Nov 12

A Girls’ Weekend in Berlin

Three friends, one mission: escape the everyday grind, dive into Berlin’s vibe, and savor each moment. And that’s exactly what we did.

Berlin is one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. It’s a city with rich culture, layered history, and a new, youthful vibe infused by immigration and freedom-seeking individuals. When I arrived in Berlin, I was slightly surprised. The city didn’t look as “European” as I expected. I found a slightly worn-down, East-European-like city with unrenovated old buildings and a lot of hipster vibe. But that’s precisely the charm. People here are relaxed; they’re not rushing anywhere or chasing anything. They’re just themselves, and that’s the whole point.

We spent three days in Berlin, which I’d recommend as just the right amount of time to explore its highlights and leave with a taste for more.

Watch Berlin's Highlights

Where to Stay in Berlin

For a first visit, I recommend staying in one of the city’s main areas.

Alexanderplatz in Mitte: A central area with many shops and restaurants. This was the main hub for tourists in the past but has become a bit less comfortable at night.

Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm): A well-known shopping street with plenty of stores and activities. It’s also quieter and calmer at night.

Honestly, after visiting Berlin, I think the most important factor for choosing accommodation is proximity to public transport. The city is large, and walking isn’t practical for getting around, so it’s best to have easy access to metro or train stations. I initially wanted to stay in an Airbnb, but due to strict regulations, there are hardly any available in central Berlin. Eventually, we stayed in an apartment hotel near Ku’damm.

Recommended Accommodations:

Near Alexanderplatz: numa I Nook Rooms & Apartments
Near Ku’damm: Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre Ku'damm, an IHG Hotel

Getting Around Berlin

Berlin is huge! It’s not a city with one central area but rather a network of spread-out points of interest. Public transportation is excellent, with metro, rail, and buses that run on time and cover the entire city. Additionally, during the summer of 2022, Berlin introduced a €9 monthly unlimited transport ticket to reduce traffic congestion.

We also used Uber frequently. It worked well, and we never waited more than three minutes for a ride.

Points of Interest

Since Berlin’s landmarks are relatively spread out, I suggest organizing your trip by focusing on different areas each day.

Day 1

Start in the center, from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column.

Alexanderplatz: A central square with lots of shops and dining options.

Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall): Near Alexanderplatz, this is Berlin’s historic town hall.

Fernsehturm (TV Tower): A 368-meter-tall TV tower in Alexanderplatz, the third tallest in Europe.

East side gallery Berlin איסט סייד ברלין

Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage site with many museums nestled between two arms of the Spree River.

Berlin Cathedral: Located on Museum Island, this cathedral is a Berlin icon built in the early 20th century.

Haus Schwarzenberg Street: An alley dedicated to Berlin’s street art, just a short walk from the Berlin Cathedral.

Gendarmenmarkt: A beautiful square, especially known for its Christmas markets in winter.

Brandenburg Gate - Probably the most iconic symbol of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is the only remaining gate among those that once served as entry points to the city. Built in the 18th century, it rises 26 meters high and is framed by 12 majestic columns. The design draws inspiration from the ancient Greek style, modeled after the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens.

Reichstag Building - Located right next to the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag is home to the German parliament. Built in the 19th century, its name derives from the term "Reichstag," which was used in the Roman Empire to describe the gathering place for the electing princes. The building is an architectural and historical landmark, symbolizing Germany’s political evolution.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - Also close to the Brandenburg Gate, this Holocaust Memorial was inaugurated in 2005. Located across from the American Embassy, on what was once Hitler's seat of power, the memorial’s striking design features 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, arranged on a sloping plane. This somber tribute invites reflection, capturing the scale and tragedy of the Holocaust in an unforgettable way.

Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule) - Located further along from the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Victory Column is another of the city's iconic landmarks. Originally designed to commemorate the Prussian army's victory in 1864, by the time of its inauguration, two more victories had been achieved, and it was decided that the column would symbolize all the military successes of that era. At its top stands a statue of Victoria, the goddess of victory, symbolizing the triumphs of Prussia with elegance and grandeur.

עמוד הניצחון של ברלין Siegessäule victory column Berlin ברלין

Day 2

Visit the East Side Gallery and its surroundings.

East Side Gallery: This 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall is the longest preserved section, transformed into an open-air gallery with 106 vibrant murals by artists worldwide. The artwork, created after the wall’s fall in 1989, reflects themes of freedom, hope, and unity, making it a powerful historical and cultural landmark in Berlin.

East side gallery Berlin ברלין איסט סייד

Day 3

Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie.

Berlin Wall - This preserved section of the Berlin Wall serves as a historical site, commemorating the division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Located along Bernauer Strasse, it includes original wall segments, a museum, and viewing platforms, offering insight into the lives impacted by the wall’s presence and its eventual fall.

Checkpoint Charlie - Known as the most iconic border crossing during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie symbolized the tense divide between East and West Berlin. Located on Friedrichstrasse, it witnessed many dramatic escape attempts and standoffs, and today, it’s a powerful reminder of the city's divided history.

Shopping

Berlin has fantastic shopping areas where you can find international and European brands

Mall of Berlin - A massive mall with a variety of stores.

Alexanderplatz - A central shopping area with major chain stores, including Primark.

Kurfürstendamm - A long, bustling street lined with stores.

KaDeWe - A luxury department store with six floors, each dedicated to a specific category, from perfumes to an outlet floor.

Food & Restaurants in Berlin

If you think German food is just sausages and beer, think again! Berlin offers a range of culinary experiences, from Turkish döner to endless Vietnamese eateries.

Elements of Food Tasting Tour - If you think German cuisine is all about sausages and beer, Berlin will surprise you! The city’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, with everything from Turkish döner to Vietnamese specialties. Led by Itai, an Israeli living in Berlin for over 11 years, the Elements of Food Tasting Tour provides a local’s perspective on Berlin’s food culture. We took the tour in the Charlottenburg neighborhood and enjoyed every moment, discovering hidden eateries, learning about Berlin's unique food trends, and tasting delicious local and international flavors that showcase Berlin's multicultural spirit.