Berlin in February: A Snowy Surprise and Hearty German Food
I arrived in Berlin during a heavy snowfall, and though it was mid-February, the sight was unexpected but breathtaking. Locals told me they hadn't seen this much snow in years—perhaps not since their childhoods. I felt incredibly lucky to witness the city in such a rare, magical state, walking under the gently falling snowflakes. Against this winter wonderland backdrop, I explored Berlin’s history and found warmth in hearty German cuisine.
History & Culture
Berlin is a city where history is impossible to ignore. The scars left by World War II and the Cold War are visible everywhere. The Berlin Wall, with its powerful murals and historical significance, was a stark reminder of the city’s divided past. Visiting the Wall Museum and the Reichstag provided a deeper understanding of Berlin’s resilience and reunification.
Exploring Berlin
Berliner Dom
This majestic cathedral stood tall against the snowy sky. The Dom has a terrace with a 360° panoramic view, which requires climbing 264 steps to the top. I would have loved to take in the views, but due to the weather conditions, the terrace was closed that day, so I missed that experience.
East Side Gallery & The Berlin Wall
It is definitely a must-visit and will fill you with thoughts about lives once split between two sides of the wall. Now, the wall is covered with powerful street art. The most popular mural—judging by the number of people wanting to take a photo—is the iconic Socialist Fraternal Kiss. Guilty—I couldn’t resist taking a photo with it in the background either!
The Wall Museum
Wanting to know more, I visited The Wall Museum, located right next to the East Side Gallery. The stories, photographs, and videos make you feel like a witness to history.
Checkpoint Charlie
Another symbol of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the most well-known border crossing between East and West Berlin. Today, it stands as a historical monument, offering a glimpse into the tense past of a divided city. The checkpoint booth, signs, and nearby museum serve as poignant reminders of the struggles and escapes that defined this era. The place still holds an atmosphere of uncertainty and hope.
Reichstag Building
Walking through the Reichstag’s glass dome, taking in a panoramic view of Berlin while an audio guide tracked my movements and explained the landmarks around me, was an insightful experience. Be sure to book your pass in advance, as same-day entry is usually not available. You’ll need to secure it a few days before your visit, bring your ID, and register for a specific time slot.
Alte Nationalgalerie
If you know me, you know how deep my love for museums runs. This one boasts a stunning collection of art and was the perfect escape from the cold. I also appreciated its interior architecture and design—especially the halls on the first floor, which deserve special attention. Here, I discovered the German Realist artist Adolph Menzel and quickly became captivated by his work.
Unfortunately, the Pergamonmuseum—home to ancient Roman and Greek art collections and, most exciting for me, Babylonian and Persian antiquities—closed for major refurbishment in October 2023. It is expected to reopen in spring 2027, so I’ll definitely be back then!
Nightlife
Cosmic Comedy Berlin
It was February 14th, and I needed this night to be filled with laughter and jokes. Cosmic Comedy Berlin promised an international lineup of comedians from Germany, the United States, Kazakhstan, and Poland. The show was great, and the host was amazing. I laughed the most at his jokes—he filled everyone’s hearts with warmth and humor.
Remember: if you see the name Dharmander Singh on the poster, the evening promises to be great, no matter what!
Tresor Nightclub
I’ve been to Berlin before, but I was much younger and didn’t have such a passion for exploring. Now, in my adult life, I don’t deny myself anything—I try to get to know the city from different angles. Nightlife is one of those factors that explain a lot.
I had already heard so much about Berlin’s club scene, and since I fell in love with techno and electronic music, I knew that as soon as I was back in Berlin, I would definitely experience its legendary clubs. I didn’t make it to the famous Berghain this time, but I did catch some excellent DJ sets at Tresor. The music was incredible, the crowd stylish and vibrant (I love when people make an effort to look good and interesting!), and the atmosphere electrifying. Wandering from one hall to another through underground tunnels was surreal.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, many factory buildings stood empty, and now they house some of the world’s best clubs. Berghain remains on my list for next time.
A Culinary Part of My Visit to Berlin
This is always the most exciting part of any trip for me. After all, we must eat, right? But I can’t just eat—I need to explore, to understand the people who live here through their traditional food. I spend hours searching for great places with dishes I want to try.
When traveling, I don’t count calories, I don’t torture myself with diets or thoughts about an extra pound. Because there are no extra pounds—I burn everything off while walking! And there’s always a gym waiting for me back home.
Berlin’s food was just perfect for those cold winter days. Every meal was satisfying. Here are some of my local food experiences:
Schnitzel – My first-ever schnitzel! It was beef, served with potatoes and salad. Place: Nante-Eck, a German restaurant with classic Berlin food.
I loved it so much, I made it at home too — here’s the recipe.
Potato Soup – A warm, velvety bowl of pure comfort, perfect for a snowy day. Place: Julchen Hoppe, a cozy, traditional German restaurant with old-fashioned interiors and nice window views.
Currywurst – A uniquely Berlin experience—spicy, flavorful, and unexpected. Place: Nante-Eck, where it’s served not with ketchup but with homemade sauce.
Calf’s Liver Berliner Style – Served with onions, apples, and mashed potatoes. The apples added a refreshing twist that balanced the richness of the liver. Place: Der Alte Fritz, an authentic, traditional spot.
I liked it and recreated at home — check out the recipe here.
Apple Strudel – Sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and just what I needed after hours of walking in the cold. Place: Nante-Eck again—perfectly served!
Döner Kebab – A true Berlin staple! Who can skip döner in Berlin? Only vegans! Place: Dunya Gemüse Kebap, in a neighborhood full of great kebab spots.
Markthalle Neun
One of my food stops in Berlin was Markthalle Neun, a historic market hall that has become a paradise for those who appreciate fresh produce and artisanal goods. Here, you’ll find an incredible variety of dishes—whether you’re craving a classic German meal or something more adventurous, this place offers both local and international flavors.
I tried a juicy, flavorful burger and paired it with a full-bodied German wine—an excellent combination! If beer is more your style, there are plenty of local craft options to explore. Markthalle Neun is where food, culture, and community come together, making it a must-visit for any culinary traveler looking to experience Berlin’s diverse food scene.
Place: Markthalle Neun, a perfect stop for any food lover in Berlin.
Pancakes (Not Traditional but Worth Mentioning) – The softest, fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever had. Place: A Never Ever Ending Love Story—a spot so beautiful, I wouldn’t mind a brunch date invitation here!
I’ll be developing some of these recipes and sharing them soon—subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out!
Final Thoughts
Berlin is brutal. But during my winter visit, it had a unique, almost nostalgic charm. The city felt quieter, more introspective, wrapped in a beautiful white coat of snow. However, some experiences were limited—beer gardens were closed, and flea markets were scarce.
So, here’s my list for next time:
Visit the Pergamonmuseum when it reopens in 2027
Revisit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Go to the Jewish Museum Berlin
Explore flea markets
Experience traditional beer gardens
Finally make it to Berghain
Try Berliner (German Donuts)
Spending a week in Berlin felt like just scratching the surface. Again. One thing is certain—I’ll be back, spoon in hand, ready for my next delicious bite. So, Spoonful Journeys in Berlin to be continued…
Visited: February, 2025.
Things may change over time — even the best places can close or evolve. I hope you find this experience as lovely as I did.