… going beyond the Mauer and Checkpoint Charlie (guest post)

Berlin has many hidden and unique places to visit. It’s rich and complex history means there are some quirky and some downright extraordinary places to visit. This post will give you a 48 hour itinerary for Berlin which is great for hitting the main spots.

These places provide the perfect punctuation to a tourist-trail, and will give you a flavour of the ‘real Berlin’. If you would like to know more about the diverse communities in Berlin then this guide is the one to read.

Thaipark Berlin: A Hidden Culinary Adventure Amidst Nature

Nestled in Preußenpark in Wilmersdorf (for now – it’s about to be moved to the surrounding streets for better hygiene), Thaipark is a bustling market that comes alive from April to October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. With over 60 food stalls offering authentic Thai street food, including exotic delicacies like worms and insects, Thaipark Berlin is a unique experience that transports you to the vibrant street markets of Bangkok.

The Toilet Bar (Das Klo): An unusual place in Berlin for a drink and nibble

Prepare to have your mind blown at Das Klo, the Toilet Bar in Charlottenburg. Drinks are served in urine specimen bottles, meals come in porcelain potties, and toilets double as seating options. Don’t be surprised if your chair suddenly sinks into the ground or the ceiling comes crumbling down. It’s all a show! This quirky bar offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, complete with good-natured ribbing from a resident comedian. Get ready to be shocked, surprised, and thoroughly entertained in this eccentric atmosphere.

Peacock Island: A Tranquil Haven with a Royal History

Peacock Island, situated in the Havel River, southwest of Berlin, is a small island known for its natural beauty and resident peacocks. They are what’s left of dozens of exotic animals that once lived here as part of a royal collection until they were moved to Berlin to found the local zoo.

The Peacock House, a 19th-century palace open to the public, narrates the island’s history and is one of Berlin’s UNESCO world heritage sites. Once a royal residence, it now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Explore the tranquil surroundings, take in the beauty, and discover the fascinating history that makes Peacock Island a hidden gem.

Computer Game Museum: A Journey through Gaming History

Dive into the world of video games at the world’s first Computer Game Museum – a true hidden gem in Berlin. Opened in 1997, the museum features a vast collection of video games and consoles, from classics to modern titles, the museum offers a unique experience. Don’t miss the exhibit on “PainStation,” a game designed to physically punish players for in-game mistakes with electric shocks and whipping. It’s a nostalgic and entertaining journey through the evolution of gaming culture.

David Hasselhoff Museum: A Shrine to “The Hoff”

Step into the basement of the Circus Hostel for a quirky and entertaining experience at the David Hasselhoff Museum. A shrine rather than a museum, it houses memorabilia from Hasselhoff’s career, including his iconic red swimsuit from Baywatch. Visitors can even record their rendition of “Looking for Freedom” in a dedicated video booth. 

Teufelsberg: Cold War Relics Amidst Nature

Explore Teufelsberg*, an abandoned US spy base from the Cold War era, nestled in the Grunewald forest. Once used by the NSA to intercept communications, this site now invites visitors to explore graffiti-covered buildings and enjoy panoramic views of the city. A blend of history and nature, Teufelsberg stands as a reminder of Berlin’s complex past.

The Stand By Me Tree: A Touching Tribute in Tiergarten Park

In the heart of Tiergarten Park, discover the Stand By Me Tree – an anonymous monument featuring the lyrics of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” carved onto its bark. This touching tribute, which gained popularity after King’s death in 2015, remains a serene spot in the park. The lyrics, neatly carved, serve as a lasting testament to love and the timeless beauty of music. To find the Stand By Me Tree, follow Curious Claire’s Guide to the Tiergarten.

Schwerbelastungskörper: A Concrete Experiment from Nazi Germany

Travel back to the 1930s and witness the Schwerbelastungskörper, a massive concrete cylinder built by the Nazis to test Berlin’s soil for a giant proposed Volkshalle. Despite sinking more than anticipated, Hitler disregarded the results. Now a historic monument, this cylinder stands as a reminder of an ambitious but doomed project from a dark period of Germany’s history.

Kaninchenfeld (Dead Rabbit Memorial): A Tribute to Border-Hopping Bunnies

Kaninchenfeld is one of Berlin’s more unusual memorials and is a wonderful example of how the city uses art to confront some of the worst parts of its past. The Dead Rabbit Memorial pays homage to the rabbits that freely roamed the no-man’s-land between East and West Berlin, artist Karla Sachse installed 120 rabbit silhouettes in 1999. As a tribute to their freedom, these brass bunnies are scattered along Chausseestraße, near the former location of the Berlin Wall.

Ballhaus Berlin: A Century-Old Entertainment Hub

Step into Ballhaus Berlin, a historic entertainment venue that has weathered the tides of time. Built in 1905, it survived war and revolution, evolving into a hub for concerts, shows, revues, and more.

Today, it continues to enchant visitors with its nostalgic charm, hosting events like the “Boheme Sauvage” homage nights and the “Old Fleas Vintage Market.” There are even still old telephones on every table to call someone further down the room you might fancy. 

Don Xuan Center: Berlin’s Asian Wonderland

The Don Xuan Center stands as a captivating haven of Asian culture drawing in visitors with a range of sensory delights. Located in the Lichtenberg district, this marketplace offers an immersive experience that transcends traditional shopping. Wander through its bustling aisles, where an array of colorful stalls showcases fresh produce, aromatic spices, and authentic crafts from various Asian countries. Beyond being a shopping destination, the Don Xuan Center is a cultural melting pot, inviting patrons to connect with a diverse community and explore the culinary wonders of Asia. 

This post has been provided by Matti from Tours of Berlin at no cost to me or to him. Matti has been giving tours of Berlin and Potsdam since 2008. I have not visited any of the sites on this list, but I will make an effort to on my next visit!

*Denotes an affiliate link. This means if you make a purchase, I get a little commission, at no cost to you. In the case of this post, I have not experienced any of the places linked to, but they come recommended by Matti.