Berlin City Guide

Experience a different side of Berlin. Berlin, world city of art and culture that never sleeps, is the place to be right now. Whether you want to get a taste of the amazing history of the city and drop by the Brandenburger Tor or the East Side Gallery; the only part of the Berlin Wall still standing, or you want to spend your holiday roaming through the shops on Kurfürstendam or Potsdamer Platz, Berlin has it all.

The best way to experience the wonderful (night)life of Berlin is through vacation rental. Once in Berlin, you want to relish the privacy and comfort of your own home for the night, and at the same time, enjoy the luxury of stepping in and out of Berlin life, without having to face a lot of tourists, receptionists and what have you, when you are tired and want to retire for the night. Instead, just step into your very own short-term apartment home away from home, and get yourself ready for the next day of adventure.

Here at WorldEscape we offer a vast selection of Berlin apartments in the most popular areas of the city, such as fun and central Alexanderplatz, alternative and arty Hackescher Mark, hip and trendy Prenzlauer Berg and multiculti Kreuzberg's. You can also check out our guide to the top 5 Über-Cool Berlin Nightclubs if you fancy dancing the night away.

Located in northeast Germany, along the river Spree, Berlin is home to over 6 million people and is one of the most visited cities in Europe.  With its beginning hearkening back to the 13^th century, Germany’s capital city is wrapped in controversy and history, yet has emerged to become an influential force in the world.  A thoroughly modern city, Berlin has managed to preserve its past, both the glorious and painful, and offers the traveler an experience rich in fine food, art, culture and nature.

Exploring Berlin is made convenient by an excellent and sleek public transportation system; you can get almost anywhere in Berlin at any time, as the interconnected system of underground rail, suburban rail, trams and buses run 24/7. While Berlin is such a large city that it makes getting around by foot difficult, there are bicycles for rent, and with the bike lanes clearly marked, and it is a popular way to get around the city in good weather.

A cultural delight

Modern Germany is home to fine symphonies, opera productions, art museums, galleries, and sporting venues. The Berlin Philharmonic is one of the world’s foremost musical companies, and an evening spent at one of their performances is a treat of a lifetime. The Kultureformum, located just south of the city’s famed Tiergarten, houses a number of world-class art galleries for the art lover to explore and savor. The Unter den Linden is Museum Island, a World Heritage Site, is home to five of Germany’s top museums.

A somber, yet fascinating, look back at sports history can be found at the Olympiastadion, the Olympic stadium and museum from the 1936 Olympics. The original stadium survived the bombings of WWII, and was refurbished for the 2006 World Cup.

A weighty history

With Germany playing such a prominent role in the turbulence of the 20^th century, make time to see the standing reminders of time. Visit the Berlin Wall: a large section remains, and local artists were invited to paint scenes reflecting the conflict and stories of that era. The Gallery of the Wall on the eastern side is renowned as one of the best outdoor art exhibits in the city. You can also take a walking tour along part of the south eastern stretch of the Wall, and visit Checkpoint Charley, the infamous stop for border control between formerly East and West Germany. An interactive museum is now located there, to tell the history of the Wall and the stories of those desperate enough to attempt to breach it.

Berlin is also home to the Holocaust Memorial, a haunting modern sculpture garden, which contains 2,711 concrete slabs at varying heights across the area of a housing block. The Jewish History Museum, which, like almost all of Berlin’s museums, is huge, and will take some time to properly explore, is nearby, and traces the history and heritage of the Jewish people in Germany.

The German History Museum takes visitors through the heights and falls of German history through the ages, and the GDR Museum focuses on life in East Germany. Both are quite large and will take time to view and absorb all the displays contained within.

Out in nature

Germans love parks and being out in nature. With such parks as the Tiergarten and the Botanischer Garten, there is a wealth of green space to enjoy, relax and recreate within. Berliners also enjoy the beaches alongside the Spree River, as well as swimming and boating during the summer months. 

A party city

Berlin has a well-deserved reputation as a party capital; weekend parties often extend extra days, and there is always something happening in the city for those who crave the excitement and the lights.  Berlin is home to numerous clubs, from techno and hip hop and underground “house party” gatherings, to over-the-top themed bashes. From parties, clubs, and live music to beer gardens and cocktail caverns, there’s no time to be bored in Berlin!

What to eat?

Berlin doesn’t disappoint on the food scene, and there is great food for every budget. From tasty street food at festivals and fairs, to quiet clubs, cafes and gasthauses, quality food can be found at very reasonable prices. For those who desire the chic cuisine Berlin has become famous for, having 12 Michelin-star restaurants. For an exotic flair, go with any of the international restaurants that have sprung up due to Germany’s burgeoning immigrant population.
 

Where to stay

To have the best experience while in Berlin, look at places to stay near the areas you most want to visit, and that are convenient to public transportation, making getting around easier. Booking apartment rentals or holiday accommodations is made simpler by going through the experts at World Escape. Make your trip all it can be!

Whether it is a family-friendly place, a fun, central hangout or something off the beaten track, we can help you find whichever suits your needs. Just browse through our selection online and should you find something, you can book online as well. Should you want any assistance, no problem, you can always contact us either via live chat, email or telephone.