Berlin is home to the largest race track in the entire country: Rennbahn Hoppegarten. The track is located on the outskirts of the city, and has been hosting world-class racing events since 1868. Many important races take place here, most notably the Grand Price of Berlin, the highlight of the season. This year it will take place on August 12th. It is a Group I flat race over a distance of 2,400 m (about a mile and a half) and is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds or older.

Other notable group races include The Oleander-Rennen (Group 2), Soldier Hollow Diana-Trial (Group 2), Preis der Deutschen Einheit (Group 3), and Silbernes Pferd (Group 3).

Trabrennbahn Mariendorf, located at Mariendorfer Damm, is the harness racing track where exciting races take place every season and total attendance reaches around 150,000 guests. Berlin-Mariendorf generates 45 percent of the total betting turnover on German race tracks and hosts over 650 races annually, making it one of the most successful racing tracks in Germany. Opened in 1913, spread across 20 hectares, it contains 32 stables and can accommodate over 800 horses. The most important event of the season is the German Derby-Week, attended by around 40,000 spectators. Around 700 horses will compete for various prizes, amounting to EUR 1 million. Especially popular is the German Traber Derby, first held in 1895 and hosted by Mariendorf since 1952. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of August and is where the best horses battle for victory. The event isn’t only about the races, as visitor can also enjoy a fashion show, diverse culinary offering and fireworks.

Open every Sunday, this beautiful race track is a bit like a trip to the past, and will make you feel nostalgic about the golden age of horse racing.

Another track used for harness racing is the Pferdesportpark Karlshorst, located in Lichtenberg. It opened in 1894 and was initially used for steeplechase racing. It is a historic site where army horse races were held already in 1862. After the WWII, the course was rebuilt to become the only harness racing track in GDR. It was at that time that its area doubled, but the part of the land was sold in 2004 due to economic crisis. Today, the race track is thriving again, hosting races twice a month and a harness driving school.

Here is the list of some of the best places to go shopping in Berlin.

Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstraße

Kurfürstendamm, the Oxford street of Berlin begins at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where the shopping mall Europacenter is also to be found. You can explore over 100 shops of all the most exclusive brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, and Cartier.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on shopping, you can still find plenty of great stuff at Tauentzienstraße, if you go east from the church. At the beginning of the street you will find a luxurious department store KaDeWe, where you can purchase premium products from around the world.

Friedrichstraße

This vibrant boulevard, full of luxury goods, is one of the most visited shopping districts in Berlin. Here you will also find Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus, a huge book and music store, and Galeries Lafayette department store.

Mall of Berlin

Opening-Hours: 10.00 – 21.00

Located between Friedrichstraße and Potsdamer Platz, the Mall of Berlin was opened in September 2014. Spread over four floors, it has more than 270 shops, where you can purchase all kinds of goods, from fashion to food. You will find all the major brands and department stores here.

Alexa

Opening Hours: 10.00 – 21.00

Located very conveniently in the city centre, very close to Alexanderplatz, Alexa is one of the biggest shopping centres in Berlin. It has 180 shops spread over 5 floors. You will find all the most popular fashion brands here: Zara, Mango, H&M, Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger… It is a great choice is you don’t have too much time for shopping.

Bikini Berlin

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:00

Bikini Berlin is a small but unique concept shopping mall located at Berlin’s Zoological Garden. This hipster paradise is full of designer brands, both local and international. Artsy, edgy, indie, this mall is for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

The Hackescher Markt

Student shopping heaven, charming and artistic, is home to lots of unique little shops with cute gifts and many great restaurants. Enjoy the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture of The Hackesche Höfe as you explore its small specialized shops and local brands.

Flea Markets

Sunday is the day for an adventure! It’s time to visit one of Berlin’s flea markets, discover the hidden treasures of the city at cheap prices, bargain and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Some of the most popular flea markets are located at Mauerpark, at the station Ostbahnhof, along the Straße des 17. Juni, at Arkonaplatz, and at the Kreuzboerg Flowmarkt.

Joining the FBL costs €78 annually and a competition is already set up since this organization has been hosting an amateur league for a while now. This organization boasts opportunities such as support in training, free Spalding basketballs, jerseys and training equipment. Training takes place in a number of places across Berlin to mention a few in particular: Jahn Sports Hall and Albert-Einstein High School.

