One of the main of such markets is held right before the Charlottenburg Palace. It is recommended that you should mould your heart to that of a child. It is only then that you will be able to enjoy the fun of themed rides and exhibits, with the historical carriage rides being the most popular.

Christmas market, Berlin Gendarmenmarkt

However, do not spend all your time in front of the palace since there are some other famous markets to visit too with one of the most popular ones being WeihnachtsZauber on Gendarmenmarkt. For the uninitiated, the Gendarmenmarkt is one of Europe’s most beautiful square. Be prepared to turn into a child as you view the fairy lights and view the innumerous stalls full of souvenirs and other treats.

If you would love to combine some serious shopping along with the festivities plus some nightlife too, then you should view the Gedächtniskirche Christmas market. You can locate this market at the start of the Kurfurstendamm, West Berlin’s famous thoroughfare that is lined with restaurants, shops, and nightclubs.

Christmas market in Berlin

Opening times
24/11/10 – 31/12/10
Sun – Thu 11:00 – 22:00
Fri – Sat 11:00 – 23:00

Berlin New Synagogue

A major portion of the building was ravaged during the second world war and what remains today is but a reconstruction of the original street frontage along with its entrance, towers and domes plus a few rooms behind them. Those who are familiar with history will recall that the defense forces seized this synagogue and used it for storage purposes.

The richly ornamented front part of the building is made out of terracotta and shaped bricks, that are complemented by glazed colored bricks. Do not miss out on the main dome of the synagogue or the two smaller domes on the side wings of the building. Venture beyond the façade and close your eyes. It was at this spot where the main hall with a seating capacity of 3,000 used to be. At present, the building serves as the Jewish community’s only conservative synagogue. Visitors should also check out the museum that lies within this building. (photo: Andreas Praefcke)

Designed by Johann Arnold Nering and built during the end of the seventeenth century, and located in Berlin’s western Charlottenburg disrict, the Charlottenburg Palace, also known as Schloss Charlottenburg, is the biggest palace in Berlin.

This eighteenth century baroque palace was totally ravaged during the Second World War, but has since been totally restored. Tourists should not miss the central part of this palace, constructed between 1695 and 1699. It served as the summer home for Sophie Charlotte who was the wife of Fredrick III, the elector of Brandenburg.

Berlin Charlottenburg palace

The expansion of this palace, which included the inclusion of a 48 meters high copula plus the construction of an orangery on the west wing, was carried out under the direction of the Swedish architect, Johann Friedrich Eosander von Gothe.

Visitors of the palace are enthralled by its beautiful sights which includes the oak gallery that is paneled with oak and boasts of a great number of oil paintings. Individuals should also visit the famous mirror decorated porcelain gallery, which highlights fine examples of Chinese porcelain.

Those interested in paintings should also check out the paintings from the German romantic period in the gallery of the romantics. The French baroque style Charlottenburg Park that lies behind the palace is also worth viewing.

One of the main symbols of Berlin, the Branderberg Gate is also a former gate of the city of Berlin. Constructed in 1791, this gate is situated to the west of the center of the city and at the crossing of Ebertstraße and Unter den Linden.

In the olden times there used to be a series of gates that individuals had to pass through in order to enter Berlin. The Brandenburg Gate is the only one of those gates that remains and this is what makes it special amongst the tourists. For the uninitiated, this gate is a representation of peace.

Berlin Brandenburg Gate

Karl Gotthard Langhans designed this gate and Friedrich Wilhelm II commissioned it. Tourists will find it interesting to know that this gate was once an integral part of the Berlin wall. Though there are various landmarks in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is arguably one of the most well known ones.

Nowadays it is a symbol of the reunification of the two sides of the great city. This gate also serves as an entry point to the Unter den Linden, a famous boulevard of linden trees. The restoration of the Brandenburg Gate, ravaged during the Second World War, took place between 2000-2002.

Berlin, Brandenburger Tor

The Altes Museum has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1999. Visitors should not miss out the antique collection of the Berlin State Museums which are displayed over here since 1966.

Berlin Altes Museum

The architecture of this building has borrowed a lot from the Greek Stoa in Athens and this is aptly evident in its classical architecture. This building was originally constructed to house the entire fine art collections of the city. Of special mention are the eighteen ionic columns that grace the front of this magnificent building.

Tourists will not believe their eyes when they are confronted with the fact that the entire structure was demolished during the second world war when a tank truck exploded in front of it. It was renovated and opened to the public in the year 1966.

Its main floor houses the Museum of Antiques. Renovations that have again begun in 2009 will connect the Altes Museum with the other museums in the island via a special corridor.

Situated in the center of the city, this tower was built between 1965 and 1969. Standing 368 meters tall, it is easily the tallest structure in the city and can be easily viewed from all parts of the city as well as from the suburbs. Few people are aware of the fact that the original height of the tower was 365 meters and the extra height was gained in the 1990s after the installation of a new antenna.

