Steve Buss 14th November 2018
Berlin in 2 years… So what does Berlin have to offer newcomers?
2 years ago, nearly to the day in fact, I embarked on a new adventure and chapter in my life.
I packed my bags, jumped on a plane and moved from London to Berlin to work in the technology world – all thanks to the kind people of RedSofa Berlin J
Moving to a new country, a new company and different industry can be quite daunting for some with lots of “the unknown” to encounter.
However, when you take yourself out of your comfort zone, find a place to settle and fill in all the paper work needed here, the rewards WILL be incredible.
I’ve always been a countryside man at heart but loves city life, so for me a balance and mix of both is incredibly important. Berlin certainly offers this, and much much more.
There is a lot more to Berlin than tech start-ups and techno. Here are a few of my favourite places so far that I visited early on and still love now.
From bars and restaurants to sunset spots, lakes and hiking through forests, exploring abandoned buildings and of course the Christmas markets…
I would love to hear of your own explorations but here are some of my favourite spots so far.
- Schlachtensee / Krumme Lenke – 2 beautiful lakes sat next to each other and situated in South West Berlin. Great for hiking and exploring, swimming or even skating when they freeze over for winter (but do be careful). One of the cities best bier gardens to relax, watch the water and grab a beer and some lunch.
- Teufelsberg – my absolute “wow” factor place. One of the best spots for sunset you will see in Berlin, possibly Germany. An old abandoned cold war listening station turned art-adventure and graffiti photographers paradise. Based in Grunwald Forest.
- Monkey Bar – a great but often busy bar (especially day time) that has a great view across the cities parks and zoo! Outdoor summer/winter terrace. Get there just before peak times after work and for sunset. Based in West Berlin.
- Treptow Park – a wonderful place to explore along the river, walk in the park, watch an open air movie on the island, or have a bite to eat in the floating restaurant there in the Spree. East Berlin.
- Charlottenburg Palace – a truly stunning place, especially in the summer when in full bloom. Lot’s of wildlife and groups of wild beavers have been known to visit! And of course it’s famous Christmas Market, magical place…. West Berlin.
- Wannsee Terrace – a place to treat yourself for sure – a beautiful coffee / restaurant over looking the amazing Wannsee. A top sunset hotspot too, gets busy but always worth it. Great cakes! West Berlin.
- Mercedes Benz Arena – as an avid Ice Hockey fan myself, this is my sporting mecca. This is home to the Eisbaren Ice Hockey team and the Alba basketball team. Both are in the top flight with close to15,000 there weekly. East Berlin.
- Freischwimmer – one of Berlin’s nicest and very affordable canal side restaurants. Amazing in summer on the water, and very cosy with log fires in winter. Decent beer, good food and great views. Can get busy so avoid peak times if possible.
- Klunkerkranich – one of THE top sunset hotspots. A rooftop bar on top of a carpark that regularly has both bands and DJ’s playing, as well as pop up food stalls to enjoy as the sun sinks behind you. Neukölln – West Berlin
