What's it like to House Sit in Berlin?

Berlin has lot of good value hotels and hostels and in comparison to London or Paris the prices are pretty cheap. However, we didn't want cheap. No, we wanted to stay in Berlin for free!

If you're new to this blog (hi!!!) you may think we're wishful thinkers, but actually we're now pretty used to staying in top locations for free. So far we've done six weeks in Spain and nine months in Australia. How? By House Sitting.

In Berlin we got a lot more than we expected (in a good way). We'd decided to House Sit in Berlin because it's arguably Europe's best city (and is definitely Europe's quirkiest city). We weren't expecting anything more than four walls and a roof. But this is not couch surfing, this was one of the most luxurious and comfortable houses we've ever been in! 

It was one of our top House Sits to date and so I'm going to use this space to highlight why it was great and hopefully inspire you to try House Sitting in a city!

The Home Owners

They are a really generous lovely couple. We had a long (6 hour) journey to get to Berlin but one of the owners was there to welcome us at the end and give us a lift from the coach station. It was pretty late at night and very kind of her as it meant we didn't need to navigate the underground in our tired state. She went the extra mile and also gave us a little tour of Berlin in the car which would have been great under normal circumstances, but just happened to coincide with the Festival of Lights which was epic to see! 

Image Credit: Festival of Lights

She also provided us with everything we could possibly need and more - food, maps, Berlin's finest ice cream, bikes, the car and beer. We don't expect food when we House Sit, but we accept it very gratefully. They were so generous!

The funniest thing ever happened on this house sit when we met her husband. He said "Hello" and Tanbay said "Hallo, schön dich zu treffen" (hello, nice to meet you) and the guy replied "ah du kannst ein bischen Deutsch" (oh you can speak a bit of German), and Tanbay answered "ja ich kann sehr viel Deutsch " (yes I can speak lots of German). This went on for a little bit because the German guy didn't realise that Tanbay is actually German too!! 

The House 

As I've said, the house turned out to be even better than we'd imagined. It's a hidden gem - right in the centre of Berlin, but so quiet, comfy and peaceful you'd think you were in the country: 

This photo was taken outside the house, in central Berlin!! Crazy right? The house itself was built in the 1920s and was a complete Tardis (bigger on the inside). With a dream kitchen, hammock and piano, the best bit though was the cellar: 

The Cellar 

This particular German cellar was epic. Firstly there was a massive pantry filled with the most delicious organic food ever, which had actually been grown in the garden. Secondly was the sauna! We've been literally dying now that 'winter is coming'. We missed winter last year because we were in Australia, and whilst I'd been dreaming of a white Christmas, I forgot how crap it actually is - my bones hurt from the cold, I constantly feel like I'm getting a cold, I'm constantly cold... But sitting in a sauna was amazing and a very welcome rest bite.

The Chickens 

For this House Sit we were responsible for chickens! We had learned on our first House Sit in England that chickens are the best animal to House Sit for because they are relatively easy and of course they reward you daily (EGGS).

Furthermore, unlike a dog, chickens can be left alone for hours and hours - as long as you let them out and feed them in the morning and then shut them in at night, you can be out all day without worrying (or all night). I'd even go as far as saying that they are the easiest animals to look after (other than fish). We were grateful for this freedom as there is so much to do in Berlin and we were in the perfect location to see it all.

Days out in Berlin 

Due to the central location of the house and the freedom with the chickens, we were able to have some great days out in Berlin. Most sites were accessible by foot, but we were also able to cycle around as the home owners left us their bikes. I'd definitely recommend cycling round Berlin, but normally it will cost you about 10 Euros per day - so this is another way in which House Sitting can save you money.

We actually bought the Berlin Pocket Map and Guide which is fantastic so we highly recommend that you buy one. It's really light so you forget you have it, but every time you need a map or want to know more about something, it's there in your pocket! 