Moreover, FBL gives you the opportunity to be creative so that you may choose your team logo, team name, and jersey colours. That’s right! You can have your own basketball franchise. All that is required is that you gather a roster of at least 12 players – so that you may endure the entire season. This is really recommended for basketball enthusiasts that love to play the game like their heroes. Once the season is over the top teams from the leagues will enter in the playoffs. Of course, league winners, and finals winners are all rewarded for their efforts.

Founded in 1991, ALBA Berlin, is the largest German basketball team by membership figures. The Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin), a real stunning piece of architecture, is home to the professional team, affectionately nicknamed – Berlin Albatrosse. So if you would like to see a professional game, the arena is the place to be especially because ALBA is the most successful German team both domestically and internationally. They currently possess the FIBA Korać Cup, three German Super Cups, nine German Cups, and eight German Championships. With great success comes a large attendance of 10,000 people on average per game – the arena capacity is 14,500. Be sure to check out the ball handling skills of Peyton Siva and the dominating forward that is Marius Grigonis. Unfortunately, we will be seeing less of Luke Sikma due to him resigning at ALBA just this year – his list of achievements is rather long but one should mention that he was largely responsible for ALBA reaching the Cup Final.

As for the rest of us that do not wish to play competitively but just enjoy whatever the weather has on offer, Tempelhof Feld is the place to be. It is one of Berlin’s largest parks.

Whether you are a fan, recreational player, or professional that can’t wait to test his mettle in the arena training grounds, there are plenty of opportunities in the great city of Berlin.

Karneval der Kulturen (18-21st of May)

Celebrated annually since 1996, Karneval der Kulturen is a multicultural festival held in Kreuzberg, Berlin. This beautiful festival is reminiscent of Notting Hill Carnival in London and Zomercarnaval in Rotterdam. Procession groups that perform at the festival have grown in number whereby now one can see more than 4,000. These procession groups showcase both musical and theatrical performances and come from many parts of Germany, as well as some parts of Africa and South America. If you ever get hungry, have no fear, food stalls are always near, and due to the special event we would highly recommend trying some foreign foods that are usually exclusive to these occasions.

Torstrasse Festival (8-11th of June)

This festival shares its name with the street where the event takes place, located in central Berlin. This wonderful musical festival will take place in June this year and the theme will be forever – not contemporary but forever, not retro but ageless. The music that transcends time in 2018 will include the likes of: Catnapp, DENA, Lucrecia Dalt, Bad Hammer, and much more. As a matter of fact, over 40 concerts will be held this year over the course of the three days. As this is a festival that is specific to Berlin it is a must see for any visitor searching for a good time.

Fete de la Musique (21st of June)

Fete de la Musique or World Music Day is held every year on the 21st of June where musicians play on the streets. The musical palate is diverse as it includes orchestras, DJ’s, choirs, soloists, etc. This festival is, strictly speaking, not a festival specific to Berlin but rather a worldwide festival. Its origins can be traced to Jack Lang, French Minister of Culture, and Maurice Fleuret in 1982. The expression that best describes this event is just as accurate as it was when Maurics and Jack first pondered the thought: “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere.” The event soon gained popularity and became celebrated by over 340 cities. There are no admission fees for this event and there is plenty of food to keep you going!

Pure and Crafted (26-27th of August)

If rock ‘n’ roll or fast motorbikes is not the answer, then you are asking the wrong question. This festival brings together great food, luscious beer, lively music, along with the cold steel of exhaust popes and revved up engines of motorcycles. Along with the festivities this event presents a custom bike show and outdoor performances from acrobats. The bikes are of course in the spotlight during the two days and you will see both custom made and mass produced vehicles. So be sure to wear your best leather clothing to the Pure and Crafted.

Lollapalooza (8-9th September)

This year the Olympiastadion and Olympiapark Berlin will be filled with spectacular acts. Get over to  Olympischer Platz 3 to see: David Guetta, Kraftwerk 3D, Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, Liam Gallagher, and much more. Historically, Lollapalooza has attracted fantastic bands; for example, in 2017 top acts were the Foo Fighters and Mumford & Sons, while in 2016 we got to see Radiohead and Kings of Leon. The festival regularly attracts around 75,000 visitors and as a result is one of Germany’s ultimate events of the year.

