Berlin. If I were to describe Berlin in one word, I would characterize it as controversial. It combines two aspects: the “crazy” one and the “strict” one. The region near the east side of the wall is a place worth wandering. The air-driven from there, moves the traveler in an alternative area of Berlin which I called Brooklyn-Berlin, because of the brick-style houses and the bridges.
I am referring to Kreuzberg district where you meet next-door’s people, not as formal as in the city center. They all seemed to be more than welcome in helping others to find the right direction. Moreover, there are a lot of cafes and pubs with really interesting urban decorations such as Café Wendel.
On the other side of the river, there is also the Mercedes Benz Arena so if you are interested in visiting it you can combine it with the Kreuzberg district.
Oberbaum Bridge
Walking along the wall you come across the Oberbaum Bridge. It is designed in the North German Brick Gothic style with many decorative elements. The bridge is a double-deck spanning the River Spree and trains also travel above it. Standing at the bridge the viewer can observe the Berliner Fernsehturm, also known as Berlin Television Tower.
If you have the opportunity I suggest visiting it day and night because it gives you a whole different vibe. Daytime someone can distinguish the details on the bridge. On the other hand, at night standing at the bridge, watching the city lights as they flicker in the back like stars in the sky will create you a unique memory.
Thrift Shops
For thrift shoppers, the other side of Berlin, the east one, is somewhere where they can find those second-hand jackets or trousers that they were on the hunt for. Some of them also have beautiful postcards.
Antique shops are also a thing in Kreuzberg, where they sell teapots, watches and plenty of things that someone won’t be able to find them in the market since every one of them carries a unique history.
Check also “Berlin: the 4+1 things to do in Prenzlauer Berg”
Ramones Museum
If you are a fan of The Ramones, then this museum is a place you will enjoy visiting. Founded in 2008 by a fan of the band, Florian Hayler, who collected hundreds of Ramones-related items and decided to exhibit them in a museum. The Ramones Museum is the first and only museum in the world dedicated to the band. Memorabilia such as concert T-shirts, fliers, setlists and photos from the band are some of the things that this museum displays. You can also enjoy a drink, a snack ora meal. More information about the exact location and opening hours can be found here.
Markthalle Neun
The cherry on top in the east-side region, in Kreuzberg, is the Markthalle Neun. It is a covered market that serves food and drinks from coffee to tofu. Entering the market all those different scents surround you. They travel your senses in various parts of the world simultaneously. The market also has unique spots for photographs that can’t be found in the rest of berlin!
Sometimes this amazing market hosts food festivals such as the “Berlin Coffee Festival” and “Stadt Land Food” so check it out because you might be lucky!
Pasta manufacturer, Mani in Pasta serves reasonably-priced handmade spaghetti, cooked the Italian way.
Wine lovers can head to Monsieur Collard where they will find with the help of Mr.Collard, the perfect combination of cheese and wine.
Tofu Tussis, is a must food stall for the vegans. There are many different cooking types of tofu, but when I visit it the lady there had a break and didn’t get the chance to taste one. But I will next time. More information about the market and opening hours, here.
So, if your way is to the east-side gallery, these nearby places are worth visiting and they are perfect for urban photographs.
