After nearly five years of living in Berlin, the time has come for me to say goodbye. In between the chaos of packing and moving, I carved out a moment to take one last walk through the places that meant the most to me. Strangely enough, the familiar sights I had passed countless times looked different this time—sharper, more poignant, as if they too were aware it was our last encounter.
A Morning at Checkpoint Charlie
Of course, my walk had to begin here. Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most famous border crossings during the Cold War, connecting West Berlin (under American control) with East Berlin (under Soviet control).
It was reserved mainly for diplomats, military personnel, and foreign visitors, and stood as a tense frontline of East–West confrontation. At one point, American and Soviet tanks even faced each other here in a standoff that brought the world close to conflict.
I had walked past this site many times as a resident, but standing there for the last time, I couldn’t help but reflect on the atmosphere of tension and the uncertainty that must have weighed heavily on people’s lives back then.
A Quiet Pause at THE BARN
From there, I walked a little further to THE BARN Coffee Roasters for breakfast.
This café is one of Berlin’s most renowned specialty coffee roasters, known for its minimalist design and clean, calm atmosphere. It’s a place where people open their laptops early in the morning or stop by before work. That morning, I enjoyed a cappuccino and a seasonal plum streuselkuchen while working quietly on my laptop.
Souvenir Stop: The Ampelmann Shop
Back on Unter den Linden, I stopped at the Ampelmann shop, home to Berlin’s beloved traffic light character.
I often came here to pick up souvenirs for friends back in Japan. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, distinctly Berlin gift, this shop is the perfect place.
From Brandenburg Gate to Berlin Cathedral
No farewell walk would be complete without the Brandenburg Gate. Built in the 18th century as a triumphal arch for the Kingdom of Prussia, it has stood through Berlin’s turning points in history. During the Cold War, it was cut off by the Wall, symbolizing both freedom and division. Today, it remains the stage for major events—I’ll never forget the Festival of Lights, when the Gate was transformed into a glowing canvas of art.
Walking through the Gate leads straight into the Tiergarten. In spring, I strolled here beneath fresh greenery; in summer, I found shade under its trees; and in autumn, I admired the golden leaves. I’ve walked this path in every season.
Continuing along Unter den Linden, I made my way to the Berlin Cathedral. Built in the early 20th century, this Protestant cathedral was badly damaged during the war but later restored. Today, it hosts concerts and services, and it was here that I attended my very first concert in Berlin. The powerful acoustics of the cathedral left an impression I’ll never forget.
On weekends, I often sat on the lawn outside, watching people relax before heading on toward Hackescher Markt.
Hackescher Markt and a Beerhouse Lunch
Passing the grand Altes Museum, I reached Hackescher Markt, one of my favorite areas for wandering through shops. For my last Berlin lunch, I went to the beerhouse Brauerei Lemke, tucked beneath the arches of the railway. With its cozy atmosphere and house-brewed craft beers, it was the perfect spot to enjoy one final Berlin classic: Currywurst!!😄
The sauce was milder than I expected, making it easy to enjoy, and paired perfectly with the smoky sausage. Crispy golden potatoes on the side and a refreshing glass of beer completed the meal. It was a satisfying moment—part tourist, part local—savoring the flavor that always felt unmistakably Berlin.
A Quiet Morning at the Wall
The next morning, I walked along Bernauer Straße, close to where I lived. While most visitors head to the East Side Gallery at Warschauer Straße, this stretch offers a deeper look into the Wall’s history.
Here you find preserved sections of the Wall, historical photos and information panels, remains of underground tunnels, and plaques that record both those who lost their lives and those who succeeded in their escape.
Every time I walked here, I felt a pang of sorrow for those who lost their lives, but also gratitude for the freedom to cross this street today without barriers. At the same time, the plaques and markers remind me that some never gave up hope and succeeded in their escape. Bernauer Straße is a heavy place, yet it also carries traces of courage—and it powerfully conveys the weight of words like “freedom” and “division.”
Goodbye, but Not Forever
And so my final walk through Berlin came to an end. Visiting these landmarks reminded me not only of their historical importance but also of the countless everyday memories I had built around them. It was a chance to take one last look at the scenes I wanted to carry with me.
Perhaps every city feels different when you take a “last walk.” For those who haven’t yet visited Berlin, I hope this route might inspire your own exploration.
Though I’m closing the chapter on living here, I’ll continue writing about Berlin and Germany—their stories, flavors, and experiences. This farewell is not an ending. The story goes on.