When we weren't exploring Berlin, we had the best time just hanging out in the house - I've almost finished my book (it's going to be about House Sitting). We've also been listening to classical music, practicing yoga, playing the piano and cooking - not just eggs!  Though here is a picture of some eggs I made (please note the chicken mug - a lot of consideration went into that composition): 

 

All in all we completely loved this House Sit, it was definitely one of our favourites so far. Should you House Sit in Berlin, Germany? Yes. Should you House Sit chickens? Double yes.

I wrote this post to give you a real taste of what House Sitting's like, if you're intrigued and would like to know more then we're more than happy to answer questions about House Sits/ help you to obtain House Sits (travelling weasels [at] hotmail [dot] com). If you're already convinced and want to sign up right now, you can do it here: TrustedHousesitters.

I want to end by highlighting how cheap this trip was because if saunas, chickens, luxurious houses and organic food don't convince you to House Sit, the price should. Signing up to House Sitting costs £5.99 (i.e. $7.99 or €6.99) per month. So even if you just use it once or twice a year, it's worth it compared with the price of a hotel. 

P.S. If you would like a 10% discount for trustedhousesitters.com subscribe to our free mailing list now!

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22 Fun (and FREE) Things to do in Berlin

Top Things to do in Berlin - All of which are free!

The best thing about this post is it's not just the top things to do in Berlin. It's also free things to do in Berlin! Yes that's right - a list of top things to do, which all just happen to be free. Isn't life great? Berlin is definitely a cheap city. We barely spent any money when we were there, which is our normal practice, but unlike other cities we didn't feel like we were missing out by not spending. 

We took two days to do all of this, you may need a lot less or a lot more time - depending on how active you are.

1. See the Berlin Wall 

The Berlin Wall is a horrific historical monument that has now been pulled down or turned into beautiful art (mostly). There are a few places to see it:

East Side Gallery

This is located in former East Berlin on the other side of the Spree. It was originally graffittied just on the west side, but now it's been decorated on both sides and looks great. I love 'organised' graffiti and we had fun walking along here, which is completely free of course.  

Köpenicker Strasse 

We were staying on Koepenicker Strasse and were really pleased to see bits of the wall displayed on our street. However, I'm not sure if this display was permanent and I can't find any info about it on the internet..

Berlin Wall Memorial Bernauer Strasse 

I think this, along with the East Side Gallery, is the typical place to see the Berlin Wall -  we actually went here on our second trip to Berlin together, it is kind of interesting. There is lots going on on this street - lots of things to learn and see. If we're honest we preferred East Side Gallery because it was more our kind of thing. But if you love history and haven't learnt about the Berlin Wall in school, this is the place for you:

2. Brandenburger Tor

This is the quintessential symbol of Berlin - it's like the German Eiffel Tower, but apparently not so famous.. It's a damn good piece of architecture and was a lot less crowded than we expected. We really like this Tor/ Gate and you must not miss it.

3. Hotel Adlon

Jacko fan or not if you're looking at the Brandenburger Tor, you might as well look to your left and see Hotel Adlon where Michael Jackson dangled that baby out of the window.. douche. Thoughts of Jacko aside, this is an expensive hotel and you can have luxury afternoon tea here, but it's not free (obviously).

4. Holocaust Memorial

Three minutes walk from the Brandenburger Tor (walk through it, go left) is the Holocaust Memorial. It was built in 2005 it consists of 2,711 blocks of concrete in  varying heights. Most people go and take quirky photos, but there is also a museum underneath. I have absolutely no idea why there's 2,711 blocks and I really want to know - if anyone knows please tell me! The quirky upside stones are free to walk through, and the museum is free too - though donations are appreciated.

5. Reichstag

Located just a few minutes walk from the Brandenburger Tor (this time go through and go right) is the Reichstag. The Reichstag is the 10 Downing Street of Berlin. You can have free access to the clear dome at the top and the great views, but you have to book in advance. We didn't do that this time, but I did when I was 15 and it was great! Free views always are.

