Berlin Travel Guide
so yeah I went to Berlin, I’ve already talked about it approx 100 times but HERE I AM AGAIN! If you want to read why this was specifically significant for me you can go read this piece but long story short no one in my family ever really did anything and I really am out here doing all the things and it’s been a very humbling journey but not in a make-yourself-smaller way but more of the like oh-my-fears-are-just-fears-not-reality-what-the-fuck-have-i-been-doing way!
This guide is going to be the top places I visited, the vibes, just sort of how I travel in general, what I packed etc. It’s really less of a how-to and more of a this is what I did and why and what I would do the same and differently next time!
PACKING
Listen I’m a fucking slut for packing. I want to bring as much as possible without squishing the possibility for the things I may acquire. I truly am a need-my-whole-wardrobe girlie because you just never know what you’re going to feel like! I will say though that I didn’t wear half of what I brought with me. The interesting thing about going to a new place is that you don’t really know who you’re going to be there. You can check the weather and have a list of what you may do and at the end of the day it’s all a projection into a future self that you simply cannot know yet because you are about to become it.
PACKING TIPS
pick a colour palate/vibe - it will make it sooo much easier to not only pack but to pair things into outfits you like
sometimes less is more; when in doubt bring your tried and true favourites. you don’t need three pairs of jeans
if you’re travelling with someone you can share a wardrobe with, communicate about what you’re bringing!
make comfort just as important as fashion. I do not need to wear my absolute coolest outfit ever I just need to feel myself
versatile pieces will go a long way. classic IS iconic. you don’t need to be a different person in a different country (altho you totally can be)
don’t bring more than three pairs of shoes; trust me you just won’t wear them all
I know we all love extra underwear but consider this…. extra socks. especially after long days of exploring a sock refresh is life changing
check if there is laundry where you will be
don’t underestimate the power of a good hat to change up an outfit
I don’t care what season it is, bring layers!
pack cozy clothes!!!!!! that are just for lounging around in!!! nothing worse than wanting to wear the one comfy t-shirt you brought that you also wore all day
check the weather, and also prepare for the weather to change! it was supposed to be sunny allll week and we got totally rained on for several days
always bring a tote bag
if you aren’t sure where you will wear it don’t bring it
if you have that weird little voice in your head saying you should bring something but it doesn’t logically make sense bring it!
you don’t need more than one nice going out outfit
if dancing is on your agenda, trust me you don’t want any open toed shoe at all. again, opt for comfort
pocket pharmacy!!! I always have advil, an anxiety essential oil roller, my menstrual cup, and band-aids packed
trust me you only need one journal and two pens max
if you’re going to a different country bring a power adapter
if you’re checking luggage always have an extra outfit in your personal item on board bc you just never know what’s happening
personally, I always have to bring my own toothpaste. I’m weird about toothpaste, I don’t fuck around with nonsense bullshit toothpastes
always bring a small pile of crystals or rocks.
make sure your headphones are airplane compatible
roll all your things together. pants with pants and dresses with dresses etc. makes it so much easier to pack/find/know what you have
just make the fucking packing list. don’t raw dog it. I make my list throughout the week as I think and define what I want and then I pack the day before but it isn’t stressful because I know exactly what I want to bring and I just have to check it off my list!
when coming home separate the clean stuff from the dirty stuff so it’s easier to unpack
use the compartments and straps in your suitcase. trust me it makes things soooo much easier and straight forward. they are there for a reason! it really does help esp if you are a chronic over-packer like I am
UNPACKING
okay listen if you’re going to be somewhere for more than two nights then unpack. use the dresser. put your suitcase away. it’s going to make it easier to get dressed, find what you need, and not live in total chaos. especially at an airbnb I’m like “this is now my home and I live here”. I just hate feeling like I’m living out of a suitcase and then the only time I take everything out is to try and put it all back in. ALSO things will get sooo wrinkly and that is annoying AF in my books. hang shit up! Put your shoes by the door, unpack your toiletries from the bag and put them in the bathroom, have your journal and charger by the bed or desk!
PACKING LIST
I am unhinged when it comes to this. go into my notes app (god bless this app for real) and write down all the categories of things I will be bringing with me (electronics / stationary / toiletries / clothing) and then break each down into further categories (clothing > under garments > shirts > dresses > pants…. etc) and then further by each specific item in each category - it is NOT enough to say I’m bringing 3 tshirts I must specific Johnny Cash, Cowboy, and Harley Davidson XXL. I then also go over this list when I’m re-packing everything to make sure I don’t leave anything behind. It is INCREDIBLY satisfying when you check off everything from this list. The truth is I hate packing early because I really need access to all my options all the time, up until the last minute. I will put on the outfit I’m going to wear to the airport and pack in it.
