Your ultimate vacation in Berlin, Germany

Your ultimate vacation in Berlin, Germany

by Anne Shirley
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Table of contents

  • 1. Berliner Philharmoniker
  • Facil Restaurant
  • 2. Museum Island
  • Jolly Restaurant
  • 3. Berlin Television Tower
  • Restaurant Sphere
  • 4. Berlin Zoological Gardens
  • NENI Restaurant
  • 5. Charlottenburg Palace
  • Samowar
  • Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin!
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The mesmerizing capital of Germany, Berlin, boasts an impressive range of captivating attractions and historical landmarks. It has a diverse cultural scene that can be experienced in its numerous galleries, museums, and opera houses, including those on Museum Island. This incredible city has rebuilt itself following its devastation after WWII. Today, it is an urban metropolitan known as a youthful and hip tourist destination that offers an exciting mix of places to visit.

Berlin draws in every kind of traveler from all over the world who wants to indulge in one of Europe’s most happening nightlife scenes. Besides its amazing landmarks and attractions, the culinary landscape is diverse, and the shopping experience is like no other. Berlin has a reputation as a trendsetting cosmopolitan when it comes to music, art, and theater. The city has also managed to maintain a relaxed atmosphere with its sprawling greenery, wooded parks, and lakes, making it the country’s greenest megalopolis. To help our readers navigate this impressive city, we have come up with a travel guide to help you have the ultimate vacation in Berlin.

1. Berliner Philharmoniker

https://www.facebook.com/BerlinPhil/photos/pb.100044574963224.-2207520000./10161550466719691/?type=3https://www.facebook.com/BerlinPhil/photos/pb.100044574963224.-2207520000./10161550466719691/?type=3

The Berliner Philharmoniker is the country's most famous concert hall and home to the world-renowned orchestra. It is known for its outstanding history of conductors, including Wilhelm Furtwängler, Sergiu Celibidache, and Richard Strauss. Over 120 years, the Berliner Philharmoniker has been conducted by the titans of classical music such as Peter Tchaikovsky, Edvard Grieg, and Gustav Mahler, all of whom were elected democratically by the orchestra members.

The hall with its golden vaulting roof was designed by Hans Scharoun and opened in 1963. It is most renowned for its superb acoustics and vineyard-style seating, which places the orchestra at the center and the audience around it. The classical music temple has won numerous awards and accolades and has been consistently ranked one of the top orchestras worldwide. The musicians perform over 100 concerts in Berlin each year and an additional 20 to 30 concerts globally, with the aim to make classical music more accessible and popular to enrich people’s lives.

Facil Restaurant
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
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Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Restaurant Facil
#2 of 14600 restaurants in Berlin, Germany
Potsdamer Str. 3, Berlin, Germany
Closed until 12PM
Scallops
Scallops

Scallops are often referred to as gourmet seafood. While having very tender meat, they are considered to be rather sweet in taste. Scallops can be eaten raw or cooked.

After a breathtaking performance at the Berliner Philharmoniker, head to Facil Restaurant nearby. It is a true oasis of calm in the bustling city of Berlin. Located on the fifth floor of The Mandala Hotel, Facil restaurant is a two-Michelin-starred establishment that offers food made with classical cooking techniques incorporating Asian and Mediterranean influences. The interiors of the establishment are lovely and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a feel that you are dining in a garden. It also features a relaxing terrace seating area surrounded by chestnut trees, a soothing fountain, and bamboo plants that add a touch of Asia to the decor.

The food list has been created by culinary director – Michael Kempf and chef de cuisine – Joachim Gerner. The restaurant offers a lunch and dinner tasting menu with an optional wine pairing. Diners can relish exquisite dishes such as Norwegian scallops with pistachio and wild sage, grilled red mullet with artichoke and chorizo, veal loin with leek in truffle sauce, and dill marinated wild mushrooms with Dijon mustard. With its smart and professional service, Facil restaurant is a must-visit place for an unforgettable dining experience.

2. Museum Island

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Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Berlin. It is a unique group of buildings located on Spree Island, which is sandwiched between River Spree and the Kupfergraben in a 400-meter-long canal. It consists of five large Berlin complexes – the Old Museum (Altes Museum), the New Museum (Neues Museum), the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.

