When planning a city trip with friends, Berlin might not be the first destination that comes to mind. Nevertheless, the city has a lot to offer, like plenty of shopping areas, great bars, comfortable hotels and impressive historical monuments. The German capital also is one of the best wellness destinations in Europe. Here are a few tips from my to-do list for Berlin:
Shopping in the Bermuda Triangle
Berlin counts loads of malls and shopping areas and even a couple of flea markets. One of the most interesting shopping spots is the so-called Bermuda triangle. In this area between Hakeschem Markt, Sophienkirche and Rosenthaler Platz you can disappear in one of the boutiques, designer shops and other fashion shops for hours. So before you enter this Bermuda Triangle, check your phone credit or quickly get some more through online mobile recharge. This way, if you get lost in this Bermuda Triangle, your friends are just one phone call away.
Checkpoint Charlie
If you and your friends want to add some cultural highlights to your citytrip, you don’t have to look very far. You’ll find monuments on almost every street corner, for example different memorial monuments for groups of victims of the nazi regime and World War 2. From 1961-1989, The Berlin Wall divided the city. Because East and West Berlin were part of different states, whoever wanted to cross the border had to pass border control. If you want to experience what this was like for the citizens of Berlin, you should visit ‘Checkpoint Charlie’, where this bizarre historical situation is replicated.
Amano rooftop terrace
The Amano Dachterrasse on top of the trendy AMANO Hotel in the city center is the perfect spot to enjoy a few cocktails together after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. Especially when the sun goes down, you have an amazing view over the city, while you’re having your drinks on one of the lounge couches. Choosing the right drink for this occasion can be difficult though, since they have fancy cocktails, homemade ice tea, longdrinks and wine.
Trabi-Safari
An alternative way to explore Berlin, is taking a so-called Trabi-Safari. You and your friends get the opportunity to drive around the city in a ‘Trabant’, which is the type of car that has become the symbol of East Germany. You can pick a car and go on a guided tour together with other tourists to see the touristic sights from a whole different perspective. You’ll be driving these funny cars yourself, which is not only a must for oldtimer-fans, but also a fun way of sightseeing with friends!
Vabali Spa
Germany has a long tradition of spa tourism. Even in the crowded centre of Berlin, you’ll find spa facilities. The Vabali Spa, for example, is a beautifully decorated spa in Asian style that makes you almost forget you’re in the middle Berlin. The different sauna treatments have exotic names like Pandangan and Banja and differ from classic hot sauna, organic sauna steam baths, to aromatherapy. To make your relaxing day complete, you can enjoy some healthy drinks or Mediterranean and Asian dishes together at the restaurant.
When picking a destination for your next trip, you and your friends don’t have to decide whether the focus will be on culture, relaxing, sightseeing or shopping. Berlin has it all!