12 Reasons Why Berlin Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination

Berlin boasts a plethora of green spaces and swimming lakes and more than 2,500 public parks and gardens that offer locals and visitors a happy slice of nature in the city.

Berlin’s musical calendar is chockablock year round with exciting concerts spanning every genre. The German capital is a major stop for any musician on tour, and the biggest bands continuously sell out shows. DJ and club culture is also unrivaled, so the best DJs flock to Berlin and make the city dance.

From the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park and the remains of the Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery to the chilling Holocaust Memorial, from the Stasi Museum and the Book Burning Square, Berlin has been through a lot and its tumultuous history stands out. The city’s monuments and museums pay tribute to its tragedies and will give visitors goosebumps and an understanding of the history that continues to shape the city today.

Although Germany is not exactly revered for its cuisine, vibrant Berlin boasts around 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, is considered one of the best cities in Europe for vegans, and offers hearty eats for under €5.

First off, drinking on the streets is legal in Berlin, which people from countries with more restricted alcohol laws go totally frothy over. Use this cool craft beer map to go on a beer trail, or go to the Späti (corner store) or bar and grab a Bärenquell Berliner Spezial.

Berlin has an enormous Turkish population and is a hot spot for expats of every nationality, bringing together a beautiful melting pot of language, culture and food. Most people also speak English, so visitors will never feel too lost.

Berlin is famed for its outrageous nightlife, which offers a spectacle of colour, dance, hedonism, burlesque and techno, not to mention an open fetish culture. From clubs along the River Spree to the notorious Berghain and underground squat raves, the party scene is ubiquitous, and there is no closing time for clubs.

The city might look a little rough and tumble in parts, but being able to walk around freely and safely is a priceless plus for anyone, especially solo travelers.

The city has a dynamic street art scene, and most of Berlin’s façades are covered in funny, political or simply random murals and graffiti tags. Street art provides the grungy aesthetic of the city, and Berlin’s creativity is literally written on the wall.

Berlin is a champion of alternative living. From a strong culture of up-cycling, guerrilla gardening, dumpster diving, squats and radical living to the sexual freedom celebrated through wild parties and fetish-infused gatherings, everyone can be who and what they want in Berlin.

Berlin is home to artistic masterpieces from classical painters, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 180 museums. There are art galleries, record stores and workshop spaces on every corner, and the antiquity of the city makes it a significant cultural centre in Europe.

As time rolls forward, the face of the city is inevitably changing, and its unique character will soon be lost to the high rent and commercial culture found in many other European cities. Long-time expats are even beginning to question staying in Berlin for the long haul. The time to visit Berlin is now.