This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com
This city of contrasts is a fascinating place to spend some time. With its varied architecture, historical associations and lively nightlife, there is plenty to see and do here. Germany’s largest city is a great destination for a fun filled weekend away, cultural city break or spot of retail therapy. Check out our guide to Berlin to see what makes it one of the most popular city breaks destinations, largely because of the number of cheap flights available from budget airlines.
For views of the city, head to one of its observation decks. The TV tower with its rotating cafe is probably the most famous. Views can also be seen from the Bundestag or the Kollhoff Tower.
A good way of exploring the city is to go on one of the many walking tours that are available and which can usually be booked through your hotel. There are many different types available, from tours that take in the history and architecture of the city, to those that detail its alternative culture.
There are a number of museums to visit in Berlin. Museum Island is home to many, including the Pergamon Museum with its extensive selection of ancient Greek, Islamic and Middle Eastern art, the Altes Museum with Egyptian and antiquity displays and the Neues Museum, which includes pieces unearthed from Troy.
There are a variety of other museums located throughout the city. These include the Jewish Museum, which has a permanent exhibition on the history of the Jews in Germany, the open air Topography of Terror, which remembers the reign of terror that existed under the Nazi regime and the German Historic Museum, which covers pre-history to modern times.
A visit to Berlin is not complete without seeing the infamous Berlin Wall. A section of the Wall has been preserved as a gallery and can be found to the east of the City. The Berlin Wall Memorial in also worth checking out – a monument to those who died crossing, it offers an insight into the no man’s land that existed.
The city has many historically important churches. The most impressive is the Berliner Dom, which also offers excellent city views from the top of the Dome. The oldest, the Nikolaikirche, dates back to the 13th century and is now a museum.
Tiergarten is the largest public garden around and is popular with families, particularly in the summer as a spot for barbecues. World’s Garden is also worth visiting and is known for its oriental gardens.
Berlin is famous for its Zoo, which has over 1,500 different species, the largest of any zoo in the world. Located in the heart of the City West district, the Zoo is known for its breeding programs, with animals such as the polar bear Knut and the Giant Panda, Bao Bao becoming known globally. Prices start from €6 for children and €12 for children.
When visiting Berlin, allow some time to look around its excellent shops. Visit KaDeWe on Wittenbergplaz, known for its old world charm and friendly staff. For upmarket shopping, head to Galeries Lafayette or the Galeria Kaufhof at Alexanderplatz. Make sure to visit one of the many flea markets throughout the city, such as Mauerpark that takes place on Sundays.
Berlin is an excellent city for eating out. Its multiculturalism means that there is a diverse range of food available, such as currywurst, a Berlin staple. This dish of bratwurst covered in ketchup and curry powder is sold by street vendors throughout the city.
Berlin is renowned for its nightlife, so it comes as no surprise that there are many theatres, concerts, cinemas and other cultural events on offer. The Deutsches Theater is one of the most prestigious, home to many classic productions and famous actors. The Theater des Westerns is known for its musicals, while the Friedrichstadtpalast offers cabaret and revues.
Berlin is also home to some of the biggest clubs in Europe. With over 200 clubs here, there is something catering for all tastes. Techno and electro music are the biggest draw in the city, but there are alternatives offering everything from mainstream music to that of the 1960s.
There are a wide range of events that take place throughout the year. The Berlin Film Festival is of global importance and brings some glitz and glamour to the City while the Christopher Street Day Parade brings a touch of the flamboyant. The Fete de la Musique sees the city alive with many different types of music while the Karneval sees a vibrant carnival procession.
