Berlin compresses history and reinvention. Day one: Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag dome (free, pre-book), Holocaust Memorial, and Museum Island if weather turns. East Side Gallery adds colour along the Spree.
Kreuzberg and Neukölln feed you well — döner, falafel, natural wine bars, and vintage shops. Sunday flea markets at Mauerpark blend locals and visitors; arrive early for the karaoke pit energy.
Nightlife starts late; clubs often open after midnight with strict door policies. Cash still matters at smaller venues. U-Bahn and S-Bahn run reliably — buy a day pass instead of single tickets.
Berlin Brandenburg (BER) connects Europe cheaply via low-cost carriers. Search SnagAFlight for Friday out, Sunday back — Berlin weekend routes from Milan, London, and Barcelona rotate sales weekly.
