Berlin is one of those places that I’m not really sure how we ended up deciding we might like to go there. A few vouchers in hand and a very cheap trip later we ended up there. Here’s a little bit of what we got up to. Note I was pregnant during this trip and feeling horrific. We therefore decided to take a different approach to usual and didn’t charge around doing everything going or spending lots of money on things. We didn’t go to any clubs, but I know there is quite a big music scene. We didn’t go to see any shows or classical music which I believe is also big there. So some extra things to look into if you go.
Hotel
Let’s start here, we stayed at the Hoxton. In true Hoxton style it was beautifully decorated, had a great restaurant and a good bar with tasty bar snacks. The rooms are very much as described, if you go for a small room it is on the smaller size. Although nothing can ever be as tiny as the one in Brooklyn (I nearly died) It has a little table, open wardrobe, large comfy bed and bathroom with large shower. I love the decor, and you really can’t go wrong with a Hoxton if you’re doing a city break. The staff all spoke English which made me feel even worse about my lack of German, but was incredibly helpful.
Hotel Food
The food scene in Berlin was lacking a little, fortunately the hotel had a brilliant Tandoori restaurant. We might have eaten there two nights just to work our way through the menu. Think Dishoom, so yum. Service was great one night and as we got to the weekend service was poor. We tried them for breakfast, bacon naan rolls were calling, sadly they were off the menu and unfortunately breakfast was not up to scratch. We ended up with a comp bill and were told it was a new chef.
We had sandwiches in the bar of the hotel and they were great. Mine, club sandwich and John went German sausage hot dog thing.
Food continued…
Did you go to Germany if you didn’t have a curry wurst. Filthy German sausage smothered in sauce, and dare I say kinda yum.
Lindner, can only be described as a sandwich deli style store. Delicious sandwiches yummy sweet treats and so much to choose from you’ll want to buy a whole picnics worth of food.
Beets and Roots also was great for sandwiches. Very much Joe and the juice vibes but with lots of salad bowls as well.
We really didn’t find anything great breakfast wise and ended up with a sandwich late morning.
Katz Orange was recommended to us and my god it was good. We very much over ordered but you really needed to try everything. We had some little spare ribs to start and they were incredible. I went flat iron steak for main with all the sides, it was so delicious. The steak came on a bed of rocket, sliced steak, the most delicious plum chutney and lots of parmesan shavings. Drinks were great, service was lovely and attentive.
Drinks
Along with the lack of food scene was a lack of drink scene too. I was hoping for cute restaurant to sit outside with a drink, but no such luck.
We did however find a great roof bar, with inside and outdoor seating. Monkey bar, named because you over look the monkeys at Berlin Zoo. I really loved that you could sit and watch the animals. They have a small selection of snacks so obviously ordered some sweet potato fries and dip.
Botanical Gardens
At €4 a person how can you not really. Really lovely to wander round and one of those that would get better and better as the seasons go on.
Historic bits
Checkpoint Charlie, a must see. There was an element of tourist trap surrounding though. Berlin Wall, you’ll actually find segments dotted around the city, we even saw parts that has been left standing in a department store. There is also a dedicated area with information. Memorial to the murdered Jews, has quite the impact. I found John and I having a few conversations.
Berlin Cathedral is beautiful and you can walk along the water, take a tour round.
Brandenburg Gate – This was a really nice area and architecturally beautiful. I was a little sad there were no cute spots to sit out and have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere and culture.
Reichstag – book in advance, there are several options but you will struggle to get anything if you book during your trip. We couldn’t get tickets booking our first day and we were there during the week. Incredible building, would have liked to learn more and explored.
Shopping
You know I love shopping, Berlin has plenty to offer. Lots of Shops dotted around, a few department stores and malls. Not to mention all my designer favourites all located in a beautiful area.
Finally…
As it has taken me over a year to write this post, I have seen so much more of what Berlin has to offer and feel like we barely scratched the surface. I think spring would be a lovely time to go if we were to go back. It’s a great city break with plenty on offer and real mix of culture and more. Certainly one to investigate if you’re looking for a city break.
For more city break inspiration click here.
Rach xx