Berlin

In 2003, the mayor of Berlin was quoted saying “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy.” (“Berlin is poor, but sexy.”) It’s a catchy thing to say, but it really suits the city so well. Berlin is still working past it’s crazy history, but it is undeniably hip. I wouldn’t call Berlin a pretty city–the city has been hit by so much war and conflict that there aren’t a lot of old elegant European buildings left. It has a completely different vibe than a city like Vienna, which feels like the epitome of European elegance. Berlin is multicultural, young, artsy and creative.

A few weeks ago my brother visited me from Texas. We spent a few days together in Prague, and then took a weekend trip to Berlin. Berlin is about 5 hours by bus and a definite must-visit.

First thing we did in Berlin: bike tour! Berlin is flat and has bike lanes on the sidewalks all over the city. Berliners bike everywhere, and biking is really a great way to see the city.

Tour guide explaining the division of Germany between the East and West

Checkpoint Charlie was the site of a crossing point on the Berlin Wall

Checkpoint Charlie recreated for tourists

Hotel where Michael Jackson held his baby out the window (obviously an extremely important historical site)

Scenic route through the parks of Berlin

Graffiti on old pieces of the Berlin Wall

Berlin is known for its street art. One of the most famous spots in the city is the East Side Gallery, which is a collection of paintings made on the Berlin Wall in 1990.