Berlin is the capital city of Germany and the most populated in the country also. It is a world city of culture, politics, media and science.
The history
Due to political and economical tensions brought on by the Cold War, Germany became divided by a wall and had an East and a West Germany; Berlin was also divided. The wall stayed put until the end of the Cold War in 1989 and pressure from Eastern Germany demolished it. On October 3, 1990, the two parts of Germany were reunified as the Federal Republic of Germany, and Berlin again became the official German capital. Although the wall has nearly been completely demolished there are still a few locations where you can see it and marks it left behind.
Where to stay
In the middle of the city is the Tiergarten, the city’s vast ‘green lung’ and the oldest public park in Berlin. In the south-east, the city’s largest lake is Müggelsee, where bathers can escape the summer heat.
A hotel close to the city and within walking distance of Tiergarten is ‘Hotel Berlin’. The hotels official rating provided by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) is 4 stars which makes this a lovely hotel with plenty of in-room extras such as a refrigerator and blackout drapes. On-site dining options include the Globe Restaurant that serves international fare. The Patio Inn Steingarten offers seating in a courtyard. Lützow Lounge reflects pub/sports-bar ambience and houses LCD televisions, and offers snack foods. A wellness centre contains a Finnish sauna, a more temperate sauna, a relaxation lounge and a fitness room equipped with a Universal gym, cardio machines and free weights.
Another hotel which is close to the Tiergarten is the SANA Berlin Hotel. It offers an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This Berlin hotel offers a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli.
What to do
The International Berlin Beer Festival attracts around one million visitors every year. There is over a mile of stalls offering beer and there are also stages providing live music and shows. The festival is arranged for the first weekend in August so you are near enough guaranteed a hot summers day and lots of beer!
The Festival of Lights is one of the largest festivals in the world. Every October for 12 days, buildings in Berlin are illuminated by thousands of lights which give the city a spectacular look. The festival is accompanied by art and cultural events around the theme of light and brightly coloured laser illuminations and firework displays light up landmarks.
Other things to do in Berlin include
A visit to the Berlin Zoo (Berliner Tiergarten) which is Europe’s biggest Zoo – a good trip out for any tourist at any age.
It is also worth visiting The East Side Gallery which are graffiti paintings that have been drawn on the remains of the Berlin wall and have been contributed to by 21 different artists. It is the largest open air gallery in the world.
Checkpoint Charlie was a crossing point in the Berlin Wall and became a symbol of the Cold War. It represented the division of East and West. Although Checkpoint Charlie was removed in 1990 and the original placed in a museum, there is a replica of the booth and sign at the actual point which can been viewed, as well as visiting the museum located just metres away.
Other things to think about
Since 2002 the Euro has been Germany’s official currency. Lonely Planet suggests that you carry cash with you at all times as cash is king in Germany, about 100 Euros is recommended.
It would be best not to assume that you will be able to use credit cards at all retailers however, it is still best to take one with you for accommodation and emergencies.
Berlin is one of the safest and tolerant cities in Europe and walking alone at night is not usually dangerous.
The standard of healthcare is excellent and you are never too far from medical help. However, if you are a citizen of the EU, you will be advised to apply for the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles you to reduced or even free medical treatment. The EHIC doesn’t cover you for repatriation and so holiday travel insurance is recommended. Not only does travel insurance cover you for emergency medical expenses and repatriation where medically necessary, it also covers you for personal belongings and cancellation.