Berlin TV tower

Tourists should not miss out visiting the visitor platform that is located at a height of approximately 204 meters above ground level. From here they can view the city and beyond, especially during a clear day, when the visibility can easily reach a distance of 42 kilometers.

The famous restaurant that rotates once every 30 minutes lies a bit above the visitor platform. Tourists can access the same via two elevators that covers the distance in just 40 seconds. The brave of heart can opt in for climbing up the 986 steps of the steel stairway.

Berlin Wall

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) had begun construction of this wall from the 13 August 1961. It consisted of huge concrete wall, interspersed with watchtowers, which separated the two countries. The wall was constructed to prevent citizens of East Germany from venturing into West Germany and vice versa.

If the walls could talk, they would tell a tale about the thousands of brave souls who died in an attempt to cross it. Though a significant amount the wall was ground up while it was being demolished, pieces of the same can be found with private collectors and in museums and the lobbies of hotels.

Berlin wall, Eastside Gallery

Those who have not seen the wall while it still stood might check out a replica of the same that has been built by a private museum. This 20 meters long replica is located close to Checkpoint Charlie. However, it has not been built on the same location as that of the original wall. Try your luck and see if you can purchase a piece of the original wall from any antique store.

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

1. NH Berlin-Alexanderplatz

Located near the center of the city, the Four-Star NH Berlin-Alexanderplatz offers a variety of amenities including baggage hold, buffet breakfast, conference facilities, laundry services, meeting rooms, onsite parking, room service,  sauna, and wireless internet access. Pets are allowed.  Enjoy the convenience of being in the heart of Berlin. Room rates start at 77.00 Euro per night, which is about $103.

2. Hotel Astoria

Also located in the center of Berlin, the Hotel Astoria is a Three-Star hotel featuring a breakfast buffet, cable tv, internet access, laundry service, mini bar, radio,  room service, and sound-proof windows.  A knowledgeable, multilingual staff is willing to provide guests with information regarding local museums and restaurants, as well as theatres and other sites. Dogs are welcome for a small fee.  Rooms start at 75 Euro per night, an equivalent of $100.

3. Hotel Cityblick

Located within walking distance of Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s most elegant boulevard, this two star hotel features an Italian restaurant Fabrica di Pasta Al Fresco, as well as internet access, room service, SAT-TV, and sound-proof windows. Small pets allowed. Rooms start at 59 Euro, or $79 per night.

Top Luxury Hotels

1 .Hecker’s Hotel Kurfürstendamm

This first-class hotel has a Four-Star rating and is located in down-town Kurfürstendamm; celebrities have been known to dine here. It features air conditioning, buffet breakfast, cable TV, free newspaper, laundry service, safe deposit box, sound proof windows and walls, and WI-FI internet access. Cassambalis, an onsite restaurant, is opened for lunch and dinner.  2 bottles of Italian mineral water are provided in each room upon arrival. Small pets are allowed for an extra charge. Rooms start at 100 Euro a night, or the equivalent of $133.

2. Hotel Riehmers Hofgarten

This Three-Star luxury hotel is located in Kreuzberg, close to local restaurants and bars. Sites such as Gendarmenmarkt and the Brandenburg Gate are within 20 miles of the hotel, which is also near the airport Tempelhof.  A buffet breakfast is offered, as well as internet access, laundry service, mini bar, room service,  and TV.  A restaurant is featured onsite. Pets allowed for a small fee.  Nightly room rates begin at 129 Euro, or $172.

3. Hotel Augusta

Located directly on of Kurfürstendamm, this Three-Star luxury hotel also has quiet rooms that face Fasanenstrasse. The hotel offers tours of Berlin, as well as overnight laundry service. Other features include air conditioning, internet access, mini bar, safe deposit box, sound proof walls and windows, and TV. Room rates begin at 135 Euro a night, which is equivalent to $180.

The city of Berlin clearly offers something for every family, whether they be looking for economy hotels or more luxurious hotels, as it features a variety of affordable hotels, as well as several high-class hotels for those not concerned with cost.  Being such a diverse city, Berlin presents  the opportunity for families from all income levels to enjoy a quality vacation.  Partake in a professional tour, or if money is a concern, enjoy a self-guided tour of downtown Berlin. Enjoy a variety of restaurants, as well as museums and skyscrapers.  No matter what you prefer, Berlin has something to offer.

Tourists are awe struck by the architecture of its buildings, for example the Brandenburger Tor – Gate. Amongst other things, it is also famous for its Opera House and its nightlife. It has also hosted many international and historical events. The best way to get around and become familiar is by bus.

Berlin main tourist attractions:

Brandenburg Gate: Originally built and commissioned in the 1700s to represent peace, and designed in 1791 by Carl Gotthard Langhans, this gate later served as a customs post and was an integral part of the infamous Berlin Wall. This gate, now considered as an important symbol of German reunification, has gained significant importance since the wall was broken down and is. Tourists can have a view of the goddess Victory that lies atop the structure.

