There’s a lot more to see in Berlin than just the wall and the Brandenburg Gate
BY RUPALI DEAN
CHECK IN
I have booked myself at Regent…The grand dame of Berlin…Murmur its name ‘Re…gent’... magnificent, warm, wise, the property has witnessed a lot and has hosted many, excellently denoting it as ‘the most beautiful hotel in Berlin.’
Nestled in the heart of the city’s greatest inspiring square, the Gendarmenmarkt, the Regent offers the magnificence of stylish design and the extravagance of a world-class hotel.
From my arrival in the grand foyer, filled with spectacular craftsmanship I am swept into another world. Regent brags about a restaurant offering a menu that is characterized by its regional and seasonal produce, which is also home to one of the reasons for my visit aka the Charlotte Fritz, restaurant.
BACK IN HISTORY
I begin my day near Bebelplatz and visit the most prevalent street in Berlin, aka the ‘Unter den Linden’, connecting the famous Brandenburg Gate with Alexander Platz.
Along the way, I come across numerous ornate and neoclassical palaces, several of which have been fashioned by popular architects. Of course, I explore the Berlin Wall too; most of the wall is demolished, parts of it restored.
I walk along the wall starting at Mauerpark and carry on through Mitte and Wedding. It is interesting to stop and read the different information plaques along the way and learn what happened in these different locations.
The East Side Gallery part has become a place for Berliners to express themselves with pretty impressive street art along the entire 1.3 kilometres of the wall.
I also get a view of the stunning Oberbaum Bridge and a walk across gets me gorgeous views of the Spree River.
Once a city accurately separated in two by a wall, Berlin today is a lure for creativity, the arts, entrepreneurship, expertise and most recently, food. But within all of those happenings and metropolitan spaces are massive areas of green space, rivers and canals.
When the sun is out, you will come across locals relishing spontaneous jamborees and picnics. When the sun goes down, it’s stage to party.
I experience Berlin’s active character by stopping by at as many dissimilar districts as I can and discovering that a Berlin tour is incomplete without visiting the Thursday street food market. Markthalle Neun is one of Kreuzberg’s most precious hotspots having been liberated from disorder and reinstated to new magnificence as a community-owned ‘place for all’ market hall, nearly over 120 years after it initially opened.
Its extended history is noticeable in its high curves and glass roof, though the new smell of food searing from during the week retells you this is a diverse market food experience. Thursday is the highlight of Markthalle Neun’s week with its street food, where you can take a quasi-tour of the globe through the dishes on offer from many of Berlin’s lively settler communities.
Indeed this is one of the cheapest markets on my list. Street Food Thursday is edible proof that Berlin is a gastronomic melting pot whose assortment is noticeable in its horde of dependable food cultures.
What exactly does that mean? British pies, Chinese dumplings, Mexican tacos, Peruvian ceviche, Currywurst, Korean buns…the grade goes on and there’s something new every Thursday!
I keep my eyes open for various cuisine flavours and try eating everything from Chinese pancakes to British pies, as I wander and take in the striking colours and character of this singular market.
CHECKPOINT CHARLIE & MORE
The next morning, I stroll along Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous checkpoint between East and West Germany. Berlin completely restored the checkpoint so that it looks just as it did during the Cold War.
After taking a couple of photos, I head to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which fascinatingly, was opened just after the construction of the Berlin Wall.
Later I take a boat tour that follows the main waterway for about two-and-a-half hours and I get to see many sights including Bellevue Palace, Berlin Cathedral, and Museum Island.
So, this and more really make Berlin a favourite holiday destination and a playground for a growing number of international visitors.
Spend just a week there (like me) and you’ll discover that Berlin is a country of dynamic contrasts. Bon voyage!
