Gaizka Pujana asked:
Bearing marks on every corner of its history, both positive and negative, walking through the streets of Berlin is like walking through a time warp that enables you to catch a glimpse of all the periods seen, endured, suffered and celebrated by this wonderful, proud, cultured, and innovative city.
Bearing marks on every corner of its history, both positive and negative, walking through the streets of Berlin is like walking through a time warp that enables you to catch a glimpse of all the periods seen, endured, suffered and celebrated by this wonderful, proud, cultured, and innovative city.
The city itself is a relatively new city which underwent very slow expansion until the early nineteenth century after which it experienced so many changes so quickly that within mere decades it became several times the city it once was.
Many of the greatest buildings were destroyed or damaged during the bombings of the second world war, but non-the-less enough remnants remain of the pre-war periods to marvel at its rich taste, grandiose culture, and proud heritage.
The palace at Charlottenberg is just such a building, a Baroque royal place in the north-western part of the city, originally the summer home of the wife of Fredrick III named Sophie Charlotte and for whom of course the palace was named.
The Berliner Dom situated in the centre of the city is one of the finest examples of Neo-Baroque architecture in the city. Originally a rather simple Baroque design constructed in the mid eighteenth century it underwent massive extension in 1905 including the addition of its 98m high copper dome. Today, it has actually been simplified somewhat following damage during the war.
Museum Island is exactly what it says it is: situated in the Spree River this is the place where the first settlement of Collin was established in the early thirteenth century. It was here that the Brandenburg Electors palace was built and where they resided from 1470 until it was converted first into a royal palace and then into the enormous Stadtschloss Imperial Palace.
The building was razed to the ground in 1950 but the island and many of its other buildings survived, including the Berliner Dom and the island is now home to Altes Musuem, Old National Gallery, The Royal Stables, The Bodemuseum, and the New Museum, amongst others.
In stark contrast to the classical architecture of the old city is the bustling and vibrant new city with all the innovation that came with it. Postdamer Platz is one of the best example of the later stages of development in this city. One of the busiest plazas in pre-war Germany, it was destroyed during the war and left as a rubble heap under the shadow of the Berlin Wall, that was until the city was reunified and the square was finally redeveloped with the aid of big business such as Sony and DaimlerChrysler. Today it enjoys once again its position as vibrant centre for business, commerce and entertainment with over 150 shops and a 19 screen cinema complex.
Finding holiday accommodation in Berlin is no problem, and virtually wherever you end up will be full of character and there will be plenty to see. Having said that, the centre of the city and the west side are still considered to be safer and more luxurious although with that comes a less genuine experience and in many ways a partial view only of the city. Hotels will vary from under 80 Euros a night to in excess of 250 Euros per night for a double room. Most will include breakfast, but vegetarians should be warned; meats and sausages are a staple of every meal.
Berlin is a city unique in many ways, because of its history, both for good and for bad. It in no way shirks its past and the Berliners that you meet are open to discussion and debate. The city itself has a life blood running though it that is infectious and unstoppable a truly wonderful destination.
