Germany’s largest city is a busy place with a population approaching 4 million and plenty of tourists herding around the usual destinations. If you want a more relaxed approach to Berlin, to discover some of its more unusual attractions, this three-day Berlin guide will show you the historic city from new, calmer angles, with plenty of relaxed attractions and good food
If you’re planning a longer stay, it’s worth arranging your accommodation in advance. You can easily rent a flat in Berlin in areas like Kreuzberg or Neukölln, which are perfect for a relaxed, local experience and give you quick access to most of the places in this itinerary.
Day One: Green Land and Pleasant Dining
If you have lucked into some good weather, then Körnerpark is always a good spot to start off your Berlin trip from, with leafy green spaces to de-stress from your travels. With easy access to canal walks, courtyards and art galleries around the Kreuzberg area, you can enjoy street food on Maybachufer and soak up the atmosphere without feeling like you’re stuck in a major city.
Take as long as you like in this area, stopping off for beers at the side of the canal, and enjoy a bratwurst or two. You can spend the whole day in and around the Neukölln area without spending more than a few euros, enjoying the vibe, bumping into the occasional minor war memorial and retro shops like Rough Trade and the East Side Gallery.
Day Two: Wining and Dining in Berlin
Day two will probably see you feeling very hungry after the fresh air of your first day. Especially if your wider trip has taken you to The Black Forest or other parts of Germany, where hearty food dominates. So, you might be ready for some more refined meals.
Perhaps start your day visiting Kreuzberg and the waterfalls of Viktoriapark to wow the senses before setting off for something good for lunch. Naturally, there are plenty of fine-dining restaurants in Berlin but you can start at Restaurant Austria for a truly friendly welcome and a menu of great local food, from schnitzels to beef soup and bread dumplings.
Back outside you might find The Ramones Museum dedicated to the legendary 70s New York punk band, a decidedly non-traditional venue worth visiting. Or, you can see what’s happening down at the KÖNIG Gallerie, which hosts art exhibitions and cultural events within the brutalist concrete edifice of Saint Agnes Church.
For dinner, you might want to visit The Post Bar and Restaurant, where a mix of traditional Berlin fare meets modern twists, all within the historic postal building. From Pike-Perch fillet to Brandenburg beef, all with refined vegetables and potatoes, there’s as much for the eyes as there is for the stomach.
Day Three: Going to Berlin’s Other Airport
Before you leave Berlin, the massive urban park that was Tempelhof Airport is a must-see for art and sporty types. Not only is there the history of the Berlin Airlift to explore (and roaming herds of sheep), but you might also catch a Formula E race if you are there at the right time of year. There are also plenty of sports arenas in the area, with many of Berlin’s smaller teams or leagues active over the weekend.
The many event spaces around the area are full of exhibitions and displays, charming outdoor cafes like Tempel Garten and others to be found on the traditional German blocks in the area.
Finally, if you want to go out with a bang, Hertha Berlin, the city’s second team, plays its home games at the Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) in the Westend area. You can catch a game for as little as €15 thanks to the Bundesliga’s sane pricing policies. Just you and up to 75,000 new friends can make a great afternoon or night for a match and the party atmosphere that spreads around the stadium.
With an endearing civic charm, you can enjoy a good few days in Berlin without running into the usual tourist traps, mentioning the war, or falling prey to the massive queues for popular events.
Taking a cruise, a walking tour or self-guided trip, you can meet plenty of interesting people if you’re on your own. Or, take the family to these places, and they won’t feel like they are crowded into a big city. With plenty of activity options and a sense of the real city while still being in range of the usual sights and facilities if you do feel the need to rush through them.
