It's been so long since I last posted on my blog due to time constraints. After my last post I moved house, a process I hate due to stress levels going through the roof! At the same time, work became manic and I just had no time to even consider my blog.
If you have read my previous posts you will know I was stating my top 10 favourite destinations and had finished on number 3. I am so glad that I never revealed my number 1 because due to a recent city trip I have a new favourite destination of all time. But you will need to wait to find out as my number two or zwei is ...
Berlin!
Whenever someone mentions Berlin to me, I can't help but tell them how much I loved it. As mentioned in other posts, I often meet up with my Uni friends somewhere abroad and in December 2012 we spent a couple of days in Berlin.
Why Berlin?
Berlin is a vibrant city in which you will not run out of things to do and see. It's easy to get around and ,despite being popular with tourists, feels safe. You don't need to walk around holding carefully onto your belongings, always a plus in my book!
When to go?
My personal preference is late November or beginning of December as it is worthwhile getting to see the many Xmas markets dotted around the city. I must point out that it is very cold during this time so wrap up well! However, I love this city so much that I would recommend going whenever you can.
What to visit?
1. Brandenburg Gate or Brandenburg Tor is the image that comes to mind when Berlin is mentioned. Unfortunately I don't recall seeing any plaques with information about it, so we took some pictures with it and went on our way.
2. The Reichstag building ( pictured above) is where Parliament meets in session. You can visit the Dome area which gives wonderful sights of the city but be prepared to wait in a very lengthy queue to get in. We visited it in the early evening and waited well over an hour. Make sure you take identification and be prepared to have your bags searched to gain access. Definitely recommend a visit, I think it is free to get in.
3. Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing point from East to West. Here I recommend you visit the Museum although it is quite expensive but you get to find out information about how people tried to get across.
4. Charlottenburg Palace. It is a little tricky to get here and quite a walk from the metro station it is nearest. At a pricely cost you can visit inside which is beautiful and worthwhile if you are willing to pay it. To be honest, I think we went in to keep us out the cold for a while! There is a Xmas Market within the grounds and at night the Palace is lit up in different colours. Here it is in all it's glory:
5. East Side Gallery is a long section of what used to be the Wall that is covered in different paintings. My favourite one is below which has the message "No more wars, no more walls, a united world". It's a shame when people graffiti their names all over them.
6. The Xmas Markets. My favourite was the one at Alexanderplatz with the Ferris wheel but I thoroughly enjoyed the mulled wine on offer at al of them! You buy a mug with the wine in it and then you can either keep the mug as a souvenir or get the money you paid for the mug back.
7. Holocaust memorial, situated near the Brandenburg Gate. It is like a maze with concrete blocks of different sizes. When you walk further in and the blocks get higher, it is difficult to see your way back out. Apparently this was done on purpose to show a sense of confusion.
I only spent 2 whole days in Berlin and managed to visit all these attractions. However, there are probably many more I did not get a chance to visit. Berlin offers many wonderful typical places to eat as well as cuisines from around the world.
Hope you enjoyed reading my post. Look out for my number 1 next week ( I can't wait to share it!)
Nikki
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