Berlin
Bombed into rubble and literally split in two during the 20th century, Berlin has rebuilt itself into something unimaginable during the cold war. Today’s Berlin is a prosperous, stylish, forward-thinking city, full of daring architecture and bold cultural offerings.
Activities and Attractions:
Berliners don’t shy away from the dark elements of their history, and in fact have left reminders all over, including memorial sections of the Berlin Wall, the heartbreaking Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a separate Jewish War Memorial, and even the site of Hitler’s last bunker.
But that was then. Stroll down Kurfürstendamm (or “Ku'Damm,” as Berliners call it), to see how far Berlin has come. It’s the western side’s most stylish street, full of fine restaurants, cafes, and department stores. Even more surprising is Unter den Linden, a glamorous strip of high-end boutiques smack in middle of the formerly communist eastern part of the city.
At night, take in a cabaret performance tinged with political satire, Berlin’s tribute to the Weimar tradition that spawned the Broadway show Cabaret. See the superb Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, or just relax with a lager at a Kneipe, or neighborhood pub.
By day, view some of Berlin’s grand buildings, such as the glass-domed 1894 Reichstag (Parliament), the baroque Schloss Charlottenburg castle, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Don’t neglect the city’s museums—there is an enormous selection, including the Pergamon Museum, specializing in Greek and Roman antiquities; the Gemäldegalerie, or Picture Gallery, with its works by all the European masters; the Brücke Museum; the Jüdisches Museum Berlin (Jewish Museum); and the contemporary Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin.
Insider Tip:
Berlin can be a pretty intense experience. When visiting the Brandenburg Gate, you can catch your breath at the Room of Silence. This meditative space is designed expressly to provide visitors a calm environment in which to collect their thoughts.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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