11 Things You Should Never Do in Berlin

It's true: Berlin - and Berliners - are a little bit special. Here are 11 things you should never, ever do in the German capital.

1. Look for the city center

Just go to the city center and be right in the middle of the action? Berlin doesn't make it that easy. Because of the city's sheer size and its divided history, there are at least two city centers in Berlin: Alexanderplatz in the east and the so-called City West around Kurfürstendamm. In addition, each district has its own center with shops, restaurants, bars and cultural hotspots - which is perfect because Berliners are known to be rather reluctant to leave their own neighborhood.

2. Ride a beer bike

Loud, slow, annoying - anyone who shows up on a beer bike will incur the wrath of an entire city. For those who want to discover the city and enjoy a cold one, there is a better and more fun solution: First, hop on a bus tour and then sink into the cozy seats of your nearest corner pub for one to five beers - or in reverse order, as you prefer.

3. Go for a swim in the Spree

On a hot summer's day, the cool waters of the Spree or the Landwehr Canal might look tempting, but you would be ill-advised to go for a swim. Althought there used to be some river bathing establishments on the banks of the Spree, the inner-city waterways are not at all inviting for splashing around these days: Both the Spree and Landwehrkanal serve as overflows for the sewage system during heavy rainfall.

4. Throw your bottles in the garbage

It is a controversial unwritten rule, but one that many Berliners abide by: When you're out and about, empty bottles go next to the garbage can, not into it. This is because most bottles and beverage cans have a refundable deposit of 8 to 25 cents. If you can't or don't want to take your bottle back to the nearest supermarket yourself, you can do your less well-off fellow citizens a favor and save them the trouble of digging through the garbage. By leaving the bottles under public bins, local unofficial bottle collectors can pick them up and get the refund. You might also find that if you’re drinking at a park, a bottle collector will come to you and ask for your empties.

5. Stand to the left on an escalator

Riding the escalator in Berlin is easy: You stand on the right and you walk on the left. Contrary to dramatic reports, tourists who dare to stand in the way on escalators are not pushed over - most Berliners are simply too relaxed for that. But quiet resentment or some honest words are to be expected.

6. Think that Mustafa's is the only kebab shop in Berlin

Tourists passing by Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap might think that the small food truck on Mehringdamm is the only worthwhile kebab shop in the whole city. Lines of hungry people form here at any time of day or night, and some people wait for hours just to get a taste. So, is Mustafa's the best kebab shop in Berlin? On this subject, experts disagree. Is it the only good kebab shop in Berlin? Certainly not! Over 1,000 stalls and restaurants are fighting for the title of Best Döner Kebab in Berlin, and most of them can keep up in terms of taste and quality. After all, the döner kebab is a Berlin invention!

7. Eat your kebab on the bus

Döner kebabs are a typical street food for a reason - the smell of grilled meat, onions and garlic sauce is simply too strong for enclosed spaces. So wait until you're off the bus, tram or subway train until you enjoy your kebab - or risk being thrown out by the driver.

8. Take photos at the club

Berlin does not mess around when it comes to clubbing, and local partygoers have no time for awkward photo ops. In many Berlin clubs, photos are prohibited so that no one has to feel observed and uncomfortable while partying. Therefore: Enjoy the moment, leave your phone inside your pocket and take home memories instead of pictures.

9. Talk badly about Berlin

Sure, not everything runs perfectly in Berlin. The city can be ugly, loud, crowded and exhausting. Nevertheless, Berliners' hearts are attached to the city, and the privilege to complain about it is reserved for Berliners only. So anyone who has lived here for six months and thinks that Copenhagen or Amsterdam are just soooo much better should keep their opinion to themselves.

10. Take things too seriously

While we're on the subject of complaining: Berliners like to complain a lot and are known to be straight-talking, which can be interpreted as rudeness by visitors. Behind the sometimes harsh words, however, is almost always a soft heart. Anyone who shows a little consideration and doesn't leave their common sense at home is definitely welcome in the capital.

11. Mention BER Airport

We don't want to talk about it.