i’ll be honest—Berlin wasn’t exactly topping my list for a European summer vacation. a small part of me was tempted to pack a few bathing suits and wander through Italy like everyone else this year. but our good friend lives in the city, which made Berlin more intriguing. plus, there’s all the techno music, which is just what i needed to be reminded that my ears can, in fact, experience new forms of torture!
lol, but seriously, visiting a city with a friend who is a local offers a fresh perspective you wouldn’t get as just a tourist and i can now confidently say Berlin’s got it all—beautiful, multicultural vibes, incredible food, and a history that’s practically begging to be explored. overall, it’s a place that’s as fun as it is unexpected, and i’m genuinely grateful for the way i got to experience it.
i’d wholeheartedly recommend Berlin to anyone looking to explore a city that doesn’t just follow the typical European script. if you’re tired of the same old tourist traps and basic destinations, Berlin offers a refreshing change of pace. it’s a place that embraces its quirks and individuality, making it a standout choice for anyone craving a truly unique urban adventure. Berlin is anything but ordinary.
because we were going to be in Berlin for 10 days, i had one simple request: a few day trip in the European mountains. i’ve never been backpacking in Europe and knew that after some time in the city i would be craving new and exciting landscapes… and that’s exactly what i got.
though random, our trip to The Tatra Mountains turned out to be one of the wildest, most magical experiences ever. Tatra National Park is like stepping into a real-life painting, with its towering peaks, emerald-green lakes, and winding trails that cut through dense forests and alpine meadows—every corner feels like nature showing off. it straddles the border between Poland and Slovakia, just a 90-minute drive from Krakow, making it an easy escape into the wild.
while there, we saw exactly one group of American tourists the entire time, which was both a relief and slightly unnerving. each days after hours of hiking, we stumbled into mountain huts straight out of the 1800s, where we were greeted with hearty polish food that tasted like both comfort and history: fried pork cutlets, sausages, potato balls, and soft serve ice cream—plus, the most delicious apple pie with cream that you can get for pocket change.
one thing i learned is that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve slept in an attic with 15 strangers. of course, i slept across from a 6’5” lumberjack, all beard and brawn, whose snores rattled the room like literalllll a freight train :)))))
at one point, we found ourselves scrambling down one of the park’s highest peaks, clinging to chains bolted into the rock like our lives depended on it—because honestly, they did. terrifying, yes, but the views made it worth every shaky step. the maps were all in polish, so we had no clue what we were getting ourselves into, and to this day, i’m not even sure how we made it out mentally intact… which is exactly why i’m writing this guide
below, you’ll find my guide to exploring Berlin and my backpacking adventure through The Tatra Mountains. i’ve included everything from where i stayed and the neighborhoods i loved to the food i ate and my personal highs and lows.
like all my guides, this isn’t a comprehensive manual but rather a personal take—just one view among many to help you shape your own adventure. i hope you enjoy!
where to stay
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