Berlin

Largest Open-Air Gallery: Berlin proudly hosts the East Side Gallery, an extraordinary testament to artistic expression and historical significance. Spanning an impressive 1,316 meters, it stands as the longest open-air gallery globally and preserves the most extended remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Painted in 1990 by 118 artists from 21 countries, the gallery features 106 unique art pieces. Notably, the ‘Fraternal Kiss’ mural, depicting former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and the GDR’s Erich Honecker, remains the most photographed. The East Side Gallery attracts up to 3 million visitors annually, offering a vibrant and immersive experience in the heart of Friedrichshain.

More Museums than Rainy Days: Berlin, a city full of culture, is home to around 190 museums and non-commercial galleries. Regardless of the annual rainfall, which ranges from 106 to 170 days, Berlin’s commitment to preserving and presenting its history and artistic creativity is continuous. The city’s cultural richness is reflected in its diverse range of museums, making it a paradise for art and history enthusiasts.

More Waterways than Venice or Amsterdam: While Venice and Amsterdam are renowned for their canals, Berlin surpasses them with a network of 180 kilometres of waterways. The city’s vastness contributes to this aquatic wonder. Although Amsterdam boasts more bridges with over 2000, Berlin’s 1700 bridges add a distinctive architectural charm to its water-filled landscape.

Spätis: Kiosks in Berlin are known as “Späti”, and with over 1,000 kiosks spread around the city, they have become an indispensable part of Berliners’ lives. Initially established in East Germany to cater to the needs of night workers, Spätis have developed into a cultural phenomenon. Open around the clock, Spätis offer Berliners a convenient way to stock up on food, snacks or drinks at any time, reflecting the city’s vibrant and dynamic lifestyle.

Bigger Than Paris: With an area of 892 square kilometres, Berlin is nearly nine times the size of Paris. Despite its enormous size, Berlin does not feel overwhelmingly large due to its population density. With 4,000 inhabitants per square kilometre, the German capital offers a more open atmosphere than Paris, where the density is much higher at 21,000 inhabitants per square kilometre. This makes the city feel more spacious, especially compared to the busy streets of Paris.

The TV Tower: The TV tower, which dominates the skyline of Alexanderplatz, is the tallest building in Germany at a height of 368 metres. The TV tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Berlin with its viewing platform at 203 metres and the revolving restaurant at 207 metres. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to get a bird’s eye view of the city or enjoy a good meal overlooking the city.

Döner Consumption: The Döner kebab, a culinary delight synonymous with Berlin, is unique in the city’s gastronomic landscape. Introduced in 1972, this beloved fast food has become integral to Berliners’ lives. While the Berlin Döner draws inspiration from Turkish kebabs, legend is that the Döner Kebab originated in Berlin. The distinctions lie in using pita bread, spiced meats, and sauces.

On an average day, a Döner spit, carrying approximately 63 kg of meat, contributes to the whopping daily consumption of 60 tons of meat in Berlin. The popularity of Döner kebabs in Berlin remains unmatched, with an average of 950 Döner spits consumed daily. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a post-party snack at 2 AM, the local kebab shop is the go-to spot for satisfying hunger cravings throughout the day.

The upscale Hotel Adlon even offers an elegant Döner Kebab for just under 30 euros, featuring veal loin strips, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, red onions, and a special truffle cream in flatbread.

Viel Spass in Berlin!