Is the Coolest City in Europe Berlin?

Maybe it was because I had heard Berlin called the coolest city in Europe, but I could definitely feel a happy, tolerant vibe in the air. I didn’t feel like an outsider visiting, I felt like this could be my city too. One of those places you instantly feel connected to.

In 2014, USA Today called Berlin the European capital of cool. Time magazine made the same claim in 2009. I had also heard how wonderful this city was. Especially noted by other travelers to have a friendly, free-spirited vibe. Some even referred to it as one of the three great “B’s” of Europe (Barcelona, Berlin, and Budapest). So, I decided to check it out.

Berlin may no longer be listed on the web as the coolest city in Europe, but in my book it is!

Coolest Things About Berlin

Tolerance and Diversity

Tolerance and diversity is definitely one of the top things that makes Berlin the coolest city in Europe. As in other big cities, there’s a lot of diversity, but there’s more to it than that. Berlin is known to be a very tolerant and open place with a laid back lifestyle. There’s something about it that’s tangible in the air.

A huge part of the tolerant attitude here stems from a reaction to its history of repression, but part of it is also due to the diversity of its residents. About 14% of Berliners originate from outside of Germany, and 45% of those in the borough of Mitte (the touristy area) are foreigners. This diversity brings even more tolerance to the city.

Multi-Cultural Cuisine

On previous trips to Germany, many years ago, I found mainly German food, heavily focused on meat and potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of cultural food options in Berlin. There’s Turkish, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, burgers, pizza, vegan options, and much more, as well as traditional German food.

Great Beer!

Do I even need to say this?!?

Berlin’s Art Scene

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, rent was very low in east Berlin. This attracted artists and hippies to the empty factories and warehouses, which they used for art studios. Berlin is known for its art scene and is a big part of what makes this one of the coolest cities in Europe. There is art and creativity everywhere.

• Berlin has 170 museums, almost double the number of museums of New York City, which is only 10% larger. Many of them devoted to art.
• There are dozens of private art galleries. Even a gallery district.
• And street art is everywhere, like in Cinema Cafe alley below.

Clubbing and Techno Dancing

Berlin is known to be one of the best spots for clubbing in Europe, especially techno dancing. The club scene developed very quickly here after the fall of the Berlin Wall, as the locals wanted to explore their new found freedom and the resulting openness of self expression. As with the art scene, the low cost, empty warehouses provided the perfect venue. Clubbing has been going strong here ever since.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 people dance in clubs on weekends today. If you come here for the clubbing, I suggest researching it in advance as they can be difficult to get into. As information changes, it’s best to research top clubs online. Most, however, advise not dress ostentatiously, draw attention to yourself, or arrive in large groups. They also suggest that you answer questions in German as you are waiting in line, so it’s best to come prepared with a few possible responses.

Berlin really is a city that’s never sleeps. Between my dorm mates setting alarms for 2 or 3 AM to go clubbing, others setting alarms for 4 or 5 AM to catch planes, and the constant screeching of trams and sirens on the streets at all hours, I barely got any sleep.

Berlin is Still Recovering

It surprised me to learn that Berlin is still recovering from WWII, post war occupation, and the economic impact of the Berlin Wall.

When the Wall was built, most industry moved to the more lucrative west side of Berlin and very few moved back afterwards. Although a few did, and some have satellite offices there now, Berlin’s past took a big economic toll on the city, especially on the east side.

Berlin Is The Only European Capital That Doesn’t Make It’s Country Richer

Did you know that Berlin is the only European capital that doesn’t make it’s home country richer? London, Paris, and Brussels, and even Budapest and Prague all are economic strengths in their respective countries.

Berlin is in debt by about 60 million euros. Sadly, it also has the highest level of poverty in Germany, with over 15% of adults and 30% of children on welfare.

It is, however, making strides for recovery. As you walk the city, you see construction going on everywhere. Cranes are a permanent part of the skyline. A sign of hope for the future.

Poised For Growth

Whether Berlin really is the coolest city in Europe or not, it definitely has a fabulous energy and is poised for growth.

I read that some of the citizens are, understandably, leery of political efficiency, due to their past, however, many others see its potential and are investing here.

According to UK Tech News, tech startups have started moving into Berlin, partially fueled by Brexit, but also due to it’s still relatively low rent, high quality of living, healthier work/life balance, and support system for startups, making this the second biggest tech hub area after London. They even called it Silicone Allee.

I wish I had allotted myself more time here to explore. This is a city I would definitely return to!