The area houses extensive expositions from various periods, ranging from Byzantine art to Impressionist and early Modernist pieces. Some of the unique objects housed here are the world-famous bust of Nefertiti, a collection of classical antiquities, and popular sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including works of Donatello, Bernini, and Canova. The idea of the complex dates back to the Enlightenment period, and it was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The Museum Island is a grand work of art and a testament to Berlin’s rich cultural heritage.

Jolly Restaurant
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
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Jolly
#306 of 14600 restaurants in Berlin, Germany
Am Kupfergraben 4/4a, Berlin, Germany
Closed until tomorrow
Duck
Duck

Duck is a flavorful bird that is considered a healthy food. It can be cooked whole or in separate pieces. Duck can be made into a soup, a casserole with pasta, pancakes, curry, and many other dishes.

Located across from the Pergamon Museum, Jolly restaurant is an excellent choice for those who want to experience delicious Chinese and Thai cuisine in the heart of Berlin. The restaurant’s interiors are modern and spacious, with a wonderful view of Museum Island. The decor is minimalistic with soft lighting, white walls, and beige sofa seats that create a comforting atmosphere for the guests.

The highlight of the food menu here is its signature dish, Peking roast duck, said to be one of the best in the city. The duck is prepared in front of the guests, and diners can witness the slicing of the juicy, crispy meat. The restaurant also specializes in classical Asian dishes such as prawn tempura, chicken satay, Sichuan-style fish, hand-made spring rolls, red Thai curry with fluffy rice, and stir-fried beef with Chinese cabbage. To end the meal on a sweet note, you can indulge in Taiwanese taro balls or pumpkin fritters with red beans. For an exceptional Asian dining experience in Berlin, visit Jolly restaurant during your vacation.

3. Berlin Television Tower

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The Berlin Television Tower is the highest structure in Germany and Europe’s third-highest freestanding architectural marvel. This 368-meter tall Goliath, built in the year 1960, was initially intended to represent communist power but has now become an iconic symbol of Berlin’s landmarks uniting every corner of the city. The tower provides breathtaking panoramic views from its observation platform, with multiple telescopes that can be used to zoom into the well-known attractions of Berlin.

The base of the tower houses a souvenir shop and a reception desk where you can inquire about booking it for a special occasion. With over 60 million visitors since its opening, the Berlin Television Tower remains a significant and timeless attraction of the city. If you would really love to spend more time with the view, we recommend having dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant, which is situated at a height of 207 meters.

Restaurant Sphere
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
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Dreh-Restaurant Sphere im Berliner Fernsehturm
#687 of 14600 restaurants in Berlin, Germany
Alexanderplatz, 1 Panoramastraße 1A, Berlin, Germany
Closed until 10AM
Currywurst
Currywurst

Currywurst is a fried sausage with a special sauce, based on ketchup (or tomato paste) and curry powder.

Restaurant Sphere boasts a unique revolving culinary adventure with a 360-degree panoramic view. It offers a dining experience that gives guests a glimpse into 50 years of Berlin’s history. In the Sphere, you can enjoy a fusion of continental and German cuisine with a stunning image of the city as a backdrop. The ambiance of the establishment is modern and sophisticated, with maroon and cream color tones. There is also live piano music, which adds to the overall vibe of the eatery.

The kitchen features a breakfast buffet, an a la carte menu, and a tasting option for dinner and lunch. Guests can relish scrumptious specialty items such as Berlin currywurst with a bread roll, smoked duck breast with lentils, fried lamb leg with green beans in thyme sauce, and roasted filet of cod with potato pea purée in mustard sauce. There is also an extensive wine list to help complement your meal with a glass of a young fruity riesling and more.

4. Berlin Zoological Gardens

By Chris Curry https://unsplash.com/photos/GYpsSWHslHABy Chris Curry https://unsplash.com/photos/GYpsSWHslHA

Berlin Zoological Gardens, or Berlin Zoo, is the oldest animal park in Germany and remains one of the most popular attractions in the city. Housing over 220000 different species, it is a must-visit destination for all animal lovers. Established in 1844, this wildlife sanctuary had been completely rebuilt after WWII and continues to captivate over 3.5 million guests annually. The zoo is home to Arctic wolves, zebras, hippos, giraffes, and others. It is a world-renowned faculty known for its successful breeding programs and authentic animal habitats. There is also a famous pair of giant pandas, along with a flock of African penguins among other species.