Berlin Wall: The Berlin Wall was originally one hundred miles long and was constructed by the Communist government of the former east. All that is left today are a few sections of the wall near the Ostbahnhof and the Reichstag. These sections have been preserved to remind Berliners of the 28-year division of their city. The remnants of the Berlin Wall now serve as an outdoor gallery of art from local and city artists.

Schloss Charlottenburg: Commissioned nearly three centuries ago, this immaculately restored and maintained palace, surrounded by plush gardens, enthralls tourists with exhibits comprising of romantic paintings.

Potsdamer Platz and the New Centre: One of the busiest squares throughout Europe during the 1900s, it boasts of a platform that permitted westerners to view over the wall into the Eastern part of the then divided Germany. Neglected for quite some time, after recent renovations, it is fast converting into the heart of the city with its multitude of constructions including restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars. Visitors should check out the Sony Center. To get the best view of the city, visit Panorama Point that lies on top of the Kollhof building.

Jewish Centre – New Synagogue: Constructed in 1866, damaged by bombing in 1943, and restored the mid 1990s, the Jewish Centre is located in the heart of Scheunenviertel, Berlin’s Jewish district. Visitors should check out its Moorish Dome, one of its highlights. They should also check out the Old Jewish Cemetry, located at close quarters in Schönhauser Allee.

Must Visit: Apart from the above, there are many other important tourist spots like the Oranienburger Strasse 28-30 (food, drinks, shopping… you name it, it has them all), Unter den Linden, Television Tower (Fernsehturm), and Spandau Citadel (Spandauer Zitadelle).

Festivals and Events:

A number of festivals and events take place in Berlin annually. Some of them include the New Year’s Run, the Green Week, and much more. Since the dates of many other popular events chance every year, tourists should get in tough with the German Embassy or Consulate. Do whatever you like, but do not miss the Berlinale International Film Festival, held from the beginning to mid February.

Transportation & Lodging:

Flights, train, bus, and car connects Berlin with the rest of the world. Accommodation is no problem with hotels suitable for all budgets readily available. Cologne, a shopper’s paradise, is also renowned for its nightlife.

Berlin it is well-known for its high standards, its various cafes and restaurants, its sundry places of culture like palaces and museums and its rich history.

There are many sites that you can admire in Berlin. Here is a list of places that you should definitely see during your Berlin vacation:

Brandenburg Gate is the emblem of Berlin. It was engineered between 1788-1791. It separated Berlin in two (Western Berlin and Eastern Berlin). On December 22th, 1989 when the Berlin Fall had fallen, the Brandenburg Gate was once again opened.

The German parliament (Reichstag), set up between 1884-1894 was destroyed by bombings at the end of The Second World War. It has been restored in a creative way (today, the structure has an enormous glass roof). Norman Foster is the architect responsible for this assignment.

Friedrichstadtpalast Palace is the place where you can watch interesting shows. Some of the 153 city museums that would present curiosity are: Museum of History, Egyptian Museum, Alte und Neue National Gallery (where you can look up to the pieces of remarkable painters such as Picasso or Dali), the Pergamon Museum (with attractions like Zeus’ Altar of Pergamon or the Roman Gate from Milet).

Television Tower (1965-1969) is the tallest building in Berlin, reaching 368 m. At the height of 250 m you can serve lunch and admire the entire city panorama in a restaurant that revolves around its axis in approximately 30 minutes.

Gedächniskirche Church (1891-1895) is an Neo-Roman style Evangelical church that was almost totally ruined at the end of the Second World War. The recent part was erected between 1959-1961 by the architect Egon Eiermann.

Close to the Brandenburg Gate was constructed a monument in the memory of the Jews killed in the war. The monument consists of 2711 impressive concrete blocks stretched on a surface of 19000 square meters.

Nikolaiviertel is a tiny district situated in the city’s historic center. Its narrow streets are notorious and have a lot of restaurants, shops, bars and cafes. In the center of Nikolaiviertel lies the oldest Berlin church, Nikolaikirche

Charlottenburg Palace (1695-1699) is the most beautiful palace in Berlin. It was erected as a summer residence by Friedrich III for his wife, Sophie Charlotte.

The Berlin Zoo is the most important and greatest zoo in the world. It has over 1400 distinct species and a total of 19000 animals. There you can admire one of the most pleasing] and largest aquariums in the world.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of the avant-garde and recent projects accomplished in Berlin. It is the biggest railway station in Europe and it was inaugurated on the occasion of World Football Championship in Germany 2006.

The Berlin Wall was a hallmark of the Cold War, splitting the Western Berlin from the German Democratic Republic. In November 1989 the wall fell, stopping the communist influence and permitting Germany to take an important step toward its reunification.

Berlin is one of the most delightful capitals in Europe and is definitely a place to see as soon as possible. You won’t feel sorry.

Author: TudorBran – Visit http://beautifulberlin.blogspot.com and discover all the important information about Berlin. Booking a room at one of the Berlin hotels has never been easier.