An alternative guide to Berlin

Berlin is a great versatile city with lots to see and do however long you are staying. There is of course a fascinating history behind the city and the divide between east and west. While all that is definitely worth exploring, it would be a shame to neglect the cool things present day Berlin has to offer. One of the best things about modern Berlin is all the different kinds of people and subcultures the city houses. Whether you're into alternative music, street art or fashion, sustainable goods or just a good cup of coffee, Berlin has it all. Not quite sure where to start? Here's a few pointers.

Kreuzberg Oranienstrasse

Kreuzberg is one of the hippest districts in Berlin, and Oranienstrasse is its main street. Here you'll find a myriad of bars, restaurants and cool shops. Just have a stroll along it, and I'm sure you'll find something to your interest. On the top of it, near the Moritzplatz U-Bahn you'll also find the Prinzesinnengarten. Which used to be a wasteland got turned into a community garden by the locals. They often host events concerning climate issues, urban farming and other related projects. Worth a visit. Also view the beautiful mural on the corner of Skalitzer Strasse.

Mauerpark market

If you're in Berlin on a Sunday, a visit to Mauerpark cannot be missed. Every Sunday there is a huge market where you can get lost for hours. You can score some records, vintage clothes, antiques, jewellery... almost anything you can think of, you can find here. There are food stands if you want to have a Berlin currywurst or some Mediterranean food. There's karaoke, and usually there are different artists playing music. Be warned: you're going to want to spend all afternoon here.

Ramones Museum

Fans of punk should definitely head to the Ramones Museum in Mitte. It's only €3, or €5 including a beer. The museum is small and holds some cool pictures of the band and and a range of other memorabilia. This place is well known with punk artists around the world, and the wall at the entrance is decorated with the many signatures of all the bands that have visited and played here. Very cool. Take a look around and have a drink at the front.

East Side Gallery

Admittedly, this one is pretty well known and therefor maybe not very alternative, but as street art is a big thing in Berlin, the old Berlin wall that has been decorated by lots of different artists is a must for any visitor. It's a great piece of history, combined with some of the best street art of the city.

Friedrichshain

From the East Side Gallery you can turn left walking away from the bridge and towards Friedrichshain, another one of east Berlin's best urban areas with a lot of street art. Follow Warshaustrasse for the best coffee and organic treats at Goodies (I recommend the honey cinnamon latté). Turn right onto Boxhagerner Strasse and peek into Niederbarimstrasse for another well covered graffiti wall. Head to Boxhagener Platz for the flea market on Sunday. Finish your tour of Friedrichshain at Revaler strasse, where the graffiti is hard to miss and you'll find Neue Heimat, which houses markets and events on various occasions.




Those are my tips for an alternative experience of Berlin, but there's undoubtedly a lot more to discover. Just go out, explore, and enjoy your stay!