6. Berliner Dom

The Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) was my personal favourite of our (self guided)  walking tour through Berlin. I think it's just beautiful - Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame eat your heart out! You can go in for €5, which we didn't. But you could! Or at the very least walk around the edge.

7. Berliner Kunstmarkt 

Kunstmarkt means art market. It runs on Saturday and Sunday, is very short in length and near to the Berliner Dom. So if you go to the BD (you should) have a walk along this art market for free! (Unless you buy something..) The art was good, and I would have bought some if I had any money or a house to hang it in..

8. Zeughauskino 

This literally translates as 'stuff house cinema' and isn't free at all, but I really like this building from the outside - and not just because it's pink! Though that's the main reason. It's located opposite the Berliner Dom.

9. Altes Museum 

Another building that's just free to look at, and is also located next to the Berliner Dom is the Altes Museum (old museum). There are lots of museums near the Berliner Dom.

10. Alexander Platz

Alexander Platz is where all the shops hang out - Primark, TKMax etc, which I don't like - I don't like going to these shops in England and I find it sad that you can go to a new country and find the same shops, you might as well stay at home…

However, I really did enjoy the street artists! There were guys playing the drums on empty paint pots, and acrobats! Both were incredible. Like most street artist these were free to view, but appreciate (and deserve) a donation.

11. Fernsehturm

The other thing which hangs out at Alexander Platz (which I also don't like) is the Fernsehturm (tv tower). You can see this monstrosity from all over Berlin. I think it's well ugly, but you may have no taste and want a closer look ;) I'm pretty sure you can go up it. 

12. Watch the bungee jumpers 

Another thing that goes down in Alexander Platz are the bungee jumpers. Like most bungee jumping it's expensive to do, but like most dangerous sports it's free to observe! It's fun to watch - they scream so hard.

13. Mauerpark Flohmarkt 

The Mauerpark Flohmarkt (wall park flea market) was so excellent! I don't think I've ever been to a flea market where there is so much stuff I wanted to buy AND that stuff was really cheap! Normally I find that flea markets are full of junk and junky people trying to overcharge you for it. I'd heard that the Mauerpark was overrated, but I didn't find that that was true at all! It's only downfall is that it's only open on a Sunday.

There were so many cool things to 'window' shop for - candle sticks, old coins, old photos, jewellery, clothes, vinyls.. you get the picture. They also sell the best smelling food! We'd had breakfast somewhere else so didn't have the privilege of eating any of the food.. but we did treat ourselves to freshly squeezed OJ for EUR1. Living the dream!

14. Ost West Cafe 

Three minutes walk from the Mauerpark Flohmarkt is the Ost West Cafe (East West Cafe), we had breakfast here which was quite good, but I'd actually recommend that you eat at the Flohmarkt. Why mention the Ost West Cafe then? Two reasons: their coffee is excellent and they have a superb collection of DDR items. The staff were pretty friendly too.

15. Enjoy the Mauerpark itself

The Mauerpark Flohmarkt is actually hosted in (you guessed it) the Mauerpark. This is a pretty grimy park - but that's what I liked about it. At the top of the park is a nicely decorated graffiti wall and some swings!

16. Check out the graffiti

I am a big art fan so this is something I enjoy a lot, and around Berlin there is a lot of street graffiti - and not just the stuff that's on the old Berlin wall. This above photo is quite famous in Germany because it was in an advert.

17. Go Auto spotting

There are a lot of lovely BMWs and VWs in Berlin, it sounds cliche but it's true. We also saw lots of trabis this time. Trabis were very much wished for in East Berlin, they're also some of the worst cars ever. My favourite car that we spotted was the bottom one in the above photo - it was decorated as the German flag! 

18. Walk along the Spree

You can rent a boat/ go on a boat tour etc. But this is a post about free things to do in Berlin, and walking is almost always free. We walked along the Spree and it was very nice and surprisingly clean.

