Berlin

Four Days in Berlin.

Berlin had been on my travel itinerary since 1986 when I was stationed in Fallingbostel with the British Army, just a three-hour train ride away. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to visit back then. Fast forward more than 40 years, and I finally took the trip, spending four enriching days in Germany's capital. It exceeded all our expectations with its deep history, impressive architecture, high step counts, and just the right amount of unexpected chaos that made the experience truly unforgettable. One surprising element was how similar East and West Berlin have become today, with little remaining of the wall that once separated the city for such a long time.

Mercure Hotel MOA Berlin

To make the most of our time, we travelled the evening before our first full day, we always recommend this, so you can wake up fresh and ready to explore.

Unfortunately, our arrival coincided with German train strikes. Abandoning our public transport plans, we had to book a taxi instead. For a moment, it felt a bit like being back home in the UK rather than experiencing legendary German efficiency!

Thankfully, things looked up once we checked into the Mercure Hotel MOA Berlin. It proved to be a fantastic base:

Modern, comfortable, and clean rooms.

Perfectly connected to public transport, allowing us to dodge the heavy tourist crowds while still getting anywhere in the city with ease.

Day 1: The Classic Berlin Introduction

Whenever we visit a new city, our first move is to book a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Some travellers dismiss them as overly touristy, but they are easily one of the best ways to get your bearings, map out the city's geography, and earmark spots for a deeper dive later.

Berlin immediately struck us as a city where poignant history and ultra-modern life sit right next to each other.

The Highlights & The Letdowns

Topography of Terror: Built on the former site of the Nazi SS and Gestapo headquarters, this was a heavy but incredibly vital stop. The exhibits are detailed and difficult to absorb, serving as a powerful reminder of the city’s past.

Checkpoint Charlie: If we are being completely honest, this was the biggest disappointment of the trip. While historically monumental, today it’s highly commercialized. The famous white guard hut now sits right next to a McDonald's, which stripped away the solemn atmosphere we expected.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): Berlin quickly redeemed itself here. The sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship of the cathedral are stunning. Germans truly know how to build grand architecture.

We rounded off the afternoon soaking up the calmer vibes of the Lustgarten, before cruising through Europacity, Tiergarten, Charlottenburg, Galeries Lafayette, and the Abgeordnetenhaus.

Day 2: Reflecting on Berlin’s History

Our second day was dedicated to the heavy hitting historical landmarks and emotional memorials that define the capital.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: This was one of the most moving experiences of the entire trip. The simple design, walking through rows of towering, uneven concrete slabs, creates a strange, gripping sense of isolation and reflection. It is incredibly powerful.

Brandenburg Gate & Historic Center: A short walk away sits the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Even though you see it in countless photos, standing before it in person still feels monumental, despite the bustling crowds and street performers. From there, we strolled past the historic Humboldt University, returned to the Lustgarten, and admired the rebuilt Berlin Palace.

Nikolaiviertel: To cap off a heavy day, we wandered into Berlin’s oldest residential quarter. With its cobbled streets, quiet cafés, and historic, small-scale buildings, it offered a wonderfully relaxed, traditional contrast to the grand government districts.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Potsdam

If you are spending more than three days in Berlin, Potsdam is an absolute must-add to your itinerary. On day three, we took a short trip out to this gorgeous city, and it easily became one of the main highlights of our holiday. Potsdam feels worlds away from the intensity of Berlin:

Quieter, greener, and incredibly elegant streets.

Sweeping public parks and stunning royal palaces.

It provided the perfect, relaxing change of pace we needed after two days of intense city walking.

Day 4: Heading Home & Final Verdict

Like most city breaks, the final day arrived far too quickly. Berlin is a fascinating destination because it doesn't try to hide or sugarcoat its past. Instead, it openly confronts its history while continuously reinventing itself as a modern, artistic hub.

(Pictures taken using the iPhone)