BERLIN, THE CITY OF OPPOSITES

Ah, Berlin you beauty. What a marvelous, historically intriguing, horrifying and complex city. There isn’t quite a word to describe Berlin, or if there is I can’t find it, or I don’t know it. There is old, there is new, there is bohemian energy, there are bullet holes in buildings. Wherever you look in Berlin, you can’t escape the violent history that the city is infamous for. When I was in high school I had a German teacher who was obsessed with Nazi history, and I can’t help but wonder whether he spent time here. There is so much to do in Berlin, and if you tend to err on the side of history nerd like myself, you will love it. If you’re not so interested in history, there is a thriving art culture, excellent food scene and some beautiful sites to see.

The German History Museum is a must-see. I could have been in there for days; it spans from mud hut Germanic tribes through to the present. There is an entire island dedicated to museums in the centre – aptly named Museum Island. Nearby, the Berlin Cathedral is dark, mysterious and houses a slightly spooky crypt. For a small fee you can enter, and tour the several levels. It also boasts an exemplary panoramic view of the city from the dome at the top.

To the east of the city, there is a different vibe. Walking the East Side Gallery is a must, and there are several bombed out, unrestored warehouses that come alive as temporary bars in the night. You will find some wonderful restaurants and cafes in the eastern part, and possibly the best kebab of your life. Berlin is a ‘free city’ so it is not uncommon to see people walking around with a beer in hand, or on the train. You are permitted to drink wherever you like, which is a novelty to us Aussies who are barely even allowed to drink in a bar at home.

In the centre of the city you can’t miss Aleksanderplatz, a thriving marketplace right next to the train station. Grab a pretzel, some currywurst or a beer and people watch to your hearts content. On Saturdays you can wander from here towards Hackescher Markt, where you can find a cute market piled high with local delicacies and some great restaurants.