Updated on November 10th, 2026
My name is Jaspal Singh, a lawyer and education consultant whose love of travel often leads me to seek out unexplored destinations and hidden gems. With my work rooted in overseas education, travel, and immigration, I frequently travel for professional engagements. Berlin, which I visited for ICEF workshops in 2022 and 2024, left a lasting impression on me. During my early November trip, I explored the lively city while visiting several university campuses. Berlin’s transformation from a conflict-ridden town to one that deeply embraces openness and diversity profoundly impacted me. Berlin is a living narrative of resilience, history, and culture, and each visit reveals new layers, ensuring there is always something more to discover. I hope my blogs inspire your wanderlust, and Berlin deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Rising from the Ashes: Berlin’s Resilience
One of the most remarkable qualities of Berlin is its ability to rise from adversity, standing as a powerful testament to the strength of its people. Despite its scarred past, shaped by war and division, the city thrives on a spirit of acceptance, diversity, and determination, reminding us that renewal is always possible.
A symbol of this resilience is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche). Originally completed in 1895, the church suffered heavy damage during Allied bombing in 1943. Instead of rebuilding it completely, they preserved the ruins to honour the tragic history of the conflict and the lives lost. The remaining tower, famously known as the “hollow tooth,” serves as a striking reminder of the devastation of World War II. Adjacent to the preserved ruins stands a modern memorial church featuring a beautiful, striking blue glass façade.
Architectural Majesty and Culinary Treats
While exploring the past’s resilience, you must also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and culinary scene of modern Berlin. Near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Charlottenburg, you can find a weekly market featuring a variety of food and seasonal specialities. This market is well worth a visit and highlights the city’s lively food culture.
While you are exploring, be sure to try Currywurst (non-veg), a Berlin street-food staple. This popular dish is a grilled sausage topped with curry-flavoured ketchup.
Another architectural marvel enhancing the city’s beauty is the New Church (Neue Kirche). This prominent landmark, with its elegant design and rich history, complements the surrounding Gendarmenmarkt. This picturesque area is often bustling with locals and tourists alike. Visitors here can appreciate both the architectural splendour of the churches and the vibrant atmosphere that characterises one of Berlin’s most celebrated public spaces.
Iconic Landmarks: Symbols of Peace and Remembrance
No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting the Brandenburg Gate, the city’s landmark, which we visited on the last day of the trip. People originally built this stunning monument to symbolise peace, but it has since witnessed some of Berlin’s most significant historical events. It stood stoic as it divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War and later became a powerful beacon of hope and unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I advise visiting early in the day to appreciate its grandeur without the bustle of sizeable crowds. We took a few photos to capture the moment.
Just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate lies the powerful Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This profound monument, comprising 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a precise grid pattern, is designed to invite reflection on the Holocaust. The atmosphere here is solemn and respectful, serving as a crucial reminder of our history. Below the slabs, the underground “Place of Information” offers poignant insights into the lives of approximately three million Jewish victims. Approach this monument with the reverence it deserves, avoid excessive photos, and refrain from sitting on the memorial blocks.
An Urban Retreat: Tiergarten Park and Panoramic Views
After soaking in the profound history and solemn reflection, tourists can find a serene retreat in Tiergarten Park. Covering 500 acres, this park is a lush oasis in the heart of Berlin, featuring sprawling gardens and rich wildlife. It is the perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch amid nature.
At the very centre of Tiergarten stands the magnificent Victory Column. This monumental structure, a tribute to Germany’s military victories, rewards those who climb to the top with stunning panoramic views of the city. While the park is also home to the Berlin Zoo, which I didn’t have time to visit, it’s a restorative space.
Berlin invites everyone to share in its ongoing story. The deeper you explore, the more alive Berlin becomes. It is a city of stories.
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1 Comment
Thanks for sharing moments