Electric Berlin
“Paris is always Paris and Berlin is never Berlin!”
-Jack Lang, Culture Minister of France
“Berlin is tough but so are you.”
Within one lifetime, Berlin has alternated between being the world’s most liberated city and the most oppressed and then back again. It has been a haven for spies and artists, a stage for presidents, a pawn on a global chessboard and the unofficial capital city of Europe. It has endless rows of gray concrete housing and some of the wildest parties in the world. It’s no surprise that it also just so happens to be one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit.
As a major air and rail hub in the center of Europe, it’s easy to get here from pretty much anywhere, in any fashion, from luxury train to discount airline. However they arrive, travelers will easily navigate Berlin’s U-Bahn subway system. Among its other charms, Berlin is noted for being cheaper than most other European capitals. Lodging, food, drink and entertainment are notably less expensive than Paris and London, with attractive options at every budget level from backpacker to five-star luxury.
History:
First time visitors to Berlin often seek a connection to the city’s history. The city has been at the center of the worst of fascism and communism and the best of liberal democracy. Start by visiting the dome of the Reichstag, home of Germany’s parliament. The visit is free, but you must register online in advance. The dome’s museum will reintroduce you to the history of the city and its governments. Afterwards, you can visit the Brandenburg gate, the symbol of German and European peace and union and pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial. A short distance away, Checkpoint Charlie preserves Berlin’s Cold War history where American and Soviet tanks once faced each other down. Even thirty years later, souvenir sellers still offer “pieces of the Berlin wall,” to tourists. The wall used so much concrete that you can be confident your piece is authentic. However, it’s quite likely that one side was painted afterwards to make you think it came from the famous graffiti that covered the wall’s surface.
Culture:
After taking in the weight of Berlin’s history, you’ll certainly want some levity and entertainment. The Reichstag itself boasts a notably excellent restaurant with expansive views of the city. For security reasons, reservations must be made in 48 hours in advance online. Other opportunities for high culture include the Berlin Philharmonic, and Museum Island, which hosts the Pergamon, a museum of Middle Eastern art and architecture, the Neues Museum, home of the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the Bode Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest public coin collections. A 3-day pass to all of Berlin’s museums is €29, but half price for university students and free for under-18s.
Carouse:
If all the high culture goes to your head, you can steady yourself at the city’s hundreds of beer halls and pubs. Whether you’re searching for an intimate and warming pub to linger over a bratwurst and brew or a rowdy beerhall to down pints and pretzels, you’ll very quickly find yourself making new friends and even picking up a little German. (The language. Do not try to pick up a small German person.) After dark, the city becomes one of Europe’s great party capitals. All night Techno EDM parties in abandoned Communist factories are among the tamer offerings. Some clubs open and close often, while others are long-lasting countercultural institutions. Check the blogs before you go to find one that meets your tastes.
Explore:
When you’re ready to get some fresh air, take a walk through the city’s famous parks. The Tiergarten, in the center of the city, is one of the world’s great urban gardens, perfect for a walk or bike ride. Outside of the city center, the former Tempelhof airport is now a city park where you can run and bike on the runways or explore the old terminals.
Shop:
If you want to get outdoors but your preferred sport is bargain hunting, visit the city’s fantastic flea markets. Whether you’re searching for a bit of history, fashion, art or something you didn’t know you needed, you’ll be sure to find it. My personal favorite is the Gendarmenmarkt, which is only open in December to sell Christmas gifts and winter delights.
Whatever season you’re ready to travel, be sure to get in touch so we can plan your perfect trip to Berlin!
Even Berlin’s airports reflect its role at the center of world-historic events. Markings on the tarmac indicate where to park various models of Soviet, American, British and European aircraft.
Inside the Berlin Philharmonic
Although Berlin offers a great diversity of cuisines, it’s a paradise for those with carnivorous tastes.
At the Christmas Market