Berlin- A fascinating city
10.23.06 (5:14 am) [edit]It is no surprise that Berlin is a magnificent city. On my last visit, I realized since the Wall fell, Berlin still feels like two cities. I think there are certain things that will take a long time to change. But keeping the discussion on East and West Berlin for some other time; I found Berlin, today is a major cultural centre combining top-flight museums, galleries and concert halls with thriving alternative art and music scenes.
Those enjoy a bubbling night life, won’t disappoint on their tour of Berlin. The nightlife here carries on through morning, the gay scene is rampant and there’s every kind of food that you can enjoy. The city draws a number of tourists during the month between May and September when the weather is the pleasant. But I found despite the crowds, summer is a lovely time to be here because much of life moves outdoors.
But those who prefer solitude to crowds; come between November and March, though it’s chilly during this time but on the positive side there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. For the same reason I think major holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year and special events such as Loveparade should be avoided - unless, of course, that's why you are visiting Berlin. It is difficult to book a hotel in Berlin during this time and the costs are also high.
Bahnhof Zoo, Brandenburg Gate, and Tiergarten Park are a few must visit sights in Berlin. There are plenty of things to do in Berlin. But all depends what kind of holiday you have in mind. But, if you ask me…just enjoy a bit of everything!
Explore Berlin without burning a hole in your pocket
08.31.06 (5:42 am) [edit]Berlin may be expensive but a planned itinerary is very handy. Let me tell you how to explore Berlin without burning a hole in your pocket. Berlin is a city of beautiful buildings, museums and parks. Here is a list of interesting places that I remind from my last visit to Berlin.
Spread over 230 hectares is the Treptower Park, which is dominated by the Soviet Memorial— a huge historical monument that reminds of the battle of Berlin. The memorial has granite stature of Mother Russia, followed by reddish brown marble guarded by kneeling soldiers. The burial ground here is believed to contain the remains of over 5000 soldiers. The best way to reach Treptower Park is to take the S-bahn from Bahnhof Zoo toward Schonefeld and stop at station Treptower Park. From the station, it is just 10 minutes of walking distance.
Volkswagen showroom on Friedrichstrasse at the corner with Unter den Linden is another exciting place to visit. Enjoy a spectacle of state-of-the-art Bugatti and the majestic Bentley Continental on the main floor. At the basement is the European involvement in space travel. A short film in English is a good way of understanding about the latest developments in space travel. And it is very easy to reach the showroom. From Bahnhof Zoo bus station, take Bus 100, which stops right in front of the showroom.
Reichstag is a short distance north of the Brandenburg Gate. Though the entry is free, to avoid long queue arrive early, before 9 am. The highlight is the ultramodern glass dome by Sir Norman Foster that tops the Reichstag's main hall. Before you get excited to climb the ramp to the top, stop and just have a look at the exhibition of black-and-white photos that tells the history of the Reichstag since its inception in 1894 up to the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Here is a useful tip to museum lovers. Almost all state-run museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. So, if your visit to Berlin coincides with the first Sunday of the month, make full use of the opportunity. I know it's impossible to visit all, but here are three of the best that I think you should visit— Pergamon and the Old National Gallery, both on Museumsinsel, and Schloss Charlottenburg on Spandauer Damm, northwest of Bahnhof Zoo.
Accommodation in Berlin is comfortable but at times, it is not easy to find a decent hotel. To avoid last minute hassles, you can book a hotel in Berlin online.
Berlin Events, Fairs and conferences
06.29.06 (5:21 am) [edit]Here is your travel guide to Berlin. No, matter which time of the year you travel to Berlin, you will find one or the other events going on. Berlin hosts many fairs, festivals and conferences through out the year. Some of the popular events in Berlin include:
Grüne Woche
The International Grüne Woche Berlin is held every year in January. This fair for nutrition economy, agriculture and horticulture attracts more thousands of visitors every year.
International Film Festival - Berlin ale
The annual international film festival (Berlin ale) is one of the greatest film festivals of the world that is generally held in the February. Also open for the common visitors, you will see a number of celebrities visiting the city.
International Tourismus-Börse
During the International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) which is held every year at the beginning of March in Berlin nearly all hotels are fully booked.
Karneval der Kulturen
Since 1996 at the end of May or beginning of June a very special summer carnival is celebrated in Berlin. The unique 'Karneval der Kulturen' is a reflection of the city's cultural diversity.
Love parade
If you are visiting Germany in July, don’t miss the Lover Parade. Each year in July (usually on the second Saturday) hundred thousands techno fans congregate in Berlin to celebrate the love parade. It is a great time to have fun and meet young people from different parts of the world.
Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day is celebrated in middle of July.
International Funkausstellung
International Funkausstellung is held at the end of August or beginning of September every year. This fair is one of the largest fairs of its kind in consumer electronics in the world.
Jazzfest Berlin
The jazz festival Berlin (Jazzfest Berlin) is held at the end of October or beginning of November. It is one of the most important festivals of modern jazz and a meeting point for creative musicians.
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