Seeped in a history spanning centuries of war and peace, division and heroism, Prussian heart pangs and modern-day love, Berlin has come into its own as a vibrant multicultural hub and overtly tolerant metropolis. With a big old soft spot for foodies, rockabilly, and rave-on club culture, Berlin is an uber-unique alternative to fatigued palm fronds and salty margaritas.
the romance
Crash at a fantastic bank-turned-luxury-suite where you can indulge in a couples’ spa treatment deep inside a subterranean vault. Venture into daylight and embark on a gastro-tour of nosh-notable Potsdamer Platz, the glass ‘n’ fountain region renowned for ‘flammkuchen’ (pancakes), oysters, chestnut soup, and venison carpaccio. With more bridges than Venice, Berlin hosts a Love Parade in July - replete with floats, moats, and enough spinning DJs to put the ‘b-eat’ back in celebration.
the scenery
Cultural and architectural feats abound, from the jaw-dropping Brandenburg Gate to the stunning Charlottenburg Palace – soak it all in with a river tour or tandem bicycle ride through the remarkable city capital. Kick back with the help of parkland, waterways, and beer gardens, or befriend a few locals over kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake - yüm). Go Baroque ogling over all of the fine shopping districts doused in the creations of young up-and-coming German designers.
the attractions
From the internationally renowned film festival, Berlinale, to the royal art collections housed at The Altes Museum, Berlin is one must-see after another. Charm your man silly with a pit-stop at the The Berlin Beer Festival on Karl-Marx Allee for one hundred and one stalls of brews.
For a cold-war dip into the well of history, be sure to see:
Berlin Wall remnants –pick up your very own piece of it at one of the local souvenir shops
Checkpoint Charlie monument
Krausnik – home to the world’s largest tropical park
the adventure
Berlin is known for its dark underbelly – literally. Partake in an underground guided tour of the ‘ghost stations’ that brazenly bridged East and West back in the sixties and seventies. Afterward, trade the sobering atmosphere for a little air (and a drink). Brave The Hi-Flyer - 150m above the city for such stand-out viewing like an aerial view of TV Tower - before indulging in some of the wildest nightlife this side of the equator.
the secrets
Guerrilla-style dining is all the down-lo rage – engage in a tryst-inspired secret restaurant at the home of a fabtabulous cook who goes by the moniker of The Shy Chef. In the boho-chic neighbourhood of Kreuzberg, you’re sure to enjoy this six-course meal comprised of vodka-marinated salmon and fine wines.
Other Germanic whimsical delights include:
The musical and acrobatic extravaganza of campy ‘Chamäleon’
The all-night tri-level electronic club, Weekend, or sparkling Spindler & Klatt waterfront
The Treptower Flomarkt – a top-notch flea market boasting all kinds of exotic wares along the banks of the Spree river
before you go
What to Expect
Spring: The weather in March through May is quite cool (0-18°C/32-64°F). A jacket is usually necessary in the early mornings and evenings.
Summer: June through August are warm and often sunny (11-23°C/52-73°F). Rain is also very common in July and August.
Autumn: September to November are cooler (2-18°C/36-64°F). This time of year is much drier than the summer months.
Winter: December through February are typically cold and snowy (-3-3°C/27-37°F).
Clothing
Comfortable attire is best. Be sure to bring good walking shoes and a sun hat if travelling in the summer. A warm jacket and boots are essential for travel during the winter months as well.
Currency
The Euro
The Lingo
German and English
Documents
A valid passport
Local Delicacies
Currywurst: bratwurst flavoured with ketchup and curry powder
Schnitzel mit pommes frites: a slice of pork covered in breadcrumbs and fried, served with a side of french fries
