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Berlin is often associated with its turbulent history, its legendary electronic music clubs, and its iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the East Side Gallery. Yet behind this image of a dynamic cultural capital, the city hides another side: that of a surprisingly green, alternative metropolis that’s a pleasure to explore without a car! It’s easily accessible by train from France (notably via the Paris-Berlin night train (European Sleeper), Berlin is an ideal destination for a low-carbon city break where you can unwind, with its ubiquitous bike paths, creative neighborhoods, and cafés lining the canals.
For four days, Rosalie, our amazing operations manager at HOORAY!, went to try it out Berlin In other words: night trains, staying with locals, bike rides through green neighborhoods, local hotspots, Berlin’s lakes, vegetarian street food… Here, she shares her top recommendations for discovering a more authentic Berlin off the beaten path.
To get to Berlin from Paris, Rosalie chose the European Sleeper Night Train.
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A much more relaxing and unique way to travel than a short-haul flight: you board the train in the evening in Paris, settle comfortably into your cabin, and wake up right in the German capital the next morning.
Rosalie in a Classic Cabin on the European Sleeper night train!
Rosalie also mentions several nice touches in the Comfort Cabin (the option that’s a step up from the Reclining Seat and Classic options in terms of price, featuring real mattresses and comforters): the small sink with a mirror in the personal space, the “3 real seats and 3 beds” in the cabin, and the welcome drink offered at departure.
When you arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, we strongly recommend that you Pick up the Welcome Card directly for transportation in Zones ABC. "It's great for transportation freedom, Rosalie explains. "You just have to validate it once on the first public transit ride you take, and after that, you just need to have it with you—no need to validate it again."
In other words, you don't have to worry about how many tickets you have left or what kind of transportation you can take. Plus, it gives you access to discounts and free activities!
It must be said that Berlin is a city that’s particularly easy to explore without a car. Subway, tram, bus, and S-Bahn make it easy to reach both the central neighborhoods and the more outlying green spaces.
Rosalie's tip for the road: Make sure you have cash on hand! Thrift stores, markets, and small stalls rarely accept credit cards.
If there's one activity we absolutely recommend, it's the “Berlin on Bike - The Green Tour”.
For nearly three hours, Rosalie was able to travel through several neighborhoods in northern Berlin, such as Wedding, Gesundbrunnen, or Pankow, including Mauerpark, Humboldthain, the Panke River or even the Schönhausen Palace."I absolutely loved this activity," Rosalie points out.
The Pleasure of a Bike Ride in Berlin - © Rosalie Borde
What's especially nice about visiting Berlin by bike is the variety of atmospheres crossings by neighborhood.
"You can really feel the atmosphere change as you move from one neighborhood to the next, which lets you truly discover Berlin off the beaten path." — Rosalie
The walk also offers the chance to discover some places much more local and less touristy, which you might never see otherwise.
"The guide also shared anecdotes about Berlin's history as well as several environmental projects underway in the city. I highly recommend it!" - Rosalie
When it's hot in Berlin, many residents head to the lakes located around the city. "A woman from Berlin even told me it was the city of 80 lakes"", Rosalie explains. "We're being asked to check!"
Rosalie also checked out Lake Wannsee, which is very easy to reach by public transportation. "In less than an hour, I was there." She recommends getting off at the Nikolassee Station, accessible by S-Bahn, which means you can already enjoy the scenery during the trip.
If you're looking for a less well-known activity, head to the Gardens of the World. Spanning 43 hectares, this vast park features about ten gardens inspired by different cultures: Japanese garden, Oriental garden, Chinese garden, Balinese garden… A truly exotic getaway just a few stops from downtown Berlin.
Bonus: You can even take the cable car to the park and enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding green spaces. It’s the perfect outing if you want to treat yourself to a peaceful break between two more urban excursions.
In Wannsee, you can discover a large, well-equipped beach, with the option to rent “cabin seats.” But be careful: remember to Book your ticket in advance when the weather is nice. That way, you'll spend less time waiting in line when it's crowded.
Rosalie also recommends that bring a picnic rather than relying on the snacks available on site. "It didn't look like it was very high quality, and there was a line."
"Berlin's Beaches" - © Rosalie Borde
If there are two landmarks that offer a view of Berlin, they are the TV Tower and the Berliner Dom. Rosalie checked out both, and her choice was a no-brainer.
While the TV Tower remains an iconic experience, she found it rather touristy. In contrast, the climb to the top of the Berliner Dom offered her an equally spectacular view, in a much more peaceful atmosphere.
The TV Tower, from the outside and the inside - © Rosalie Borde
She therefore recommends the view from the Berlin Cathedral, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of downtown Berlin from the dome!
The majestic Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) - © Rosalie Borde
Beyond its major traditional museums, Berlin also offers a wealth of much more immersive experiences. If you're looking for unique tours, here are three places that are definitely worth a visit:
If you're looking for a tour that's a bit different from the usual museums, the Samurai Museum is a wonderful surprise. Unique in Europe, it traces nearly 700 years of samurai history and culture through more than 1,000 original artifacts: armor, katanas, helmets, and masks. The highly immersive exhibition combines theatrical displays, projections, and interactive features. A wonderful taste of Japan right in the heart of Berlin!
