Three Nights in Berlin

I visited Berlin last weekend for the first time. I only had two and a half days, but that was enough to realize Berlin's charm.

Shopping is good in Mitte and Prenzenlauer Berg. I visited many interesting second hand stores, including Made in Berlin (Neue Schönhauser Straße 19) where I found a pair of wonderful high-heeled pumps. Mauerpark flea market is a crowded outdoor market area including second hand and vintage clothes, accessories, and shoes. I’ve heard that there is another great flea market nearby, at Arkonaplatz. I had to save that for next time.

Berlin is the place for vegetarians. If you are visiting Berlin, and you like Mexican food, check out Maria Bonita (Danziger Straße 33). It is a little snack bar in Prenzenlauer Berg with handmade tortillas, authentic spices and veggie alternatives - all for very reasonable price.

(photo by berlin.unlike.net)

Bars are also plentiful in Berlin. In fact, we almost had difficulties to choose where to go among many cool bars in Prenzenlauer and Mitte. Brut is a laid back little bar at Torstraße 72, where music is good, and beer only two and half euros. We also wandered to the next place on the same street, a busy bar called Trust. It looks grimy on the outside, but the concept is interesting as well as the dressed up mix of locals and foreigners.

We had bicycles for a day, and it was the best idea of the trip. Bike for a day rentals can be found all around the city for 12€ a day, and the city is filled with bike lanes. On top of all the quirky neighborhoods we rode through during our 25km(!) city tour, we also saw Treptower park, with its huge soviet memorial site.