“Poor but sexy” – this is how former Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit famously described the German capital almost two decades ago. Rents were low, parts of East Berlin were completely abandoned and the city was embracing its reputation as the place to be for artists.
While the artists stayed, today the neighborhoods have changed. Berlin became a modern multicultural city, with artists hanging out with young start-up executives, cool hipster vibes by day and an incredible nightlife when the sun goes down. Berlin might not be poor anymore, but it's definitely still sexy.
Here are the best neighborhoods to explore on your visit to Berlin.
Destroyed and reconstructed several times, Mitte is the pulsating heart of Berlin. This is a must-visit area for first timers, and you can easily spend a full day touring the exact locations where some key moments of 20th-century history took place.
Start your day at the Brandenburg Gate and follow the path of the Berlin Wall. Visit the powerful Holocaust Memorial, pass by Checkpoint Charlie – the former crossing point between East and West Germany – and learn more about the Nazi atrocities at the Topografie des Terrors.
After that recap on world history, venture into the German Reichstag, one of Europe's most iconic buildings. Remember to book your free admission ticket ahead of time on the official Reichstag website to ensure a smooth visit.
Continue your journey with a stroll along Unter den Linden, where trendy cafes, art galleries, designer boutiques and historical buildings await. Another option is taking a relaxing walk east along the Spree river, where you can see some of the most striking modern architecture in the whole city.
If you manage to reach the TV tower and feel like you've seen it all, you've truly experienced the essence of Mitte.
Though Prenzlauer Berg is largely known for being a family-oriented neighborhood, it remains a great example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This Berlin district exudes a boho-chic, laid-back atmosphere, making it a magnet for artists, musicians and young professionals. Its picturesque cobblestone streets are perfect for wandering around and taking pictures, while its diverse array of vintage shops and cozy bookstores make for an ideal rainy-afternoon outing.
If you're a foodie, Prenzlauer Berg won't disappoint. Its streets are lined with hip restaurants representing cuisines from around the world, while charming cafes offer countless options for personalized coffee experiences.
If you find yourself there during a summer weekend, a Sunday trip to Mauerpark should be your top priority. Even if it means missing your train, grab some Späti beers and immerse yourself in the park's bustling flea market, where you can hunt for
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Madame Ziemowit the witch nods and scratches her beard as I flip a tarot card, revealing the chariot symbol. Picking the chariot seems fitting, as the turban-clad sorcerer and I are on a train, having just crossed the border from Germany into Poland. Multicoloured lightbulbs adorn carriage windows, framing a green-blue blur of fields and rivers. Next to us a toddler, sitting in a mini-library by the loo, draws squiggles on an Etch A Sketch. A jaunty brass fanfare plays through the carriage speakers.
Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam – Europe’s major capital cities get a lot of fanfare, and rightly so. But they can become victims of their own popularity with inflated prices and over-tourism. With lively cultural and food scenes, friendly locals and a strong sense of identity, the less obvious secondary cities can sometimes offer a more rewarding experience to travellers. From Trieste to Trondheim, Coimbra to Kraków, we’d like to hear about your favourite small European cities.
The first time I traveled for two weeks with a backpack, it was the lightest I'd ever packed for the longest trip I'd ever taken. I had everything I needed, but I was surprised to find that I could have packed even lighter.
Shanghai is known for its forest of skyscrapers with the world’s third-largest megatower leading the charge. Travelers wary of heights will find a medley of things to do at ground level including the historic waterfront, trendy Xintiandi, and the ancient Yu Garden. In terms of where to stay in Shanghai, the city is a playground of high-rise luxury hotels with infinity pools, rooftop bars, and awesome skyline views. The best hotels in Shanghai, China, are near or within eyesight of The Bund.
When planning a city break, modern travelers consider a range of pros and cons. Are the hotels up to standard? Where are the tastiest places to eat? And what exactly is there to do in the city?
I'll never forget how I felt when I exited an overnight train in Vienna at 7 a.m. after a sleepless night — dazed, depleted, and desperate for some rest.
It will soon be able to fly from the City of Angels to the City of Light. Norse Atlantic Airways, a discount air carrier based in Norway, just announced a new direct route from Los Angeles to Paris starting next year. The flight will begin service on May 1 and operate six times a week, just in time for next year’s summer travel season.
My foray into the world of credit cards, points and miles really began when I joined TPG about a year and a half ago. I had a couple of cards prior to working here, but I didn't give much thought to which card to use, or when or how to maximize the benefits.