Berlin Vacations


	Of strategic importance since it first straddled the Spree River in the 13th century, Berlin went on to hog centre stage in the turbulent twentieth. Today the city, restored as the nation's capital, is the focus of a mammoth project of reunification and the barometer of Germany's moods. This is the heart of Germany, with a stoic beat that echoes through grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs. The Wall is gone but Berlin is still divided: there's a distinct segue from the glitz of the west to shabby East Berlin. Berlin sits in the middle of the region known from medieval times as the Mark of Brandenburg, now the Bundesland (federal state) of Brandenburg. The city spills north and south of the Spree River, which winds through some of the magnificent parkland that comprises a third of the municipal area. In 2001, Berlin's previous 23 administrative districts were reduced to 12 in an effort to curb bureaucracy. There is little impact on visitors, however, as the old district names continue to be used. You can't really get lost within sight of the brooding and monstrous Fernsehturm (TV Tower), a useful orientation point visible from most of central Berlin. Unter der Linden, the fashionable avenue of aristocratic old Berlin, extends from the Brandenburg Gate to Alexanderplatz, once the heart of socialist East Germany. Some of Berlin's finest museums are on Museumsinsel in the Spree, the original centre of the metropolis. West of the Brandenburg Gate, the boulevard runs through Tiergarten, a huge landscaped park. You may remember the Victory Column at its centre from the Wim Wender's film Wings of Desire. The commercial centre of West Berlin glitters just to the south. The real revelation for visitors at the moment, however, is Friedrichshain, once a grotty district favoured by backpackers for its cheapness. Right now this is the place to come for a long night out. Things are still cheap here by Berlin standards, but the area south of Frankfurter Allee has suddenly become the city's hottest nightlife zone, with new bars and clubs popping up like magic mushrooms. The original spirit of the district still survives around Rigaer Strasse, where hard-core squatters run some pretty anarchic bar-clubs. Most open whenever someone feels like it, and their existence is constantly threatened by police busts. South of the Brandenburger Gate, in areas once occupied by the Wall, Berlin's newest quarter has emerged around Potsdamer Platz. Berlin related links: Berlin Hotels \| Berlin Vacation Specials Europe Vacations

Weather & When to Go

Berlin is a fascinating city year-round, although most visitors arrive between May and September when the weather is the most reliable. Things are busier in high season, but despite the crowds, summer is a lovely time to be here because much of life moves outdoors. Rain is, however, possible in any month, so come prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. Avoid major holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year and special events such as Loveparade - unless, of course, that's what brings you here in the first place.

Attractions & Excursions

Berlin's many parks and forests are tailor-made for walking and jogging, and the countryside around central Berlin has many lovely cycling routes. Ice skating is available at a number of indoor rinks from mid-October to early March. There are also dozens of swimming pools to choose from.

Berlin's calendar is loaded with annual fairs, festivals, concerts and parties. The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), the second largest in the world, is held in February. Christopher Street Day is the city's big gay parade; it hits the streets in June, while the techno Loveparade goes doof in early July. (Not in 2004, however - it's taking a rest, and will be back in 2005.) JazzFest Berlin doo-bops in November and Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are held throughout the city in the month before the big day.

Entertainment

Highbrow barflies, po-mo theatre and grunge-goth artists. Berlin is Germany's cultural hub. The scene is dynamic and international, ranging from highbrow pursuits like opera, dance and theatre to pop and experimental culture in the form of dance clubs, live music venues and cinema. Bars and pubs are also an integral part of Berlin's nightlife.

Shopping

From industrial jewellery to second-hand dirndls. Penny pinchers to power shoppers - anyone can buy just about anything under the sun in Berlin. Each neighbourhood offers its own take on shopping, with a special mix of stores. Also give the flea markets a try - they are often treasure troves of things unique to Berlin.

Dining

Germany is truly a meat-and-potatoes kind of country. Though health-conscious restaurants are starting to sprout, it's best to stop counting calories and cholesterol levels while in Germany. The assault begins with a hearty meat breakfast and keeps right on going until dumplings for dinner.

Lodging: Hotels & Accommodations

Berlin's luxury hotels are located in the heart of the city. Many hotels can be found near bustling tourist regions and are within proximity to many attractions.

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	Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Brandenburger Hof Hotel


	Arts Berlin is a veritable motherlode for lovers of art, architecture and artefacts. Its great clusters of museums will keep the most dedicated culture addict happy. The layers of the city's history, from war and violent division to imperial fancy, exist in fascinating proximity to its dynamic present. Brandenburger Tor One of Berlin's most photographed locations, Brandenburger Tor(Brandenburg Gate) once marked the impenetrable boundary between East and West Berlin. Built in 1791, Brandenburger Tor has often been a centre stage for Berlin's militant political rallies, including the memorable celebrations in November 1989, when the Berlin Wall was torn down. Reichstag The imposing Reichstag has been the focus of momentous events in German history. After WWI, it was the site of the proclamation of the German Republic. Then Hitler cemented his power by blaming the 1933 Reichstag fire on the communists. WWII again devastated the building which was finally reconstructed to house the Bundestag in 1999.

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