Fun Time Fridays - Berlin

Berlin defies description. It is definitely Western Europe; but most of its prices are decidedly not. Parts (specifically the eastern half) still have a gritty, post-Communism feel; but a lot of the city is spiffy and full of interesting landmarks. The amount of museums and levels of history you can experience in Berlin, in my opinion, cannot be matched any where else in Europe.

One of the cheap charms of Berlin is its variety of neighborhoods. Afternoons can be spent discovering the streets, shops and lifestyles of these unique areas. Prenzlauerberg is a good one, as is Mitte and Friedrichshain. Berlin is huge, so if you only have a couple days to spend, get a transport pass. You’ll cover more ground that way and their system is reliable and cheap. It's a combo of buses, trams, trains and underground; and there are a number of passes available; including the WelcomeCard and the City Tour Card. The best free, and insanely popular, thing to do in Berlin is a visit to the Riechstag. This is the official seat of Germany’s Parliament, and a really cool building. Take a ride up in the elevator and then slowly make your way up the ramp for an awesome view out over the city, and down onto the parliamentary happenings. Be prepared to wait in line. Camp out early, or go late. You won’t see any governing going on, but you may not have to stand around for so long.

Two other popular free sites are the Berlin Wall and the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe.And don’t forget photo opps in front of the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Anything that is really cool or cutting edge has been through Berlin at some point – so should you! For more information check Berlin’s Tourist Bureau or the German National Tourist Board.