A short 3 Days Itinerary in Berlin (Day 1) There's Primark in Berlin too!

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3 Days in Berlin: Day 1

After our experience drive to Germany, we kinda like Germany for their technologies, culture and experience. And this time round, we have another couple to travel with us!

The airfare from France to Berlin we gotten is €260 for 2 Person by AirFrance.

You can check out Skyscanner to get good rates.

Parking at Charles De Gaulle Airport

05:00 Time
  • Check out the Website - Here

This is our first time experience a weekend parking in France. The price is so affordable that we definitely will park here the next time. Thanks David for introducing this parking to us!


Transport: Berlin Welcome Card

09:30 Time
  • Covers all public transport in Berlin (Txl, U Bahn, S Bahn, Bus, Tram)
  • Discounts to some attractions including DDR Museum and Berlin DOM

After we arrived at Berlin Tegel Airport, the first thing is to get this welcome card. Initially we thought it will be a Card-like thing to exchange with our voucher. Then we got to know that, with this Voucher we can use it as a pass whenever we travel. The counter only provides us a guide book.


Stay: Airbnb

11:00 Time
  • Located near centre of Berlin - Book here
  • 3 mins walk to Bus stop
  • 8 Mins walk to the nearest Underground
  • 20 mins to get to Berlin Central Station

Similar to the website

Click here to get €30 Off your First Airbnb Stay!

Ah Bee & Bee 
Berlin Tourist

See: Berlin War Memorial

12:00 Time

Our first itinerary is going to the Berlin War Memorial. Initially we thought is like some area for memorial and probably will be done in 30 mins. Then we realise there is so much history in the Berlin Wall. The stretch of road, started off with the a 20mins Video on Berlin Wall and opposite it you get to see some remaining. 

Inside the visitor Centre

The stairs up the viewing gallery on the right

Posing Shot - This is only the morning where it's not so cold yet.

Panorama view from the Gallery

Further down the stretch, there is a higher viewing gallery that let you see a portion of the Berlin Wall from the East Berlin to the West Berlin.

And Berlin Wall is like a recent event in Europe, the Fall of the Berlin Wall happens in 1989. 

The first stop to make if you wanna know more on Berlin Wall

Qiang Bi 
Berlin Tourist


Eat: Smart Deli

14:00 Time

And it's like 2pm, we feared that the restaurants will be closed any time, so we decided to hop to a nearest restaurant we can find.

Smart Deli is in fact a Japanese Cuisine Gem! Everything we order was very delicious! And in fact, we went back for Dinner the next day!

We ordered A Teriyaki Salmon Set, 2x Teriyaki Chicken and a Sliced Pork Set. Everything was so delicious.

David and I initially don't fancy Green Tea ice cream. But the flavours from Smart Deli was superb, that we actually ate quite a fair bit of it.

This Japanese Cuisine is so far the most delicious we have eaten in Europe!
Everything is so nice!

Ji Poon 
Berlin Tourist

See: Check Point Charlie

16:00 Time

Checkpoint Charlie (or "Checkpoint C") was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947-1991).

We thought will be something spectacular. But turns out to be just a Sentry point with some decorations. Of course, in the history this is one of the significant points holding the US and Russia. But well, destination checked! 

Eat: Currywurst


Currywurst is a fast food dish of German origin consisting of steamed, then fried pork sausage (German: Bratwurst) typically cut into slices and seasoned with curry ketchup, a sauce based on spiced ketchup or tomato paste, itself topped with curry powder, or a ready-made ketchup seasoned with curry and other spices. The dish is often served with french fries.

The fries taste so good!

In Germany, you gotta try the Currywurst. It seems like one of their local delicacy. However, the Currywurst in Berlin taste different from the ones we had in Cologne. But nonetheless, I brought along my favourite Lingham Chilli Sauce to go with the Fries!


See: Christmas Market @ Alexanderplatz

17:00 Time

There are actually a few Christmas Market in Berlin. This is actually one of them that we passed by. It is like Pasar Malam (Night Market) but of course the weather is different.

Background

The whole of Alexanderplatz turns into a massive Christmas market with many small wooden huts during the festive season. Under the shadow of the TV Tower, potters, blacksmiths and glassblowers display their work and Christmas treats, crafts and many more gift ideas are on offer.The centrepiece of the market is Europe's largest Christmas pyramid with more than 5,000 lights that add a festive glow to the seasonal bustle on Alexanderplatz.

Visitors can enjoy a mulled wine and hearty Christmas meals on the ground floor of the pyramid, while the first floor offers a spacious panoramic view of the market and a brass band holds forth on the second floor. The classic top of the pyramid is decorated with carved figures, tirelessly making their rounds.

And again, we bought the Currywurst to try and see if it's similar to the one we had in Cologne. However, I think the Currywurst in Berlin probably taste the same throughout. 

