Travel around Jakarta with Bobby
Day 1Facing the Past in the Shadow of the Berlin Wall
As soon as I arrived in Berlin, I dedicated my first day to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Berlin Wall. I stayed at a small boutique hotel in Kreuzberg, right in the heart of Berlin, where the vibrant and youthful energy made for an ideal starting point. It was just a 15-minute walk to the Wall.
The Berlin Wall was not just a photo opportunity but a book of history. Wandering through the East Side Gallery, where different artists had adorned the Wall with striking graffiti, I could feel the historical and emotional weight of this structure. Standing at Checkpoint Charlie, I pondered the Cold War era; imagining the events of those times was chilling. These tangible remnants of the past laid bare the depths of Berlin’s historical experiences.
Dinner that evening was a traditional German meal at a local Kreuzberg restaurant. The ‘Schnitzel’ with a side of potato salad was the perfect way to unwind after a day immersed in history. On this first day, Berlin captivated me with both its history and its flavors.
Take the time to visit the Berlin Wall to see and understand it fully. The East Side Gallery offers a powerful experience of how art and history can intertwine.
Day 2 Tracing History and Art at the Brandenburg Gate
On the second day, I set out early for Berlin’s symbol, the Brandenburg Gate. The U-Bahn from my hotel made it easy to reach, and Berlin’s public transportation is well-organized, allowing for seamless travel across the city. The grandeur of the Gate and the wide square surrounding it felt like walking through history itself.
After the Gate, I visited the nearby Reichstag Building. It’s essential to book in advance, but it’s well worth it. The glass dome offers a unique view of Berlin, blending the city’s historic and modern facets in one panoramic glance.
Lunch was on Unter den Linden, one of Berlin’s most famous streets. A quick, tasty option was the iconic German ‘Currywurst’. In the afternoon, I headed to Museumsinsel (Museum Island), where I delved into ancient history at the Pergamon Museum. The artifacts from antiquity transported me to another era.
For lunch, I had a quick ‘Currywurst’ on Unter den Linden, one of Berlin’s famous streets. It was a tasty and quick option, especially on a day filled with exploration. However, a more varied menu could have been appreciated.
Food
My stay at the same boutique hotel was once again very comfortable. Its central location made it easy to access different parts of the city. The room's comfort and the hotel's quality of service allowed me to unwind after a busy day.
Accomodation
The Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building are iconic symbols of Berlin, offering deep insights into the city and its history. The Pergamon Museum on Museumsinsel, with its captivating ancient artifacts, was a perfect choice for a culturally enriching day.
Activity
The Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building are must-sees in Berlin. The glass dome at the Reichstag provides a different perspective on the city, so don’t miss it!
Day 3 Royal Traces at Charlottenburg Palace
I spent my third day exploring Charlottenburg Palace in the western part of the city. This baroque palace showcases the grandeur of the Prussian royal family. The opulent rooms inside reflect the wealth and elegance of the era. The gardens are another world entirely; especially in summer, they are the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
After touring the palace, I headed to Kurfürstendamm, the most luxurious shopping street in Berlin. Walking here feels like being immersed in the world of fashion. Additionally, the KaDeWe department store on this street is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.
I ended the day with coffee and a slice of ‘Apfelstrudel’ at one of Berlin’s famous cafes. The charm of the palace and the city’s vibrancy showed once again that every corner of Berlin holds a different story.
In the afternoon, I enjoyed coffee and ‘Apfelstrudel’ at one of Berlin’s renowned cafes. The dessert, a traditional German delight, was truly satisfying. The café’s relaxing atmosphere made it a perfect spot to take a break after exploring the city.
Food
The boutique hotel in Kreuzberg continued to be an excellent base for exploring Berlin, including its western areas. The services provided and the comfort of the room made my stay in Berlin even more enjoyable.
Accomodation
Charlottenburg Palace, showcasing the elegance and wealth of the Prussian royal family, was a captivating stop. Walking through the palace gardens provided a peaceful moment. Shopping on Kurfürstendamm afterwards rounded out the day with some leisurely activity.
Activity
Charlottenburg Palace is a fantastic place to explore Berlin’s royal past. Both the palace interior and the gardens are worth your time; don’t miss the chance to soak in this historic atmosphere.
