Let’s face it, Berlin has a lot of flaws and if there is one thing that all Berliners have in common it’s that they LOVE to make fun of Berlin; the lack of flavor in the food, the fact that a lot of shops and restaurants still don’t accept credit cards, and the gray and gloomy weather.
Maybe you’re thinking, “if Berlin is so cringey, why do people stick around? What attracts people to this crazy city to begin with?”
Though most Berliners won’t admit it, underneath those complaints they still have mad love for the city they choose to call home.
What first attracted me to Berlin was that I could live in a big city, and not have to rely on a car. Luckily Berlin has plenty of alternative options if driving a vehicle is not one of your strengths (it’s not one of mine, no shame). You can read more about Berlin’s plethora of transportation options here: https://citybreak.berlin/getting-around-berlin/
I also wanted to live in a city that was affordable. Though Berlin was MUCH more affordable when I arrived nine years ago, it’s still considerably more affordable than most metropolitan cities (like Los Angeles, where I lived prior.)
Why did I stick around so long? Because Berlin is open minded, creative https://citybreak.berlin/unleash-your-inner-artist-in-berlin/, eco conscious (zu verschenken, baby!), and has parks everywhere. Not to mention it is very well connected to the rest of Europe which makes traveling a breeze (rest in peace Schoenefeld/Tegel – I still think about you fondly every time I get stuck in the BER TSA line for ages.) I also found a few weirdo friends who ended up becoming like family to me.
Here are some other reasons to love Berlin
Safety
It’s considered relatively safe for a major city – safer than Paris, Brussels or Rome – and violent crime is rare so you won’t have to worry about being kidnapped or assaulted.. When I first moved here nine years ago (and partying was my favorite pastime), I had no qualms about walking or riding public transportation home alone at all hours of the night/early morning as a woman. Just make sure you don’t fall asleep on the train coming home, because your phone or wallet will likely be gone when you wake up (it happened to a friend of mine.) Catcalling is also not common at all. Now I’m not saying bad things don’t happen here, please use common sense, I’m just saying that compared to other cities I’ve traveled to, when I am in Berlin I don’t have to be on such high alert.
Surprises
Even when I think I’ve seen it all (and I’ve seen A LOT waiting in line in the club bathrooms), something comes along and surprises and/or delights me. Once a few friends and I went to a kinky Christmas market and then wandered around Kreuzberg. We eventually ended up at a multilevel party in an office building complete with performances and art installations. We were shuffled into one room where a very stoic man was giving massages for free and directing others in the room to massage one another. Was it weird? If I had been in Tucson, my home town, I would have probably called the police on myself, but in Berlin, well it’s part of the fun in living here! That being said, there is no shortage of galleries, clubs (https://citybreak.berlin/berlin-club-culture/), collectives, and communities to discover in this city. You could live in a kiez for years and walk by unassuming gems every day without knowing it. Let this city surprise and delight you and it certainly will.
Here are a few of my favorite “hidden” gems in Berlin:
1. The Shuffleboard Club
Tired of standing in the queue at a club only to get rejected? Want to impress your new Bumble match? Head to The Shuffleboard Club, an unassuming speakeasy on Sonnennallee. At first glance you won’t believe there is anything to see there since it’s all underground. Enter the tiny shack, head downstairs, and relish in the delight of entering a zone dedicated to pure fun. If shuffleboard isn’t your thing, there is also pool and fun arcade games like skee ball.
https://shuffleboardbars.com/berlin/
2. Keglerheim
If you are new to Germany you might be thinking, “what the HECK?” but Keglerheim is a place where you can perfect your nine-pin bowling, not a place to contract your incontinence muscles. It’s a kneipe which means when you walk in you’ll be amongst locals in a smokey (yes smoking is still allowed in doors in Berlin) dive bar. Go down the hallway past the bathrooms and down the stairs (noticing a pattern here) where your lanes await. This is a great activity to do with a big group for a birthday, as you’ll have the whole basement to yourself (but make sure to call ahead for a reservation!).
https://www.facebook.com/kegelkneipe/
3. Bar Neiro
Drawing inspiration from the intimate jazz lounges found in Japan, known as jazz-kissas, Bar Neiro stands as a haven for enthusiasts of vinyl records. Here, music isn’t just background noise—it’s the focal point. Every track is meticulously played from start to finish, honoring the essence of each LP. Catering to audiophiles, the establishment boasts a bespoke sound system crafted from top-tier vintage hi-fi equipment. Due to limited capacity, securing a time slot in advance is advisable to ensure entry. https://barneiro.com/
Free Fun
I’ve mentioned in previous articles that Berlin’s unofficial motto is “poor but sexy”. Though the city is getting more and more expensive every day, that logically means we are getting sexier and sexier every day too (YASS!!). Luckily what Berliners lack in funds, they make up for in free fun. This city is chock full of events that cater specifically towards those short on funds. There is always a free event to attend or an event that offers reduced pricing for those facing financial difficulties. Here are a few that come to mind:
- Critical Mass – Want to annoy drivers and chum it up with fellow pedalists at the same time? Join a critical mass of cyclists in Berlin. See their schedule here: https://criticalmass.berlin/termine
- Open Music School – What could be better than playing ukulele, guitar and piano at a community center with other like minded young at heart humans? When it’s free. More info here: https://www.openmusicschool.org/
- Clothing swaps – Tired of your wardrobe? There are always clothing swaps happening in the city. Instead of forking out hard earned cash when you need a new look, check Facebook for upcoming clothing swaps around town. Fun fact, once I was at a clothing swap in someone’s living room in Berlin and another attendee aggressively grabbed the Zara dress I held in my hand. She looked as if she wanted to fight me so I let her have it. I know I said before that Berlin was a nonviolent city, but there are always exceptions. Stay vigilant.
