The Berlin Wall cut through the center of Berlin from August of 1961 to November of 1989, separating the Soviet Union from Western powers. More than just a wall though, it was a complex military system that rose more than 12 feet high and had 302 towers, 12,000 guards and countless kilometers of barbed wire.
Countless numbers of people attempted to cross the wall in the 28 years that it stood, trying to escape Soviet soldiers, many of which were shot before they could even scale it's sturdy, gray, concrete facade.
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, 118 artists from 21 different countries came to create spontaneous works of art on a remaining, still-standing section of it. It officially opened as an open-air gallery in September of 1990.
This section is now the longest surviving stretch of the wall and its 1.3 kilometers located on the banks of the Spree in Friedrichshain, are covered in approximately 106 paintings, making it the largest outdoor gallery in the world.
Becuase it is exposed to the elements, and vandals, there have been many efforts over the years to restore the artworks.
According to the tourist information website for the gallery, "In 1996, Kani Alavi founded East Side Gallery e. V., an artists’ initiative to preserve and restore the works. By 2000, a 300-metre stretch of the wall had already been restored and 33 pictures repainted, and in 2009 the whole East Side Gallery was restored. 87 artists took part and 100 paintings were restored."
Location
Admission
None! The Gallery is open-air and open to the public for FREE!
Opening Hours
The gallery is always open, as it is just a part of the street. Visit whenever you like!
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
Based on my experience living near and then returning to this magical city, here is my guide to (what I think are) the best spots to see, and why you should see them (and if they are worth standing in line or paying the fee to enter).
Are you in the mood for a spring or autumn polar dip? Looking for a nice cold swim after a long summer hike? Or were you just hoping to dip your feet into crisp glacier water?
Despite being fed by glaciers and icy cold, these crystal clear lakes are the perfect places to cool off on a hot summer day in the mountains. In Jasper — a mountain town in the Rocky Mountains in Canada — temperatures can head well above 30°C (86°F) in the summer.
If the last few years of travel has taught us anything, it is that airports are busier than ever, and both they, and the airlines, are struggling to keep up with the demand.
Throughout the recent summer and holiday seasons, we were bombarded with images and videos of stacks of lost luggage left in airports all over the world. If you are anything like me, it has made checking a bag seem like a risk that I am not willing to take — especially if I am going for a short trip and don’t want to be without my clothing, etc. for even a day.
I am always surprised at the power of language — especially when a short sentence or quip completely changes my perspective, sets me on a new path, or inspires an adventure.
Hopefully one of these modern travel-inspired quotes inspires you!
The Anthrotorian has officially been around for more than a decade — since 2012, I have been writing about travel, culture, art, and history on this website. To celebrate this landmark birthday, I published a book, It’s Rude to Keep an Adventure Waiting: Travel Advice, Tips, and Tricks.
Passing a slow moving car would have been a suicide mission.
The small, 13-seater bus was stuffy, hot, and full of fellow travelers half asleep from the heat and half sick from the drive. Gritty red sand, mixed with the sweat in my sandals, smooshed between my toes.
From the lush landscapes of fantasy epics to bustling city streets featured in iconic dramas, set-jetting allows you to step into the world of your favorite characters.
What is set-jetting?
Set-jetting is the trend of visiting destinations made famous by movies and TV series, and it is capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide.
It is officially 2025, and we are all gearing up for fresh adventures and exciting new experiences.
Whether you're looking for travel ideas, insight on the best way to travel in 2025, or simply need practical travel tips, these travel trends promise to make your trips unforgettable. So, pack your bags, and let’s dive into the top travel trends of 2025!
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.