Hipmunk City Love: Planning an Artsy Trip to Berlin

Berlin is no stranger to art.

From the ever-growing street art scene to the more traditional art enclaves, Germany’s capital is one of the best places in Europe to go to become immersed in the creative – and unique – art scene.

It’s hard to miss art in Berlin – it can be found pretty much everywhere.

The key to planning an art-focused trip to Berlin is to know where to look for the ultimate art-lover experience.

Take a Free Walking Tour of the Underground Art Scene

Alternative Berlin has been offering responsible guided tours of the underground street art  and graffiti scene in Berlin for the better half of a decade. These free tours deliver participants to gritty artist squats, a bombed-out train-depot-turned-skate-park, autonomous and abandoned locals, daytime parties, summer flea markets, funky shops, iconic murals and even landmarks like The Bethanien House.

The tour operates twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and meets in front of the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz. Guides are extremely well-versed and provide excellent insight and knowledge about not only this fascinating sub-culture, but also the artists themselves.  It is perhaps the most interesting look at a side of Berlin most visitors don’t have the opportunity to explore.

Check out the Alternative Art Museums

Berlin has hundreds of art galleries in Berlin to check out. It’s easy to spend an entire visit to the city simply checking off the galleries. While the city has far too many to mention, some of them stand out. The KW Museum of Contemporary Art offers a creative space to focus on contemporary work. Formerly a margarine factory, today the museum is home to rotating exhibits that include performance art. The museum’s 6-euro price tag is well worth the entry to see what it offers.

Part museum, part memorial, the East Side Gallery is an iconic collective work of art that won’t be around forever. Amassing a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall, the gallery features more than 100 artists’ work. The East Side Gallery honors the city’s freedom and serve as a reminder of its past.

Finally, be sure to check out Urban Nation, one of the most popular street art museums in Berlin. It features famous artists, as well as new artists. The museum plays host to exhibitions, workshops and events year-round.

Eat and Drink in Art

Emma Pea combines the graffiti scene in Berlin with the growing trend toward a vegetarian/vegan diet. Here, nosh on healthy goodness while surrounded by graffiti. It’s the ultimate cultural combo that highlights two elements that makes this city so special.

During the summer months, when Berlin truly comes alive, head to YAAM Beach Bar—one of the stops on the aforementioned Alternative Berlin tour. Here, art meets the party and dining scene with Caribbean dishes, impromptu games and live music (including lessons).

Stay in Art

The vibrant nhow Berlin, located near the Eastside Gallery, is as colorful and artsy as it is cool. This four-star hotel features urban and contemporary art, plus two music studios.  Dubbed a music and lifestyle hotel, nhow Berlin offers more than 300 rooms – many of which overlook the River Spree – in a gorgeous environment. The hotel includes a fitness center and spa, restaurant, bar and a large gallery with exhibitions.

Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove.