The 10 Most Interesting Facts about Berlin

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is known for its rich history, culture and innovation. This city has gone through several transformations and events that have shaped its current identity. Here are the 10 most interesting facts about Berlin.

1. Berlin has more bridges than Venice

With over 1700 bridges, Berlin has more bridges than any other city in Europe. This is even more than Venice, the city that is known for its water canals and bridges.

2. Berlin was divided into two parts for almost 30 years

After World War II, Berlin was divided into East and West Berlin for almost three decades. The division was characterized by the Berlin Wall, which was erected in 1961 and dismantled in 1989.

3. Berlin is home to the largest train station in Europe

Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the central station of Berlin and is the largest train station in Europe. It serves more than 300,000 passengers every day and has connections to many major cities in Europe.

4. Berlin is the greenest city in Germany

Despite being a city with a population of over 3.5 million people, Berlin is home to many parks and green spaces. In fact, it is the greenest city in Germany, with over 44% of the city covered in green spaces.

5. Berlin has the world’s largest department store

KaDeWe is the largest department store in the world and is located in Berlin. It has over 60,000 square meters of shopping space and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

6. Berlin is the center of the startup scene in Germany

Berlin has been attracting many startups and entrepreneurs in recent years. The city has become a hub for innovation and is home to many successful startups such as SoundCloud, Delivery Hero, and Zalando.

7. Berlin is home to the world-famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. It is located in Berlin and has been led by famous conductors such as Herbert von Karajan and Sir Simon Rattle.

8. Berlin is home to one of the largest zoos in the world

The Berlin Zoological Garden is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world. It is home to over 18,000 animals from more than 1500 species.

9. Berlin has a vibrant nightlife

Berlin is known for its vibrant and diverse nightlife. The city has many clubs, bars, and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day, and it is considered one of the best cities for partying in the world.

10. Berlin has a street art scene like no other

Berlin is a hub for street art and graffiti. The city has many street art tours and exhibitions, and it is known for its colorful and diverse street art scene.

In conclusion, Berlin is a fascinating city with a rich history, culture, and innovation that makes it stand out in Europe. These ten facts just scratch the surface of what Berlin has to offer.

The Insider’s Guide to Berlin

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is an embodiment of culture, history, architecture, and innovation. With a rich history, awe-inspiring attractions, and a friendly atmosphere, Berlin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In this insider’s guide, we will take a deeper dive into what makes Berlin unique and memorable.

Local Attractions

Berlin is renowned for its diversity of attractions, from historic landmarks to modern marvels. The city boasts an array of world-class museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, including the Pergamon Museum, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Berlin Cathedral.

For art lovers, Berlin is a must-visit destination with several famous galleries. The Museum Island houses five of the most remarkable museums in the world. The street art scene is a sight to behold, with stunning pieces from renowned street artists such as Blu and Banksy dotted throughout various parts of the city.

If you’re looking for something more non-traditional, visit the abandoned and Graffiti-covered Spreepark. Originally built as an amusement park in East Berlin, it was abandoned in the year 2000, and now it is an eerie and fascinating place to explore.

Dining Spots

While Berlin may not be world-renowned for its culinary scene, it has a dynamic dining culture that combines traditional German cuisine with innovative global influences. Mitte, Neukölln, and Kreuzberg are some of the best areas for foodies to explore.

Must-try dishes include the popular currywurst – a local fast food consisting of sausage with curry ketchup, schnitzel – thin, breaded fried veal or pork, and traditional Berliner Kebabs. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss trying out Berlin’s renowned Pfannkuchen (a kind of doughnut) from local bakeries.

For a unique dining experience, try out Das Klo which is also known as the toilet restaurant. Yes, you read that right, a restaurant themed after a bathroom. The menu is quite standard but the ambiance is something that you surely won’t forget.

Cultural Experiences

Berlin is not only rich in history, but it’s also known for the lively art and music scene. The city hosts several festivals, including the Berlin Film Festival, the Berlin Music Week, and the Berlin Art Week.

For a more immersive cultural experience, join locals in the city’s vibrant nightlife with late-night eats at Curry 36 or one of the city’s famous nightclubs. The most famous clubs are Berghain and Watergate.

Local History

No visit to Berlin is complete without exploring its complex history, which includes both dark times and a spirit of perseverance. The Berlin Wall is a potent symbol of the city’s recent past, and a visit to the Topography of Terror Museum will provide a better understanding of the city’s tumultuous past.

For a unique experience, take a bike tour around Berlin. Along the tour, you can see different landmarks like the Victory Column, Tiergarten, and Brandenburg Gate. The tour will also give you a chance to witness and learn the history behind lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track locations.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to venture off-the-beaten-path, make sure to visit the abandoned Tempelhof Airport that has been converted into a park. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic or flying kites in the summer. The Tierpark Berlin is another great place to visit – the world’s largest landscaped zoo and home to more than 9,000 animals.

If you are looking for mesmerizing views of the city, visit the Teehaus in the charming Emser Straße neighborhood. It’s perfect for an evening cocktail while enjoying a panoramic view of Berlin.

Conclusion

Berlin is a vibrant and beautiful city with an exciting blend of historical and modern attractions. For tourists looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Berlin is the perfect destination. You can explore the history, food, culture, and nightlife of the city and create some of the best memories of a lifetime.