How does one define Berlin? The city where history, art and a dash of eccentricity blend together. Or, the city where history meets hipster and currywurst meets fine dining.
There is more to Berlin than the famous Brandenburg Gate. If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers the road less traveled (or, in this case, the adventure less ordinary), buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of unique, quirky and downright delicious adventures in Berlin.
Trabi Safari: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Retro Road Trip?
Ever wanted to know what it feels like to drive a car made of cardboard and dreams? Meet the Trabant, East Germany’s iconic automobile. These little cars are a symbol of Berlin’s quirky charm and driving one is an experience colourful literally and figuratively speaking. Welcome to Trabi Safari!
Forget the sleek modern rentals. Picture this: you, behind the wheel of a car that feels more like a go-kart, sputtering through the streets of Berlin, while locals look on with a mix of amusement and nostalgia. It’s like starring in your own comedy road trip movie. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift; the friendly Trabi Safari team has got you covered with a quick crash course (pun intended).
Bicycle Tour: Pedal Through Berlin’s Street Art Wonderland
Next up, swap your Trabi for a trusty bicycle and embark on a street art tour of Berlin. This city is a canvas for some of the world’s most renowned street artists. Forget the stuffy museums; here, the streets are alive with vibrant murals, edgy graffiti, and thought-provoking installations.
Pedalling through Berlin, you’ll discover hidden art in the most unexpected places. From giant murals that cover entire buildings to small, intricate pieces tucked away in alleyways, every turn reveals something new and exciting. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with more spray paint and no pirates.
TV Tower: Touch the Sky (or at Least Get Close)
Feeling on top of the world? Head to the Berlin TV Tower. No trip to Berlin is complete without a visit to the TV Tower, or as the locals call it, the Fernsehturm. At 368 metres tall, this iconic structure offers a bird’s-eye view of the city that’s simply breathtaking. And by breathtaking, we mean it’s really high up—like, vertigo-inducing high.
Take the elevator up to the observation deck and prepare to be amazed. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Brandenburg. If you’re feeling fancy (and a bit adventurous), have a meal at the rotating restaurant. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some casual dining while playing a slow-motion game of musical chairs.
Culinary Tour: Eat Like a Berliner, Sort of
Berlin’s food scene is as diverse and eclectic as its population. There is no better way to sample it all than with a food tour. We got on one with Fork & Walk food tour and our guide was, surprise surprise, an American who has been living in Berlin for five years. So, the restaurants we visited were hardly German, but then again, a German told us that Berlin is the most un-German city in the country.
The Fork & Walk guided tour takes us on a culinary journey through the city’s best eateries, from hipster coffee shops to a members-only rooftop poolside bar at Soho House Berlin. You’ll sample a variety of dishes, learn about the history and culture behind the restaurants and the buildings that house them. Tip: start the tour on an empty stomach. And remember, calories don’t count on vacation.
Currywurst at Curry Wolf: A Berlin Classic
Speaking of food, no visit to Berlin is complete without trying Berlin’s most famous street food: currywurst. This iconic street food is a must-try, and Curry Wolf is the place to get it. Imagine a perfectly grilled sausage, sliced up and smothered in a tangy curry ketchup sauce. It’s simple, it’s messy and it’s utterly delicious.
There are a few Curry Wolf outlets but we recommend the one in front of Branenburg Gate, right off the Pariser Platz. Find a spot to sit (or stand), and dig in while soaking in the views of the famous Brandenburg Gate and the infamous Adlon Hotel where Michael Jackson once dangled his baby over the balcony.
Frau Tonis Berlin: Craft Your Own Bespoke Scent
After indulging in all that delicious food, why not treat yourself to a unique sensory experience at Frau Tonis Berlin? This charming perfume workshop offers you the chance to create your very own signature scent. It’s like a chemistry class, but with more flowers and less homework.
Guided by expert perfumers, you’ll learn about different fragrance notes and how to blend them to create something truly unique. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own bottle of custom-made perfume and a nose full of olfactory knowledge. The perfume makes for the perfect souvenir and a lovely reminder of your time in Berlin. Plus, it’s a great way to mask the lingering scent of currywurst – just saying.
Tips on Getting Around:
We found the Berlin WelcomeCard to be most useful for public transportation and getting discounted access to many tourist sights and activities, with savings of up to 50% at over 180 attractions. Prices start at 28 euros for a 48-hour pass.
You can also get the 3-Day Museum Pass to get into more than 30 museums of Berlin.
Berlin is a city that defies expectations and embraces the unusual. From driving a Trabi to crafting your own perfume, each experience is a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit and rich history. These unique adventures will ensure your trip to Berlin is anything but ordinary.
For more information on Berlin, visit the official website of Visit Berlin.