19. Ask: who let the dogs out?

We love dogs and we saw no cats, so if you're a cat person look away. We saw loads of dogs in Berlin, one looked like it was on its own (Mauerpark) but all the rest were with owners. You can ask the people if you're allowed to take photos, or just be rude and touristy like me and just do it.

20. Be victorious at the Siegessäule

Not all the sights you can see in Berlin are depressing and related to WW2 or the DDR. The Siegessäule translates as Victory Column and celebrates Prussia's victory against Denmark, Austria and France. You can climb up it (but no matter how much you work out, it will make you feel unfit).

 21. Enjoy the Tiergarten 

The Tiergarten (animal garden) is beautiful. The Siegessäule lives there and the Brandenburg Gate is right on the edge. I think it's a lot more beautiful than the Mauerpark, but not as fun. It's very big and there are lots of statues and monuments to look out for (other than the Siegessäule). 

22. See the Brandenburg Gate at night 

I like the Brandenburg Gate a lot and I especially liked it at night. When we were there Germany had just won the World Cup, so the atmosphere was incredible. 

We did all of this over a Saturday and a Sunday. On the Sunday evening we watched Germany win the World Cup, that was awesome and you can read about it here

So there you have it, free and top things to do in Berlin. We love Berlin so much and really recommend that you go there. This photo sums up our feelings about it:

Berlin for the 2014 World Cup Final!

We were really pleased to be able to go to Berlin for the weekend of the 2014 World Cup final. We drove down with Tanbay's sister and her boyfriend on the Saturday. We spent all of Saturday and Sunday morning sight seeing and then we got ready to support Germany: 

We (I) miraculously managed to navigate the U-Bahn and we successfully got to Hansaplatz. Here's a picture of us on the train:

Our plan was to walk through the Tiergarten and watch the game on the big screen behind the Brandenburger Tor in what's called the 'Fan Mile'. So we walked along and enjoyed marching with the other dressed up people, everyone was very excited and it was fascinating to be a part of it.

We made it there, and it started raining:

The rain was pretty depressing and with the umbrellas we couldn't see anything at all. People started to climb on parked cars to get a better view and when the police turned up we decided to leave. We were hungry, we were being rained on and we wanted to see and hear the football!

We felt like we were wimping out a bit, but don't worry it was the right decision and we went back later. Anyway we went to a pub and watched the game with real Berliners. The seats were comfy, there was beer and we could see perfectly!

I walked Tanbay's sister back to the hostel after a bit, proving once and for all that I am a better big brother than Tanbay is, and also that it's safe to walk around Berlin at night, or at least it was at that particular date and time and part of Berlin.

Anyway it went onto extra time and, as I'm sure you know GERMANY WON!! 

We took the U-Bahn to Alexanderplatz to see what was going on there - a few people were waving flags: 

But the party was definitely on at the Brandenburg Tor, so when a homeless person said 'fick dich' (fuck you) to me, we decided to go there instead. 

By this point it was very hard to navigate the U-Bahn, so we got lost and took the S5 instead of the U5 (easy mistake). We didn't have to wait too long though and we saw lots more fun, happy people: 

We finally made it to the Brandenburg Tor, it was busy and beautiful:

 We walked as far as we could up to the Gate:

Some guys made a human pyramid and were filmed by national tv: 

We walked around a bit and joined in with the singing. The atmosphere was electric - everyone was so happy, it was amazing to be part of it! Our last train was cancelled so we walked back. This was good because we got to see all the cars celebrating and beeping. Near-ish our hostel someone let a firework off into the street from the houses above, so we had to shimmy up to the walls and run along. It was fun though, I felt like we were trying to escape the DDR - ha. 

All in all, it was a fantastic night, I'm so so glad Germany won and even more glad that we were in Berlin when it happened! This selfie pretty much sums up our excitement: 

Well done Deutschland!