An unexpected joy. That is what we found in Berlin. Amongst its streets of perfectly organized apartments, canals, gardens and downtown history we rode bicycles. Even in the rain we enjoyed our visit with Berlin.
Bridge underpass near the canals
After 24 years, the differences can still be seen between East and West Berlin. East Berlin with its eclectic yet friendly atmosphere which made us feel at home. West Berlin with its upscale shopping and white collar workers made us feel under dressed. A small memorial of where the wall once stood is located just outside the Potsdamer Platz Underground station. 155km of wall once surrounded West Berlin and now only a few pieces remain as a reminder of what once was.
The wall memorial
A fragment of the wall on display at a church near the canals
We rented our bicycles from Potsdam per Pedales which was located at the Potsdamer Platz station. Navigating Berlin on bicycle was surprisingly simple. The city has designated bicycle lanes and plenty of pathways along the canals and through the parks. We spent our time randomly riding around in bliss.
Along the canal
Along the canal
The Sony Center
Gendarmenmarkt
Berliner Fernsehturm in the background
Tiergarten Park is a huge park in the middle of the city. It has streams, statues and a musical bell tower. The western edge connects to the Zoo. The eastern edge holds the Brandenburg Gate, along which the wall used to run. We spent over an hour riding around there and still didn’t see half of it. In the evening at Brandenburg Gate (located at the far East end of the park) we found musical talents entertaining the tourists as well as neon lite pedicabs (similar to a rickshaw but more pod like) waiting to zip you around town.
Curtis enjoying his bliss
Bell tower in Tiergarten
We visited the Reichstag building. A building which was originally used to house the Imperial Diet until it was damaged by fire in 1933 and then fell into a period of disuse. It was partially refurbished in the 60’s but was reopened in 1999 after a full restoration and now houses the German Parliament. The restoration included the addition of a giant glass dome at the top which gives a 360 degree view of the city. We know nothing about politics, but the dome was really cool.
Jill cruising by the Reichstag
Inside the Reichstag dome
We enjoyed the Botanical Gardens complete with 16 greenhouses! I believe the grounds would be much nicer to visit mid-summer as most of the flowers had already bloomed and faded away when we were there in early September. Bring your walking shoes, you could easily spend 3-5 hours there!
Botanical Gardens
We favored East Berlin. We loved its pub and restaurant lined streets in the Friedrichshain community. It was vibrant in the evening without a clique type vibe that you can get in some trendy areas in other cities. People were enjoying food along the table lined sidewalks, chatting and laughing. Others enjoyed watching the soccer game that was televised from inside some of the restaurants. Open alcohol is most definitely allowed on the streets and in the malls…and everywhere, which is a shock for someone from North America. But it was definitely a welcomed change in culture.
Random street in the Friedrichshain community of East Berlin
Graffiti in the Friedrichshain community of East Berlin
We hope to visit Berlin again. We’d like to stay a little longer next time!
Jill is the founder, writer, photographer and travel agent at Chasing Adventure Travel. An adventure travel blog that has morphed into a travel agency, specializing in Active and Adventurous Travels.
Jill has traveled worldwide and spent almost 2 years traveling continuously with her husband. She has traveled to resorts, crossed an ocean on a cruise ship, motorcycled multiple times around Europe and experienced self-guided long term travel.
~ Dreamer, doer and energetic go-getter. Curiosity has inspired adventurous world travel. Imagination is everything ~
*Chasing Adventure Travel is in affiliation with Nexion Canada.
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2 Comments
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Probably one of my favourite cities; there is so much to see and do. How long did you spend there?
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Author
We only spent a few days there unfortunately 🙁
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