Berlin welcomed us with a “kiss on the forehead” as Morgan put it. We exited from Alexanderplatz station to pink skies, fish and chips, a busker with a beautiful voice serenading us, and a giant Humana thrift right next to our hostel. My dad would have an aneurism if he knew I thrifted so many clothes I had to buy a carry on suitcase for our flights to Florence and back to Madrid. Dad, if you are reading this, let me remind you I only checked one bag coming abroad, which shocks every other Erasmus (what they call abroad kids here) student I tell.
Our 48 hours in Berlin kicked off with a delicious Korean dinner with our friend from Garb who is studying in Berlin, Zach Jessner. We then tried his favorite bar: Multilayerladen. A sign on the door greeted us with “tobacco: yes, weed: no, and don’t take pictures.” Definitely not the type of instructions I’m used to seeing at any bar anywhere. This place truly was a laden with multiple layers, but not in the way you’re imagining. The seats were swings and the upstairs was 3 lofts with ladders a group could climb up to and use as a table. Drinks were cheap and, to my absolute delight, they had a pulley system where we could write our order, put our money in, and have our drinks and change served without us or the bartender moving an inch.
In 2018 I went to Berlin with my parents and got to explore the history, museums and culture. In 2025 with only two days I delved more into the food and nightlife for which the city is so famous. Both nights ended for me with Berlin’s iconic kebabs, and they were indescribably good—I highly recommend. There were landmarks we walked through that I didn’t remember I had seen before until I stood in front of them and felt a strong sense of deja vu. For instance, I’m fairly sure that we ate frankfurters at the same cafe overlooking the Spree river as I did 7 years ago with my family. I also know I went to the same spot of the Berlin Wall in East Side Gallery because I remember the intricate, meaningful murals. I recalled seeing the bronze sitting people statues along the river before as well. Despite having been before I’m so glad I went back. Berlin has so much to offer and I still don’t feel satisfied. I will return again someday for sure.
Relaxing moment in the sun outside of a museum my parents definitely had to drag me to when I was 13.
The club experience on a Wednesday night at a place called Tresor was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I thought Zach was overhyping it at dinner but I was wrong. Clubbing in Berlin is unmatched and let me tell you why. First, the bouncer rejected a group of men directly ahead of us when there was no line, which set a tone for the atmosphere being extremely curated to the experience of the attendee, not just a money making machine like a lot of other clubs I’ve been to. The people were all unique and friendly, everyone just wanted to dance! Second, before even paying the 13€ entry fee—which is half the price of arguably worse clubs in Spain—we had the cameras on our phones taped over. This encouraged me to enjoy my own moments more while there, rather than put energy into taking photos to share with my instagram followers. Third, the music was impeccable, especially accompanied by smokescreens, low lights, and a literal concrete bunker to dance in. Morgan doesn’t like techno but even she was heavily vibing to it. On top of all of this: drinks were cheap, coat check was free, and there was a man selling lollipops at the front. I made friends with one of the bartenders because he made a big deal over me forgetting to say please the first time I ordered a beer, so the rest of the night I said please and “danke” very assertively, he laughed every time, and gave me a free beer at the end of the night.
