The most intriguing draw of the German capital, Berlin, may be that it is so different from the rest of the country. For many, the city stands as almost an island in the nation, culturally removed not only from the German spirit but unlike anywhere else in Europe.
If you want to explore the alternative heartbeat of the city, here are some tips.
The European capital of street art
Booking into any of the modern youth hostels in the city is a great starting point. Berlin’s alternative culture is just one facet of this complex metropolis. The best hostels capture a more conventional ethos and the budget experience doesn’t have to be a compromise on quality, however, they will put you right in the middle of a thriving hub of alternative living. On the surface, this aspect is perhaps best exemplified through street art. From Kreuzberg to Alexanderplatz, there is no shortage of buskers, street artists, galleries and studios of independent artists enclosed in niches or on display in squares. Few cities in Europe can match this commitment to alternative expression, and the best establishments pride themselves on creating a truly immersive visitor experience.
A performance tour
One of the great benefits of staying in one of Berlin’s youth hostels is the connections you can forge. Often staffed by locals who are part of the city’s network of alternative social groups, they are a wealth of information waiting to be tapped. For example, many hostels run alternative tours or offer free admission to specialty bars and performance spaces. You can discover hidden pockets of art, comedy, music, dance and philosophical debate, with a distinctive underground flavor, that you might not easily stumble upon on your own.
alternative nightlife
Like other European capitals, Berlin attracts young people in droves for its eclectic nightlife. Thousands of travelers come each month to experience the bars, restaurants, theaters, music venues and clubs that have infiltrated so many city streets and suburban enclaves. Knowing where to go and what special events are taking place can be difficult for a tourist, but youth hostels offer an easy and safe base to venture into the world’s most innovative and specialized nightlife scenes.
An alternative to the alternative
A key to alternative culture’s appeal anywhere is its ability to change form. Ideas and trends are always being challenged, refreshed and recycled and many people are looking to find an alternative to the prevailing alternative culture! Berlin has an impressive array of evolving cultures to explore on the doorstep of excellent youth hostels, and from permaculture tours to underground candlelit book clubs, there’s enough to keep you busy for weeks.
