Since the fall of the wall, the reunification of the east and west sides of Berlin has seen its metamorphosis into the pumping, cultural heart of Germany.
Whether you’re an art lover wanting to observe the cutting-edge architecture and galleries, a culture vulture wanting to devour the sights and museums or just a partygoer wanting to get on down in the bustlin’ pubs and raucous clubs- there’s no denying that Berlin has become one of Europe’s most exciting cities. If you can’t find anything to do here, you might as well burn your passport now, says Aiden D’Araujo.
Retail Therapy:
Forget fashion for the masses; Berlin is bursting with hip boutiques and way-too cool-for-school designers, with immediate evidence coming in the form of Hut Up . As well as having imaginative felt designs – handcrafted traditionally and combined with distinctive fabrics such as silk or gauze – it has a range of witty accessories for the body or home, which are equally eye-catching. Another trendy alternative is the uber-chic Molotov . Displaying local talent, it consists of clothing and fashion items that are fresh and eye-catching, ranging from futuristic, innovative creations to traditional and classic sharp tailoring.
Eating Out:
If you are looking for the ultimate dining experience, then look no further than Lutter & Wagner. Starting out as one of Berlin’s first wine merchants, this elegant restaurant is steeped in history and boasts fantastic German cuisine complete with excellent service and an extensive wine list- the stuff that culinary dreams are made of. Meanwhile, Clarchens Ballroom has taken one step further, with it being set in a beautifully preserved historic 1913 ballroom. It provides a vintage charm along with a lively dining experience, consisting of Kitschy German-inspired dishes.
After Hours:
Berlin’s nightlife is no less than enticing, with its plethora of bars and clubs playing host to a diverse array of dexterous DJs. You always have to start somewhere though, and what better place to begin with than the open-air vibes of Sisyphos? With indoor and outdoor areas, it is famous for its festival-like weekend parties, where the club in filled with a mixture of techno and house music. This is the perfect warm-up venue for mixing with the young, hip crowds of the city. It’s not often you get to watch the sunrise in a glass-fronted open-air courtyard, but by conducting your early hours partying’ in the chrome-lit, open-plan setting of Café Moskau, this dream could become reality, proving to be an unforgettable clubbing experience. For those wanting something harder and edgier, you can’t go wrong with Casino. Set in an unused industrial complex, this club bangs out the techno sounds that are synonymous with the city.
Where To Stay:
The Honigmond Garden Hotel is a charming place to stay that is surprisingly affordable. With spacious rooms, Tuscan gardens, and all sights in the east-side of the city within walking distance, this is an excellent option for the Berlin virgin. For those wanting five-star extravagance, the Grand Hyatt comes as the perfect antidote. A slick and classy hotel with large, elegant rooms that come with Internet TV, it also has a rooftop spa and gym, complete with a pool boasting breath-taking views across the city. One for lapping up the luxury in.
Getting Around:
Though the best way to observe Berlin would be by foot, its various sights and delights are spread all over, so the use of transportation is essential. Fortunately, the city is served by a comprehensive network of buses, trains, and trams, which are frequent and efficient catering for any destination for which you desire.
Getting There:
Both Nottingham East Midlands and Birmingham International airport offer regular flights to Berlin.
