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List of Interesting but Unusual Tourist Attractions In Berlin
Berlin is one of the world’s hottest tourist attractions right now. Low living costs, coupled with the reputation of being one of the most alternative and downright cool cities, have attracted both ex-pats and foreigners from all over the globe.
Unusual Things To Do In Berlin by Pavel Nekoranec via Unsplash
With Berlin becoming ever more connected to other cities worldwide via air travel, the number of visitors is skyrocketing. If you’re one of the Berlin pilgrims, you must be aware of your passenger rights, especially as Berlin’s airports are under massive strain to cope with the influx of visitors. With delays and flight cancellations not unheard of, it’s helpful to know how businesses such as AirHelp, can help you claim compensation in the event of a delay.
And while the main attractions of Berlin are pretty easy to find with a quick Google search, we’ve compiled a list of unusual things you might not find on every other Top 10 listicle. Leave the Brandenburger Tor behind; below, we’ll look at some stranger things to do in Germany’s capital.
Explore an abandoned building.
Post-reunion Berlin meant that many buildings in the east were abandoned and forgotten. Many of these buildings still exist and can be searched for and explored by intrepid urban explorers. The abandoned swimming pool in Pankow is an example of Spreepark, a massive amusement park in ruins. For the complete list of abandoned buildings in Berlin, check out Abandoned Berlin.
Get lost in nature at Grunewald.
More than simply a mass of apartment buildings, Berlin is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. While the city is dotted with numerous parks and green spaces, its crowning glory regarding woods is the Grunewald forest to the East of the city. Get lost among the trees and nature or walk straight through the forest and find yourself on the banks of the Havel. Whichever way you feel like doing it, it’s an excellent opportunity to escape the city’s hustle in favor of nature’s tranquility.
Discover some amazing graffiti at Teufelsberg
As an abandoned listening post and one of the biggest man-made hills in Berlin, Teufelsberg – which translates to Devil’s Mountain – is an abandoned site in the west of Berlin nestled deep in the Grunewald forest. What was once used to gather intelligence for the Allied forces is today a tourist venue that offers incredible views of the forest towards Berlin and the opportunity to take in some of the most astounding graffiti artists have created on its forgotten walls.
Enjoy lunch at the Turkish Market.
Perched on the Maybachufer, the Turkish market happens every Tuesday and Friday. Come early and haggle for fruits and vegetables, or buy some delicious street food at any number of the food stands. Enjoying your meal sitting next to the canal is usually possible on a sunny day while some or another busker plays music in the background.
Grab some authentic Thai food at Thai Park
Speaking of street food, some of the best and most authentic Thai food can be found in Thai Park. This unassuming gathering of Thai locals is the real deal and takes place in Wilmersdorf’s Preußenpark. Bring a blanket and your friends, and get ready to chow down on some of the cheapest and most delectable Thai dishes this side of the Spree. Expect the usual suspects, such as Pad Thai and various curries, but more adventurous palates will find other rarities, such as deep-fried crickets.
Take a day trip to Potsdam.
Potsdam is a historic city and very beautiful in its own right. While much of it was destroyed in the war, it’s been rebuilt to its former splendor. This is great news for tourists as it’s only an hour’s train ride from Berlin, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. There are also many beautiful lakes in the area, so bring a picnic and your swimming costume if the weather is good.
Sunbathe at Muggelsee
As the largest of the Berlin lakes by area, Muggelsee has an enormously long coastline dotted with forestry alcoves and small beaches. This makes it ideal for soaking up the sun and catching a rare European tan. Choose your beach carefully, however, as some of the beaches at Muggelsee are FKK, an abbreviation for a nudist beach.
Discover Berlin’s underground secrets.
The Berlin Unterwelten tour is a fascinating glimpse into the bunkers and tunnels dug below the city before and during the war and how life was lived then. It also delves into the history of Berlin’s subways and sewer system. You can find information on their website, but all tours start at U-bahn Gesundbrunnen and take around two hours.
Try your luck at Berghain.
As the most famous and simultaneously infamous club in Europe, Berghain is a magnet for party lovers and techno heads. However, not everyone makes it through their notoriously strict door policy and gets inside. If you’re brave enough, head over at some point during the weekend, take your place in the queue (sometimes as long as four hours), and see if you make the cut.
Swim on the Spree
Yes, you read that right, not in the Spree, which would likely result in some burns or minor mutations, but on the Spree. Badeschiff is a beach bar right on the river, and for a small entrance fee, you’ll be able to enjoy their pool which floats directly on the River Spree. The water and beer are warm, and there’s no reason not to visit it on a hot day.
Do you have other Unusual and Interesting things to do in Berlin, Germany? Please feel free to share by posting a comment below.
Find Hotels in Berlin, Germany, according to your budget via Agoda.
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