Discover Berlin, Germany’s Cultural Capital

Berlin is home to a wide array of artistic talent. A man slips his acoustic guitar from its case as he belts a soulful rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” He basks in the echo of his strum before swiftly exiting the train with the push of a button, leaving no trace.

Rocking to the gentle sway of the U-Bahn, I still think of the German man singing a British rock classic as passersby nod along to his melody. What a beautiful display of cultural exchange. These unexpected, fleeting moments bring life to our everyday routines.

My time in Berlin has taught me to slow down and truly consider the impact my actions have on the world around me. Cultural appreciation is the intentional practice of engaging with a culture different from your own. When given the opportunity to travel, it is up to us to make conscious efforts to learn a new culture.

Know the history
Orientation Day concluded with one of my favorite memories in the city: a walking tour of Mitte, Berlin’s geographic and historical center. Our incredible tour guide was none other than Ryan Balmer, creator of Berlin Reguided.

Kicking off our history lesson with a whiteboard drawing, Ryan told us the story of how Berlin came to be. From a city once divided among four global powers, Berlin emerged as a multicultural hub and sanctuary for marginalized people, including queer, disabled, and immigrant communities. Understanding Berlin’s rich yet complex history set the stage for our semester of discovery.

So who’s ready for a Night at the Museum (Island)? I sure am! Unlike its name suggests, Museum Island isn’t a place for castaways. The five-museum complex sits right in the heart of the city. Its central location makes it a must-see for one-day travelers looking to soak up Berlin’s heritage.

These buildings capture Prussian architecture, a vestige of the ruling families who draped the city in symbols of opulence and power. Education fosters a deep appreciation for culture, and as a museum lover, I’m ecstatic to spend hours roaming these marble halls.

Support the local economy
History isn't just found in museum galleries; it lives in the neighborhoods where Berliners express themselves through storytelling, visual art, and fashion.

Germans love sustainability, so after soaking up high culture in Mitte, my friends and I grabbed our bags and hit the shops. Walking down Adalbertstraße, we stopped by a thrift store specializing in quality leather boots and coats.

This Kreuzberg shop was fitted with racks upon racks of secondhand clothing looking for a new home. The best part? Most items were under €20! Cue the movie makeover montage!

Take the road less traveled
Stepping back out onto the pavement with our vintage finds, we let the city's side streets guide us. Stop and smell the roses, as they say. I promise you won’t regret it.

Across the street, we came across a tree-lined pathway marked with a colorful painted sign. After checking nearby signage for visiting hours, we gently pushed open the wooden gate and approached the stable. A mom and her teenage son, both wearing brimmed hats, took turns refilling hay. We carefully lined up along the fence and admired the horses’ spotted grey coats from afar.

As much as I love spreadsheets and itineraries, sometimes it’s just as rewarding to go on a spontaneous adventure—a side quest, if you will. We were so amazed by this green sanctuary quietly tucked between graffiti-lined streets that we wouldn’t stop talking about it for the next few days. Meeting a German cowboy is something I can now officially check off my bucket list.

Enjoy a sweet (or savory) treat
As the adrenaline from our unexpected neighborhood rodeo faded, our appetites finally caught up. After nearly 20,000 steps and one pit stop, we indulged ourselves in a local delicacy: döner kebab.

When my friends suggested this corner shop for dinner, it was my first time hearing about this Turkish dish. I ordered a classic döner: a toasted flatbread filled with spit-roasted beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauces.

Döner in hand, we reflected on our favorite memories from the day as we made our way back to the apartments. As we moved from place to place, we took the time to listen genuinely and learn from one another.

In these quiet, observational moments, Berlin’s unique social fabric truly stands out. For instance, here in Berlin, it’s rare to find single-use plastic bags. Every shopper brings reusable totes to bag their groceries: a small act with the collective power to reduce human impact on the natural environment. At the end of the workday, you’ll also often see a long line at a Pfandautomat, or bottle return kiosk. Anyone who collects and returns bottles at the grocery store can earn back a bottle deposit. Not every household takes advantage of this recycling incentive; it’s very common for people to leave empty bottles just outside of trash bins—within easy reach for those who may need the extra cash. That’s respect.

Witnessing these acts of community care during my first week in Berlin opened my eyes to different ways of living rooted in solidarity. Engaging with locals has pushed me to appreciate the little moments in life I took for granted growing up in the United States. Adapting to a new culture requires not only an awareness of your own biases but also a strong willingness to embrace new experiences.

To be a conscious traveler takes humility, humanity, and a bit of humor to get you through those inevitable awkward moments. Knowing that there will be countless days of language barriers ahead hasn’t stopped me from practicing German. And, with that, I say: Willkommen! Welcome to Berlin!