Berlin is a huge, vibrant city. It has more than enough distractions for every kind of tourist, and really does seem to have something to do at any time of night.
But the best thing about Berlin is that its history is pressed so firmly into your face that you could lick it. And, with Germany’s famous purity laws in effect, you won’t pick up any nasties in the process*
For example, I decided to meander between Kreuzberg and Warschauer Strasse, and I stumbled across some beautiful gardens following the course of the old Luisenst?dtischer Canal. While this doesn’t immediately scream “History!” at you, it turns out that this canal was 1st started in 1852, but the project was abandoned then restarted several times due to the upheaval that Europe was experiencing (2 World Wars, being just part of this). At some point the canal was filled in and provided the foundation for part of the length of the Berlin wall.
You have to admire the tenacity of Berlin. In many countries the gardens would be considered jinxed, here, they are once again trying to complete them, following much of the original design (except the canal bit. maybe the superstition got them in the end).
* Licking monuments may not be legal in Berlin. It probably isn’t recommended, either. Oh, and I am pretty sure that the purity laws only relate to beer rather than buildings
Photo by genial23