Berlin stands out as an unusual city in that its personality can’t be reduced to just one characteristic; instead, its identity owes much more to an ongoing battle between liberalism and order that has played out since the middle of the 18th century, when free thinking clashed with formal official culture that might limit it.
No matter the state of Berlin today, one thing remains consistent – its cheeky Berliner backtalk! Part of what gives it character.
History
Berlin has an illuminating past. To many Berliners, its Nazi period and, to an extent, Iron Curtain and Wall stand out as significant moments; but these events only mark discrete chapters in an unfolding narrative; Berlin has always been changing over time and becoming what it is today.
Human activity first surfaced in what would later become Berlin around 500 BC, when Neolithic tribes began inhabiting its region. Later, in the 9th millennium BC, Germanic Semnones moved in, as did Margraviate of Brandenburg which expanded into Kingdom of Prussia by 1701. Finally in 1871 came about German Empire’s expansion which could be seen through architecture and cityscape changes of its time.
Berlin experienced remarkable growth between 1900 and 1930 as an internationally significant center of science, the arts, music, museums, higher education, government diplomacy and manufacturing. Its buildings reflect its dominant role during this era; eventually becoming the largest industrial city on the continent.
After World War II ended in 1945, two Allied peace conferences at Yalta and Potsdam decided to divide Germany into four “allied occupation zones”. The Soviet Union took control of eastern Germany while Great Britain, US, France and Italy ruled over western Germany; Berlin became capital of West Germany while remaining distinct within western half. Over time its eastern suburbs would eventually merge into its greater metropolitan area of today.
Architecture
Berlin’s architecture reflects both its history and modernism movement begun by Walter Gropius. His iconic silhouetted shed roofs that serve as symbols for his Bauhaus school are visible all throughout Berlin.
Set upon sandy glacial soil and surrounded by forests and lakes, Berlin boasts a stunning array of unique structures. From its towering Teufelsberg constructed from World War II rubble to the Berliner Dom resembling a church-like structure there’s much to see when exploring Berlin’s architectural wonders.
While Berlin may be best known for its Brutalist architecture from the 1970s, it has always been a haven for young and risk-taking creatives who contribute their unique aesthetic to Berlin’s unique culture. This has resulted in an eclectic variety of building styles reflecting this.
Design 4 Room of Berlin is pioneering new ways of approaching building interior and exterior design, believing that space should reflect client lifestyle and passion rather than following rules and traditions.
Designs by this firm are distinguished by their ability to keep with tradition while creating something truly modern with their stunning styles. Their creative designs provide projects with fresh ideas.
Wilk-Salinas Architekten is a Berlin firm with extensive architectural design experience, having designed projects such as hotel developments, housing schemes and office spaces – as well as restoration work on historical properties. Established by Gilbert Wilk and Ana Salinas in 2004, their firm has worked on projects all across Europe since then.
Culture
Berlin is a city of contrasts. On one hand, it’s forward-thinking with a long history and an undeniable sense of change; on the other, its vibrant art scene features nightclubs, modern art galleries and gourmet restaurants that attract young, risk-taking creatives interested in cross-disciplinary experimenting and collaborations.
From its inception, Hamburg has always been an epicenter for culture and ideas. Situated at Europe’s fringe where Christianity met pagan belief systems, and where fertile land met Prussia and Pomerania’s sandy soil, swamps, forests, giving it its distinct cultural identity.
Industrialization flourished rapidly in Berlin during the Weimar period with factories producing textiles, clothing, farm equipment and railway gear produced at factories scattered throughout its boundaries. Prussian mercantilist policies stimulated economic development while colleges and academies attracted such luminaries as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Schleiermacher; during that same time the Weimar period saw political cabaret flourish which inspired Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin Stories as well as subsequent musical theatre adaptations like Cabaret that still live today.
After World War II, Berlin was divided between East and West before reconstruction began in a spirit of optimism. Since then, seven American presidents have visited, with John F. Kennedy being particularly notable with his statement “Ich bin ein Berliner!” (I am a Berliner) and Ronald Reagan demanding “Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” as two memorable instances.
Berlin now boasts 153 museums, with the ensemble on Museum Island being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, Berlin boasts world-class theaters and opera houses; music, film and publishing industries are important components of its economy; while R&D activities in Berlin make it Germany’s leading R&D center.
Nightlife
Berlin stands out on the nightlife scene as an international center of electronic music, boasting an eclectic and welcoming club culture that attracts visitors from around the globe. According to Berlin Club Commission estimates, techno tourism contributes up to 1.4 billion euros in economic value annually to Berlin; some clubs can be notoriously hard to access – Berghain being an example – but with enough planning and preparation you can have an enjoyable night out!
First and foremost, you should decide what genre of music you enjoy listening to and select a club accordingly. Also be sure to familiarize yourself with DJs and bands performing at the venue so you have better chance at passing any bouncer questions that might arise when arriving at your destination.
As a tourist to Berlin, it is crucial that you are mindful of the dress code. Casual is usually acceptable at most clubs in Berlin; anything too short or tight should be avoided. Bouncers won’t let in anyone who does not meet dress code requirements and should expect rejection if this applies to you.
In the event that you do get turned away, don’t argue with the bouncer; simply smile and wait for your next stop. In many instances, using the stamp from one club to gain entry to another may work; take breaks too as fresh air can keep dancing going for longer! Furthermore, S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains run throughout the night so catching one could transport you between clubs or home as necessary.
Shopping
Berlin offers a vast array of retail offerings to refresh your wardrobe or collect souvenirs, from high-fashion boutiques on Kurfurstendamm to charming local stores in Mitte and eccentric flea markets. Additionally, secondhand stores and gourmet delicatessens provide a truly local shopping experience.
Darklands stands alone as one of the premier menswear emporiums, while Store X – an on-point lifestyle store inside Soho House Berlin – offers hip interiors filled with fashion, music, art, books, and mementos from local artisans renting shelves to sell DIY creations, handcrafted presents, mementos, souvenirs and mementos – ideal for taking back home as souvenirs! Vielfach is another creative department store near Checkpoint Charlie offering artisans rent out shelves to sell handmade creations from local artisans selling DIY creations made specifically to sell handmade mementos from individual artisans; making Vielfach unique from other shops by renting shelves they rent from artists selling handcrafted creations by artisans selling DIY creations made just for them and you.
Kreuzberg fashionistas know to frequent Voo, an underground courtyard store stocked with labels like Wood Wood and Acne as well as niche brands such as Stutterheim — a Swedish design house which hand sews raincoats. Meanwhile, in Mitte, Friedrichstrasse provides more luxurious choices.
Wanting to save money when they shop? Visit the tax-free zone, where visitors from outside the EU can reclaim a portion of VAT (value-added tax). When spending over 25 Euros at participating stores, they’ll issue you a receipt which must be shown to customs before leaving the country; it remains valid for three months following purchase date. For more information and registration of vouchers visit any Tourist Information office.