Queer-friendly
If you are queer, kinky, sex-positive, or are just a curious cat, you will absolutely flourish in Berlin. There are many opportunities for you to express what has been repressed. Not only is Berlin considered a Queer capital of the world, in general the population is pretty open minded which makes it a great place to expand your own horizons and explore interests that may be considered “on the fringe” back home.
Activism
If you have a cause you believe in, you will probably find a niche group of fellow advocates you can link up with. If not, you can register to raise awareness through a police escorted demo. It doesn’t even have to be politically controversial (although you’ll find plenty of demos dedicated to those too), I once participated in a bike demo with the Psychedelic Society of Berlin to bring awareness to the birthdate of the founder of LSD. It was pouring down rain but fun was still had.
Public Transportation
Remember when I said I didn’t need a car in Berlin? Well, I mean it! Unlike other cities, Berlin offers public transportation 24/7 (although trains are not running during the week day after 1a or so, but there are always night buses to replace them). That means you really can party until the wee morning and not have to fork out an arm and a leg on a taxi home. To be honest, I don’t take advantage of the public transportation system that often because I would much rather walk or bike, but I love knowing that it’s an option if I ever need it.
Things Work (Mostly)
Germany is stereotyped for being logical and efficient which is pretty nice when you need an ambulance to come pick you up, you want to drink clean tap water, you want the trash to be collected, or you want to get to work on time. Ok, there are occasional BVG strikes which might make you a wee bit late, but they are always announced beforehand so you can make other arrangements (how convenient!) After exiting the anmeldung office one day, an old man fell and scraped up his arm pretty badly. Two German women jumped in to help him out. One ran inside and grabbed a first aid kit while the other one started preparing to dress his wound. I just awkwardly hung around and asked if I should call the police. LOL. If I ever fall in a public place I sure hope a German is around to help me out.
Dog Friendly
If you are the owner of a dog or just a dog lover, Berlin is the place for you. Not only are there many dog parks around the city (I am talking big wooded dog parks) where your poochies can romp around but most restaurants allow you to bring your furry friend alongside. You can also take dogs on public transport (you’ll just have to buy them a ticket first and make sure they’re muzzled – although the majority of people don’t follow the last rule).
Moving to a new city is challenging, true, especially if you are coming from somewhere with an entirely different language and culture, but no place is without challenges. If you stayed in your hometown your challenge might look like trying to avoid that awkward guy from your high school while grocery shopping. Here your challenge is trying to get a Visa appointment.
Even if you are faced with challenge after challenge, try not to blame the city itself and lose sight of all the good things that Berlin has to offer. While it’s definitely not for everyone, Berlin is a great city to figure out who you are as a person. It’s a playground for creativity, self-discovery, exploration and experimentation which means it attracts a lot of open minded, free thinkers – and I think that’s pretty special.
In conclusion
Berlin is a city of contradictions, where its flaws are often overshadowed by the magnetic pull of its unique charm. Despite the relentless teasing from its inhabitants, there’s an undeniable affection that keeps people rooted in this vibrant metropolis.
For many, the initial allure lies in the practical aspects: the convenience of a car-free lifestyle, coupled with relatively affordable living compared to other major cities. But it’s the intangible qualities that truly captivate and retain residents. Berlin’s open-mindedness, creative energy, and commitment to eco-conscious living create an environment ripe for personal growth and exploration.
Moreover, Berlin offers a constant stream of surprises, from underground speakeasies to impromptu art installations, ensuring that monotony is a foreign concept. Its free-spirited nature extends to a plethora of free or low-cost activities, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Beyond the surface, Berlin is a hub of activism and advocacy, providing a platform for individuals to champion causes close to their hearts. And amidst it all, the city’s efficient infrastructure ensures that daily life remains relatively smooth, even in the face of occasional disruptions.
Ultimately, Berlin is more than just a city—it’s a playground for self-discovery and personal reinvention. Its allure lies in its ability to embrace diversity, nurture creativity, and foster a sense of belonging for all who call it home. Despite its quirks and challenges, Berlin remains a beacon of possibility and opportunity, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace its endless potential.
