I am very used to the combination of traveling to Tori Amos shows with a side of vacation. I guess it’s prepared me well for this newfound world of race adjacent excursions! Similar to when I travel to Tori shows, I cannot totally pass up seeing some of the local hotspots, just in case I do not get to go back in the future.
Previously, I have been to Germany on a couple other occasions — to Heidelberg on one of the group school trips my mom coordinated during high school and to Hamburg when I spoke at the Marketing 2.0 and Social Media Conference. But this would be my first time visiting Berlin!
My time there was definitely limited — as well as focused on all things running and trying to somewhat save my legs for the big race. I couldn’t help doing a little sightseeing and, of course, making the most of all the meals! For more of a race-centric recap, check out my Substack, Mom on the Long Run, here!
Monkey Bar
Overlooking the Zoo, Monkey Bar is located on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin. It’s appropriately named as it overlooks the zoo’s monkey house. I went with their Watermelon Ape cocktail — Roku Craft Gin, lemon and watermelon. So refreshing!
Hasir Restaurant
On Friday night I decided I would start the carb load but wanted to keep it lowkey. I stopped into Hasir Restaurant because it was close to my hotel and had lovely outside seating. Their fresh pita was amazing. I really loved their hummus, which was prepared with Turkish beef ham and was like none I’ve ever had before. The Sigara Böreği was also delicious — five fried pastry rolls with feta cheese and herbs.
Ristorante Arlecchino
I was really excited about the restaurant I found for the night before the race — until I showed up for a super early dinner and was told they were booked for the entire night. #Fail
Plan B – I instead spent way too long wandering around trying to find somewhere to eat. I almost gave up and went to Five Guys before finding my way to Ristorante Arlecchino, where they took pity on a solo diner who was more than happy to pay them in all cash. I kept it super simple — Tortelioni Burro e Salvia (tortellini with spinach and ricotta). It was so fresh and light. Perfect pre-race treat! So grateful they gave me a table!
Die Creme
Coffee was a must have during my time in Berlin. Die Crème was super cute and was conveniently located close to my hotel and also had a nice size selection of fresh pastries. Great spot for something to grab and go.
East Side Gallery
I spent Friday afternoon at the East Side Gallery, an open-air art gallery spanning the longest continuous remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Seeing it in person was honestly unreal — knowing what it represents, seeing just how far it still continues to go and knowing the amount of distance it previously occupied.
I didn’t plan on walking a lot but found myself walking for as long as I could. Such a powerful spot. One definitely not to be missed even on the quickest of trips.
Burgermeister
After the race which was very humid and hot, I just wanted to eat and go home. I’d bought tickets to the Berlin Braves afterparty but with rain coming in and the temps diving, I quickly lost interest. A lovely burger at Burgermeister it was!
The burger was very similar to a Shake Shack burger — which in my book is a good thing. I had the Meisterburger, which was bacon, fried onions, BBQ sauce, mustard, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles and red onions.
Alt-Berliner-Biersalon
I felt like a visit to at least one beer garden was a must do, even as a “non beer drinker”. Right before I took a cab to the airport I headed to Alt-Berliner-Biersalon right as they opened.
I had some wonderful chicken schnitzel with French fries. And no beer for me but I had a lovely aperol spritz and was wearing my medal for the entire thing, naturally.
Overall I had such a wonderful whirlwind trip to Berlin. I’d love to go back sometime to see even more of the city – and/or to give the Berlin Marathon another go. Until next time!
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