Home » News » What’s New for Berlin in 2022
Berlin is bold, brash, fascinating, occasionally a little scruffy and, in places, absolutely beautiful.
It is also one of those cities that I don’t think you ever completely finish exploring.
When I first visited Germany’s capital, I packed as much as I possibly could into my stay. I travelled across the city, explored its famous landmarks, delved into its history, discovered its greener side by bicycle and, naturally, sampled plenty of the food and drink along the way.
Yet I still came away feeling as though I had barely scratched the surface.
Berlin isn’t necessarily a city that immediately charms you in the same way as Paris, Prague or Rome. For me, its appeal is different. You have to explore it, understand a little of its past and venture beyond the obvious tourist sights.
Do that and Berlin slowly gets under your skin.
So if you are considering a city break in Germany, here are 10 reasons why I think Berlin deserves a place on your travel list.
🏛️ 1. Berlin’s History Is Everywhere
Few European cities wear their history quite as openly as Berlin.
The events of the 20th century alone have left an extraordinary mark on the German capital and, wherever you wander, there are reminders of the city’s past.
The Brandenburg Gate is perhaps the most famous example.
During my visit, I initially found it packed with tourists, cameras and selfie sticks. So the following morning I got up ridiculously early and headed back for sunrise.
It turned out to be one of my favourite moments in Berlin.
For a short while I practically had one of Germany’s most famous landmarks to myself.
Then there is the Reichstag, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery and the incredibly moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Berlin doesn’t hide from its history.
At times it is uncomfortable and thought-provoking, but understanding that past is an important part of understanding the city you see today.
🎨 2. Culture Is Part of Berlin’s DNA
If you love museums, exhibitions, art and culture, Berlin could keep you occupied for weeks.
Museum Island, surrounded by the River Spree, is one of the city’s great cultural centres, while museums and galleries can be found throughout Berlin.
What I particularly like, though, is that Berlin’s creativity isn’t confined to grand buildings.
Art spills onto walls, abandoned spaces are given new life and former industrial buildings have become galleries, bars and cultural venues.
Then there is the East Side Gallery, where a surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall has become one of the world’s most famous open-air galleries.
Berlin has an ability to take something from its past and give it an entirely new purpose.
You see that time and time again.
🌳 3. Berlin Is Much Greener Than You Might Expect
Before visiting Berlin, I don’t think I appreciated quite how green the city was going to be.
There are parks, trees, waterways, community gardens and vast open spaces dotted throughout the capital.
The enormous Tiergarten, right in the heart of Berlin, is perhaps the obvious example, but venture further and there is much more to discover.
I experienced this side of the city properly when I joined a Green Bike Tour of Berlin.
It took me through Kreuzberg, Tempelhof and Friedrichshain and introduced me to sustainable projects and neighbourhood initiatives that I probably would never have discovered by myself.
Considering it had been quite some time since I’d been on a bicycle, simply staying upright was an achievement!
It became one of the highlights of my visit.
Read more: My Berlin Green Bike Tour explores this alternative and sustainable side of the German capital in much more detail.
🚲 4. You Can Experience Berlin in So Many Different Ways
One of Berlin’s great strengths is that there isn’t just one way to explore it.
You can take the U-Bahn between the headline attractions, walk through its neighbourhoods, jump aboard a sightseeing bus, cruise along the River Spree or, as I discovered, explore by bicycle.
Berlin is enormous, so trying to walk everywhere isn’t particularly realistic.
However, I found that travelling to a neighbourhood and then exploring it on foot was a great way of getting a feel for the city.
The important thing is not to spend your entire visit rushing between famous landmarks.
Give yourself time to wander.
Berlin often becomes most interesting when you don’t have somewhere specific to be.
🏙️ 5. Every Neighbourhood Has Its Own Personality
Berlin isn’t really one city.
It feels like a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own identity.
Mitte contains many of the major historical sights and attractions, while Kreuzberg has a completely different atmosphere with its multicultural influences, street art and alternative edge.
Friedrichshain, where I stayed, introduced me to another side of Berlin altogether.
Then there is Prenzlauer Berg, Schöneberg and the many other districts and neighbourhoods waiting to be explored.
This is one of the reasons I think Berlin rewards repeat visits.
You can return, stay somewhere completely different and experience what feels like another city.
🍴 6. Berlin’s Food Scene Is Fabulous
Germany might traditionally conjure up images of sausages, schnitzel and enormous glasses of beer – all of which I am perfectly happy with!
Berlin, however, offers much more.
Its multicultural population has created an enormously diverse food scene. You’ll find everything from traditional German dishes and currywurst to Turkish, Middle Eastern, Asian, vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
During my stay I experienced Berlin’s sustainable and vegetarian food scene, which was a little outside my normal comfort zone.
Anyone who knows me will appreciate that I am not naturally a man who turns down meat!
However, that is part of travelling.
Trying something different, discovering new flavours and occasionally surprising yourself.
Berlin certainly did that.
🍺 7. Berlin Knows How to Enjoy Itself
Berlin’s nightlife is legendary.
Some of Europe’s most famous clubs are here, but you don’t need to be planning an all-night rave to enjoy Berlin after dark.
The city is packed with bars, traditional pubs, beer gardens, restaurants, live music venues and quirky places to spend an evening.
Areas such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are particularly lively, while Mitte offers everything from stylish cocktail bars to more traditional drinking holes.
My clubbing-until-sunrise days may be behind me, but Berlin certainly provides plenty of opportunities for those who still have the stamina!
For the rest of us, finding a good German beer and watching the world go by works perfectly well.
🍂 8. Berlin Changes With the Seasons
Another reason to return to Berlin is that the city has a very different personality depending on when you visit.
Spring brings longer days and parks returning to life, while summer means festivals, outdoor dining, beer gardens and plenty happening across the city.
I particularly like the idea of Berlin in autumn.
The colours begin to change, temperatures are comfortable for exploring and there is something rather atmospheric about wrapping up and wandering through Berlin’s parks and historic streets.
Then, of course, winter brings another transformation with Christmas markets, lights and all the festive traditions Germany does so well.
Read more: Take a look at my Autumn in Berlin guide for more inspiration on visiting the city later in the year.
💶 9. Berlin Can Be Surprisingly Good Value
Capital city breaks can become expensive very quickly.
While Berlin certainly isn’t immune from rising prices, I have always felt it can offer good value compared with some of Europe’s other major capitals.
A lot depends on how you travel.
Berlin has an excellent public transport network, there are plenty of inexpensive places to eat and some of the city’s most memorable experiences involve simply exploring its streets, parks, neighbourhoods and historical sites.
The Berlin Welcome Card is also worth investigating if you plan to use public transport extensively and visit a number of attractions.
As prices and inclusions change, check the current options before travelling rather than automatically assuming it will save you money.
❤️ 10. Berlin Leaves You Wanting More
Perhaps this is the biggest reason I recommend Berlin.
I didn’t leave feeling that I’d ‘done Berlin’.
Far from it.
I left with a list of places I hadn’t managed to visit, neighbourhoods I wanted to explore further and experiences I wanted to enjoy next time.
For me, that’s the sign of a great city.
Some destinations are wonderful for a weekend but once you’ve seen the major sights, you feel satisfied.
Berlin isn’t like that.
The more I discovered, the more interested I became.
And that means there will have to be a next time.
✈️ So, Is Berlin Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Berlin isn’t about one spectacular landmark or one beautiful old town.
It’s the combination of everything.
The history. The culture. The neighbourhoods. The food. The nightlife. The green spaces. The creativity. And perhaps most importantly, the people and stories that have shaped this extraordinary city.
Berlin can be serious one minute and wonderfully unconventional the next.
It’s a city that encourages you to look beyond the obvious.
That’s what I enjoyed most about it.
Give Berlin a little time and I think you might find, as I did, that Germany’s capital slowly works its magic.
🧳 Planning Your Berlin City Break?
If you’re now thinking about visiting, my Berlin Travel Guide is the best place to start.
There you’ll find my first-hand guide to getting around Berlin, where to stay and many of the major sights I visited, including Alexanderplatz, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery.
You can also discover more from my travels through Germany in my Germany Travel Guide.
More From Berlin
Berlin Green Bike Tour – exploring Berlin’s sustainable side on two wheels.
Autumn in Berlin – ideas and inspiration for visiting Berlin later in the year.
The Almodovar Hotel, Berlin – my experience staying at an eco-friendly hotel in Friedrichshain.
Berlin Travel Guide – my complete guide to exploring Germany’s fascinating capital.
There is always another road to travel, another place to discover and another story to tell.
