Travel Guide: Berlin

Personally I think Berlin is one of the most underrated spots in Europe. It has a fascinating history that is visible throughout the city, the art and fashion scene is impressive without being pretentious, the hotels aren't terribly expensive, you can find really good food, the coffee is to die for and if nightlife is your thing, it does that well too. Basically you should book a trip here, you wont be disappointed!

This was my third trip, and each time I've fallen a bit more for this massive city. (But seriously, its a huge city!) If I were to move to Europe this would be at the top of my short list, I really don't think you could ever run out of things to do and the culture is just enough more relaxed than many other German cities to give it that special European feel.

{Get There/Get Around}
No shortage of options here. There are a few direct flights from the US, Newark being one of them. Or you can connect through London, Frankfurt or Amsterdam very easily. Berlin has several airports, all of which are pretty easy to get it via public transit or taxi. Trains are another good option if you're coming from elsewhere within Europe.

Berlin's public transit system is, like the city itself, enormous and complex but will take you anywhere you need to go. There is the U-Bahn (what we think of as the subway or metro) and the S-Bahn (which is suburban rail within and around the city), and trams and busses. I would recommend getting day passes or multi-day passes depending on your plans, and whatever you do, do not forget to validate your ticket before getting on the train, and if your ticket expires at a certain time, make sure you have completed your journey by then. in 2009 we had the unfortunate experience of making a mistake with the expiration time and getting fined pretty heavily.

On this recent trip we stayed at the Mandala Hotel and loved it - well designed, helpful staff (thank you to Annike who took pity on my jet lagged self and gave me a room upgrade!) great location, nice amenities (wish more hotels had washer/dryers for guests!).

{See & Do}
There is really no end to things to see and do in Berlin. For art enthusiasts there is Museum Island and the famous Pergamon Museum as well as endless galleries, check out Auguststrasse in particular. For history buffs, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Topography of Terror Museum are both fascinating. The Holocaust Memorial, which is just next to the Brandenburg Gate is incredibly moving and not to be missed.

Berlin is a huge city and its diverse neighborhoods are also worth exploring. Many of the main tourist attractions are in Mitte in the central area, but I would also recommend checking out Prenzlauer berg and Kreuzberg. Also, don't forget to spend some time in the beautiful Tiergarten.

{Eat & Drink}

Katz Orange, completely worth it for a special dinner. Don't forget to make a reservation!

Anna Blume, weekend brunch gets a major upgrade in this adorable cafe/flower shop. The brunch tower is incredible too!

No Fire, No Glory, super cute coffee shop with espresso that will put a serious spring in your step

The Barn, it sounds odd, but the espresso and grapefruit juice drink is really refreshing.

Bonanza, I could have hung out all day in this tucked away oasis. It might just be on the menu in the summer, but theCascara lemonade was amazing!

Bar at Das Stue Hotel, next time I'd love to stay here, but we grabbed a drink in the amazing lobby/bar space, which reminds me of a modern hunting lodge.