Berlin during Covid

When I booked a holiday to Berlin during COVID, I honestly didn’t know what kind of trip I was signing up for. Berlin is usually described as loud, fast, creative, and full of life—but this time, it felt like the city took a deep breath. And somehow, that slower rhythm made the whole experience feel even more special. Instead of rushing from place to place, I got to see Berlin in a softer, more intimate way.

From the moment I arrived, Berlin felt surprisingly relaxed. The airport was quiet, the public transport spacious, and the people—though masked—were friendly and patient. It was clear that the city had adapted really well. There were signs everywhere about where to stand and how to keep distance, but it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it felt like Berlin was saying, “Don’t worry, we’ve got this.”

One of the best parts of a COVID-era visit? Space. So much space. Visiting the East Side Gallery was a completely different experience than usual. I could take photos without ten people in the background, read the little captions next to the murals, and really appreciate the art and its history.

Similarly, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate were calm enough to actually enjoy. No tour groups with matching hats, no guides blocking the view—just me, the architecture, and the quiet feeling of being close to so much history.

Timed entry slots made museum visits feel almost private. Museum Island was absolute heaven. I wandered through the Neues Museum and the Pergamon like I had all the time in the world. I could stand in front of Nefertiti’s bust and admire every detail without someone bumping into me. It was honestly magical to enjoy world-class art in such a peaceful atmosphere.

Berlin has some of the best green spaces I’ve ever seen, and during COVID, these places felt like their own little worlds. Tiergarten was perfect for long, slow walks. I’d grab a takeaway coffee and wander for ages, finding hidden statues, quiet ponds, and tiny bridges I had never noticed before.

Tempelhofer Feld was another highlight. The old airport, transformed into a massive park, is the perfect place to bike, skate, picnic, or simply lie in the grass and watch the sky. With fewer people around, the runways felt endless. I even saw families flying kites and people casually rollerblading in huge empty stretches.

Even though indoor dining was limited at times, Berlin’s food scene still shined. Many restaurants had cozy outdoor setups with blankets and heaters, which honestly made everything feel extra charming. I tried all the classics—currywurst, schnitzel, döner—and enjoyed them sitting by the river or in quiet plazas. Some cafés even added little handwritten notes to their takeaway cups, which was such a sweet touch during an unusual time. And let’s be honest… Berlin bakeries never disappoint. The amount of pastries I ate should probably be illegal.

Sometimes, holidays aren’t just about the sights—they’re about the small moments. Like the bus driver who waved and wished me a nice day. Or the barista who complimented my mask (yes, really). Or the random man on a bike who kindly warned me about a slippery patch of sidewalk. Those tiny interactions reminded me that even during a pandemic, kindness doesn’t disappear.

Traveling during COVID obviously meant some things were closed or restricted. But strangely, that pushed me to appreciate Berlin in a way I never had before. Without the crowds, the city’s personality felt more genuine. I noticed little street details, quiet courtyards, and the way Berliners still managed to create art and joy even in challenging times.