BERLIN SPECIFIC PACKING
Okay idk how to say this but Montreal is a tote city and berlin is a backpack city. that’s the only way I can explain it.
It’s very bike-able so if you are a bike person, bring stuff that is comfy to bike in and also that won’t get destroyed while biking bc rental bikes aren’t always the best!
a fanny pack will be your best friend for real
this is a birkenstock city through and through, so if you’re going to wear a sandal let it be this
the cobble stone streets are… challenging even in sneakers so just check ur shoe choices
tbh style is very akin to montreal which is to say just be yourself. seriously!
it gets cool at night even when it’s hot during the day so bring a jacket
everyone smokes everywhere. If you don’t love this bring a little perfume bottle with you, it will help
people WILL ask you for a lighter so it feels good when you have one
the gum there is…. different. if you are a gum person bring the gum you like bc the one I bought almost killed me fr
don’t get euro’s before you go. use a BANK to get money out when you get there and you will only pay for the direct exchange rate, no other bullshit. the ATM’s ARE A RIP OFF! So is paying a fee to exchange money in Canada fuck that
FLYING
Okay hear me out, I hate the airport but I love flying. As soon as I’m on the plane I don’t give a fuck about anything anymore. My shoes are off, I am eating whatever snacks I bought and reading a book waiting for the inflight entertainment to be ready. I don’t usually bring a carry-on because I’m lazy and also an over-packer so my personal items always go under my seat so I have access to them. I put my book in the front pocket with my phone, have my headphones plugged in and ready to go and if I have any extra layers they are usually on me in some way so that I can access them quickly. It is my philosophy to make the most out of the plane experience so I always get minimum two drinks - even if it’s just OJ and sparkling water. You can also ask for drinks and refills at any time so if you want to get tipsy fucking do it babes. I also like to apply my cure lip balm and cuticle oil before we take off so I’m comfortably hydrated. On the plane I either sleep or binge watch whatever the fuck I want. If my flight is 90 minutes or less I read and I only bring novels with me while I’m travelling - nothing hard to read or get through I basically only want a thriller or fairy porn because I am here to enjoy myself. BE NICE TO YOUR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS! smile and say thank you and please, like you are chillin in the sky and they are literally at work which is so crazy to me. Also if you’re not in a rush to get to another flight just wait. Wait for everyone else who has somewhere to be to get off because you’re going to wait for your baggage or whatever else anyway. Also before you land go pee because sometimes you’re sitting on the runway for a while just waiting for them to go park the plane and they WILL NOT let you go to the bathroom which is annoying and embarrassing imo.
other tips:
get a printed boarding pass
always ask where your seat is and see if there are any upgrades or switches that would be more comfortable available
get a snack or two that you like
wear shoes that are easy to take on and off
layers are your friend
I always bring my cure boosting mist with me for after the plane not just for my skin but also for a hair refresh
if something like your inflight entertainment isn’t working let your flight attendant know ASAP bc they will flag it and usually you can email the airline and claim some kind of something
if you’re travelling with ppl who have fancy perks (like my bf has two free checked luggage every flight) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT
the service and food isn’t going to be great anywhere in the airport so just go to the little cafe that is still over priced but less expensive than whatever other bullshit and find the coziest corner nook of the airport to hang out in
tbh starbucks is usually better and more reliable than any other airport coffee. I have a special drink i only get when I’m flying and it’s a nice lil treat
stay hydrated! I know it might feel annoying if you have to pee a lot on a flight but trust me it’s worth it
a good cold water face and neck rinse when you’re off the plane will HEAL YOU
when you are at the baggage claim do not, for the fucking love of god, STAND RIGHT UP NEXT TO IT! stand back! you’ll see your luggage! It’s so dumb and makes no sense to crowd around it and makes it so fucking hard to get your luggage.
if you need info or don’t know something just ask for help the people who work at the airport really do be knowing the most about what’s going on in there
EXPLORING + GENERAL VIBES
first things first so many places are cash only and it will not say it anywhere and they will only tell you at the end so just take cash out FROM A BANK when you get there
they don’t generally do tap water so if you are ordering water just make sure you know if it will be on your bill or not
most places you can just go sit at a seat, they will not make you wait to be seated unless it’s stated (and it WILL be stated)
it’s a very accessible city for biking, walking, metro and even driving honestly. the bike lanes are very clear and it feels very safe
they also have those electric scooters if that’s your vibe
there are ROSES EVERYWHERE!!! all over the place! the city smells so fucking good!
thrifting is very different there, almost everything is curated and more expensive than it would be in Canada but there is a lot more quality and easier to find the things you love.
they eat earlier there so the kitchens close by 9/10 in a lottttt of places. even if you’re out late, if you want a proper meal make sure you go early!
