Berlin:
Berlin is the largest and capital city of Germany. With nearly four million inhabitants the city is sprawling. You’ll need public transportation to get around the city, Germany has great public transportation. Because Berlin was split during World War II, the city does not have one city center. There are several “mittes” which are middle points of different neighborhoods throughout the city.
Top 3 Things to Do in Berlin:
Free walking tour: The free walking tour in Berlin will help you orient yourself in the city. Because Berlin is so big a free walking tour can help you decide what you want to see again. Also, you learn lots of history, especially about World War II. You can’t take a tour without learning about The Holocaust. There are several memorials around the city to survivors and victims so you’ll have plenty to see.
Neukolln: This borough of Berlin has a lot of shops, bars, and cafes. It has an international feel, so you can find just about every culture represented here. Check out the rooftop beer gardens in the area. They have good food and even better beer.
Visit a Jazz Club: Berlin has an excellent jazz scene. Throughout the week If you visit Berlin during the holidays check out Gendarmenmarkt. Christmas markets are typically open from the last week in November to the last week in December. They have tons of activities, food, and traditional mulled cider. They put alcohol in their mulled cider so you are in for a treat. They also have non-alcoholic beverages as well.
Best eateries in Berlin:
Savory Choy – Delicious South East Asian Cuisine
Coco Bahn Bahn Mi Deli – Delicious Bahn Mis.
Chen Che Vietnamese Restaurant – I really liked their seafood.
Tommy’s Burger Joint – If you want a good burger, this is the place to get it.
Also, Berlin has really good curry (sausage). It’s a cheap street food that you should try.
Conclusion:
Berlin is a really hip city with a lot to see. There is something for everyone in Berlin. From the food, to the music scene, to the nightlife Berlin is diverse in every sense of the word. Berlin has a strong commitment to historical memory so if you are interested in history Berlin is the place to go.
Dresden:
Dresden is a city 2 hours south of Berlin. It was completely destroyed during World War II but has since been rebuilt. The city is quaint with a large plaza, Opera House, and Old Town. All buildings are less than a century old, but the city does look a near replica of what it used to be.
Top 3 Things to Do in Dresden, Germany:
Neumarkt – Neumarkt is a Christma market in Dresden that makes you feel at home. You can get curry-wurst (sausage) and red mulled wine for €3 each.
Augustmarkt – Christmas market which primarily sells food. You can get a full meal for €6. They have German, African, Spanish, and Turkish food.
Old Town – The rebuild of this section of the city is phenomenal. Check it out.
Conclusion:
Germans have a reputation for being cold but people in Dresden are friendly. The holiday season is the best time to visit because the city comes alive. Public transport is phenomenal in Dresden (Germany in general) and trams run every 5-10 minutes. In Dresden, it is easy to acclimate to the culture and feel right home.
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