Who knew that a tour food in Berlin would be part of my Viking River Cruise? Bonus! In my opinion, food touring is the perfect companion to every city tour. What better way to understand the city culture than to taste the food that locals love to eat!
This tour was an extra excursion (for a small fee) that I took with a few of my new cruising friends. As it turned out, it was more of a visit neighborhoods/local food tasting /insider’s tour. Lucky us. In addition to tasting delicious local food we learned about unique art and culture that would never be found on a typical city tour of Berlin.
Berlin’s Museum Island was our first stop after riding the city bus. We took public transportation throughout the tour and I was thrilled. How fun to become part of a city even if for only one afternoon. It is was nice to travel in a small group of food lovers and share this experience with them as well!
Hackescher Market – A must see!
Adjacent to Hackescher Markt is probably the coolest place in town. Hackesche Höfe is a courtyard complex that has been renovated from old apartment buildings. This beautiful multi-use structure was a favorite of mine because the architects cleverly renovated this trail of commercial buildings to create a walking mall with a super cool aesthetic, adorable shops and places to sit and have a coffee or a meal. What a highlight for me!
Hackesche Höfe
More of our food tour in Berlin
This neighborhood reminded me a lot of Soho in New York mixed with Laguna Beach, California. An artsy, fashion forward place where graffiti is exterior design, the people are hip and creativity is king (or queen)!
Beer and Pretzels
Fun fact – I love pretzels! Germany is a pretzel mecca! Street vendors, restaurants, bakeries, bars, snack shops and markets all carry them.
With a view of the river and Museum Island, we enjoyed this pretty famous restaurant called Ampelmann. Sitting under a red umbrella caused every photo to be incredibly red! My photo of my delicious potato soup was particularly unattractive, so you get to see the beer photo!
Travel tip:
- Find a food tour – Even if you are not an adventurous eater, these tours bring you inside a city the way nothing else can.
- Take a bite! Sample everything you are offered. You may never get the chance again. Make a memory!
- Use public transportation to see the city up close.
- Ask a server in a local restaurant where they love to eat or have coffee.
- Ask about a local bookstore.
The Monkey Bar
That name had to grab your attention. The Monkey Bar on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and the zoo. It is also part of “Bikini Berlin”(yes that is the real name) which is a shopping mall. The Berlin Zoo is adjacent to this building so you can sip coffee or an adult beverage in the bar and watch the animals. Near that large rock sat many white baboons. I kid you not.
Our hotel was pretty close to this mall, so I had heard from several other travelers about the Monkey Bar. Although not part of the foodie tour we stopped in.
Have you taken any food tours? If so, why? If not, why not?
Click here for more of ===> My Viking Cruise
Check out some of the other food tours we have enjoyed around the world!
Laguna Beach – Savor Laguna Food Tour
Amsterdam A Bicycle Food Tour
San Francisco – A Walking Tour of North Beach and Chinatown, A Walking Food Tour In The Mission District
Chicago – A Walking Food Tour in Chicago
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I love this! Since Elegant Elbe was our first river cruise I only signed up for the included tours. Now that I am reading about others’ experiences withe extra excursions, I can hardly wait to try some. This gives me a much different view of Berlin than I saw in my short 2 days there.
That is so great to hear Margie. I totally agree. The extra excursions allow for smaller groups and maybe a more unique focus. I so appreciate you taking a moment to leave a comment.
I LOVE German Pretzels as well! Major YUM!
Thanks Tammy – Just one more thing we have in common! 🙂
Berlin was not very high up on places I want to visit. Your pictures and comments have changed my mind! I will add it to my list!
Fun fact: I have been to Berlin twice in 3 years. I LOVED it even more this time. I have a lot more adventures to share, just haven’t had time to write it all!
Great post, Suzanne! I totally agree that a food tour is a tasty way to get to know a city more intimately. Finding out what the locals prefer to eat and how they dine is a wonderful way to learn about the city you are visiting. And also to identify a good local eatery to revisit for a full meal if you’re lucky enough to be staying a few nights.
A food tour that began in Old Spitalfields Market in London is one of my top travel memories. Like you said – be sure to at least take a bite of everything – may be pleasantly surprised!
That is a great reference thank you! We have not been to London in 3 years, we are itching to go!
You had so much good food! Those pretzels! I agree, the smaller tours are really worthwhile!
I know – You would have loved it. But there isn’t ever enough time to see everything!
It has been almost 35 years since I lived in Berlin for 2 years in my early 20s and a lot has changed. (The “Wall” was still up!) However, a Bratwurst and pom frites from a street vendor were the best I have ever had – anywhere. Soooo good!
Oh Kerry – You would not recognize this city! I hope you go back one day soon.
We really loved Ampelman, relaxing in deckchairs by the river. So much food to try in Berlin. Thanks for sharing
It was so fun wasn’t it? People playing guitar and watching the river while eating curry wurst.
Thanks for all this info on Berlin. I’m headed there in September. Sounds like a great foodie town.
I thought of you when I wrote this! You have to go to Hackescher Höfe! It was so cool!! You would enjoy Ampelmanns too by the river!
I just re-read this post. Next month my husband and I are going on our second Viking river cruise, and because of your post I have booked the Taste of Paris tour. I am so looking forward to it!
I am so happy you are doing this! These excursions they offer are SO worth it! Have a wonderful time!
The Taste of Paris was the highlight of our trip! My husband and I were the only ones who signed up, so it was private and we saw and learned so much we would not have otherwise, including the subway. Thanks again for inspiring me with your blog.
Margie: This is GREAT news! How fun for you. I think seeing a city through a culinary tour is so important. Glad you had such a wonderful experience!