Appropriately titled as the capital of Germany, Berlin is the heart and soul of the country. A happening city, there is always something going on and although the wall no longer remains, its memory lives on in the difference between the run-down East and the more sophisticated West.
Things to see and do:
-Reichstag-Although queues tend to be long, entry into the building is free, so for those travelling on a budget it makes for a cheap and interesting day out. This parliamentary building now has the addition of the dome on top, giving the opportunity to view the city from a height.
-Berlin Wall-Although the wall came down in 1989, it is still possible to trace the route that it took along the floor. A piece of it also still remains in ‘Bernaur Strasse’ for those wanting to experience a piece of history for themselves.
-Markets-Outdoor markets are very popular in Berlin and particularly at Christmas. If you are lucky enough to be visiting at this time of year it is hard to miss the hive of activity going on, so immerse yourself in the atmosphere and buy a few local goods.
Getting there: Very few flights travel directly into Berlin from international destinations, many of which stopping at Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Trains and buses have good connections with cities all over Germany however, so getting around is not hard.
Location and weather: Berlin, set in the north east of Germany, is typically continental in terms of weather. The winters are cold and the summers warm, though don’t expect temperatures of great heights as it rarely gets too hot on this city.
Top tip: For a cheap way of getting around the city, hire a bike from one of the many places selling bikes for rent.
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