Why I love Berlin… especially during the holidays.
I have this habit of falling in love with places, years before my initial visit. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is a great combination of refined glamour and grit. Trendy streets intertwined with historic buildings and a laid back lifestyle… I’m totally in love with this city for the following reasons:
Christmas Markets
When visiting Berlin during the Christmas/New Years time frame, be sure to visit several Christmas markets. Gendermenmarkt and Potsdamer Platz were two of my favorites. There’s so much to do – food options are endless coupled with a variety of options to buy local crafts. In addition, there’s a giant ice slide for some snow tubing!
Brandenburg Gate
The only remaining city gate in Berlin, that use to separate the East and West of the city, now stands as Germany’s symbol of unification. Be sure to visit the Reichstag next door.
Berlin Wall
Need I say more?!
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a portion of the Berlin Wall that was turned into the longest open air gallery in the world. Here you’ll find one of the most photographed sites in Berlin…
cc:Painting Analysis
Street Art: Elevated Face — Piece of the Berlin Wall
Throughout the city center, there’s an impressive compilation of street art depicting parts of Berlin’s history. Be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Alexanderplatz/Berlin TV Tower
Alexanderplatz is the most famous and largest square in Berlin. This a great starting point for exploring Berlin by foot. This area is also home to the Berlin’s TV Tower. Be sure to head to the top for aerial views of the city. However, in terms of dining, the menu is basic and drinks are a bit pricey.
Memorial of the Murdered Jews
The Memorial of the Murdered Jews, located in the center of Berlin next to Brandenburg Gate, is a steel open-field memorial that pays homage to the people of the Holocaust.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is the famous East German – West German border crossing where allied soldiers registered armed forces before entering East Berlin.
Berlin Cathedral
The historic, yet impressive dome structure makes this a favorite among all visitors.
Charlottenburg Castle
Charlottenburg Castle is artistically, as well as historically impressive. Anything that incorporates Baroque style architecture literally takes my breath away. The room’s ensemble takes you through the life of Sophie Charlotte, boasting her outstanding masterpieces and collections along the way.
World War II Bunker Tour – Dark World
Explore one of the few remaining bunkers from World War 2 – this is an unforgettable, eye-opening experience.
Anne Frank Museum
The Anne Frank Museum focuses on the diary and life story of Anne Frank via various listening stations and mini films.
Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror shines light on Germany’s troubled past during the reign of Hitler and the Nazi Administration.
Museum Island
If you’re a huge fan of history, which Berlin clearly dominates, Museum Island is the perfect starting point featuring five world-renowned museums including the Pergamon Altar!
New Years Eve
On New Years Eve, you can either join the crowd for an outdoor party starting from Postdamer Platz where you’ll eat, drink and dance your way to the firework display at Brandenburg Gate.
cc: Metor.co/uk
Or, you can head to Matrix Nightclub for an evening filled with great music, nonstop dancing, and rounds of champagne, whisky, beer and jagermiester. We partied for 10 HOURS straight!
Most of the sites mentioned can be done via a free walking tour courtesy of New Europe Tours. The tour will cover Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, The Memorial of the Murdered Jews, Hitler’s former bunker, Checkpoint Charlie, Gendermenmarkt, Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall. Also, depending on your interests, the Berlin Pass may come in handy offering you free admission into various sites.
Cheers!
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