2025-09-09T18:21:45Z
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In 2022, I embarked on an ambitious journey across Europe, one that was set entirely by train. My first stop was Berlin, the German capital, a city layered with almost eight centuries of history and culture. Arriving there felt symbolic, as if stepping into a city I had only known from books and films. What I discovered, however, was a place that was not merely about revisiting history but also about experiencing a vibrant, modern rhythm; in only forty‑eight hours, Berlin presented itself to me as an endlessly surprising and multidimensional destination.
Getting there was an adventure in itself. Departing from my home in New York City, I booked a direct transatlantic flight, and to my astonishment, the fare turned out to be significantly lower than I had anticipated. The flight lasted eight hours, crossing the Atlantic overnight on Norse Airways, a budget airline about which I had known very little before this trip. I opted for the most economical choice: economy light, which cost me an unbelievable $88, with an additional $20 airport check‑in fee. The total being around $108 for intercontinental travel struck me as surreal. Considering how unexpected the price was, I decided to allocate extra funds to secure a seat reservation in advance—adding $75 to the ticket price and bringing the overall amount to $183. The idea of reliably reaching Europe for approximately the cost of a domestic weekend flight in the United States was remarkable and set the positive tone for my journey.
My accommodations were no less intriguing. While I am certainly familiar with spatial limitations as someone who lives in New York, I found myself fascinated by the ingenuity of “tiny home” concepts that I occasionally book when traveling. I hoped Berlin would provide further inspiration in this domain—and it did so magnificently. Staying two nights in a tiny‑home hotel just outside the city cost $140 in total. I expected to find a modest version of what I had experienced in the United States, where the smallest space I had rented measured roughly 250 square feet. Instead, this German design stunned me: a two‑story cylindrical dwelling of only 100 square feet. Far from feeling restrictive, the arrangement was ingenious. It offered a cozy sitting area, a fully functional bathroom, and a compact staircase ladder that led to the bedroom upstairs. The space demonstrated how intelligent design could transform seeming limitations into comfort and efficiency, expanding my view of micro‑living possibilities.
Berlin’s public transportation network then presented me with another revelation. Living in New York City, I rely heavily on the subway, so I naturally gravitate toward using metro systems when traveling abroad. Yet stepping into an unfamiliar system—especially in a language I do not speak—can be intimidating. To my surprise and relief, Berlin’s renowned U‑Bahn proved refreshingly straightforward. The abundance of signs on platforms, coupled with reliable digital apps for buying tickets and mapping routes, meant that within hours, I was traveling with a confidence I hadn’t anticipated. Navigating the city became seamless, allowing me to focus more on absorbing its variety rather than worrying about logistics.
As I explored, I became increasingly captivated by Berlin’s balance between urban life and nature. I will always remember the tranquility of Statthaus Böckler Park, where graceful weeping willows lined the canal, creating shaded sanctuaries for passersby. I hadn’t expected such a wealth of green space woven so thoroughly into a thriving metropolis. Data confirms this: approximately thirty percent of Berlin consists of green areas, compared with just fourteen percent in New York City. Though both cities cherish their landmarks like Central Park, Berlin felt distinguished by the sheer pervasiveness of its greenery. Even residential architecture seemed harmonized with nature—facades covered by vines, balconies filled with plants, and houses set amidst tree‑lined streets. This lush integration endowed the city with a serene vibrancy.
The cultural character of Berlin further impressed me, particularly through its appreciation for live performance. Street corners in districts like Kreuzberg came alive with jazz musicians and other performers. Living in New York, I’m accustomed to watching commuters rush past buskers hardly giving them a glance. In Berlin, however, the dynamic was entirely different. Crowds lingered, some pausing to watch carefully, others letting the music add warmth to their conversations. To see an entire community engage with artists not just as background entertainment but as an integral part of the city’s social fabric gave Berlin an inviting, human quality that resonated deeply with me.
Of course, as a first‑time visitor, I knew I had to see the Berlin Wall. My expectation was to treat it as a solemn historical monument, a reminder of division. What I encountered instead was profoundly more complex. Visiting the East Side Gallery, I discovered how a portion of the wall had been transformed into a long outdoor art exhibition. Artists from around the world had turned the barrier’s concrete into a canvas, merging testimonial history with vibrant visual expression. Walking along, I encountered contrasting artistic styles, from politically charged murals to abstract works that celebrated freedom and unity. The experience surpassed my expectations—where I had looked for a history lesson, I found a unique and moving intertwining of history and artistic innovation. It was a fitting crescendo to my short stay in the German capital, embodying how the city constantly redefines itself while never letting go of its heritage.
In just forty‑eight hours, Berlin surprised me on every level—from affordable transatlantic access and inventive living spaces to efficient transit, abundant verdant landscapes, cultural warmth, and an unprecedented artistic reinterpretation of history. I arrived prepared to treat Berlin as a living museum of the past. I left realizing it is a constantly evolving metropolis where history and modern creativity walk together on the same cobblestone streets.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/new-yorker-first-trip-berlin-surprises