The Berlin Zoo has Europe’s biggest aviary and aquarium, where guests can observe over 9000 creatures in 250 tanks. Some of the sea animals you will find here are jellyfish, reptiles, tiger sharks, and turtles. If you are curious to learn about our flora and fauna, or just see cute pandas, then the Berlin Zoo should be on your itinerary.

NENI Restaurant
Photo from Restaurant Guru
Photo from Restaurant Guru
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NENI Berlin
#773 of 14600 restaurants in Berlin, Germany
Budapester Str. 40, Berlin, Germany
Closed until 12PM
Falafels
Falafels

The dish presents deep-fried bean balls seasoned with spices.

Located on the 10th floor of Berlin’s 25 hours Hotel, NENI is a unique restaurant that offers majestic panoramas of the city and the zoo. The decor is chic and modern with a casual vibe that makes you feel right at home. The interiors are made with wooden tables and colorful chairs in a greenhouse-like setting. The concept of the restaurant is all about sharing and enjoying food in a family-style dining with loved ones.

The owner and chef, Haya Molcho, created a menu that is a culinary mosaic of Persian, Arabic, Moroccan, German, and Austrian influences which will tickle your taste buds. The specialty you should not miss here is The Best of NENI – a three-course meal that starts with baba ganoush and hummus, followed by a main course of Jerusalem spiced chicken with chickpeas rice and ends with a sweet dessert of halva. Some of the other exclusive offerings you should try are falafel, chicken strips with almond crust, grilled lamb with pita bread, and Indian spiced tofu curry with steamed rice. There is also the Monkey Bar located next to the restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks and cocktails.

5. Charlottenburg Palace

By Goke Obasa, https://unsplash.com/photos/17teTuhowqgBy Goke Obasa, https://unsplash.com/photos/17teTuhowqg

Charlottenburg Palace is a historic structure built in 1695 making it the oldest and largest Prussian estate in Berlin. It is a historic site that was the primary residence of German royalty for decades. The palace is a stunning example of Baroque and Rococo decor that was prevalent in the late 17th century. The landmark boasts a massive 50-meter-high central dome with its State Apartments and fine banqueting halls.

The Palace Park surrounding the structure features the New Pavilion in the style of a Neapolitan villa and the Belvedere Tea house with its fine collection of Berlin porcelain. Tourists can visit the Porcelain Cabinet, a room dedicated to a large exhibition, including the Crown Jewels and other items. You can also explore the Mausoleum with its royal tombs and the Grand Courtyard with its large statue of the Great Elector – Frederick William of Brandenburg. With its rich history and architectural beauty, Charlottenburg Palace and Park is a must-see attraction for anyone coming to Berlin.

Samowar
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Restaurant Samowar
#221 of 14600 restaurants in Berlin, Germany
Luisenpl. 3, Berlin, Germany
Closed until tomorrow
Beef stroganoff
Beef stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a traditional Russian dish, although it has a French name. It has become widely known all over the world. It is thin pieces of beef in sour cream sauce. Today, there are various recipes, in some of them, you can use other meat, chicken or pork, instead of beef.

Samowar has been serving traditional Russian cuisine since 1979. It is a family-owned business that provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance is unique and nostalgic: it transports its diners back to the Tsar’s era, with antique paintings, hand-painted matryoshka dolls, jewelry boxes, and a gallery with over 80 samovars (utensils used for heating water). This impressive decor adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The food served at this eatery is made from authentic recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The menu features Georgian, Ukrainian, and Russian culinary delicacies such as chicken Kyiv, beef stroganoff, Odessa fish soup, borscht, pelmeni (dumplings), freshly baked piroshki (pies), and salmon with caviar. They offer a tea ceremony with Russian sweets which is the best way to end your meal. With soulful folklore and delicious food, Samowar is an unmissable experience in Berlin that will fill you with warmth and joy.

Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin!

Berlin offers an eclectic mix of places to visit, dynamic entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of cultural institutions. It is best known for its striking contrast, such as historical buildings standing alongside modern architecture, as if the past and present mingle together in harmony. With an exceptional range of landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and a way of life that is somehow bustling and relaxed at the same time, Berlin is an exceptional tourist destination that should be added to your travel list.

Have you been to Germany already? What is your most memorable experience? Share your thoughts with our community in the comment section below. For more food&travel ideas, check our latest articles.

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