Hertha BSC are based in Charlottenburg and the club is also known as Die Alte Dame (“the old lady”). This 126-year-old professional club competes in the top tier of the German Bundesliga and is positioned in 10th place this season. Its current stadium is the Olympiastadion with a capacity of 74,475 seats. Hertha is a two time German Champion, three times 2. Bundesliga, and two-time league cup winner. This team does have its fair share of accolades and would be a great team to watch if you are visiting the city of Berlin. Hertha normally opt for the classic 4-4-2 with emphasis on the left wing due to the likes of Salomon Kalou – their top scorer with 12 goals.

Pascal Köpke, son of world-class goalkeeper Andreas Köpke, just signed for Hertha BSC. In order to get an impression for what the club is like it would be informative to hear about it from the perspective of a professional player. When asked about his decision to make the move to the club he said that he ‘knew from the start that Hertha was the place for me and that I wanted to move here.’ In terms of a footballer’s life and how one finds the city amenable Pascal went on ‘I’ve visited the city with my girlfriend quite a few times when we’ve had the time to on weekends. We met up with Davie and his girlfriend and went to restaurants and cafés. We really like the city – there’s so much to do and to discover here.’

Hertha is not the only football club that is based in Berlin. Köpenick is home to FC Union Berlin and they play at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, which literally means ‘Stadium at the old forester’s house.’ Allegedly, the first ever music performance at the stadium was done by Linkin Park in 2015 where they performed in front of 35,000 fans. This is quite extraordinary since the stadium capacity on match-day is 22,012 while the capacity for concerts is said to be 27,000. FC Union Berlin play in the second tier of German professional football and are well known for their chant ‘Eisern Union’ – ‘Iron Union’ in English. The Eisern Union is also the affectionate nickname for the club since it was a working class club initially. Originally, FC Union Berlin had blue kits that resembled the clothing of factory workers and the team had been once referred to as the ‘Schlosserjungs’ or ‘metalworker-boys.’

Berliner FC Dynamo is also a club from Berlin that has enjoyed immense success in the past. It is the record holder for most consecutive championships in East Germany with a whopping total of 10 from 1979 through to 1988. Despite its remarkable success the Berliner now battle in the fourth tier of German regional football. As a result ticket prices are very cheap where VIP spots cost a mere €50. On the bright side, the team’s average age is a young 25, meaning that there is a lot of potential to rise above the tiers and challenge some tougher titles in the near future.  

The heroine of this tasty dish is none other than Herta Charlotte Heuwer, who had invented the take-out dish in 1949. Heuwer enjoyed so much success in her peak years that she employed 19 saleswomen and was open day and night on Kaiser-Friedrich-Straße 59. On the 29th of June 2003 the German government dedicated a plaque in her honour on said street. Their beauty is in the sauce with a combination of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder and other ingredients. Of course a German sausage is simply a synonym for good sausage and when these ideas meet it is heaven in the midst of potatoes.

Basically, the German snack is a pretzel. You can get yourself a pretzel at a cornerstone, supermarket, bakery, out-door food vendor, café… You get the point. This ubiquitous food is also adequately accompanied by a maas, or a litre of beer, in order to quench the thirst. Usually seasoned with salt, the pretzel is a simple snack that is made from dough. Although some have tried all sorts of seasonings and variations to the by now cemented recipe, one must try the classic perfected treat that comes to us from the Early Middle Ages – you can literally taste the history.

Eisbein or “ice leg” is yet another must in order to satiate your lust for German cuisine. It is a slightly boiled ham hock served with pease pudding ­– which is a savoury pudding made from legumes. Numerous variations of this meal exist but in Berlin it is served with pease pudding. In the south of Germany the ham is normally roasted while in Franconia it is served with potatoes or sauerkraut.

My favourite geometrical figure has always been the torus due to its uncanny resemblance to the doughnut – or maybe it’s just me. Interestingly, the Berliner Pfannkuche, or simply Berliner, has contested the doughnut’s iconic status through pure mathematical genius. Across the Atlantic, German gourmet chefs decided that the hole needed filling with marmalade or jam and hence a delicacy was born. It is said that Germans like to fill the Berliner Pfannkuche with mustard without telling the customers as a practical joke.

