5 Things To Do While In Berlin

Germany’s capital is a hard-partying metropolis with a tumultuous history and tons of cultural attractions. Of course, you can’t escape reminders of the Holocaust and the Cold War, but Berlin isn’t singularly defined by its painful past. Remnants of the infamous wall that once divided the East and West are now clad in colorful murals, a testament to how far the city has come. Add to that a vibrant art scene, legendary nightlife and many modern attractions.

* East Side Gallery

In 1990, artists from 21 countries transformed the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall from a symbol of communist oppression to a vibrant commemoration of peace. The open-air gallery, which underwent a face-lift in 2009, attracts millions of tourists each year.

* Wander Around Kreuzberg

Berlin has a wild, rebellious spirit. Nowhere is that more evident than the eclectic Kreuzberg neighborhood, where counterculture, graffiti and creativity thrive.

* Peep Street Art

Renowned street artists such as Banksy, Sobre and El Bocho have all left their colorful mark on the city—and many of those iconic tags are in Kreuzberg.

* Prinzessinnengarten

Eco-oriented initiatives are popping up throughout the city. Insert Prinzessinnengarten, an urban garden oasis with community-tended plots and a cute outdoor café.

* Eat Currywurst

If you go to Germany and don’t eat wurst, were you even really there? Ponder that question while polishing off a plate of currywurst, a popular fast-food dish consisting of pork sausage that’s smothered in curried ketchup and served alongside fries.