How to visit Berlin like a local

For more than 40 years, Berlin was a city between freedom and dictatorship, between East and West. One less heralded sight that serves as a reminder of this very special history is the Soviet War Memorial and Military Cemetery in the Eastern district of Treptow.

Here you’ll find huge stone carvings, murals and statues, all of which aimed to underscore the might of the Soviet Union, right in the capital of the former enemy they defeated. Situated in Treptow Park, this is a simultaneously beautiful and bizarre place.

Like many similar monuments, the Soviet War Memorial was not destroyed after the fall of the wall. And others were even purposely erected. The Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe is maybe the most impressive example of how a city – and a whole nation – tries to deal with its past. “Ugly”, “big”, “disturbing” is how most visitors describe it. And that is exactly what the monument is trying to depict.

Few districts in the city symbolize Berlin’s modern standing as a multicultural hub better than trendy Kreuzberg. The area’s distinct Arab and Turkish influence is clearly evident in the mix of traditional barber shops, halal butcheries and kebab houses on Adalbertstraße, but that only tells half the story.

Amongst this, you’ll also find an array of hip fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants that have helped forge Kreuzberg’s reputation as a magnet for the young and trendy.

An influx of nationalities over the last 60 years has resulted in an incredible variety of food. Berliners love to eat out because food here is very affordable, and this is the case for street food and fine dining alike.

Start with a hearty kebab at Mustafa’s Gemüse Döner on Mehringdamm, or make your way to the Mitte district for sushi at Dudu on Torstraße.

For something a little bit special, check out Richard’s on Köpenicker Straße in Kreuzberg – the 9-course taster menu, with perfectly matched wines for each course, is an absolute must.

Curfew is a word unknown to Berliners. The party is over when the last guest leaves – and that rarely happens. Concert halls such as Arena Berlin, Columbiahalle, Mercedes-Benz Arena or the 100-year old Postbahnhof, regularly host underground and world-class bands alike.

And techno clubs such as Tresor or Berghain have become globally renowned symbols of Berlin’s thriving music scene.

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