With its oppressive and divisive history well behind it, the city of Berlin has managed to rebuild and transform itself into one of Europe’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities.
Striking modern architecture, mixed with remnants of its fabled medieval history create a rich backdrop of culture, art, and entertainment.
When the Cold War ended and the Berlin Wall came down, the city experienced a construction boom. As a result, there is a glut of hotels, mostly in City West. Hotel prices are lower than some other European cities, like Paris and London, and the rooms tend to be more spacious as well.
Modern, sleek and uber stylish, award-winning Lux 11 embodies the sensibilities of the new Berlin. Each comfortable apartment is like home: fully equipped with everything you need. There is a popular bar, restaurant, boutique, and hair salon on site as well.
The Hotel Adlon was rebuilt in 1997 after having been destroyed during World War II. No detail was forgotten in the ornate decor, including large bathroom of black marble. The service is legendary, and the spa is among the best in Europe.
Individually-designed rooms with quirky features like airplane seats and beds suspended form the ceiling make Arte Luise Kunsthotel a truly unique lodging experience. It is in a nice, quiet location, convenient to good restaurants and the train station.
Fora truly stylish lodging experience, Soho House might beat all other options. This new hotel is designed for the trendy party goer, with large, fun guest rooms, and spaces intended to create a club-like atmosphere, like a lounge, library, and a roof top pool.
Dining in Berlin can be like and international culinary field trip, or it can be like having supper at your German grandmother’s house. Surrounding farmland provides a wealth of fresh ingredients, and chefs cook up both comforting traditional dishes and unique international fare that delight locals and visitors alike.
High brow German cuisine is the star of the relatively new Restaurant Reinstoff. Traditional German dishes are given a delicious twist, and served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Popular among the local residents, Cafe Einstein Stammhaus is a German landmark that serves up excellent coffee – roasted on-site – and desserts, along with traditional Austrian favorites like schnitzel.
For haute cuisine at an affordable price, many turn to Facil. They serve up an eclectic menu that includes German favourites with a touch of Asian flair thrown into the mix. The elegant setting, under a dramatic glass roof, is a perfect backdrop for the excellent food.
Berlin is made up of twelve boroughs, each with its own character. Tiergarten, Southwest Berlin, and Mitte are among the most popular areas to visit in the city.
Get your cultural fix at one of Berlin’s many museums and art galleries, notably Deutsches Historisches Museum, Kultuforum, and Museumsinsel, which is located on the site of one of the city’s original settlements.
A sobering yet educational reminder of Germany’ dar past is Sachenhausen Memorial and Museum. First a Nazi concentration camp that held 200,000 prisoners, and then a Russian prison, it should not be missed.
Berlin’s architecture is amazing. Though a stark reminder of the Cold War and the division that once strangled Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate cannot be missed. It’s neoclassical design is beautiful, and is now a sight of unification, along with being one of Europe’s most recognizable landmarks.
Explore historical churches like Berliner Dom, staggering castles like Schloss Charlottenburg, and tour the wold famous Berlin Zoo with the kids.
Berlin, on average, tends to be drier than other German cities. May and June are popular months to visit, thanks to the fair weather and the many festivals going one.
Late July and August are the hottest months, and it might surprise visitors just how high the temperature get get there.
