I really dislike a ‘how to spend 24 hours in ____’ guide, when the person writing the guide has themselves only spent 24 hours in the city in question. I am not quite so self-confident to assume that I, even with a little research, managed to convulsively discover the undisputed best ways to spend time in Berlin; instead I’d like to offer an insight into what I did manage to do in my 24 hours in Berlin, and what I thought of it. All of the photos here were taken on my brand new shiny Google Pixel XL phone (which Google kindly gifted to me), impressive huh?

Where I Stayed

The reason for my visit was the opening of the new Moxy hotel in Berlin’s Ostbahnhof area. With rooms starting at €68 per night, Moxy is technically speaking a budget hotel, which is the sort of hotel I almost always go for if booking my own city break, but doesn’t feel like any budget hotel I’ve ever stayed in before. The beds are super comfortable, the smart TV is big has loads of channels, the showers are nice, and the Berlin club-culture inspire lobby area feels more like a boutique hotel, with food and drink available 24 hours. It’s also really centrally located, 20 minutes’ walk from Alexanderplatz, 10 from the East Side Gallery,  and 15 from Berghain if that’s your sort of thing.

What I Ate

As it often is, my first priority upon arrival was food. ~As a vegan~ I had done some research into and had a whole bunch of recommendations for Berlin’s extensive range of vegan spots, and settled on Lily Burger. Unlike most UK vegan restaurants, Lily Burger also does veggie and meat options, which is great when travelling in a group of people with different dietary requirements, or those who refuse to go anywhere that doesn’t serve meat *cough* mum, dad.

A picture speaks a thousand words so I almost don’t need to tell you how ridiculously good and indulgent this burger was. I ate around 3pm and wasn’t hungry til about 4am which was time-efficient for my short trip, although I did struggle to move for my first hour after eating which slowed me down. 10/10 would recommend, would walk to Berlin from London to eat again.

What I Saw

My next stop post-food was to rejoin the rest of my group at the Holocaust memorial. Sadly we didn’t have time to also visit the museum so I can’t comment on that, but the memorial is visually very affecting and really worth seeing in my opinion. It’s also very close to the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, if you like landmarks.

Following this, I managed to successfully navigate Berlin’s semi-confusing subway system (buy yourself a €7 day pass and download City Mapper, or get an Uber if you’re really stuck) over to the Eastside Gallery part of the Berlin wall. Sadly a lot of it is fenced off due to vandalism, but you still get the idea and can get some great photos. If I had more time in the city I would definitely have wanted to visit some other galleries and museums, in particular the Bauhaus Archive.

Where I Partied

The rest of my evening was dedicated to the launch party at the Moxy, which was of course a one-off event, but they sure do know how to throw a party. With everything from waiters in PVC shorts to tattoos and a bondage room (yep) upstairs, I feel like the Moxy really showed off its club culture influences and liberal attitude.

outfit: pvc skirt – asos* / faux leather biker – urban outfitters* / pvc boots – public desire*

I dipped out of the party for a little while to see a pal and watch punk band Diät play a rowdy hometown show at a space called Urban Spree. Whenever I travel I always try to make it to a gig; do some research via Facebook events and Songkick to find out what might be happening while you’re in Berlin.

My night ended in Schwuz, one of the city’s many massive gay clubs. I definitely had a drink and a dance and was very glad of the 24/7 food on returning to Moxy in the early hours. I’m dying to go back to Berlin, and for a little longer this time ~ bis später, Berlin!