I hope everyone’s week is off to a good start! My mom, grandmother Rita, and two of my grandmother’s friends arrive in Copenhagen on Thursday and I can’t wait to show them around. Rita and her girlfriends will be staying in Denmark for two weeks while my mom and I travel to Berlin and Paris. I’ve never been to Berlin and am so curious to explore. Do you have any tips on what we should see/do/eat/drink there…? My older brother will be flying in to join us (family bonding!) and we’re considering a day trip to Potsdam as well. Would love to hear your thoughts, my well-traveled friends!
(image: New Palace, Potsdam, Germany)
Goodness, you are quite the traveling lady since relocating! Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself! What’s your favorite city so far?
Lisa – Funny that you mention it—I realized as I was typing the post that I’ve been to six countries in the past eight weeks?! No wonder I’m exhausted! I loved the museums in Vienna, but the city of Amsterdam probably charmed me most of all. London is an old favorite so it will always rank high. Stockholm was lovely but very similar to Copenhagen. Thanks for saying hello! xo
Berlin and Potsdam (unexpectedly) ended up being among my favorite places in Europe. I hope you are going to see all the palaces in Potsdam. They are gorgeous! It’s a long day of walking, though, so make sure to bring your most comfortable shoes. The remarkable thing about Berlin is that– from the bullet-holes left in the building facades to pieces of the Berlin Wall scattered around town– it doesn’t try to cover up its turbulent history, and at the same time feels very modern. If you’re into the history bit, it’s worth it to sign up for a walking tour of the city. They pointed out so many things I otherwise would have missed. Enjoy your trip!
Carrie – Your comment has me so excited for our trip! Will look into taking a walking tour, that sounds fun. And yes to the palaces—I can’t wait to see them. Thanks for weighing in!
So envious of your traveling schedule Katie! SO much to see and do in Berlin! The museums are incredible, Gemäldegalerie, the Pergamon museum, and the Jewish museum are my top picks. As someone else pointed out, a walking tour is great, as Berlin’s history is in its streets and walls of its buildings.. For eating and drinking, don’t miss the top floor food department at KaDeWe for lunch (and epic tea shopping) and Bocca di Baco on Friedrichstrasse for dinner.
Also, you’d love Café Grosz on Kurfürstendamm (perfect art noveau spot and best pastries). For fancy drinks, go to the lobby bar at the classic Adlon Hotel. I’m in love with Potsdam and the whole area is gorgeous, the one thing I wouldn’t miss though is the Chinese Tea House. After you’ve seen it you need to come back to Stockholm so I can show you our Swedish equivalent in the Drottningholm gardens :) Have the best of times in Germany and with your family Katie! Happy travels!
Charlotte xx
Agree with Carrie — a walking or biking tour would offer great insight into Berlin’s history. The Neue Nationalgalerie (Mies!) and Berlin Philharmonic are nice cultural attractions. Michelberger Hotel and Prater Garden are fun places to hang out. Gestalten and Wood Wood are cool designy shops. And the city’s coffee and pastries are delicious (much like Copenhagen). Potsdam is a fun day trip. Enjoy!!
Charlotte – Thank you for all this! Just added everything to our itinerary! And yes to Drottingham! I need to pick a date to get back up there this summer, will email you! xx
Dorothy – Thank you for chiming in! Love design-y shops, can’t wait!
Hope this isn’t too late! Just left Berlin after 3 years and seriously wish I was going back.
Can’t recommend enough:
– Brunch: Le Bon (http://lebon-berlin.com), Roamers (http://roamersberlin.tumblr.com)
– Lunch: Hallesches Haus (http://www.hallescheshaus.com) + great interior-design finds
– Dinner: Manouche (http://www.yelp.com/biz/manouche-berlin), Cocolo Ramen (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cocolo-Ramen-X-Berg/480234328730559), Markhalle Neun (http://markthalleneun.de/maerkte/street-food-thursday?lang=en) for Street Food Thursday, Industry Standard (http://www.industry-standard.de)
– Drinks: Limonadier (http://www.limonadier-barkultur.de)
And for Potsdam:
– Café Kieselstein (https://www.facebook.com/Café-Kieselstein-Potsdam-215824385098061/): a great vegan brunch within walking distance of Sanssouci
When the weather is nice, the city gives you everything you need for a perfect day. A walk along the Museum Insel or a river cruise (not cheesy – I promise!) are also a great way to see a lot of this amazing city. Enjoy!
EMK – Not too late, I’m in Berlin now! Thanks so much for all of these! xx