Berlin might be the most unique city in Europe and easily one of the most compelling worldwide. Having been leveled during World War II and then divided for a generation as a fractured flashpoint of the Cold War, it has endured a variety of struggles distinct among European cities.
If you do nothing else, no trip to Berlin would be complete without a taste of its legendary clubs. The nightlife scene in Berlin goes beyond simply having a fun night out partying—the culture, closely linked to the city’s reinvention and resilience in the wake of its decades of struggle and division, demands to be experienced.
Neukölln has one of the most sizable Turkish populations in Berlin, perhaps most exemplified in the Turkish Market right on the border of Kreuzberg. Grab some döner and browse the handmade arts and crafts alongside the music of talented local musicians and bustling stalls. True techno fans willing to take an arduous journey into sound should venture to Berghain, arguably the most legendary club in the world. Known for long lines, a strict door policy, and a vast, unparalleled community of wild creatures of the night, the club promises an unforgettable time—if you’re able to get in, that is.
If you’d reasonably like a pleasant meal, try one of the cozy restaurants in the quirky Hackesche Höfe space. A smattering of outdoor brick terraces with loads of graffiti and urban art, catch a movie at the hip Kino Central theater, browse gritty, enigmatic art at the Neurotitan Gallery, or attend the goofy show at Monster Kabinett, where a collection of creative, mechanized monsters and puppets stage an eccentric, entertaining performance with an outlandish flavor only Berlin can provide.