Lifestyle in Berlin

Eating out in Berlin

The food in the German capital is fuss-free and delicious. Much of the local cuisine in Berlin has been influenced by immigrants from neighbouring countries and ingredients such as pork, goose, fish, cabbage, turnips, pickles, and potatoes commonly feature in the city's cuisine.

If German fare doesn’t suit your tastes, there are plenty of international options in cosmopolitan Berlin. The city is home to a whole host of top-quality restaurants featuring cuisine from across the globe, including Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, French, Turkish, and Spanish.

Sports and outdoor activities in Berlin

If you're an active expat, you will find plenty to keep yourself busy in the city. While football (soccer) is probably the most popular sport in the capital, you can also take part in several outdoor activities, such as horse riding or hiking.

Cycling is also a favourite pastime for Berlin's residents, and there are many great biking trails which will allow new arrivals to explore the city and its surrounds on two wheels. Those who enjoy a round of golf will find some excellent and scenic golf courses dotted around Berlin. 

Fresh air is abundant in the German capital, which has more than 2,500 parks and green spaces. You should certainly take the time to visit one of the city's greatest green assets, such as Tiergarten or Viktoriapark. These parks offer a great environment for runners, walkers, and cyclists, but even those who would prefer to enjoy a good book or have a picnic in the sunshine will enjoy these spaces.

See and do in Berlin

Berlin boasts a multitude of exciting and interesting attractions, from museums and galleries to amusement parks, restaurants, and bistros. The Berlin Welcome Card offers discounts on most of Berlin's major attractions, as well as free travel on public transport within the city for one adult and up to three children aged 6 to 14.

Below are a few sights worth checking out while in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate

This massive sandstone gate was once inaccessible and unusable, abandoned in the 'no man's land' behind the Berlin Wall. It has since been renovated and has become a popular attraction and testament to some beautiful architecture found in the German capital.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the notorious border crossing marking the division between East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years. As the checkpoint is no longer functional, a museum has been constructed to commemorate the many brave attempts to go over, under or across the wall undetected.

East Side Gallery

What is left of the infamous Berlin Wall has been transformed into the largest open-air alternative art gallery in the world. Graffiti artists have used the space to showcase their skill on the longest section of the wall, which stretches from Ostbahnhof station to the Oberbaumbrucke. The collection has since become a tourist attraction and is recognised as a memorial to freedom.

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum has gained international acclaim for its unique exhibition space and dynamic architecture. Visitors enter the Jewish Museum through the Berlin Museum to explore the exhibition rooms, which are clustered around the main axis void, designed to signify the invisible aspects of Jewish history.

Reichstag

The Reichstag has been the seat of the German parliament since 1894 and is undoubtedly one of Berlin's most famous buildings. Damaged in the carnage of World War II, the structure was famously wrapped in white fabric in the late 1990s by the well-known conceptual artist Christo.

Charlottenburg Palace

Schloss Charlottenburg was built in the baroque style in 18th-century Berlin. The structure is the largest palace in Berlin and was constructed as a summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Frederick III, the Prussian king.

Useful links

• Berlin Welcome Card

Meeting people and making friends in Berlin

Making friends in a new city can be intimidating. One of the best ways to start meeting like-minded people is to join a local club or meet-up group. Berlin is a highly creative city, with many options for people from all walks to meet new people. Book lovers can research local book clubs and join one near them.

It's also easy to find running or sports clubs if you're a fitness enthusiast. This is also a great way to meet locals, which can be challenging in a new city. 

Useful links

• The Booker Tea Reading Group
• Berlin International Rotary Club
• Mikkeller Running Club