Secret Berlin On A Budget
Ad Hoc Karaoke, Markets And Swimming Pool Barges
Wander through one of Berlins relatively new neighbourhoods to experience the huge changes that have occured since unification – if you want a trip with a difference, you won’t be disappointed. What is now the new East Berlin offers a great holiday experience and there are new events, restaurants, clubs and galleries developing all the time. Have a look at what cheap flights are available – and in a few hours, you’ll be stepping into a new city environment, that’s buzzing with things to see and do.
The first part of the East side of the city to be gentrified, is Mitte. Mulack Strasse has lots of shops from the best German designers. North of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg has organic food markets and fabulous junk shops and to the south, Kreuzberg is alive Turkish food outlets! Berlin is flat, so it’s easy to explore by bike – it’s a great way to get around in your own time.
Sunday brunch in Berlin is generally a leisurely affair, but you’ll need to set aside an afternoon to consume what’s on offer at the finest eateries. At Frida Kahlo (Lychener Str 37) you’ll pay just a few pounds to be presented with a monumental pile of herbed potatoes and fresh gnocchi. The pudding are not for the fainted hearted either – fruit stuffed pancakes, but you can always sip on a champagne cocktail for something lighter instead.
Bratwurst Beer and Karaoke
Mauerpark Fleamarket – Sunday Flea Market (Bernauer Str) sells a huge range of homey decorations and knick knacks at low, fleamarket prices. You’ll find jugs, cutlery, old pans, clocks – you name it you’ll find it. You can also sit down to a puppet show, whilst trying out one (or two) of the five different types of caramel pudding available from one of the local sellers. Local celebrity Joe Hatchiban brings his karaoke machine to the market in the afternoons and a big crowd gathers for beer and bratwurst
The city’s best free treat is at the Reichstag, the German Parliament, which was restored and crowned with a glass dome by architect Norman Foster. Have a look at the city skyline views from the top of the building. Aim for the 8am or 10pm admissions to avoid the long queues.
Atmospheric Berlin – Galleries, Guardhouses and Dance Floors
Most of the old Wall has been long removed by Berliners and souvenir-hunters. You can get a feel for the old border at Checkpoint Charlie (Friedrichstrasse), with the replacement guardhouse. If you love art, get to the East Side Gallery, or take a trip to Hamburger Bahnhof. A former train station, decorated with neon lights, Hamburger Bahnhof will blow you away with work by Lichtenstein, Warhol and Beuys.You might also like to head to the Neue Nationalgalerie, which has older works by Picasso and Dalí.
After schnitzel or pizza at Clärchens Ballhaus, check out the ballroom – it’s still decorated with lots of old cracked mirrors, lofty ceilings and ornate theatrical boxes. When it isn’t hosting chic weddings, tango, salsa and swing bands play here and dance lessons are all the rage.
For something really decadent, have a look at Badeschiff, a lovely old river barge refitted as a heated pool! Its got a bar, a sauna, and massage area.
Berlin is an amazing city – its very central, quick to get to and if you have a few tips for cheap things to do and see, it doesn’t have to be expensive but it will be great fun. Check out what flights are available and give yourself a fun boost in Berlin.