The purpose of coming here is actually to go to Primark to get a Snow Cap as our ears are freezing!


Shop: Primark

17:30 Time
  • Our Favourite Clothing Store in Europe!
  • Primark at Alexanderplatz
  • Prices are cheaper than Uniqlo especially Winter Wear
  • Check out their website

The temperature is like 0 Degrees. And we were not prepared for such weather. Thus we have to go and purchase some more stuffs and Primark is certainly the place to purchase. Gloves are as cheap as €1.50 !

I got a knitted scarf, Snow Cap and Socks bundle for less than €15 ! Cheap uh!

Primark, the Super Good Deal Store in Europe. Definitely cheaper than Uniqlo!

P Mah 
Shopaholic

See: Christmas Market @ Potsdamer Platz

18:30 Time

Huge ice slide!

Background

From 21 November – 26 December, the Christmas market on nearby Alte Potsdamer Straße expands the Winterwelt party with lovingly decorated stalls selling crafts, leather and textile products and other gift ideas. The crafts market hosts potters, woodcarvers, basket makers and bakers who invite you to look over their shoulders as they work.

Another Christmas market we passed by while heading to Berliner Philharmoniker to catch a musical Orchestra.

We came across Potsdamer Christmas Market, and there was this very big slide. We were contemplating if we should take the slide.

Aiya, heck la! Just take lah.

It's a good fun actually.


See: Berliner Philharmonie

Inside the Hall

It's quite packed actually

Background

The Berlin Philharmonic (German: Berliner Philharmoniker), is an orchestra based in Berlin, Germany and is consistently ranked as one of the best orchestras in the world.

Formerly Berliner Philharmonisches Orchester; BPO, its primary concert venue is the Philharmonie, located in the Kulturforum area of the city. Since 2002, its principal conductor has been Sir Simon Rattle. Funding for the organization is subsidized by the city of Berlin and a partnership with Deutsche Bank.

Yanfang booked an Orchestra in Berlin as mentioned was one of the very best in the world. Since Orchestra has no language I would think is a good experience to have in Berlin. .

But of course, before we booked the tickets we are prepared to doze off in the Concert Hall. We been awake since 3am and the concert starts at 8pm.

Having no naps in between, true enough. I dozed off as many times as the conductor comes in and out. Certainly a new experience as this is our first time in seeing an Orchestra.


Home

23:00 Time

Because we feared that we may feel hungry along the way back, we popped by Macdonalds to purchase some chicken wings and 20pc Nuggets to end our night.

They even have curly fries! 

​Day 2: Our 3 Days in Berlin

After a good night's rest, we move on to Day 2 of our Berlin Trip! Day 1 was certainly awesome. Too bad that we were so tired, awake for 22hours! Since 3am and slept at probably 1am the night before. But all was good.

Time is short, Chiong Hard!

See: Tiergarten Flea Market

12:30 Time

On the Train Platform

Look at how wrapped up we are

Some eateries here.

Eating in the cold, with Gloves on!

There are also probably quite a few flea market in Berlin. We specifically chose this as this is near to one of the German Restaurant we wanted to go.

There are probably more than 50 stalls in this flea market and most of the items are like old vintage stuffs. And of course, we stopped by to get some local snacks along the way.

The weather is like near 0°c. So cold and yet the stall owners braved the cold weather to attend to their stalls. I would not say the stuffs are cheap, but collectors value them differently. 


Eat: Tiergartenquelle

13:30 Time

Look at the spread!

Reviews from Tripadvisor seem quite positive. Come to Germany of course must eat German Cuisine! 

Here they serve Pork Knuckles. We have very good experience in Pork Knuckles in our previous trip to Heidelberg. And hopeful that this Pork Knuckle is as good.

The setup of the restaurant looks traditional, vintage kind of German restaurant. The restaurant owner is also very friendly.

Although I don't drink beer but I thought it will be good to try out their beer. And which turns out good!

We ordered 

  • Fried Pork Knuckle
  • Boiled Pork Knuckle
  • Pork Chop
  • Hashbrown Set
  • Currywurst!

5 Sets for 4 People. How to finish sio? In the end, we didn't manage to finish the fries. Stomach full and ready for the cold battle ahead.

The Pork Knuckle not as nice, but still nice.
Fries are good!

Zhu Shou 
Berlin Tourist

See: Berlin Cathedral

Taken on Day 3

Taken on Day 3 where we passed by

Inside the Cathedral

In Berlin or rather winter, the sun usually set earlier. It's 4pm and the sky is misty. We could not even see the Berlin Tower from afar. So in fact, we have to skip our tower tour as planned. 

Taking photographs outside the Cathedral wasn't so optimal, but we did anyways. However, the interior is simply amazing! Brightly lighted and surprising for a tourist attraction, it wasn't crowded.

