I’ll confess. I had a lack of knowledge about Berlin, Germany. I envisioned the Cold War and assumed it wouldn’t be up my alley. How wrong I was! So wrong, in fact, that I wish we could have lingered there longer.
I thoroughly enjoy it when I visit a destination that is not only stunning but also provides a history lesson I never knew I needed. We spent just one day there, and it was absolutely perfect. The weather was just right, and we managed to stroll through the city uncovering all it had to offer.
There were countless “oh wow!” moments for my husband and me. We joined a tour to witness the stark contrast between West and East Berlin—even after all these years.
The ghost line of the Berlin Wall stretches across the city. We were amazed as we sauntered across freely, considering how many lives would have been lost for that simple freedom in the past.
We also visited the location of the infamous book burning at Bebelplatz. The memorial is an underground library at that site. It was incredible to see this.
The bear has become a symbol representative of Berlin, and we delighted in finding various representations of him scattered throughout the city.
This Holocaust Memorial was among the most poignant places I’ve experienced. Once again, we wandered at our own pace, absorbing it all.
I got to have a major fangirl moment when we found out that the Alte Nationalgalerie was hosting an exhibition of Impressionist art. It’s my favorite genre, and I was beyond thrilled to see it featured while we were visiting!
Proof of my excitement? Here I am, geeking out. It was breathtaking to observe their brushwork! Their signatures! Oh my goodness. I adore you, Claude.
There’s an abundance more I could recount about Berlin, but let it be known that I initially wasn’t all that excited about going…and then I was thoroughly proven incorrect. It was enchanting AND filled with rich history. I highly recommend it!
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**Travel Diary: Touring Berlin – Just a Girl Blog**
*By: Just a Girl*
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Berlin, the bustling capital of Germany, is a city that effortlessly combines history, culture, and contemporary vibes. With its renowned landmarks and vibrant art scene, Berlin presents a multitude of experiences for visitors. In this travel diary, I’ll share my adventure exploring this captivating city, highlighting my preferred spots, hidden treasures, and tips for optimizing your journey to Berlin.
### Day 1: Arrival and Initial Impressions
After a pleasant flight from London, I landed at Berlin Tegel Airport (now closed, but forever part of my memories) and took a swift taxi ride to my hotel in the Mitte district. Mitte is the center of Berlin, and being here meant I was near many of the city’s primary attractions. The first thing that struck me about Berlin was its distinctive blend of the old and the new—sleek modern structures coexist with historic monuments, and there’s an undeniable aura of history present.
Upon checking in, I opted for a relaxed walk to acclimate myself. My first destination? The iconic **Brandenburg Gate**. This neoclassical monument is one of Berlin’s most recognizable emblems and is essential for any traveler. As I stood before the gate, I couldn’t help but ponder its importance—once a mark of division during the Cold War, it now symbolizes unity and peace.
### Day 2: History and Culture
Berlin is a city rich in history, and no trip would be complete without immersing oneself in its past. I commenced my day at the **Berlin Wall Memorial** on Bernauer Strasse. Strolling along the remnants of the wall and absorbing the narratives of those who experienced the construction and eventual collapse was profoundly moving. The memorial serves as a crucial reminder of the city’s fragmented past and its inhabitants’ fortitude.
Next, I made my way to **Museum Island**, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing five world-famous museums. I spent several hours navigating the **Pergamon Museum**, home to astonishing artifacts like the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar. If you share my enthusiasm for history, you’ll want to devote an entire day to Museum Island—there’s simply an overwhelming amount to admire!
In the evening, I visited the **Berlin Cathedral** (Berliner Dom), located just a short walk from Museum Island. The cathedral’s breathtaking architecture and ornate interiors left me spellbound. I ascended to the top of the dome for sweeping views of the city—a perfect way to conclude the day.
### Day 3: Art and Creativity
Known for its dynamic art scene, Berlin captured my curiosity, and I was excited to delve into the city’s artistic flair. I began the day in the **Kreuzberg** district, a hotspot for street art and alternative culture. The streets here act as an expansive gallery, with vivid murals and graffiti embellishing nearly every building. A standout is the **East Side Gallery**, a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall adorned with murals by international artists. Each artwork narrates its own story, and witnessing how the wall has evolved into a symbol of freedom and creativity was fascinating.
For lunch, I popped into a quaint café in Kreuzberg, trying a traditional German dish—**Currywurst**. This favored street food consists of a sausage drenched in curry-flavored ketchup, served with fries. It’s straightforward but utterly delightful! If you find yourself in Berlin, you must take a bite at least once.
In the afternoon, I explored the **Berlinische Galerie**, a museum focused on modern art, photography, and architecture. The exhibitions are intellectually stimulating and embody the innovative spirit of Berlin’s artistic community. I particularly appreciated the contemporary photography section, which offered insight into the city’s shifting identity.
### Day 4: A Day in Charlottenburg
On my fourth day, I headed to the **Charlottenburg** district, home to the magnificent **Charlottenburg Palace**. This Baroque palace, once the summer retreat for Prussian monarchs, is flanked by beautiful gardens, providing a glimpse into the royal family’s lavish lifestyle. I joined a guided tour of the palace’s extravagant interiors, including the magnificent porcelain cabinet and the grand ballroom. The surrounding gardens are ideal for a serene walk, and I relished the tranquil ambiance.
After touring the palace, I made my way to **Kurfürstendamm**, one of Berlin’s most renowned shopping avenues. Whether you seek luxury fashion or quirky shops, Kurfürstendamm offers variety for everyone. I indulged in a little shopping spree, picking up a few mementos to commemorate my visit.
### Day 5: A Glimpse of Berlin’s Nightlife
Berlin’s nightlife is famously vibrant, and I