The stadium is built on what once was a rail goods yard. It can be found right next to Mühlenstraße. Mercedes-Benz arena can, in addition to normal means, be reached by a boat. This is achieved via the East Side Gallery.  Are you in Berlin for a monumental concert? No problem – there are many hotels in the vicinity of the stadium. Finding one that suits you is a simple matter.

The size and the capacity of the arena are its pride and joy – the total area of the venue is 60 000 square meters. The building incorporates 4 200 tons of steel and eight passenger lifts. It can hold 17 000 people and hosts over 100 events every year with over one million visitors coming from near and far to witness their favorite game or concert.

If you want to take a look at the arena and its facilities, but are, for whatever reason, unable to do so, or you want to choose the seat that is just right for you and people accompanying you, their official website has a virtual tour. You are but a few clicks away from finding the optimal place to watch your favorite events.

There are a few rules that you must follow, though. There are no backpacks or bags allowed inside, with the exception of one small bag or handbag. If you have a bag, it will be stored away for a small fee. Children and persons under the age of 16 must have someone to chaperone them. There is no smoking or taking pictures.

One of the benefits is that the people in wheelchairs or mobility issues have access to the venue. Parking is also supplied (free for those who have reduced mobility of 70% or higher), as well as elevators taking you to your desired level.

As for the rest, parking spots are limited, so it might be a good idea to book them in advance. If searching for the perfect parking spot is too much of a hassle for you, there is a Park & Ride option – leading you to parking spaces in the vicinity of your desired location. Let’s not forget that one course of action that can be taken is using public transport.

To summarize, Mercedes-Benz Arena is accommodating, easily accessible, and affordable location that features many an interesting event. It welcomes all, with some additional rules to follow, and you can book a seat, as well as a parking spot, in advance. All in all, this venue is more than adequate and we sincerely hope that you will enjoy your visit in the refurbished arena formerly known as O2 World.

Different sections offer different wonders and different kinds of excitement and entertainment. From buying traditional souvenirs to playing the lottery, there’s so much that you can do. Many people go to Berlin and spend their time online trying to find something interesting to do. If you’re into games of chance, you can read the review of EuroJackpot prizes and bonuses later, but now is the right time to take a virtual stroll around Berlin. We will cover just a fraction of neighborhoods that can be found in the city centre, the West Berlin, and the East Berlin. We will dive into just some of the different areas of Berlin that might tickle your fancy.

City Centre

Mitte

This is the source of Berlin – it is from here that the city grew into what it is today. The original small settlement lay quietly on the river Spree in the 1200s. You can see the Reichstag and hit the shops. The cosmopolitan atmosphere will help you relax and soak up the Mitte experience. If this is not your cup of tea, don’t fret – we are just getting started.

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

What separates this section of Berlin’s centre from all others is its cultural diversity. A person visiting is welcome to taste alternative lifestyles, making it a very hip place to be in Berlin, if not the world.

West Berlin

Steglitz-Zehlendorf

Forests. Over 700 acres of land is filled with woods and lakes. In the district of Dahlem, brimming with villas, Steglitz-Zehlendorf is one of Berlin’s most prized possessions. The Botanic Garden, designed by Alfred Koerner, boasts 43 hectares of land. Inviting and suitable for nature lovers and hikers alike, the garden has a section called the Botanical Museum. Curiously enough, it is the only one of its kind in central Europe, as it is a museum completely dedicated to plant life.

Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Over time, Tempelhof-Schöneberg did not prove to be immune to changes. In its southern part, you will find the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum. If you instead go west, you will find yourself in the neighborhood where Einstein lived.

East Berlin

Pankow

Pankow welcomes anyone and everyone, as this cosmopolitan area houses families and creative artists, leading to peculiar and interesting little shops at every corner. Ever since its creation, it served a purpose of being an asylum for those who wish to avoid the rat race and crowds of the city life. It has many parks and gardens, and one and only Schönhausen Palace.

Lichtenberg

Once a working-class district, it is now home to somber, but not listless people. It is perfect for visitors interested in the twentieth-century history, as it boasts the Friedrichsfelde cemetery, Karlshorst –  a museum dedicated to German and Russian relationship over the years, and an ex-prison – the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial.

