Oh how I fell in love with Berlin. Full of history, yet popular for its arts scene and start ups, Berlin ticks all the boxes.
STAY: Meininger Hotel
The Meininger chain have the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Modern, clean rooms… some with private bathrooms. They do a great buffet breakfast for a small price and linens are included in the private rooms. There’s also a great bar and the staff at reception are helpful and speak several languages. There are several Meininger hotels dotted in convenient locations across the city.
EAT: Bratwurst
When in Germany, one must eat Bratwurst. Get them in restaurants or at markets. Best eaten in a crusty bread roll for a snack on the go as you walk around the city. A word of warning; in the winter in particular they’re quite addictive.
SEE: Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is made up of rows and rows of concrete blocks, with a museum located underneath. Walking through the columns and watching the light change is striking and the museum below is an emotional and thought-provoking experience.
If you do visit please be respectful and don’t jump from block to block or pose for group shots on top of the blocks as seems to be popular with certain tour groups. Remember this is a site that commemorates the deaths of 6 million people in horrific circumstances. Treat it with the respect you would a grave site.
EXPERIENCE: Berlin walking tour
Sandemans New Europe does fabulous walking tours all over Europe and the best part is the city highlights tours are completely free. The tour guides are entertaining and will take you to important sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall (what remains of it), the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie. Tip your tour guide as a courtesy.