Hotele w Monachium
Mike Greaves asked:
Berlin is known for its awesome architecture, lively nightlife, and of course, the Berlin Wall. Its amazing diversity and rich culture and surprisingly ‘non-commercial’ slant will leave you craving for more. Like any great city Berlin has its list of attractions and to view these attractions up close in a hi-life mode there are that many luxury hotels to choose from. If you are looking for something along the lines of quiet and understated you should check out the Hilton Hotel. This luxury hotel boasts of 589 beautifully appointed guestrooms, all exuding an aura of calm elegance. An added bonus, the Hilton overlooks the famous Gendarmenmarkt square, one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Among its chief landmark features is the Concert Hall built in the early 19th century Karl-Friedrich Schinkel, the celebrated German architect. It also houses the world-renowned Berlin Symphony Orchestra. If you are lucky, you will also get to see from your luxury five star hotel the rather ancient French Cathedral constructed in the beginning of the 18th century. Its porch, tower, columns, and porticoes are all architectural marvels. Not too far is yet another luxury five star hotel worth reckoning. This is the Berlin Radisson SAS Hotel which spells ‘excellence’ right from the moment you step inside. Its luxurious rooms and plush interiors will sweep you up in an embrace of sumptuousness. The Berlin Radisson is practically a sneeze away from is one of the city’s most vibrant squares, Alexnaderplatz. It is said that Tsar Alexander I gave the square its eponymous name. Sadly, many of the buildings on this square were destroyed during the Second World War to be replaced by ugly socialist structures. Yet, there are some monuments you might still like to visit once there, including the Fountain of International Friendship and the World Clock. Not too far away from your luxury hotel happens to be the rather exotic Museum Island situated on the Spree River. Its northern half is covered with the world’s best-known museums built under the aegis of the Prussian monarchy. The art collections and artifacts are mind-boggling, to put it mildly. You must pay a visit to the Old National Museum renowned for its Romantic, Impressionist, and Classical collections. Monet’s Impressionistic and Menzel’s modernist works are huge draws, amongst many others of course. Another top luxury hotel that comes highly recommended is the InterContinental Berlin with its top-rated ‘Hugo Restaurant’ and its excellent luxury spa. It has excellent facilities too like internet access, double showers, etc. This luxury palace is not too far from the Zoo Berlin which is so wildlife rich that you’ll probably be loath to visit any other zoo. The largest zoo in the country, it also boasts of a well-endowed aquarium. A little lighter on the pocket is the Berlin Marriott Hotel which may not have a luxury spa but is comfortable nonetheless. Most visitors enjoy the bar “The Exchange” as well as the buffet in the café next to it. Berlin also has an active nightlife as we’d mentioned earlier. But why don’t you find that out for yourself?
Hotele Praga
Berlin is known for its awesome architecture, lively nightlife, and of course, the Berlin Wall. Its amazing diversity and rich culture and surprisingly ‘non-commercial’ slant will leave you craving for more. Like any great city Berlin has its list of attractions and to view these attractions up close in a hi-life mode there are that many luxury hotels to choose from. If you are looking for something along the lines of quiet and understated you should check out the Hilton Hotel. This luxury hotel boasts of 589 beautifully appointed guestrooms, all exuding an aura of calm elegance. An added bonus, the Hilton overlooks the famous Gendarmenmarkt square, one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Among its chief landmark features is the Concert Hall built in the early 19th century Karl-Friedrich Schinkel, the celebrated German architect. It also houses the world-renowned Berlin Symphony Orchestra. If you are lucky, you will also get to see from your luxury five star hotel the rather ancient French Cathedral constructed in the beginning of the 18th century. Its porch, tower, columns, and porticoes are all architectural marvels. Not too far is yet another luxury five star hotel worth reckoning. This is the Berlin Radisson SAS Hotel which spells ‘excellence’ right from the moment you step inside. Its luxurious rooms and plush interiors will sweep you up in an embrace of sumptuousness. The Berlin Radisson is practically a sneeze away from is one of the city’s most vibrant squares, Alexnaderplatz. It is said that Tsar Alexander I gave the square its eponymous name. Sadly, many of the buildings on this square were destroyed during the Second World War to be replaced by ugly socialist structures. Yet, there are some monuments you might still like to visit once there, including the Fountain of International Friendship and the World Clock. Not too far away from your luxury hotel happens to be the rather exotic Museum Island situated on the Spree River. Its northern half is covered with the world’s best-known museums built under the aegis of the Prussian monarchy. The art collections and artifacts are mind-boggling, to put it mildly. You must pay a visit to the Old National Museum renowned for its Romantic, Impressionist, and Classical collections. Monet’s Impressionistic and Menzel’s modernist works are huge draws, amongst many others of course. Another top luxury hotel that comes highly recommended is the InterContinental Berlin with its top-rated ‘Hugo Restaurant’ and its excellent luxury spa. It has excellent facilities too like internet access, double showers, etc. This luxury palace is not too far from the Zoo Berlin which is so wildlife rich that you’ll probably be loath to visit any other zoo. The largest zoo in the country, it also boasts of a well-endowed aquarium. A little lighter on the pocket is the Berlin Marriott Hotel which may not have a luxury spa but is comfortable nonetheless. Most visitors enjoy the bar “The Exchange” as well as the buffet in the café next to it. Berlin also has an active nightlife as we’d mentioned earlier. But why don’t you find that out for yourself?
