If you're headed to Berlin, you'll probably see all the great attractions. Here are 7 additional (and much cooler) things to do in Berlin.

Swim in the Badeschiff

It's a river barge (Badeschiff means Bathing Ship) that's now repurposed as a swimming pool! Located on the Spree River, it sports an open air bar and a sunbathing area. There are also massages, a sauna, classes, concerts, and parties! 4 Euro admission.  Info at arena-berlin.de/badeschiff.aspx

Take a Trabi Safari

Do you know the old-school car, the Trabant? Nicknamed Trabi, these cult vehicles of East Germany are back IN. Here's a tour that combines driving a Trabi with learning! You'll drive a Trabi in a convoy, while a guide accompanies the convoy in their own car, giving a live tour via the radio. You'll also get your own "Trabi Driving license"! Two Berlin tours include the Classic & Wild East, and the Wall Ride. There's also a Trabi Safari in Dresden. 30+ Euros per person, depending on group size. Two hour tour. Info at cms.trabi-safari.de

Trabi Safari at the Brandenburg Gate

Find the Berlin Wall

Not much is left of the Berlin Wall (mostly demolished in 1990). However, there's a one-mile section still left, called the EastSide Gallery. There are 106 paintings by artists from all over the world. It's a memorial for Freedom, and well worth a look. Info at eastsidegallery.com

Eastside Gallery - Berlin Wall

Take a Free Walking Tour!

There's a free walking tour of the capital every day - starts at the Brandenburg Gate at 11am and 1pm, daily. You'll head to Checkpoint Charlie, The Gendarmenmarkt, Museum Island, and end at the Old Royal Gardens. "This 3.5 hour English-language walking tour goes deeper than just introducing the sites: we delve into the city’s amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments." Very cool! Info at newberlintours.com/daily-tours/free-tour.html

New Berlin Tours free walking tour

Eat in the Dark

First brought to my attention by SpotCoolStuff.com, the Berlin restaurant  Nocti Vagus offers an entire non-visual experience. You dine in the dark, as well as take in a show (music, crime and comedy dinners, mystery dinner, ghosts, and more). Varied menu. Call or go online for reservations (and a schedule of events). Info at noctivagus.com/home_english.htm

Caffeinate and read at the same time

Buchkantine is a cafe (free Wi-fi) with plenty of books for sale. Although most are in German (brush up!), some are in English. What better to spend a few hours catching up on your email and work, than in such a lovely environment (with lots of coffee!). Fuller menu available, for when all that reading makes you hungry.

Buchkantine
Dortmunder Straße 1 · 10555 Berlin
Geöffnet täglich von 9.00 Uhr – 22.00 Uhr
buchkantine.de

Image from SpottedbyLocals.com

Visit an Abandoned Amusement Park

Surely you've seen those photos going around, of the ghostly abandoned parks and hotels? Well, there's one right here in Berlin. It's the Spreepark, formerly known as Kulturpark Plänterwald. There are regular tours that you can take, so as to better (and legally) photograph the creepy desolate ferris wheel, rotting, toppled, and occasionally headless fiberglass dinosaurs, cobwebbed rides, and weed-infested rollercoasters. Reservations required.

Kiehnwerderallee 1-3
Sat – Sun (& holidays) 11:00 – 19:00, through end of November
berliner-spreepark.de

Looking for a place to stay in Berlin? Choosing to rent an apartment over
staying in a hotel can make a holiday a much more relaxing experience.
Apartments offer more space, flexibilty and are a great way to save money
too! Take a look at Oh-Berlin.com for great apartments at great
prices.