Brandenburg Gate of Berlin.
Few cities in the world offer a symphony of culture, history, and culinary adventure quite like Berlin. Its vibrant streets blend stories of the past, dynamic street art, and an explosion of tastes from around the globe. For travellers seeking a full-bodied experience in Germany’s fascinating capital, both your palate and your curiosity will be joyously indulged.
Savouring Berlin’s Culinary Icons
A serving of Currywurst.
Start with the city's street food royalty—Currywurst. Invented in 1949 when Herta Heuwer mixed ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder atop a grilled sausage, this dish embodies Berlin’s inventive spirit. Local institutions like Curry 36 and Konnopke’s Imbiss serve the classic version with a side of golden chips on paper plates, perfect after an evening stroll or a late-night adventure.
What would a Berlin feast be without the döner kebab? While rooted in Turkish tradition, this Berlin-born version is a true icon. Kadir Nurman popularised the “berliner döner” in the 1970s, now an unmissable taste sensation. With its crisp layers of spiced meat, tangy sauces, and fresh vegetables, it symbolises the city’s multicultural heart.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Berliner Pfannkuchen—simply called "Berliner"—is a must. This pillowy, jam-filled doughnut is a festive favourite, especially around New Year’s Eve. But, thanks to the city’s thriving café culture, you’ll find them year-round proudly lining bakery shelves.
Historic Streets, Artistic Beats
Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Berlin is a city best explored by foot or bicycle. As you meander through its neighbourhoods, you’ll witness the seamless overlap between monument and modernity. The iconic Brandenburg Gate stands as a testament to resilience—a silent witness to moments that shaped not only Germany, but the entire continent.
Walk over to Museum Island, where five world-famous museums sit grandly on the River Spree. The Pergamon Museum alone houses treasures like the Ishtar Gate and the ancient Pergamon Altar, transporting visitors centuries back in time within a matter of steps. Don’t miss the stunning Berlin Cathedral nearby, whose domed silhouette frames any cityscape photo perfectly.
The East Side Gallery is another must-see—a living canvas on a remnant of the Berlin Wall. Artists from around the world have transformed the cold concrete barrier into a vibrant 1.3km-long open-air gallery, each mural echoing the city’s core values of freedom and unity. “Test the Rest” and Dmitri Vrubel’s “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” are especially iconic.
Trendy Neighbourhoods & Culinary Curiosities
Markthalle Neun in Berlin.
Kreuzberg is Berlin’s creative district: graffiti-covered facades, aromatic coffee houses, hip boutiques, and incredible food from every continent. Here, you can dig into vegan döner, Middle Eastern mezze, artisanal pastries, and more, all within a few blocks. Pop into Markthalle Neun—a revived 19th-century market hall—on Street Food Thursdays to sample fusion tacos, Korean dumplings, and organic ice cream.
Prenzlauer Berg, once a bohemian haven, now charms visitors with its leafy boulevards and bustling brunch scene. Locals flock to cafés serving shakshuka, French pastries, and organic smoothies, blending global influences into a uniquely Berlin breakfast ritual.
Don’t forget the legendary beer gardens like Prater, Berlin’s oldest, where you can sip a locally brewed pilsner under chestnut trees. Pair it with a classic pretzel and watch the city’s stories unfold around you.
A Celebration for All Senses
Berlin’s culinary and cultural adventures are ultimately best experienced at your own pace, whether that means lingering late over Turkish tea on Oranienstraße, joining a walking tour in the footsteps of Cold War spies, or simply admiring the sunset by the River Spree as a busker strums a melody.
So come hungry—for food and for stories. In Berlin, each bite and every street corner invites you to taste, touch, see, and feel its rich tapestry of history and innovation. For those willing to explore, this city promises a feast for all the senses—where every day offers a new delight to discover.