HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style

Polaroid of the Week: Gritty Street Art Meets Restored Elegance in Berlin's Kreuzberg

Polaroid of the Week: Gritty Street Art Meets Restored Elegance in Berlin s KreuzbergMy summer Euro trip is in full swing, and I'm thrilled with the fantastic weather. After Brighton, I headed to Berlin, embracing tourist mode to show a first-time visitor around. In Kreuzberg, I rediscovered why I love this city: beautifully restored pre-war buildings adorned with vibrant graffiti, even on doorways. I aimed for the striking Roa mural—one of my favorite street artists—though I've photographed it many times before. This facade captures Berlin's gritty-meets-pretty essence and the rebellious 'f*ck obedience' spirit (note the 'Love Art, Hate Cops' tag atop).

Berlin's untamed energy sets it apart from typical German cities. Historic grandeur blends with constant reinvention and a diverse influx of residents from Europe and beyond in recent years. No other German city matches its forward-thinking, edgy vibe. The 'poor but sexy' motto draws millennials, fueling new hipster coffee shops, quirky bars, affordable eats, and startups. Each visit reignites my creativity.

This brief stay in one of my top three favorite cities worldwide was too short. I'll return soon for more time before a hectic September. If you're in Berlin this month, let's connect! 😊


Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Bangkok s Vibrant Concrete Jungle – City of Life

    After accumulating several weeks in Bangkok across multiple recent visits—including one extended stay unexpectedly—it’s surprising that it hasn’t appeared in our Polaroid of the Week series until now. On my latest trip, I first noticed the city’s slogan, City of Life. While not particularly inventive, it rings true: Bangkok hums with energy at all hours. As my final Thailand stop before returning to Hong Kong, it merits a feature. I’ve relished every 2023 visit (save for German Embassy errands)

  • Polaroid of the Week: Breathtaking Sunset Over Tempelhof Airfield Park, Berlin

    A huge thank you to everyone who commented on my last post, emailed, or reached out via social media. Your support after sharing my most challenging piece touched me deeply. Your encouraging words and personal stories of overcoming tough breakups gave me real hope—you helped immensely! Before my flight to New York last week, I savored a few days in Berlin, a city where I instantly feel at home. Though brief, my visit included discovering hidden gems like Berlins open-air gas lantern museum, indu

  • Polaroid of the Week: Aztec Dancer at Mexico City s Historic Zócalo

    During our first visit to Mexico City in 2010, we spent nearly two weeks immersing ourselves in the citys major tourist attractions. On our recent return this month, we ventured off the beaten path, exploring vibrant neighborhoods like San Ángel and San Rafael. For our final day, though, we returned to the heart of the city: the iconic Zócalo, perfect for people-watching and savoring tlayudas—a beloved Oaxacan street food we first discovered years ago. The Zócalo felt timeless, as if no time ha