Berlin, the capital of Germany, lies on the River Spree in the east of the country forty-four miles from the Polish border. Although much of Berlin was badly damaged in the Second World War, there are many fine monuments and buildings that survived and they contrast sharply with the ultra modern structures such as those found in Potsdamer Platz. This cosmopolitan city has something for everyone. If variety is the spice of life then Berlin must be the spice capital of Europe.
Since the reunification of Germany, Berlin has become its most exciting city. It has a wealth of cultural activities, a lively nightlife, excellent restaurants and many shops and markets.
Berlin is popular with most age groups with the exception possibly of families with very young children. Berlin is an exciting city with its eclectic mix of architecture from the medieval near Alexanderplatz to the ultra modern Potsdamer Platz.
A city break to Berlin can be enjoyed at any time of year. The high season is from May until the end of September. Many Berliners take their holidays in August. Although it is less busy at this time the disadvantage is that this is also the period when theatres and concert halls close.
One of the most famous sights in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate in the Pariser Platz. The structure was built between 1789 and 1791 with the Quadriga added in 1794. It has been the scene of many parades and demonstrations since then.
The Reichstag was built in the late nineteenth century and much of it was destroyed by a fire in 1933 and bombs during the war. During the nineties the Reichstag was transformed by Sir Norman Foster and is the seat of the German Government. A walk to the top of the cupola gives wonderful views over the city.
The Potsdamer Platz is a bustling modern centre which developed after the fall of the wall. The modern architecture is impressive, especially the Sony centre with its large cupola. There are a large number of shops, cinemas, restaurants as well as a casino.
Berlin has museums galore so if your trip is short you will need to select carefully according to your interests.
There are many parks and picturesque squares where you can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the open spaces. The south of Berlin is fairly rural with small rivers, lakes and forests. Here you will find quaint old castles, country houses and the Wannsee inland beach. Wannsee is infamous for the conference that was held there in 1942 when the mass extermination of the Jews was planned by the Nazi hierarchy. There is a memorial and an exhibition displaying documents from that meeting.
A Berlin city break offers variety in everything from architecture, culture, entertainment, shopping and eating. It can truly be said that Berlin has something for everyone.
Berlin accommodates everyone with its very lively and varied nightlife. Whatever your taste in music there will be a club or a disco to satisfy you. The clubs in West Berlin are mainly in the Charlottenberg and Kreuzberg districts. The Ku’dorf is a large disco that is very popular with the young who enjoy the ‘beach parties’ and go- go dancers. There is also a casino in Potsdamer Platz.
There are three main shopping streets in Berlin including the Kurfurstendamm where luxury goods can be purchased. If you are looking for more reasonably priced goods the arcades at Potsdamer may provide some bargains. The Ka De We is said to be the largest department store in Europe and is well worth a visit if only to see the extensive food hall. The Schoneberg Saturday market is a good place to find souvenirs and gifts.
Every district in Berlin has a range of restaurants providing varied menus to suit all tastes and pockets. There are many French and Italian restaurants as well as a host of others serving food from many parts of the world.