Although highly anticipated, Kreuzberg (the alternative neighborhood often considered a must-see for its local thrift stores) wasn’t Rosalie’s favorite neighborhood, even though she acknowledges that visiting on a Sunday probably influenced her impression (many places were closed).
If you're looking for a unique experience, head to the German Spy Museum. You'll discover the world of espionage through a highly interactive experience: authentic artifacts from the KGB and the Stasi, encryption techniques, spy gadgets, a laser maze… A fun tour that appeals to history buffs and families alike.
Want to gain a better understanding of German history without spending hours in front of display cases? The Germany Museum offers a unique and immersive experience: in about an hour, you physically journey through different eras—from the Germanic Forest to German reunification—thanks to life-size sets, soundscapes, and sensory effects. It’s a lively and accessible way to discover the country’s history.
On the other hand, according to Rosalie, the East Side Gallery remains an absolute must-see. “It’s truly an open-air museum. I was also surprised to see how well-maintained it was and that it hadn’t fallen into disrepair.”
Street Art at the East Side Gallery - © Rosalie Borde
With its panoramic views, street art, and immersive museums, Berlin proves that it can surprise visitors far beyond its major landmarks.
Rosalie also tested a One-hour cruise on the Spree. This activity lets you explore the city from a different perspective and learn more about Berlin’s buildings thanks to audio commentary available in several languages. It’s a “really cool way to learn more about the buildings around us as we ride.”
However, she recommends that avoid weekends to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. And his verdict remains mixed: "It's fun to explore the city in a slightly different way, but it's not a must-do either!"
During your stay, you might be lucky enough—just like Rosalie—to attend the Carnival of Cultures, held over the Pentecost weekend. "There's a great atmosphere on the street with people from different cultures parading in costume," she says.
A festive, multicultural event that perfectly reflects Berlin's identity!
As a general rule: Find out about events happening in Berlin during your stay—festivals, markets, local traditions, and more. You might be in for some pleasant surprises!
For her trip to Berlin, Rosalie chose to stay with a local host through HomeExchange, in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, right near MauerPark. It’s an experience she highly recommends for exploring the city in a different way.
"HomeExchange is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture (much more authentic than a soulless Airbnb or a hotel)." — Rosalie
In fact, with the HOURRAIL Club!, you can enjoy an exclusive discount on your HomeExchange membership! That way, you'll get your money's worth right from your first trip.
Even before she arrived, Rosalie’s host in Berlin had sent her several local recommendations: restaurants, cafés, neighborhoods, and even some off-the-beaten-path spots to explore. "My host gave me all her favorite spots ahead of time: everything I needed to explore Berlin like a true local!"
Rosalie also highlights the economic benefits of the concept, especially for a trip to a major European capital.
"Getting free lodging for four days in a capital city (once you've paid the annual membership fee) is pretty amazing!" — Rosalie
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Rosalie tried out several places that offer vegetarian or vegan options during his stay.
To start your day off right, Rosalie recommends this café with outdoor seating—it's a great spot to relax before heading out to explore the city.
Tucked away in a charming little courtyard, Cocolo Ramen is one of those pleasant surprises—and it offers a great vegetarian ramen option!
After a three-hour bike ride, this is the perfect place to stop for ice cream. Rosalie especially liked the unique flavors they offered (special mention goes to the rhubarb, raspberry, and mascarpone ice cream).
You can't leave Berlin without trying a currywurst. Rosalie tried Curry 61, which also offers a vegan option. "A vegan currywurst with vegan mayo: a great way to try this traditional dish without animal products!", Rosalie explains.
Located along the canal, this bakery-café was recommended to Rosalie by a Berliner. What did she think? "Really nice atmosphere. Delicious cinnamon rolls!"
"A trip to Berlin isn't complete without stopping by a kebab shop!" according to Rosalie. Well, the good news is that you can find a delicious vegetarian kebab at K’Ups Gemusekebap. "Someone also recommended Zagros Veggie Kebabs to me—apparently they're amazing—but I'll have to come back to try them!"
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Among the places that left a lasting impression on her during her stay, Rosalie mentions Holzmarkt 25. It’s an urban, creative hub on the banks of the Spree, with bars, street food stalls, and impromptu concerts. The sunset over the river there is magical.
The festive atmosphere in the evening at Holzmarkt 25 - © Rosalie Borde
Rosalie's tip: Be sure to arrive early on nice days to get a seat by the water—spots fill up fast!
If you like markets, the Arkona Platz Market It's a very pleasant place with its small stalls and tables, perfect for a quick lunch in a friendly atmosphere.
On Sundays, the neighborhood also hosts a small flea market, while the large Mauerpark market is attracting more visitors.
"There's a wide variety of things here: everything from small souvenirs to antique furniture and other items."", says Rosalie.
She also recommends spending some time at Mauerpark afterward: "A very large park where you can take a walk, relax, and have barbecues (there are designated areas) in a festive atmosphere."
This trip confirms one thing: Berlin is more than just its landmarks or its reputation as a party capital.
Between bike rides through the green neighborhoods, local markets, lakes accessible by public transportation, alternative spots along the Spree, and the many vegetarian restaurants, the city is also best explored through simpler, more local experiences.
And when you travel there by train, the experience becomes even more seamless: a more relaxed, more sustainable, and car-free city trip!
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
