Read a first-person account of visiting modern-day Berlin with its blend of past, present and future, and get Berlin travel tips from our Enchanting expert Nurit Hod.
We are passionate about the destinations that we offer, having traveled to all of them and, as with many of our team members, having lived there too! Here is a first-person account of what it’s like to visit Berlin, Germany and some great Berlin travel tips from our Enchanting expert Nurit Hod.
First Impressions of Berlin
Growing up I had mixed feelings about Berlin. I inherited the holocaust traumas from my grandparents on one hand, and yet, I was always curious to experience the city that was the birthplace of Bauhaus design, the backdrop to Erich Kästner’s books, and the city of Cabaret.
In spring 1987, I participated in a high school exchange program with Germany and had my first opportunity to visit Berlin. The Berlin Wall was right behind the old Reichstag, the historic legislative building. And Checkpoint Charlie — the best known crossing point between East and West Berlin — was not a photo-op location for tourists but the sad reality Berliners lived through. At that time, Berlin seemed gray and depressing, just like in the 1981 film ‘Christiane F’, a biographical drama set in 1970s West Berlin.
A Modern Renaissance in Berlin
Fast forward to a few decades later and my return to Berlin was a completely different experience.
Berlin’s heavy yet rich history is apparent everywhere, right next to some of the world’s best art and culture, architecture, cuisine and more.
I found that Berlin has been going through a modern renaissance, even though I often felt that I was going back in time. Berlin’s heavy yet rich history is apparent everywhere, right next to some of the world’s best museums, classic and modern architecture, a vibrant art scene, eclectic culinary experiences, and endless nightlife choices. Truly, Berlin’s appeal lies in its successful blend of past, present and future.
If you’re in Berlin, don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate (photo above), Museum Island, markets, museums, parks and beer gardens and pubs.
Besides these must see tourist attractions, here are my top Berlin travel tips.
1. Walk along the East Side Gallery on the banks of the Spree River in Friedrichshain; it’s a wonderful symbol of Berlin’s enduring spirit and resilience.
2. Explore the trendy Kreuzberg, Mitte and…
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