Tag Archives: Berlin

Travel |

|

A Weekend Guide to Berlin

While 48 hours may not seem like much time, a weekend is just about sufficient to begin to immerse yourself in the German city of Berlin. From learning about the city’s history to indulging in some retail therapy, this Berlin weekend guide introduces you to the top spots that you definitely should not miss if you only have a couple of days to spend in Berlin.

Museum Island

Museum Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is home to five world-class museums that are dedicated to showcasing everything from German history to ancient art, and their combined collections encompass over 6000 years of cultural history. While Berlin does boast several other important museums, the fact that these five are all located a stone’s throw away from each other does make it quite convenient if you are short on time. If you are still not able to view all five museums, then do make sure to at least visit the Pergamon Museum and the Old National Gallery.

Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse is legendary for being the spot where the Berlin Wall crossed twice, and today is considered to be the epicenter of culture and shopping in the city. Stretching out for just over three kilometers, there is an almost endless array of shops and department stores to be found here, ranging from small independent boutiques to luxury flagship stores. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants here, with everything from local German cuisine to Mediterranean to Asian, making this a great spot to stop for lunch.

The Gendarmenmarkt
One of the largest squares in Berlin, a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt will reward you with the opportunity to explore three historic buildings, making this one of the most picturesque parts of the city. The Konzerthaus, which was built in 1821, is the city’s most important theater, while the French Cathedral and the Berlin Cathedral are definitely architecturally impressive. If you are visiting Berlin in the winter, Gendarmenmarkt is also where you will find a bustling Christmas market that showcases the city’s festive traditions.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic part of the city, and was built in 1791, loosely modeled after the Acropolis in Athens. This 26-meter high sandstone monument was the city’s very first Neoclassical structure, and it is, without a doubt, one of Berlin’s most popular landmarks today.

Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial takes up the area of an entire city block, and is filled with row upon row of concrete slabs, each rising to various heights. These are meant to be reminiscent of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, and while this project may have been quite controversial, walking through it will leave you with feelings of isolation and claustrophobia, giving you a tiny bit of an insight into the plight that so many Jews faced.

Berlin is truly a dynamic city, with so much to see and do. While a weekend is perfect for a quick introduction to all that Berlin has to offer, this will likely only make you want to return again for longer, so that you can delve deeper into the unique charm that this city has always had.

Travel |

|

Location Spotlight: Germany – OROGOLD Reviews

Germany, located at the heart of Europe, shares its borders with nine other countries. With the biggest economy on the continent, more inhabitants than any other European country, and a cosmopolitan culture intermingled with a rich history, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit and explore this fascinating country. Divided into 16 states, each region of Germany has their own unique traditions and local customs, making it an excitingly diverse destination to visit.

The Bode Museum on Spree River in Berlin, Germany

Berlin
Berlin is said to be the creative hub of the country, which came about due to its multicultural population and buzzing underground scene. If nightlife is what you are after, then Berlin is the city to visit, as it is one of the most liberal cities in Europe, with a hedonistic nightclub scene. With strong roots in music and the arts, Berlin has a vibrant culture, but is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city for almost 30 years, has sections that are still standing today. To learn more about German history, there are plenty of world-class museums that document what life was like under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets.

Scenic landscape in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavaria
Located in southern Germany, Bavaria is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings, laid-back attitude and welcoming hospitality. Visitors can spend days exploring the numerous medieval castles, baroque churches and grand palaces, and if you time your trip well, you can also take part in some of the traditional Bavarian festivals. In total, Bavaria has over 100,000 architectural monuments and over 1200 museums, as well as 40 exceptional theater and opera venues, making it ideal for a cultural break. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps, the most spectacular mountain range in Germany, and the gorgeous landscapes are comparable to those you would find in Switzerland and Austria.

The Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany

Cologne
Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine river in west Germany, is most famous for their impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which used to be the tallest building in the world. It is so breathtaking that it is no surprise that it holds the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors to the cathedral also have the option of climbing the 509 stairs to the top, which may seem tiring but the view makes it completely worthwhile. A great way to explore Cologne is by a river cruise, which will take you through towns and mountains along the Rhine. Be sure to stop off at one of the many traditional brewpubs along the way, where local beer is served. Foodies will love Cologne’s cuisine, with many rediscovered traditional dishes being served by fantastic restaurants.

Berlin, Bavaria and Cologne are only 3 of the many amazing destinations within Germany. When visiting this magnificently diverse country, it would be best to explore as many cities and towns that you can within your time frame, so that you can truly appreciate all that Germany has to offer.