, but sexy. He couldn’t be more right. Hostels can be found for under €15 a night in the center of Berlin, and food isn’t expensive either. Berlin may not have the grandeur of other European cities (a lot of the old architecture was destroyed in WWII), but it makes up for it with killer nightlife, welcoming people and a wealth of WWII, Holocaust and Cold War history that you really can’t find in any other European city. If you venture outside the city center, you can find some really amazing German architecture in sections of the city like Lichterfelde West.

My least favorite thing: the German stare. People stare at you very strangely and intensely, and they have no qualms about it. You’ll know what I’m talking about if you get on the U-Bahn or bus system in Germany.

Do you have a favorite "secret" place(s)?

I have two favorite secret places. The first is Die Weinerei in Prenzlauer Berg. On Wednesday nights, drink all the wine and eat all the food you want and pay what you think its worth. It is a real local’s spot, so I won’t tell you where it is, I’ll let you find it. If you do you’ll meet a ton of young artists, students and others to entertain you for an entire evening.

The other is the Badeschiff. Open only during the summer, the Badeschiff is a floating pool on the Spree, the main river flowing through Berlin. Complete with sand and outdoor bar, it’s the place to catch sun in Berlin during the summer months, and the entrance fee is only €4 (see, told you it was cheap!). Alternatively, a trip to the Wannsee on the outskirts of Berlin is another awesome spot to find locals lounging in the summer months.

What are some can't-miss spots for Localphiles readers planning a trip to Berlin?

Berlin has many different sites that people normally recommend, such as Checkpoint Charlie and a visit to the Wall. You’ll want to see these places, but there are some lesser-known museums that warrant visits such as the Jewish Museum and the German Resistance Museum, both incredible and unique museums with awesome exhibits. Most museums have information available in German and English, or a tour guide who speaks English.

Berlin is one of the biggest club cities in Europe; it truly never sleeps, and it would be wrong for me not to mention it. People say that Berlin is like NYC in the 80’s. Anything and everything goes, so be prepared for long nights out – most clubs are open until 7am, and one club (Berghain/Panorama Bar) opens its doors on Friday and doesn’t close its doors until Sunday. Berghain is definitely something to experience, if a little difficult to gain entry (think Studio 54-like bouncers), so make sure you research how to get in before you go. To hang out with some of the locals, be sure to check out the cafes, restaurants and bars on the Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg, the Mehringdamm in Kreuzberg, and for gay travelers, the area around Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg. Also, as another recommendation, make sure to try a Döner Kebab from one of the many stands across the city. The German variant is unique to Germany and was invented and perfected by Turks in Berlin. Make sure to try one, they are delicious!

Berlin is truly a wonderful city, and out of all the places I’ve traveled, it remains the best place I’ve ever lived in or visited. My only recommendation before travelling there is make a plan and talk to people who know the city well; Berlin does a good job of hiding their best spots from the regular tourists. You’ll be truly surprised how much the city has to offer if you explore it well!

-Justin.

Jewish Museum Berlin
Lindenstraße 9-14
10969 Berlin, Germany
030 2599-3300
jmberlin.de‎ 

German Resistance Memorial Center
Stauffenbergstraße 13-14
D-10785 Berlin-Mitte
030 2699 5000
http://www.gdw-berlin.de/index-e.php 

Badeschiff
Eichenstraße 4
12435 Berlin, Germany 

Berghain
Rüdersdorfer Straße 70
10243 Berlin, Germany