Recent events in Berlin had given it the feeling of an oasis: secure and prosperous, isolated from Europe’s struggle with war and poverty. Now a truck careening into a market reminds Berliners they may not be so isolated as once imagined.
Berlin found his question regarding human nature to be fundamental: Was humankind predetermined and static, or could their fate be altered through free choice and action?
Art
Berlin’s art scene has long had an irreverent, countercultural charm due to the city’s acceptance of anything that defies convention. Otto Dix caricatured powerful figures while August Sander documented society without embellishment; later it reappeared after unification with rock bands from both sides making music that crossed national boundaries.
Today, Berlin remains a welcoming environment for artists of all types. Renowned as an open environment that encourages experimentation and social commentary through its numerous liberating spaces such as Haus der Kulturen der Welt; an innovative cultural hub featuring thought-provoking exhibitions and events.
Locally, galleries in Berlin’s Wedding district have established themselves as major players on its art scene, such as Jan Wentrup Gallery which is known for providing emerging artists a platform to show their works.
Street art is another feature of Berlin’s artistic landscape, from stencils and tags to murals commissioned for corporate clients. Berlin has become a hotbed for this work with artists like JR and Victor Ash becoming household names thanks to their street art projects – JR’s City Wrinkles series can be found adorning 15 buildings downtown while Ash’s iconic floating astronaut mural stands as one of Berlin’s signature artworks.
Architecture
Berlin of today is home to many architectural gems, from modernist office buildings and apartment complexes to postmodern structures that reflect its turbulent past. James Stirling’s Berlin Science Center (1984-87) and Gustav Peichl’s Phosphate Elimination Plant (1981-85) stand out among its treasures of modernist architecture in Berlin’s former East.
Though most European capitals evolved during the 17th and 18th centuries as dynastic showpieces, Berlin arose during the industrial revolution’s second wave as a utilitarian Fabrikstadt (factory city). As its bourgeoisie moved into department stores and offices and mass housing became necessary for proletariat workers, a unique style emerged that combined rationalism with functionalism.
In the 1920s, municipal reform consolidated 93 independent polities into Greater Berlin. As architects responded to this new urban sprawl with new types of houses and materials adapted specifically to it – S iedlung L indenhof (1919-20) by Martin Wagner and Bruno Taut uses “Nuremberg” roofs that invoke traditional German architecture while at the same time furthering functionalist ideas.
St. Agnes Church in Kreuzberg is famously dubbed as “der hohle Zahn”, due to its crumbling tower and four surrounding structures grouped around it, becoming known by this nickname, becoming now a museum and art gallery.
Food
Berlin’s diverse gastronomy scene owes much of its vibrancy to the diverse immigrant histories that shape its many communities. While many residents still favor traditional German fare such as sausages, pretzels and beer-battered fishcakes for lunch, new generations of restaurateurs are ushering the city into an age of small plates, vegetarian cuisine, and vegan offerings.
Chefs like Sebastian Frank at Michelin-star Restaurant Trio are showcasing Berlin’s cuisine with style and an eye on what’s current, while younger diners tend to gravitate toward lively, Instagrammable eateries like Cafe Rosenschloss in Prenzlauer Berg; its menu instead prioritizes regional ingredients – celeriac aged in salt dough or walnut bark strudel are among them – rather than standard dishes.
Duc Ngo is one of Germany’s premier Vietnamese dining spots. Situated within Friedrichshain’s touristy stretch, its small menu specializes in authentic Vietnamese fare such as a Southern curry complemented with deep-fried sea bass and phenomenal (yet elusive) octopus curry dishes.
Germany’s capital stands out as an innovator in sustainability, boasting more Green Michelin Stars than any other European city – six to be exact. These accolades recognize restaurants that prioritize using regional and seasonal products while minimizing transportation routes, species-appropriate animal husbandry practices, and having gardens for growing vegetables and herbs on site.
Nightlife
Berlin is known for its vibrant party scene, offering something for everyone in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighborhoods ranging from massive techno factories to more lounge-type venues. Oranienstrasse is an excellent starting point, boasting many bars and restaurants with an artistic bohemian atmosphere. Here, graffiti adorns many buildings and shutters; live music or DJ performances often take place throughout the evening hours. Tresor has long been at the center of Berlin’s clubbing scene. Watergate offers both indoor and outdoor areas to facilitate various events; while Berghain provides multiple rooms with everything from Detroit techno to EDM music.
Many larger clubs have strict door policies to ensure that their crowd fits the atmosphere and music perfectly. A great tip would be to conduct research beforehand to discover your preferred musical genre as each location tends to play different styles of music.
When out, it’s advisable to refrain from taking photos or videos, as most clubs have a no photo policy in order to protect patron privacy and prevent individuals from taking pictures from others’ phones without permission. No photo rules are typically respected and enforced – don’t be surprised if you are asked to put away your phone upon entry!
Shopping
Shopping Berlin can satisfy every shopper, whether looking for international designer labels or unique Berlin flair. Kurfurstendamm (Ku’damm), one of its most well-known shopping streets, boasts both high-end boutiques and larger department stores with designer clothing, cosmetics, food items and even food as part of its inventory – perfect if you are a label collector like Gucci and Hugo Boss are among your favourite labels.
Alexa Shopping Center is an immensely popular tourist spot, boasting more than 180 stores ranging from fashion brands and electronics to cosmetics and food court options. Additionally, this expansive complex houses multiple restaurants and food courts.
Scheunenviertel (literally “barn quarter”) provides more local shopping, offering cozy boutiques and shops selling everything from clothing to homewares. Many stores in this area feature local designers – an ideal way to experience its fashion scene!
If you prefer a more relaxing tourist experience, flea and farmers markets offer great alternatives. One particularly impressive flea market in a park once occupied by the Wall is the Flohmarkt im Mauerpark; here, urban archaeologists scour pre-loved clothing and Cold War collectables. It takes place every Sunday and features beer gardens, international street-food vendors and entertainment such as jugglers, musicians and karaoke singers for added entertainment value.
History
Human remains have been discovered in the area that now makes up Berlin as far back as the 9th millennium BC. Over time, due to its location along an east-west trading route along the Spree River, Berlin expanded substantially during medieval times as an important trading hub.
The Thirty Years’ War between 1618 and 1648 devastated one third of Berlin and reduced its population by half, prompting Prussia to emerge as an imperial power determined to assert its dominance throughout Europe – evidenced by the building boom seen at that time.
But this growth was not without social repercussions: inequality between rich and poor increased due to taxation reforms and universal primary education, while in the 19th century immigration from France, Judaism, Holland, Poland Russia Austria transformed both culture and language in the city.
After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones with Berlin becoming capital of the newly formed Federal Republic of Germany. Due to its unique situation – half controlled by Western forces while bordering on Soviet Occupation Zone of Germany – Berlin quickly became a focal point during the Cold War. From 1947-1961 Berlin was administered by Four Power Allied Control Council with leadership changing monthly; many enjoyed affordable healthcare, paid vacation and housing during this period.