MY BERLIN
When I decided to research Berlin I knew very little of it except for the obvious history… and the very recent reunification. I hadn’t quite imagined what the ramifications of such a shift would have upon the character of the city, its people and its aesthetics.
Without a doubt it is the diversity of Berlin that has won my heart. Everywhere you go there is old next to new, traditional mixed with modern and people of all cultures, beliefs, styles and ages coming together to create one of the worlds most exciting cities.
One thing I was very keen to see here was the street art, as I have known artists who have travelled from Australia to leave there own creative mark on the skin of Berlin. The quality of this artform is exceedingly high, though with the acceptance of graffiti art comes a lot of ugly scribble from the less inspired. Kreutzberg and Freidrichshain have some the most famous murals, but it can be found in all districts.
After pounding the pavements, riding the rails and partying in various playgrounds around town there are 2 areas of the city that have become my favourite, both located in what was the old East Berlin. After 18 years of liberation these 2 areas strike me as being like youthful teenagers with a head full of ideas, knowing no limits to their potential and being excited about their futures. Friedrichshain, although still gritty and grungy is home to a burgeoning underground scene. Clubs, galleries, shops and bars all exude a trendy alternative air. To be hidden away and elusive seems to attract the curious, adventurous and enigmatic. To be bold, colourful, well positioned and minimalist attracts the fashionable and beautiful.
Prenzlauer Berg bordering Mitte is one of the old Eastern districts that has boomed since the fall of the wall, going from rags to riches over the last 2 decades. Restaurants, nightclubs, venues and cafes are plentiful in this fab stretch from Eberswalder down to Hackescher Market in Mitte.
Having spent a lot of time in my local area of Kreuzberg, its seedy, ethnic, run down exterior has grown on me like a poisonous fungus. Scratch beneath the surface and there is plenty of beauty and creativity there, even if you have to squint to see it!
.
MY TOP 10…
Dr. Pong
Restaurant Frarosa
Alternative Berlin Walking Tour
Tacheles Art Gallery and Bar
Der Grosse Mueggelsee
Kathe Kollwitz Museum
Massi African Restaurant
Absinth Depot
Wild At Heart
DRUIDE Absinth Bar
When I decided to research Berlin I knew very little of it except for the obvious history… and the very recent reunification. I hadn’t quite imagined what the ramifications of such a shift would have upon the character of the city, its people and its aesthetics.
Without a doubt it is the diversity of Berlin that has won my heart. Everywhere you go there is old next to new, traditional mixed with modern and people of all cultures, beliefs, styles and ages coming together to create one of the worlds most exciting cities.
One thing I was very keen to see here was the street art, as I have known artists who have travelled from Australia to leave there own creative mark on the skin of Berlin. The quality of this artform is exceedingly high, though with the acceptance of graffiti art comes a lot of ugly scribble from the less inspired. Kreutzberg and Freidrichshain have some the most famous murals, but it can be found in all districts.
After pounding the pavements, riding the rails and partying in various playgrounds around town there are 2 areas of the city that have become my favourite, both located in what was the old East Berlin. After 18 years of liberation these 2 areas strike me as being like youthful teenagers with a head full of ideas, knowing no limits to their potential and being excited about their futures. Friedrichshain, although still gritty and grungy is home to a burgeoning underground scene. Clubs, galleries, shops and bars all exude a trendy alternative air. To be hidden away and elusive seems to attract the curious, adventurous and enigmatic. To be bold, colourful, well positioned and minimalist attracts the fashionable and beautiful.
Prenzlauer Berg bordering Mitte is one of the old Eastern districts that has boomed since the fall of the wall, going from rags to riches over the last 2 decades. Restaurants, nightclubs, venues and cafes are plentiful in this fab stretch from Eberswalder down to Hackescher Market in Mitte.
Having spent a lot of time in my local area of Kreuzberg, its seedy, ethnic, run down exterior has grown on me like a poisonous fungus. Scratch beneath the surface and there is plenty of beauty and creativity there, even if you have to squint to see it!
.
MY TOP 10…
Dr. Pong
Restaurant Frarosa
Alternative Berlin Walking Tour
Tacheles Art Gallery and Bar
Der Grosse Mueggelsee
Kathe Kollwitz Museum
Massi African Restaurant
Absinth Depot
Wild At Heart
DRUIDE Absinth Bar
Eastside Gallery
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