The highlight of this Cathedral is when you need to climb 267 steps to the top and you can glance the view of the surrounding 360° . Though the weather is misty, we still can see some night view of Berlin Centre.

Oh, there is no lift to bring you up. Good luck!


See: DDR Museum 

18:30 Time

Living Room - Pics from Wikipedia

The DDR Museum is a museum in the centre of Berlin. The museum is located in the former governmental district of East Germany, right on the river Spree, opposite the Berlin Cathedral. The museum is the 11th most visited museum in Berlin.

DDR actually means Deutsche Demokratische Republik. And DDR Museum is showing how the East Germans lived in the past. There's even nude beach in East Berlin.


Eat: Smart Deli

21:00 Time

Because our very positive experience with Smart Deli, we came another for the 2nd time to enjoy the delicious food. This time, we order alittle more with a sushi platter!

It's really a must come for this Japanese Cuisine.

Please try their Green Tea ice cream!

Ji Poon Poon 
Sushi Lover

​Day 3: Our 3 Days in Berlin

Go: Hauptbahnhof Berlin (Central Station) - Deposit Luggage

As our Airbnb stay doesn't allow us to deposit our luggage at the apartment after check out. We have to source alternative to deposit our luggage or bring it along.

Luckily we came across sites that advise we can deposit luggage at various Train station. Hauptbahnhof Berlin is one of them and it is situated near our apartment and in between of where we want to go for today.

It cost like €4-€6 for A Day.

At the same time, we do recce on where to take the bus to the airport as well. Because we often could not find the Bus stop that was shown on the Google Map.


See: Pergamon Museum

1100 Hrs Time

The Queue going in

Probably the World's biggest Bottle cap

Wikipedia

The Pergamon Museum (German: Pergamonmuseum) is situated on the Museum Island in Berlin. The site was designed by Alfred Messel and Ludwig Hoffmann and was constructed in twenty years, from 1910 to 1930. The Pergamon Museum houses original-sized, reconstructed monumental buildings such as the Pergamon Altar and the Market Gate of Miletus, all consisting of parts transported from Turkey.

From Hauptbahnhof Berlin Station to Pergamon Museum is only a stop around. We alighted at Friedrichstraße Station and walked probably 10mins from the station.

The queue into the Museum seems pretty long. We have to wait more than 30mins to get into the Museum. To skip the queue, you can actually book online.

We are not so much of a Museum person but having an audio guide certainly helps us alot. Perhaps in future, we will get Audio guide whenever which museum we go to.


See: Brandenburg Gate

13:00 Time
Wikipedia

The Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor) is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, and one of the best-known landmarks of Germany. It is built on the site of a former city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel.

Brandenburg Gate is the #3 Top Attraction to go in Berlin according to Tripadvisor

Of course, without reading up the history, it's probably just some monument standing there.

Actually, the evening view will be more awesome, as most of the nice photos are taken in the evening.


See: Reichstag Building 

14:00 Time
Wikipedia

The large glass dome at the very top of the Reichstag has a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. The main hall (debating chamber) of the parliament below can also be seen from inside the dome, and natural light from above radiates down to the parliament floor.

A large sun shield tracks the movement of the sun electronically and blocks direct sunlight which would not only cause large solar gain, but dazzle those below. Construction work was finished in 1999 and the seat of parliament was transferred to the Bundestag in April of that year. The dome is open to visitors by prior registration.

Check out the interior of the Dome here!

Donovan 
Berlin Tourist

Eat: Käfer DACHGARTEN-RESTAURANT

14:00 Time

As we didn't manage to register to get in, what we can do is reserve a restaurant booking at the Roof Terrace. Security is tight in this place. And they only take in prior registration or reservation with a Photo ID.

Initially we intend to have just coffee here, but the food prices seem reasonable though a little expensive. 

Tasty food, but we only have like 45 mins to enjoy the stuffs here as we need to get to the airport by 4pm (before that, we need to get our luggage from Berlin Central Station). 

Berlin is truly a place full of history. Do read up before you visit each attractions as you will be able to relate better. For guide to Berlin, do visit here.

Voila!

Donovan 
Berlin Tourist

About the author 

Donovan

Don is a Kiasu Singaporean that blogs his journey while exploring Europe.
A Singapore Travel Blog that provides travel guides and tips on how to travel free and easy in Europe.

    • Thank you! Yes, Berlin Christmas market have alot of varieties of stuffs and beautiful too.

  • Loved the itinerary format of this post (the different blocks, the time, etc). Made it really easy to follow along with and duplicate if I wanted to. Having a link to the locations was also super convenient. Thanks for the great suggestions!

    • Thank you! Yaa, was trying to find the best way to present the information with all the information rather than having several sites for research.
      Thanks for dropping by!

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