Winter in Berlin, Germany: Food, History & Christmas Markets

Where to stay

If you're seeking a peaceful retreat within this bustling city, I recommend staying at SO/ Berlin Das Stue. Located within the famous Tiergarten Park, you're not only surrounded by nature, but you're also likely to see a few animals outside your window. This hotel bellies up to the Berlin Zoo, making it the only hotel in Europe that offers their guests a private entrance into their city's zoo.

If you're seeking a hotel a little more central and close to the action, I recommend Hotel Telegraphenamt. This modern hotel provides a fabulous location, as well as convenient amenities and dining options.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Where to eat

On our train ride into Berlin, we shared our “car” with a local couple who kindly shared a few recommendations with us. When we asked about food, they were quick to explain that Berlin doesn’t really have a “local cuisine.” I mean, other than currywurst (which we did get, several times).

Berlin is super multicultural, meaning they have a wide variety of cuisines present. We had some of the yummiest hand-pulled noodles at Wen Cheng, and I experienced my very first döner kebab.

Here are a few restaurant recommendations for you to save for your next trip:

• Markthalle Neun (a market/food hall with so many food options and local goods)

• Beuster (where we had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner)

• Boii Boii

• Focacciando

• Café am Neuen See (tucked in Tiergarten park, with a gorgeous interior and massive patio)

• Neumanns Bäckerei

• Wen Cheng (still dreaming about these hand-pulled noodles)

• Goldie’s Smashburger

• Nutts Thai Kitchen

What to see & do

Calling all history lovers! Berlin is a city that made me go, “Holy moly, why didn’t I pay attention in high school history?” I mean, seriously, between WWII and the Cold War/Berlin Wall, it’s equal parts fascinating and mind-blowing to learn about and visualize firsthand.

There’s no shortage of museums and memorials/landmarks to experience in Berlin, and, like I said, if you’re a history buff, this city is for you. If history and art aren’t your love language, then I think Berlin may fall short in regards to typical “tourist attractions” (unless you like beer gardens and parks—then just avoid winter and you’re set).

Here are some experiences and sights that I recommend for your next trip to Berlin:

• Berliner Unterwelten tours: They have several different tour options, and they take you underground to see bunkers, tunnels, learn about different escape attempts during the Cold War, and more. Totally fascinating and a must-do in my opinion!

• Take a walking tour of any sort: There’s so much history here and hearing from a local while you go to the historic sights is worth every penny. I'm happy to make some recommendations.

• Topography of Terror museum (free to enter)

• Visit Checkpoint Charlie

• C/O Berlin museum

• Brandenburg Gate

• Museum Island (buy a day pass to access all five museums)

• Berlin Wall — East Side Gallery

• Tiergarten Park (and Berlin Zoo if that’s your thing)

• Berlin Treptower Park (so many parks we didn’t get to enjoy, a downside to visiting during winter)

• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (free museum underneath)

Museum Island

Berlin Wall - East Side Gallery

Christmas markets

I thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas market experience in Berlin! As I've previously mentioned, this city is large, so it felt like we were just unexpectedly stumbling upon market after market.

Of the several markets that we experienced, I’d say my favorites were Schloßplatz (located right next to Museum Island) and Gendarmenmarkt (which had a €2 entrance fee, but it was well worth it).

These markets were full of local food and beverages, musical performances, and carnival rides. They absolutely brought the holiday cheer!

Keep in mind that most of these markets (if not all) are likely closed on Christmas Day, so if you are planning on spending Christmas Day in Berlin, be sure to have other plans for your holiday.

The public transportation is incredibly well connected in Berlin. You’ve got the U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (suburban train), Trams (streetcar), and buses.

We utilized the U-Bahn and trams daily and couldn’t have gotten around or seen half of what we wanted to see if we only relied on foot traffic. If you’re visiting Berlin, I highly recommend looking into a multi-day pass. Be sure to download the BVG Fahrinfo App to easily map out your travels and buy tickets on the go.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Berlin page.