Over 20 years after the momentous fall of the hundred-mile-long concrete symbol of oppression, Berlin is a hectic and happening place. With buzzing art, fashion and music scenes, Berlin is the definition of creative cool. With over 180 museums and a busy gallery scene, Berlin is a haven for art lovers. Many international artists, both aspiring and established, live and work in Berlin due to the provenance and prominence of art in the city. As to be expected of a city that offers travellers a warm welcome, there are many fantastic hotels in Berlin to suit all requirements. Still evolving in terms of design and architecture, Berlin is an exciting place to visit. An intriguing mix of traditional and cutting edge, Berlin has some great architecture. An example of Berlin’s beautiful classic architecture is the Rudesheimer Platz. A collection of houses built at the beginning of the 20th century, in the style of the English country home, Rudesheimer Platz has a romantic character unlike any other place in the city. On the contemporary side, the library of the Berlin Free University is a stunning glass and steel dome-like structure dubbed the Berlin Brain. A breathtaking example of modern architecture, both inside and out, the Berlin Brain is open to all visitors and is, of course, free to enter.
About
Berlin
As well as being a busy hub of creativity, art and enterprise, Berlin also has some refreshing green spaces. One of the best is the Viktoriapark in the multi-cultural Kreuzberg area. A great place to people watch, the Viktoriapark is also a good place to find a spot of solace. A steep hill in the middle of the park provides some spectacular views, set to the gushing sounds of the 60-metre hillside waterfall. Perhaps surprisingly, the park is also home to one of the city’s most popular beer gardens. Golgatha has a laid-back vibe during the day, but transforms into a happening disco come night-time.
Berlin’s museums are among its top attractions, and the best are located on Museuminsel (Museum Island). Accessed by a bridge, Museuminsel is a world heritage site and a visit to it should form an important part of Berlin holidays. Largely considered to be the best of the five fantastic museums on Museuminsel is the Neues Museum. The beautiful 19th century building, restored since 2003 under British architect David Chipperfield, currently presents the treasures of the Egyptian museum, as well as many historical artefacts and archaeological treasures from the ancient world.
Just next door to the Neues is the Pergamon Museum, which is an internationally renowned museum of ancient history. Notable pieces on display include the Alter of Zeus and the famous Ishtar Gate from Babylon.
While Berlin has a wealth of museums displaying their collections representing the world’s history, it is important not to forget that Berlin has its own important historical events. No trip to Berlin would be complete without acknowledging the Berlin wall. A trail of where the Berlin wall stood can be taken, complete with trail signs, or you can visit Checkpoint Charlie, the most well known crossing point of the former wall, and its museum.
Anytime of year is a good time to take Berlin holidays, as its climate is usually comfortable, and quite similar to the seasonal climate we are used to in the UK. Temperatures in summer normally reach a pleasant 25 degrees C, whereas spring and autumn are cooler but often sunny. Winter in Berlin can be a touch colder than in the UK, with temperatures rarely getting much above freezing. The city is, however, particularly atmospheric in the colder months when the weather seems to complement Berlins natural eeriness.
As in the UK, rain should be expected at any time of year in Berlin, and you would be wise to always take your waterproofs with you on your Berlin city breaks!
A city striving to prove itself to be much more than its historical connotations, Berlin is evolving into a forward thinking city rich in the creative arts. Germany’s worthy capital city is leading from the front.