Berlin is a city filled with history, creativity and energy, from street art on the Berlin Wall to cycling through its leafy streets. In this episode, Lilly Douse discovers what brings Germany’s capital to life.
Berlin welcomed over 12 million guests in 2025 and recorded almost 30 million overnight stays. Many visitors come for the famous landmarks, but hidden among them are distinctive areas with plenty to explore.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Lilly begins her Berlin journey at the Brandenburg Gate. Built in 1791, it has stood in the heart of some of the most important moments in the city’s history. Together with a local guide, she sets out to discover some of Berlins best know landmarks and the stories behind them.
Few have shaped the city recent history more than the Berlin Wall. Constructed in 1961 and brought down in 1989, it divided the city for 28 years. Today, a long stretch of the wall remains, covered in graffiti and street art.
Inspired by Berlin's creativity, Lilly joins a graffiti workshop to learn more about the city’s street art culture. There, she meets Hendrik auf der Heidt, founder of Urban Artists, who gives her tips on creating effective street art.
In West Berlin, the Wilmina Hotel, a former women’s prison, offers guests the chance to stay in an unusual historic building. With iron window bars and long corridors, the former world war two prison took 10 years to renovate.
Cycling with Sascha Möllering of Berlin by Bike, Lilly visits Mauerpark, a green space with a divided history. Their route continues to Zionskirche, a Christian church closely linked to East Germany’s communist past.
For visitors wandering through Berlin on foot, by boat or by bike, there is always something unique to experience.
