Many who visit Berlin, the capital of Germany, proclaim it to be one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.
Let’s take a tour through the Berlin of today; a city of veracity, whose history has inspired much progress; shaping one of the most dynamic destinations in Europe.
History
Perhaps Berlin is best known for its most famous dictator, Adolf Hitler who took over power in the 1930s. The rise and fall of the Berlin Wall is a significant piece of Berlin’s vivid history.
Attractions & Sightseeing
Check your calendar as you’ll want to be a part of this extraordinary experience.
February
The Berlinale – an International Film Festival given during a two week period; Visitors and locals love to stargaze as Berlin hosts over 400 films representing over 120 countries. Celebrities, parties, art and glamour are all a part of this extravaganza.
May
Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) – an incredible summer festival; featuring festive, celebrations with international cuisine, exotic libations, dance performances, a parade of floats and hand-made costumes.
June
Christopher Street Day – a gay and lesbian festival.
July
Open Classic Air – a summer concert situated at Gendarmenmarkt, converted into one of the most striking arenas in all of Europe. Musical selections include: German-Italian opera, Jazz, Pop, Swing, and Soul hits. The laser, light and fireworks show is particularly amazing.
August
The Long Night of the Museums – Over 100 cultural institutions and museums open their doors to visitors, all night, to tour collections, artifacts, galleries and exhibitions, augmented by an array of events. A shuttle service is provided to make travel between venues, easy and affordable.
September
Pyronale – for two nights visitors take in a massive fireworks display. It is one of the most spectacular fireworks display in the world.
October
Festival of Lights – the whole of Berlin is set a-light with projections of light and illuminations which light up more than 50 famous Berlin landmarks.
December
New Year’s Eve in Berlin – this is the place to be on New Year’s Eve! Though it gets really cold in the winter months, layer up and enjoy the festivities! Over 2 kilometers of space, show stages, video screens, party tents, food, refreshment stands, light and laser performances and a stunning midnight fireworks show to cap off the evening, entertains guests.
Berlin offers great events during specific times of the year though the best sightseeing adventures are offered all year round.
Markets, Shops, and Cafes
- Türkischer Markt – offers great Turkish fare;
- Farmers’ Market at Wittenbergplatz – offers local produce including cheese, dried meats, fresh pasta and bread;
- Christmas Market – features large skating rink, Fairy Forest, and antiques, traditional German toys, and crafts
- Markt am Kollwitzplatz – offers an organic market filled with local high-grade produce and spices;
- Nowkoelln Flowmarkt – offers vintage clothing and home goods including delicious pastries and local fruit juices;
- Tauentzienstraße, the extension of Kurfuerstendamm – offers great shopping for the entire family;
- Hackescher Markt and Hachesche Höfe- offers great places to head for a dynamic blend of bars, cafés and shops;
- KaDeWe – the largest department store on the continent is worth checking out;
- Winterfeldt Markt – offers a great café hang out for coffee and people watching
Museums & Historic Land Marks
- Museum Island – this World Heritage site which lay in the center of the Spree, houses five of Berlin’s most historic museums: Neues (Egyptian relics), Pergamon (Roman, Pergamon archaeology), Altes, Alte Nationalgalerie (host of 19th art), and Bode (exhibiting sculpture collections and late antique and byzantine art.)
- DDR Museum – travel back in time and take an interactive tour East Germany
- Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial – the history of Berlin is so riveting that you probably won’t experience Berlin in all of its genuineness, if you don’t include a trip to this commemorative site.
Berlin Wall – Though most of the Berlin Wall has been destroyed, it’s worth visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the well-known border control during the Cold War which now acts as a tourist centre displaying the Wall’s history.
Accommodations
- The Swissôtel Berlin is just one out of many hotels in Berlin that will garner you nothing less than 5-star treatment;
- Melia is one out of many offering a nice and budget friendly option
Restaurants
- Witty’s – offers the best in Berlin staples;
- Jolesch – offers a traditional Austro-Hungarian menu;
- Café Jacques – menu filled with mixed provenance fare; heavy French-Algerian influences and an amazing wine list
Night Life
Berlin is considered to have one of the liveliest night life scenes in Europe.
- Trinkteufel in Kreuzberg’s Naunynstraße – known for rock and heavy metal;
- Kiki Blofeld – an outdoor space catering to the summer crowd;
- Berghain/Panorama Bar – most famous club in Berlin featuring: house, disco and hard techno;
- Club der Visionäre – an open-air spot situated on the banks of the canal; great weekend hang out
The brilliant and thrilling facets of Berlin are multi-sensational on every level. This progressive city inspires and offers an amazing variety of activities for the seasoned or novice traveler sure to fill your storybook with an exhilarating ride of adventures!