Boxhagener district is very central, has lots of cool spots to see and visit and can get you pretty much anywhere in the city. This is where we stayed and I’m soooo grateful for it!
tourist attractions are where there is the most fuckery - if you’re going to see the berlin wall or brandenburg gate just make extra care to watch yourself and your belongings
honestly, Berlin is such a fun city to walk through with no real end destination. take your time, sit by the canal, go to the market and get a whole ass picnic and find a cute park or patio to eat it on
you can drink in the streets there!
it is definitely a 24 hour city so take that as you will
they are also really respectful regardless of the above, even if you’ve been out partying until 6 ppl are respectful of those getting up at 6!
the culture is more dry and forward, no one is mad at you! your barista doesn’t hate you! they just aren’t banking on tips to get paid so don’t stress if they aren’t as “friendly”
people WILL help you if you need!
everyone speaks english! like everyone.
google map reviews are not super reliable as a system of where to go. some of the best places had half-ass reviews and some of the most meh places had really high reviews. look for what the locals are saying, at photos, and just generally trust your gut about places!
a lot of places don’t have proper take-away containers - someone gave me leftover risotto AND pizza both wrapped in tinfoil lol. plan accordingly.
EXPERIENCES
CLUBBING; this is sooooo different than in Canada. First of all, it’s likely you will be standing in line for a while. That’s normal and okay. You’ll also likely pay a cover that feels kind of steep but the drinks etc will be a loooot cheaper inside and it’s 100% worth it if you want to dance and meet new people. It’s okay to start late! We went to a lot of places well after midnight and still had so much fun. Also the toilets have no lids at all and are generally made of steel - most of this is for hygiene. For those with a penis, usually there is some kind of dug-out on the floor to pee into. It’s kind of feral but very fun. DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES INTO A CLUB UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE IMO! Also people WILL be smoking indoors even if there are no smoking signs. You will be required to cover your phone camera with stickers BUT they all have photo booths in them so if you want photos it’s usually 4 euro’s to snap 4 pics. It will take a few minutes to develop - don’t worry it’s not broken!
BIKING: honestly I wouldn’t have biked alone and I’m sooo happy Clem was into it because it such a bikable city and was so beautiful to see it that way!
EATING; food and drinks are way less expensive there/in europe in general so make the most of it. German food is pretty limited in terms of what is truly a german dish but they have excellent food from all over the world and it’s so easy to find a spot you vibe with
GARDENS; there are lots of community gardens and for some reason the city is absolutely FILLED with roses! everywhere! In the most random places! It’s worth it to wander around and see all the different varieties and get kind of lost in it all
FASHION; so many cool expressions and styles in the city! definitely a place to really be yourself and let it shine through if that is your vibe. People watching, see the local designers and brands etc - if you’re a fashion hunnie this is a great place to go. Very akin to montreal energy tbh!
BEER; germans are really known for their beer and I GET IT! I’m not a beer girlie but I became one there, I’m not going to lie!
SMOKING; lol okay I know I know I know! But when you’ve been dancing for 3 hours in a club and you go outside and the sun is rising and someone offers you a cigarette is a different experience???? I bought a pack of “vogue” aka bitch sticks and I HAVE NO REGRETS AT ALL! I FEEL FABULOUS! IM SO STOKED TO HAVE BEEN A TEMPORARY SMOKER IN THAT CITY!
RECOMMENDATIONS
Sisyphos - this was the coolest club I have EVER been to. It was like a circus village. They had a beach and a cafe and three different DJ rooms with totally different vibes and pizza and a cafe with a fire breathing dragon and we literally went twice it was so amazing. I know the Berghain is like all anyone talks about but this had some of that darker energy option while still letting you be yourself. We saw a HEDGEHOG AND A CAT just wandering around in there. It was magic, the music was amazing, it was completely unhinged and the best club I’ve ever been to
Cafe Mugrabi - this is a little pricier for food than other places BUT the vibe is sooo cozy and the food was fucking unreal. Get the hummus plate and fresh OJ.
