Germany: Berlin - History, Contrast & Christmas Lights
Berlin is not a city you simply “visit”.
You walk it, you feel it, youreflect in it, and you sometimes feel overwhelmed by it.
Berlin - Brandenburg Gate
What struck me most was the contrast - festive Christmas lights wrapped around one of Europe’s heaviest histories.
One moment you’re sipping mulled wine, the next you’re standing in silence, absorbing stories that shaped the modern world.
When I went: December 2025
Duration: 2 days
Weather: Cold but festive. Crisp winter air, frosty mornings, and chilly evenings - classic Christmas-market weather.
Tip: Layer up properly, wear comfortable walking shoes, and pre-book anything popular (especially the Reichstag). Berlin is a city best explored on foot.
I stayed in Mitte, which turned out to be the perfect base. From there, almost everything I wanted to see was walkable. Berlin is surprisingly easy to navigate, and I barely relied on public transport.
Iconic Sights & Walking the City
Brandenburg Gate - I walked past Brandenburg Gate more than four times - morning, afternoon, evening, and once again lit up at night. It never felt repetitive. It’s one of those landmarks that anchors the city emotionally as much as visually.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - walking through this memorial was quietly overwhelming. The uneven concrete blocks, the silence, the scale - it forces reflection without explanation. This is not a place you rush.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Reichstag Building - visiting the Reichstag Dome was one of my highlights. Entry is free, but you must register in advance.
The audio guide was excellent and gave real depth to the experience. Visiting during the day meant clear views across Berlin - a powerful contrast between transparency today and history below your feet.
Reichstag Building - looking down from the inside
Museums That Need Time (and Respect)
Berlin’s museums are not “quick stops”. They demand attention, and they deserve it.
Topography of Terror (Free) - this museum is dense, confronting, and incredibly well-curated. Allow plenty of time.
Berlin Wall Memorial - absolutely worth visiting. Seeing preserved sections of the Wall in context makes its scale and impact far more real than photos ever could.
Berlin Wall Memorial
Museum Berlin-Karlshorst (Free) - this museum surprised me the most. It’s packed with history and far more extensive than expected. You could easily spend two or more hours inside. Give yourself the time - it’s worth it.
Museum Berlin-Karlshorst
Museum Island & Berliner Dom - I spent time around Museum Island, enjoying the atmosphere and architecture.
I had planned to enter Berlin Cathedral, but I hadn’t realised there was an entrance fee. In the end, I admired it from the outside - still impressive, especially framed by winter light.
Christmas Markets, Food & Winter Atmosphere
If you visit Berlin in winter, the Christmas markets are essential.
My favourite was WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt - beautifully curated, atmospheric, and full of artisan stalls. It does get busy, but it’s worth it.
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
That said, Berlin has markets everywhere, and each one feels slightly different. Try more than one if you can.
Food:
Currywurst - a Berlin classic, and for good reason.
Curry 61 was my favourite - simple, tasty, and exactly what street food should be.
Christmas market food - Mulled wine (Glühwein), bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and potato pancakes were staples throughout the trip - perfect for warming up between walks.
Variety of sausages
Final Thoughts
Berlin is not polished in the way some European capitals are, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s layered, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable.
This is a city where history isn’t hidden, Christmas lights don’t erase the past, and walking becomes a form of learning.
Street market in Berlin
Berlin doesn’t try to impress you.
It stays with you instead.
Christmas market
