Germany’s capital is known for its stunning parks, intriguing sights with historical heritage and, of course, its world-famous underground scene. The must-sees, such as the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburger Tor, can be easily found on any tourist map.
But how to find out what’s really going on in Berlin?
1. Du Beast
Each week in the basement of this cozy bar in Neukolln, many Berliners crowd around to share stories, poetry and musings, ranging from tear-jerking to knee-slapping readings!
Du Beast is a described by locals as a “psychedelic doom rock bar with kick-ass cocktails.” As you walk into the bar, you can feel the hipster vibe of the room because of the new-age art, music, and authentic decorations. There are projections on the wall of different art pieces as well that the bartenders are happy to tell you about.
In the basement, the public speaking commences. Anyone can join, and the performers are extremely friendly. This is Berlin’s spoken word, an open mic welcoming all arts and languages. The majority of the speakers are locals or travellers from out of town!
2. Fahimi Bar
To enter into this chic bar in downtown Berlin, guests must find an unmarked, sticker-covered door. Fahimi is one of Berlin’s latest “bunker bars”, due to its obscure location and reclaimed building. The bar overlooks the train tracks of the U-Bahn, making rumbles outside. The style of the bar is soft jazz, soft lighting, classic cocktails and chic steel bar stools.
The cocktails on the menu range from classics like Sidecars, Manhattans, Daiquiris to signature and homemade recipes. Fahimi serves over fourteen different gins and an impressive variety of whiskies.
One of their signature drinks is the Chocolate Plum which is a combination of mezcal, pickled plum, chocolate liqueur and dark chocolate.
Another is The 18th, which is vodka, elder flower liqueur, grapefruit, simple syrup and Campari, served with rosemary ice cubes.
Are you thirsty yet?
3. Pfaueninsel
Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) may be one of Berlin’s most romantic and curious escapes. The island is located in the River Havel and was settled thousands of years ago.
The King of Prussia had a little summer palace built on the island in the style of a Roman villa. Today, the white palace is a distinctive landmark and eye-catching feature. The palace is now protected under UNESCO.
The island is home to a wealth of wild life including cormorants, woodpeckers, innumerable frogs, water buffalo, and of course the flamboyant peacocks!
If you are interested in getting into the mood before visiting the island, read the wonderful novel Pfaueninsel by Thomas Hettche based on the island itself!
To get to the island from Berlin, there is an inexpensive ferry that will take you there!
4. The Teledisko
The Teledisko is the smallest disco in the world. It’s a golden phone booth that doubles as a disco. A coin is inserted to play your favourite song, then a photo is printed directly and a video download link is available.
The disco costs 2 euros and lasts as long as the selected song. The photo and video are 2 euros each as extra.
In total, there are 6 Telediskos. 2 of them are permanently installed as it includes fog machines and strobe lights.
5. Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände
The Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände is a deserted industrial area from World War II with abandoned water towers and trains to explore. The park is a nice mix of nature, culture and history.
In the park, there are also regular performances and pieces of art displayed.
The park can be visited throughout the year, with an affordable admission ticket of only 1 euro.
