You cannot live in Germany and not visit Berlin. It is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. It had to be done. We took advantage of O’s 4-day school weekend and hopped over to see the sights. Here is what we were able to manage in 4 days with 2 kids at 3 and under.
Berlin Zoo
When traveling with children, a stop at a zoo is a requirement. It is a bonus when the zoo happens to be the iconic Berlin zoo. We got there bright and early.
First chair! Wait I think that might only be a ski thing….
The zoo was absolutely beautiful and very well maintained.
The big crowd pleaser at the moment is the panda house.
In the middle of the zoo is an amazing playground. It is actually more like 4 playgrounds that are all connected with equipment for varying age ranges. Here is the toddler playground.
There is a lovely café right next to the playground to grab a coffee (within viewing range of the children) and of course the ice cream stands are strategically stationed close by as well. The kids (even the big one) loved it and it was hard to pull them away once it was time to move on.
We opted to do the Zoo and Aquarium combo ticket. The aquarium actually looks really small but it packs a big punch.
They had some really interesting jellyfish displays (everyone had their phones out to snap a picture). They had some crazy creatures.
What happened to this guy?
They also had lizards, reptiles and other creepy crawlers. Our kiddos were pretty tired by the time we got to the aquarium so we kind of sprinted through it but if your kiddos can tolerate a full day then I would recommend doing both.
Brandenburg Gate
One of Berlin’s iconic landmarks is the Brandenburg gate. We stayed fairly close to the gate so we were able to walk by and do the standard tourist stop and quick pictures.
Napoleon walked though this gate and so did we. So there is that….
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
This Memorial is only a block from the Brandenburg Gate. There is a lot of controversy surrounding it from what it symbolizes (like what do the blocks represent), what it doesn’t say and even what material was used to build it. It gives you this weird kind of confused feeling and from my understanding that is exactly how it is supposed to make you feel. I don’t want to comment too much on it. I highly suggest looking up some info on the site if you have an opportunity and visit the memorial if you get a chance so you can decide for yourself.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is 1.3 km of the Berlin Wall that has been preserved with artwork painted on the wall with various themes. It is an interesting mix of contemporary art and history.
I found it really interesting and it was worth the trip for us. There is also a museum at the start (or the end depending on the direction you are traveling I guess) of the wall. We didn’t make it that far.
The gallery is a little out of the way of the other sites but well worth the trip.
That’s it for Part 1. Part 2 coming soon.
