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For many, the main association they hold with Berlin is the Berlin Wall. Even though it was broken down in November 1989, its iconic status has proved hard to shake off.
For many, the main association they hold with Berlin is the
Berlin Wall. Even though it was broken down in November 1989, its iconic status
has proved hard to shake off.
However anyone visiting Berlin today will be stunned at the
city’s transformation. Many expect to see an austere concrete jungle and are
pleasantly surprised by the modern and dynamic city that presents itself before
them.
The west of the city has blossomed into a modern cosmopolitan
centre full of gleaming modern buildings whereas the east is now a 21st
century urban development. But that is not to say that it has lost its sense of
history. Still evident are some of the old streets of East Berlin along with
the grand architecture of Museumsinsel and Unter den Linden and the green
vibrancy of Tiergarten Park.
Filled with museums, galleries and theatres it is very much a
city of the arts. But it isn’t just a destination for the culture-vultures
among you. Visitors are mesmerised by the unexpected laid-back attitude of
Berliners and the lively nightlife that is on offer – anything from authentic
beer halls to buzzing bars and Latino nightclubs. It is also fast becoming a
centre for gastronomy – not something that one expects from a German city.
However its streets are home to some of the best international restaurants in
Europe.
In summer Berlin enjoys pleasant, sunny weather and
temperatures can sometimes exceed 30°C. However the summer months are also unpredictable
and odd days can rapidly change from sunshine to cloud. Winter in Berlin is
bitterly cold and damp, with plenty of snow and frosty days when temperatures
hover at or just below freezing.
The average monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
2 |
4 |
8 |
13 |
19 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
19 |
13 |
7 |
3 |
|
Night |
-3 |
-2 |
0 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
10 |
6 |
2 |
-1 |
Berlin may not be able to compete with the likes of Milan or
Paris just yet, but shoppers certainly won’t be disappointed.
It is a Mecca for clothes, porcelain, chocolate and cold war
memorabilia and can offer shoppers anything from market shopping to the big
mall experience.
Both East and West Berlin have great shopping. In the east is
it mainly along Friedrichstrasse where you’ll find numerous designer names
(such as Gucci and Yves St Laurent), department stores (Galeries Lafayette),
chain stores and a smattering of chic cafés. In the west head for
Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm) which also has designer stores, large modern retail
outlets, high street stores and boutiques.
If you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary,
head for the original boutiques, retro clothing and young local designers in
Hackescher Markt and Prenzlauer Berg.
Although a department store rather than a mall, Kaufhaus des
Westerns (KaDeWe) is huge and may as well be a mall. It is the largest
department store in Europe with the largest delicatessen on the continent.
There are many malls in Berlin including AKEXA, a new mall opened on
Alexandreplatz and Arkaden on Potsdamer Platz.
In recent years Berlin has become a great city for nightlife
and entertainment. Whether you are looking to party until the small hours or
indulge in a bit of culture at the opera, Berlin has it all. It would be
impossible to list all the venues and events here, but below is just a taster
of what is possible.
Music
Konzerthaus, Mitte
Columbiahalle,
Kreuzberg
Tempodrom,
Mitte
Tränenpalast,
Mitte
B
Flat Bar, Mitte
Theatre
Opera & Ballet
Cinema – as the host to the world’s second largest celebration of cinema, The
Berlin Film Festival, there are a variety of cinematic offerings. For
mainstream movies the best place to go is The Forum in Postsdamer Platz.
To find out what’s on
when, go to a tourist information centre. The largest is the Europa Centre,
Charlottenburg.
Nightclubs and bars
Berlin is awash with
late night bars and clubs. The best areas to head for are Treptoe, Kreuzberg,
Friedrichshain and Mitte. Here are a few names that you might like to look out
for:
Friedrishshain
February
March
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Berlin is ideally
placed for exploring East Germany, so when you have exhausted everything the
city has to offer here are a few suggestions for you:
Tap water is considered
safe to drink in Berlin. Healthcare is of a very high standard but visitors are
still advised to ensure they have sufficient medical cover in place before
travelling.
Crime levels are
relatively low however you should take the usual precautions with your
valuables especially when in crowded tourist areas.