Day 4The Heart of Nightlife: Kreuzberg and Neukölln
On the fourth day, I decided to explore a different side of Berlin: the nightlife. While daytime is for modern and historical exploration, Berlin transforms at night into a completely different entity. Kreuzberg and Neukölln, in particular, are the hubs of alternative nightlife.
In the early evening, I watched the sunset with local beers at ‘Prater Garten,’ one of Berlin’s most famous beer gardens. Later, I moved to ‘SO36’ in Kreuzberg, one of the city’s oldest clubs, famous for its punk rock culture. The music, atmosphere, and energy of the people were truly unique.
The night ended at a rooftop bar in Neukölln. Berlin’s nightlife is not just about clubs; you can find a party or an event around every corner.
In the late afternoon, I experienced local German beers at Prater Garten. This beer garden was ideal for discovering local flavors and watching the sunset. It was also a great place to explore Berlin’s street food scene.
Food
The hotel’s proximity to the nightlife areas was a significant advantage. Returning to the hotel safely and comfortably after a night out was easy. The room's comfort allowed me to rest well after an eventful night.
Accomodation
The nightlife in Kreuzberg and Neukölln was perfect for experiencing Berlin’s alternative culture. SO36 nightclub was an ideal spot to discover the city’s energetic and dynamic side. The night was filled with ongoing parties and live music, showcasing Berlin's vibrant nightlife.
Activity
If you want to explore Berlin's nightlife, Kreuzberg and Neukölln are perfect. These areas, where alternative cultures converge, are full of surprises.
Day 5 The Intersection of Nature and Art: Tiergarten and Modern Art
On my final day, I wanted to relax and enjoy Berlin’s green spaces. Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, was the perfect choice. Walking through the park, I found peace within nature. The Berlin Victory Column, located within the park, symbolizes the city’s historical victories and offers a great viewpoint of the city.
After the park, I headed to Potsdamer Platz, which represents Berlin’s modern face with its high-rise buildings and futuristic vibe. Here, I had the chance to listen to a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, ending my day—and my trip—with a touch of art and culture.
Dinner was at one of Berlin’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, a perfect blend of food and atmosphere that left me enchanted. Leaving Berlin, I felt fulfilled, having experienced everything the city had to offer.
On my final evening, I dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin. The creative menu and meticulously prepared dishes marked the pinnacle of my gastronomic experience in Berlin. The combination of exquisite flavors and a stunning atmosphere left me thoroughly impressed.
Food
The hotel’s location made accessing different areas of the city easy, which was a significant advantage throughout my stay. The comfort of the room and the hotel’s additional amenities ensured a peaceful rest at the end of each day.
Accomodation
Spending time walking through Tiergarten and visiting the Berlin Victory Column provided a peaceful day immersed in nature. Engaging with modern art and culture at Potsdamer Platz was a perfect artistic finale to the day. The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance made the day unforgettable.
Activity
Spend a day at Tiergarten to discover Berlin’s natural beauty. Then, visit the modern art and culture spots at Potsdamer Platz to experience the city's contrasting sides.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Berlin stands out as one of the most impressive cities Bobby has experienced as a travel guide. The city offers a multifaceted destination that appeals to every traveler with its historical depth, cultural richness, and modern lifestyle. Bobby rated each category based on his impressions of Berlin, scoring them out of 100.
Attractions
Value for Money
Cuisine
People and Culture
Accommodation
Cleanliness and Environment
Transportation
Shopping
Safety
Overall Experience
Travel around Jakarta with Bobby with More Details
I shared my personal experiences and impressions of Berlin on my blog page. If you want to explore the city in a more in-depth and comprehensive way, you can check out my other content full of detailed information and special tips.
I ended the first day with a traditional German dinner at a local restaurant in Kreuzberg. The ‘Schnitzel’ served with potato salad was particularly delicious. The meals, combined with the warm and friendly atmosphere of the area, made for an enjoyable evening.
Food
My boutique hotel in Kreuzberg was incredibly comfortable, situated in a vibrant neighborhood and centrally located, making it convenient to explore the city. The comfort of the room and the hotel’s friendly atmosphere made for an ideal first night.
Accomodation
The Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery offer a profound blend of history and art. Spending time at Checkpoint Charlie allows you to delve into the depths of the Cold War era. These activities provide a comprehensive understanding of Berlin's historical past.
Activity