Ok, I covered all the main sites and attractions in last weeks post, but now it’s time to go over some of the alternative things that I found in the city that I didn’t find in any guide book or blog post. Like I had said before, we didn’t really have a plan for Berlin; we were all just excited to get out of Scotland for the weekend, explore something new things and generally just have a good time hanging out with each other and meeting new people.
Food Market – Markthalle Neun
Staying in Kreuzberg, we were pretty central to a lot of non-touristy events, and one of them was ‘Streetfood Thursday’. Every Thursday since 2013, Markthalle Neun has been opening its doors to over 5,000 people every Thurday, welcoming people from all over the city to try a wide assortment of foods from all over the globe. Travelling in on the Thursday we were lucky enough to make it to the indoor market on time for dinner, however, arriving around 8pm on a summers night is not a good idea if you like your breathable space. This wasn’t an issue for us – we grabbed our food and like most others, we spilled on to the street outside to eat.
Hot Air Balloon – Die Welt
The Die Welt is an iconic tethered hot hair balloon located right in between Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terrors (2 minute walk between both). For around 20 Euros you can climb 150m into the air and get unrivaled panoramic views of Berlin. Depending on the weather, the balloon climbs into the air every 15 minutes. It really is a unique way to see the city. If you’re not keen on being out in the open air, and still want to see the sights, why not check out The Fernsehturm – Berlin’s TV Tower.
Car Tour – Trabi Safari
Trabi Safari is a company located right at the base of the Die Welt hot air balloon who offer self-drive guided tours of the city. You will be free to drive one of their quirky cars as part of a convoy of around five cars, with your guide at the front providing much needed commentary on all the sights you are driving by. Again, another unique way to see the city while driving in a quirky, fun car!
Cabaret Show – Prinzipal
Every Saturday night, Prinzipal on Oranienstraße puts on an exquisite burlesque performance for its guests. Prinzipal is a small but very stylish watering hole that plays well with the 1920’s, Moulin Rouge style theme throughout. It offers one of the biggest and award-winning selection of drinks. A little pricey but certainly worth it for the show!
Visit a Real Bier Halle
Not sure if this one is “alternative”, but a lot of blogs that I read online hadn’t mentioned it before as an attraction in Berlin, never mind Germany. It’s always something that I’ve wanted to do and always heard good things about when trying to find a real, genuine side to the country. We visited the Hofbräuhaus just around the corner from Alexander Platz. The interior was lined end to end with tables and benches, with 1l and 2l steins of the classic Hofbrau beer. The authenticity of the place lies in the interior design, including visible brewing equipment, as well as the uniforms of the waiters and waitresses.
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