Hotele Praga
Markus Menno Jong asked:
Germany’s largest city, Berlin is an exciting treasure-trove of history, art, and modern-day events set in an urban landscape teeming with beauty and cultural appeal. As Germany’s capital, the city has enjoyed ambitious construction projects that showcase brilliant architecture and distinctive design. Traveling to Berlin is a rich experience filled with a myriad of places to visit and landmarks to see. The subsequent article conveys some must-see destinations within the city of Berlin.
Germany’s largest city, Berlin is an exciting treasure-trove of history, art, and modern-day events set in an urban landscape teeming with beauty and cultural appeal. As Germany’s capital, the city has enjoyed ambitious construction projects that showcase brilliant architecture and distinctive design. Traveling to Berlin is a rich experience filled with a myriad of places to visit and landmarks to see. The subsequent article conveys some must-see destinations within the city of Berlin.
Berlin is famous for its architecture. But one site that must be seen is the Fernsehturm located in Alexanderplatz. This television tower is the second tallest building in the European Union. Visitors to Berlin will want to take advantage of the stunning city views from high above on the buildings observation level.
Located between St. Mary’s Church and Rotes Rathhaus, the famous Neptun Fountain is a magnificent fountain that was built in 1891. This incredible mythological display features four carved women surrounding a stature of Poseidon, or Neptun. The women represent Germany’s major rivers which are the Elbe, Vistula, Oder, and Rhine.
The renowned Brandenburg Gate is featured on many tours of the city and should not be missed as it is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Its construction was completed in 1791 and the structure served as one of the gates to the city. It is the only surviving gate and is now one of the city’s most beloved treasures.
Situated near the Brandenburg Gate is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which is one of the city’s most visited destinations and is considered to be among the Berlin’s finest memorials. Many visitors also find it a memorable excursion to visit the historic Berlin Wall. A section of the wall exists on the Spree River to the east of the city.
There are 153 museums in the city of Berlin and while it may not be possible to see them all on a single visit, there are that should not be missed. The most logical place to begin a museum tour is on Museum Island which is a large island located in the Spree River. One of the island’s most famous museums is Altes Museum, sometimes referred to as the Old Museum. Home to many fine historic antiques, this neoclassical building was constructed to house the art collections of the royal Prussian family.
Completed in 1904, the breathtaking Bode Museum has recently been restored to host a glorious Byzantine collection of art, medals, and sculpture. It’s location on the island makes it easy to visit and well worth a trip. With an emphasis on the Byzantine Christian Orient, the famed museum also boasts some late German Gothic collections that viewers find marvelous to behold.
Home to the reconstructed Ishtar Gate, the Pergamon Museum of Museum Island features some of the world’s most treasured antiquities. German archaeological excavations of places like Babylon, Miletus, Uruk, and Egypt unearthed tremendous stores of artifacts from the ancient world. This museum should not be missed by anyone interested in history of the world’s earliest civilizations.
Opera lovers will be charmed by the city’s three primary opera houses: the Berlin State Opera, Komische Opera, Deutsche Opera. The city also boasts seven symphony orchestras featuring some of the finest musicians in the world. In fact, one of the world’s leading orchestras is the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra which was founded in 1892. Catching a Berlin performance would be a memorable culmination for any trip to the city.
Berlin is also home to one of the world’s most eminent zoos, the Zoologischer Garten Berlin. The zoo is home to the greatest diversity of species in the world. Founded in 1844, the zoo along with its aquarium and famed botanical garden is a must-see destination on any trip to Berlin. Home to more than 14,000 animals, the zoo presents a stunning array of zoological life.
Of course, when time permits, travelers should plan to visit the various boroughs of the city which all over distinctive character and feature their own unique landmarks, galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Topping the list of important Berlin neighborhoods is Mitte. The city’s historical center, Mitte is the most popularly visited area of Berlin and additionally boasts great café life and fine restaurants.
Schoneberg is known for its Bohemian atmosphere and excellent weekend markets. With a wide assortment of clubs, cafes, and casual venues, this neighborhood provides tourists with a chance to see day to day life in Berlin. Other neighborhoods with a special flair include Charlottenburg, Friedrichstain-Kreuzberg, and Zehlendorf.
Berlin is a vibrant European capital that offers world-class hotels as well as more relaxed bed and breakfasts. There are events and venues to suit any taste and budget. Although these list just a few of the highlights, there is a plethora of architecture, art, and other cultural attractions that can easily be included on any tour of the city.
Hotele Helsinki