Dark Matter - this is an interactive light and sound exhibit. It’s like $20 euro and 100493045949% worth it. We stayed for over two hours, there is a place in the middle to get snacks and drinks and hang out in the sunshine and it’s truly incredible. Some exhibits have beanbag chairs to lay in, other ones you make music out of ladders with other people. It’s really immersive and is great to go alone or with a group and also friendly for children
Humana - the thrifting scene there is very different, they don’t really have a Value Village equivalent but Humana is a chain you can find anywhere that had some really cool options! I’ll post the full list of my google maps from Berlin at the bottom (I didn’t go everywhere on my list but it was everything I was curious about or that was recommended to me)
Rent A Bike 44 - at $5 euro a day this was the most affordable bike rental shop. Tbh the quality wasn’t amazing and I’m pretty sure they refurbish stolen bikes but it’s a good deal and they did the trick! It’s cash only and you pay at the end of your rental period - we had a couple issues (a back light falling off for me and a flat tire for Clem) and we haggled $10 euro off our price for the week which ended up being $50 euro for 6 days.
Markethalle Nuen - this is a big indoor market with a patio outside. The cheese and meat and produce is SOOOOO good and so inexpensive! You can get everything you need for a lunch/brunch/dinner picnic and then go grab a spritz from one of the bars and sit outside and people watch. We spent maybe $20 euro on three cheeses, porc rilette, baguette, cured sausage, a thing of cherries and two drinks. Tbh I wish I had gone back and gotten more cheese to bring home it was so fucking GOOD! They have unpasteurized milk cheeses and they are so fucking good.
Markets - on saturday in Boxhagener there is a little market with lots of fresh food and funky wares. It was so cool I could have walked around for hours eating and browsing. on Sunday there is a huuuge market in the city for vintage and thrifted goods - unfortunately because of flight timing we couldn’t make that one but it was recommended to us highly and is apparently the best place to find vintage clothes and home wares (where as the saturay one is more like food and handmade goods and small businesses!)
Burgermiester is a spot under a bridge, really good classic burgers and fries but just the vibe is very 5th element with the cars and bikes and overpass etc. It was a cool spot and very affordable! They have little tables to sit at and even though there was quite a line in front of us we didn’t have to wait long to get our food. I went with the classic cheese burger and it really hit the spot before a night out
Krass Boser Wolf was a rustic bar we found on the water front-ish, it’s really big with big doors and windows so even if you’re inside it feels like you’re outside and the cocktails were unreal, truly. A lot of what they make is based off of feelings???? We went twice, and the bartenders were really kind and all very cute. It also seemed like there were a lot of local people there which is always a good sign imo
Historical stuff; okay don’t hate me but like… idk I only have so much capacity for this. We did the berlin wall and that was cool but also like…. kind of boring? some of the art is super questionable and the museum site says it’s $5 euros to go but it’s actually $12.50 and tbh NOT worth it. It was weird, not very well set up or organized and had conflicting info but learning about the wall in general was truly very interesting. We did the brandenburg gate which is beautiful but also EXTREMELY tourist heavy which is…. fine. interesting people watching. There are a lot of museums and galleries around there but honestly I’m like… hmmm I can see this stuff anywhere? I really liked walking around the districts and seeing the architecture and style more than spending like $20 euro to go to a packed museum which is an experience I can have anywhere? If I was there for more than a week I may have explored more of these but I think the buildings themselves were really beautiful
THINGS ILL DO NEXT TIME; one of those bike tours where you drink and bike through the city with a bunch of people, a boat/canal tour, taking the metro (we biked and walked everywhere), drink more german beer (tbh not a huge beer drinker in canada bc everything is an IPA and like…. why?? I hate it?? but the beer there was so soft and beautiful and just…. yeah worth exploring more). DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE DONNER???? idk it feels like a sin but I would go back just for that singular experience of a drunk donner tbh. Teledisko! AKA you pick a song and go into a little booth and have a dance party and they send you a pic/video and it just seems so silly and delightful
CITY SYMBOLISM
yellow
roses
spiral
disco
cage
ducks
swans
hedgehog
stones
smoke
sunglasses
black
111/666 (the angel numbers I saw the most although I saw literally every single one every single day!!!!)