I’m in Berlin but on a tight time schedule, I still want to experience some of what this city has to offer. So this is what we did.
I’m lazy when I arrive at Tegal airport and opt to taxi to the hostel. I know…lazy.
After ditching the bags, we head to Checkpoint Charlie via the U ban and S ban.
Stop 1: Checkpoint Charlie is a must for your trip to Berlin. Head into the black box and read about the history of the boundary and the people who lost their lives here.
Stop 2: We walk 10 minutes to the next point, the Topography of Terror. This is a centre of history, we spent our time at the outdoor information point about the history of Berlin “Between Propaganda and Terror”. This is very well worth a visit. We don’t have time to go inside the building but I will definitely add it to the list for a longer visit.
Stop 3: 15 minutes on foot we arrive at our next stop, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This is a stark and striking memorial, like nothing I have ever experienced before. I walk amongst the stones… it makes you feel small and very human.
Stop 4: We head on to the next stop on our walking whistle stop tour, is the Brandenburg Gate. The Gate has been restored and attracts a crowd. The area around the gate is lovely, and the wide road leading away from the gate is boarded by a beautiful looking park.
Stop 5: The Reichstag, Germany’s parliament building. The Reichstag is topped by a glass dome which has a full view of the city. I would recommend booking tickets in advance if you visit in summer.
Stop 6: The longest walk of our foot tour, 30 minutes of strolling through the city and we arrive at our next and final stop. Berlin Cathedral, its full name is: Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church in Berlin. Its 7 euros to get inside and 4 euros for an audio guide.
And we are done.
Well not really done. Obviously there is so much more to Berlin. We have’t stepped inside a gallery or museum. But with limited time, I feel like we managed to get a fair amount in and it was light on the budget as well.
Also, if you come across Woop Woop ice cream…try it. It is worth it, very yum.