To Summarize

You can find pretty much anything in Berlin, if you know where to look. It really isn’t an issue whether you desire a peaceful walk in the park, an otherworldly artistic corner, an exquisite shopping spree, or, speaking of Spree, a guided cruise along the river. Berlin offers its embrace and magic to everyone.

35th Avon Running for Women 2018

This is the largest women’s run in Germany. The participants are going to run through Tiergarten for 10 kilometers (a little over 6 miles). The purpose of this sports venue is to raise awareness regarding women’s health issues, like fighting breast cancer.

2nd Yoga Night

The LANGENACHTDESYOOOGA, or the Yoga Night, allows the visitors to participate and explore many different types of Yoga. Everybody is welcome, regardless of their body type and prowess. The proceeds of the event will go towards making Yoga workshops in penitentiaries, women’s shelters, centers for children with learning disabilities, etc.

Dance Course at Kunsthaus Flora

Would you like to dance? If you don’t know how (and even if you do), the Dance Course at Kunsthaus Flora is the place where your passion for dancing will be awoken or rekindled. A quick note for the would-be dancers – this event is for adults only.

BIG 25

While running was popular in the rest of the world, Germany was facing its own problems with political and economic division. Running was not a priority. However, in 1981, in West Germany, the French Armed Forces, specifically Major Bride, decided to organize a street race using the race from Paris to Versailles as a model. They had a right to do so, on the grounds that they greater authority than the German law at the time, so they blocked the traffic and started a tradition that still continues. Big 25 is 25 kilometers long, and the number of runners increases every year.

The Velothon

Cyclists are often overlooked when it comes to sporting events. Not here. The Velothon welcomes all cyclists, big and small, beginners and pros. Whether you want to compete, beat your personal best, or just participate and have fun, this is the right event for you. This cycling venue is second only to the legendary Tour de France. There are three courses – the Velothon 60, the Velothon 100 and the Velothon 160.

The Velothon 60 is, you’ve guessed it, sixty kilometers long. Suitable for beginners, it will give you chance to pass by the Brandenburg Gate or the Potsdamer Platz. The Velothon 100 goes as far as Brandenburg. The Velothon 160 is the combination of the two, recommended only to the toughest and fastest cyclists.

Are you feeling athletic and lucky? Would you like to test your limits? Are you up for some healthy recreation? Or, perhaps, you would rather be a spectator to physical prowess of others. In any case, there are many events created for our benefit that would be a shame to miss.

Berghain & Panorama Bar

This is a popular, if not the most popular, club in Berlin. The venue that was previously an abandoned power plant is nicknamed the Church of Techno. As soon as people get off work on Friday and until it is time to go back on Monday morning – there is an unforgettable and unmatched array of techno beats and tireless DJs, taking you to another world where words mean very little. If you need to take a break, you can jump over to the Panorama Bar, where house music dominates, along with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. When your batteries are recharged, you can return, and alternate between the two locations as needed or preferred. Getting in might be a challenge, but it is well worth it.

Salon zur Wilden Renate

This place is perfect for the hunters of the bizarre – The Labyrinth of Circus Fun is wild and uncontrollable. Vivid makeup and colorful characters are just the tip of the iceberg, as there is a realistic chance of getting a bit tipsy and then having trouble exiting what is actually a real labyrinth.

Chalet

Chalet is perfect for people who fantasize about the nineteenth century. Unlike most clubs, they are open seven days a week. Speaking German is needed to get in, don’t drink before getting to the club, and get informed prior to your visit which party it is that you wish to attend. With these tips, you should have problems getting in.

Tresor

This club is almost as old as the reunification of Germany. Originally a record label, this Techno club launched some of the great artists, like Robert Hood and House of Fix. There are many dance floors and a plethora of ravers to meet. Be sure to check it out.

://about blank

With a very unusual name, this club comprised of a variety of spaces is open to many. There are different types of parties, so absolutely anyone can enjoy themselves, provided they choose the right part of the club and the right night. You’d best leave your phone at home, though, as there are no pictures allowed. This is done to protect their patrons’ privacy. If you want to take a break from this club and move on to the next, Sisyphos and Wilde Renate are very near.

Sisyphos

The party is on the beach! Located between an abandoned dog food factory and a run-down bus (it is much better than it sounds), it has some of the most friendly club staff you will ever come across, as well as a chilled-out atmosphere. Allow yourself to go off the grid, and immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience.