Immerse Yourself in Multicultural Berlin

David Bowie once called Berlin, “the greatest cultural extravaganza one could imagine.” The historic city traditionally slipped under the radar as a tourist destination, but is quickly coming into its own as a trendy hot spot for fun and culture.

Once a city of division and desolation, this German capital is home to immigrants from more than 180 different countries. Steeped in history with an increasing blend of world cultures, the city evolved into a melting pot where the past, present and future all blend together.

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Every visitor to the city should take the time to visit the Berlin Wall and its many memorials, such as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Perhaps one of the most historically significant locations within the city, Mauerpark, is located on what was formerly known as the Death Strip of the Mauer. This park is now a beautiful open space filled with greenery symbolizing freedom and possibility. The park is a great place to enjoy the fresh air, visit the Rainbow Playground with your little ones, grab a bite to eat or spend a day exploring the local flea market that appears every Sunday.

The Holocaust Memorial, another must-see during your trip, also takes advantage of fresh air and open spaces. The site consists of 2,711 concrete slabs commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The memorial is free to visit and is closed on Mondays as well as Dec. 24–26.

The Brandenburg Gate, or Gateway to Berlin, is one of the city’s most popular attractions, as well as one of the most recognizable. Built by Prussian King Frederick William II in the 18th century, the gate marked the entry point to the city from the road to nearby Brandenburg. Once a symbol of the country’s division, it continues to stand today as a symbol of the country’s reunification.

Street food is a way of life for locals and a true testament to the diversity of Berlin. As the food scene evolved with the cultural revolution of the city, more and more ethnicities are represented among the many food stalls around town. Be sure to make time during your stay to wander the streets for no other purpose than to snack on some of the goodies that help give Berlin its identity.

In addition to traditional German treats like handmade pretzels and roll mops (pickles wrapped in herring filets), some of the most popular street foods meld German basics with foreign influences. Currywurst, a typical street dish, is a prime example — a fried pork sausage smothered in a curry-seasoned ketchup. Turkish food is also increasingly popular on this city’s streets, such as the döner, a pita sandwich filled with spit-roasted meat.

Back to German basics, the pfannkuchen, a delicious pastry similar to a jelly donut is a must. Outside of Berlin this tasty treat is often referred to as a Berliner but you won’t hear a local call it that. Within the city, take the time to learn its proper name!

A popular place to explore the culinary (not to mention cultural) side of the city is within the KulturBrauerei. This former East German brewery has been converted into an impressive complex of shops, eateries, office spaces and tiny concert halls and is a great way to enjoy the variety of choices available in Berlin.

Spend some time in the Turkish-influenced Kruezberg district, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Once one of the poorest parts of Berlin, Kruezberg made a name for itself as the multicultural center of the city. Popular among artists, young people and tourists, it is commonly known as X-berg thanks to its counterculture scene. A great way to see the area is through a walking tour through Berlin Urban Adventures, which gives you an intimate look at this fascinating neighborhood’s culture, food and street art.

A great way to explore the whole city at your leisure is with a hop-on, hop-off tour. Take a double decker bus around the city’s most famous sites and monuments, hop off wherever you choose and hop on another bus whenever you are ready to move on to another location. While on the bus you can learn all about the history of the city from an audio commentary. Gray Line Berlin offers one-, two- or three-day tours.

Beautiful Peacock at Pfauen Insel Berlin. Photo: Aveenstra | Dreamstime.com

If you’ve got the time, spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to Pfaeninsel, also known as Peacock Island. Located on the southwestern boundary of the city on the River Havel, this quiet little island is home to lush greenery, a roaming flock of wild peacocks and an artificial miniature castle. The island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, can be reached easily by ferry.

Berlin is jam-packed with museums — it even has its own island just for museums, Museum Island, on the River Spree. Purchase a Berlin Pass to gain easy access to 50 of Berlin’s most popular museums and attractions. The flat-rate pass not only saves time but also money. Attractions include the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Madame Tussauds Berlin and the popular Pergamon Museum. Kids will love the Little Big City Berlin (a collection of miniature cityscapes depicting 700 years of Berlin history), the Labyrinth Kindermuseum and the Musical Instrument Museum. In addition to the hop-on, hop-off tour mentioned earlier, the Berlin Pass also gives you access to the Fat Tire Segway Tours and Berlin River Cruise.

However your family chooses to spend its time in Berlin, they will come away with bellies full of yummy foods and souls filled with culture.