Berlin is one of those magnificent cities where biking becomes an art form. My first time there, about two years ago, I signed up for a few walking tours or simply wandered through the neighborhoods on my own. While this is certainly a great way to get a feel for local culture, biking does give a new perspective.
Here are five bike trails for every interest. Keep in mind that many of the routes will intersect, thus giving you a tour of many of Berlin’s most popular and iconic neighborhoods. Happy trails!
Parks
Berlin is a city filled with green space, which may come in the form of a spacious park or a quiet courtyard. I would start in Mitte (literally means middle, or center) and make your way to Volkspark on the edge of Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg. The tree-shaded park is open 24/7 and has playgrounds, tennis courts, a pond and a restaurant. Then I’d somehow weave along from East to West until you reach the Tiergarten (pictured below). Located in central Berlin, this is where you’ll find the zoo and a few cleverly hidden beer gardens. This is a huge park so biking really is the best way to see it all. If you’re been biking all day, watching the sun set along the river is the ultimate reward. Otherwise, just stop here for a picnic before heading back to your hotel.
Architecture
Berlin is one of the most fascinating cities when it comes to architecture and I didn’t quite realize this until seeing it from the bike lane. Prenzlauer Berg is one of the best examples of gentrification following the fall of the Berlin Wall. What once was a bohemian hangout for struggling artists is now a hotspot for Berlin’s trendiest residents. Because of the increase in rents, there are also a lot of families living here. Yet, if you look up at the buildings you can see that there are a few that haven’t been revamped, like the brown flat pictured below. From here, make your way to the Friedrichshain neighborhood where many of the buildings are modeled in East German architecture. On foot, I never noticed the contrasting styles. By bike, however, it is too obvious to ignore.
Street Art
With gentrification came a whole lot of street art so pretty much anywhere you go in Berlin, you’re sure to stumble upon something that catches your eye. I even managed to a few of El Bocho’s “Little Lucy” graffitis. Kreuzberg is one of the areas most well-known for its street art. The famous Kreuzberg “Astronaut-Space Crusader” by Victor Ash, located near Kreuzberg’s Skalitzer Strasse, has become one of the city’s most iconic images. “Brothers” and ”Leviathan,” both work by Blu, are also here. Depending on how much time you have, Friedrichshain is another neighborhood where street art reigns supreme. Although the infamous Tacheles is no longer open, I still recommend going to Mitte to see a few different types of graffiti like stencils (made out of cardboard paper) for example.
Markets
If you’re hoping to hit up a few different markets, remember that many of them take place on the weekends. The Mauer Park flea market is one of my favorites but plan your visit around your particular interest. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowed or swing by in the late afternoon/early evening for a massive outdoor karaoke party. The Kreuzberg market is another popular weekend pastime where you can shop for second-hand clothes, flowers and even stop for a beer in the garden next door. If you’re visiting during the week, consider heading to the Turkish Market, held on Tuesdays and Fridays. From textures to fresh fruit, color is all around. Finally, the Flea Market at Bode Museum on Museum Island is the go-to spot for antique books.
Lifestyle
Berliners really know how to live and I’m somewhat jealous of their mastery of the whole “work/life balance.” Most people commute by bike so there will always be a place to lock your bike, and do make sure to lock it rather than testing your luck. In general though, Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte are the best spots for fashion, design and an all-around boho-chic vibe. Mitte has some of the newest and hippest bars and restaurants, making this a perfect area to stop for a light lunch or coffee. Stop by St. Oberholz to mingle with Berlin’s start-up crowd or indulge in a four-course dinner at Der Hahn Ist Tot! for 19 Euro. To really get to the heart of Berlin’s lifestyle, splurge on a tour with Henrik of Berlingaten. I’ve toured with him twice now and he eat, sleeps and breathes Berlin.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
