There is something about Berlin that draws me back. I had never felt any particular personal connection to the city — I do not speak the language, and I barely know anyone who lives there. But there’s something about Berlin that makes it one of my favorite cities.
Undoubtedly, the city is fascinating for its rich and recent history. On my first visit 7 years ago, we did the prerequisite walk around Historical Mitte. We strolled through Unter Van Linden; visited the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Hitler’s bunker, and the Holocaust Memorial. We made our way to the East Side Gallery to see the remaining parts of the Wall. These parts of Berlin are moving and beautiful.
But it was my subsequent returns that introduced me to the Berlin that has won me over.
Absolutely Chill
Unlike the cultures of Mediterranean Europe, with their fiery sensibilities and ebullient lifestyle, Berlin is broody and gray. There
is no pressure to live la dolce vita; joie de vivre is optional. In fact, there’s a certain nonchalance to the city. “Do as you please”, it seems to say. Berliners do not hold on tenaciously to any sort of tradition — like the French or Italians are with their ways around food, for example.
Berliners are relaxed about tradition. Perhaps because, as a product of their history, there really is none? Berliners of my generation may still be figuring things out after the reunification. I think this is something to celebrate. They city feels young and fresh. And because of this, Berlin seems to give everyone space to be themselves. I find that this general characteristic of the city is gentler, more comforting for visiting introverts like me who want a lot of time to reflect. There is a ready acceptance of who you are, what you look like, and what you are striving for.
Openness, Change and Progress
Berlin is a real living city that continues to grow and change. The city is welcoming of different cultures. This openness lends itself to creativity and experimentation. In many ways, Berlin reminds me of the grittier parts of Brooklyn. Neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg and Neukolln, still a little disheveled, are stirring with new ideas and the injection of new culture. I notice more international languages being spoken now than when I first visited just 7 years ago. Little boutique shops and restaurants are cropping up everywhere. There is also more variety of cuisines offered, including all sorts of hipster smoothie bars and vegan/gluten-free menus.
Minimalist Lifestyle
Berlin is not flashy. It is not pretentious, nor is it expensive. There is a less palpable chase of external accoutrements, of ambition. The aesthetic of the city is minimalist and laid back — interiors usually utilize white walls, driftwood, exposed brick. The way of dressing is similar — functional, comfortable, with clean lines. Subways are rarely crammed with ambitious corporate-types during rush hour, and restaurants rarely require NY-style lines or waitlists.
For these reasons, I would consider Berlin one of the most livable and humane cities.