5 Reasons to Visit Berlin

City breaks are becoming more popular all the time. One reason for this is that as more people work busy jobs with long hours, or work for themselves, there isn’t as much time available for the long beach break. City breaks mean you can go away for a few days, several times a year, and still have a fantastic time. When looking for the perfect city break location, there is a lot to consider. When you are only going to be somewhere for a few days, you want to make sure not a minute is wasted and that there is plenty to see and do. Berlin is an incredibly popular destination for a short break. Here are just five of the reasons why.

The History

If you are studying a military history degree or you are just a bit of a history buff, Berlin should be on your list of must-see places. It’s filled with history and historic sites, from the remains of the Berlin Wall, to the museum and remains of Check Point Charlie, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the countless museums cataloguing the events of World War Two, how it started, how it ended, everything that came in between and how it continues to affect Europe to this day. It’s all there. You could spend weeks in Berlin, learning and remembering. It’s a truly educational city, with lots to offer, especially for a student of a master of arts in military history program.

The Food

Berlin is absolutely packed full of restaurants, food markets, street food stalls, and street vendors. You can try food from all over the world here, as well as fantastic German wines, beers, cheeses, and bread.

The Eclectic Culture

One of the best things about Berlin is its people. There is such as eclectic mix, which makes it impossible to feel different or left out. It’s an incredibly relaxed city, where everyone is happy to just be themselves and enjoy life. This makes it feel exceptionally liberal and like a city without judgment.

The Architecture

Berlin has some unbelievably stunning architecture, with a great mixture of modern and traditional buildings standing side by side. Many powerful governments have made Berlin their home, all of whom have brought their own unique architecture and designs. Some were lost in the war, but others still stand tall today. Brandenburg Gate is probably one of the most well-known sites and definitely worth a visit, but to make sure you see it all, consider a walking tour of the city.

The Shops

The shopping in Berlin is incredible. From small local markets to huge designer quarters, you could spend days walking around the shops and still not see it all. For the best shopping experience, head to Alexa, Hackescher Market, and the mall of Berlin.

Berlin also has fantastic night life, a wonderful art scene and plenty of fantastic scenery. All of this makes it the perfect place to head for a city break. The only problem is, you may need to keep going back to see it all.

Cologne in Germany – 3 things you should not miss!

Germany. The land of Weissbier, Schnitzel and Lederhosen … NOT! Germany is an incredibly diverse country with countless options of things to do, to see and – of course – to eat. One of the most fascinating cities to visit is Cologne! The country’s fourth largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia will blow your mind with historic points of interest, one of the most vibrant music and party scenes Germany has to offer and delicious culinary experiences. Here are 3 travel tips for Cologne / Germany which should be right on top of your to-do list!

1. Travel through 2000 years of history and 100 m up into the sky!

If you’re into history, Cologne is the place to be in Germany. In fact, you are visiting one the oldest city in the country! The first recorded urban settlement – which later evolved into this bustling city – dates back to 35 AD. Of course, the Romans meddled in the history of Cologne and turned it into the capital of Germania around 85 AD. Hence, the first tip for all those hobby historians traveling to Cologne: Check out the “Roman-Germanic Museum”! One of the many exhibitions of the museum is called “The legacy of the Romans” displaying the 2000-year-old history of the city. After having embarked on this trip back in time, the next highlight is just around the corner! No stay in Cologne is complete without a visit to the Cologne Cathedral. This epic building is the symbol of the city. All in all, it took around 600 years to build this monumental structure with its amazing Gothic architecture; still today, it is the second highest building in Cologne. Tip: Head up the south tower and enjoy the scenic view over the city from 100 m above ground.

2. Time to dine!

Cologne is a paradise for foodies and beer lovers! The beer of choice in Cologne is called a “Kölsch”! Served in tiny 0.2 cl glasses, this light and very delicious beer is THE all-time drink for the locals. Before gulping down a couple of those, you should get some substance in your belly. If you want to try out a typical Cologne specialty, order a portion of “Himmel und Ääd” (Heaven and Earth) in one of the many restaurants in the old town. For veggies and vegans, the restaurant “Ecco” close to Chlodwigplatz in the Suedstadt is one place you should pay a visit! The food is plant-based and everything is cooked from scratch. If you fancy gourmet dining on the highest level, Cologne is home to one of ten restaurants with three stars by Michelin. The Vendôme is located just a few minutes outside the city and will transport you into another culinary world! It is hands down the perfect place to take the lady of your dreams for dinner! If you don’t have a date, Cologne is also home to one of the most exclusive escort service in Germany – all you need to do is pick up the phone.

3. Dance like no one’s watching!

Cologne is one of the coolest places in Germany to party your hat off! For one, the city has a long carnival tradition. The carnival season begins on November 11 and continues until April. Cologne is also known for its amazing nightlife! Countless clubs, bars, lounges and festivals are just waiting to be discovered. You could start the evening with some nice cocktails in one of the hippest cocktail bars in Germany: The Shepheard. This very laid-back place is featured among the world best bars, known for its amazing choice of high end cocktails. Not as fancy by far but always fun is the “Sixpack” in the Belgium quarter! You’ll meet a young creative crowd, making this funky bar a great place to get in touch with the locals. When the clock strikes midnight, it’s time to check out some of the clubs in town! One key venue for the vibrant techno scene of the city is the Artheater – several floors, a chill out area, a bombastic sound system and a very energetic crowd will suck you in a spit you back out when the sun of the next day is well over the horizon. Of course, these are just some of the many possibilities this mind-blowing city offers. Cologne will enchant, fascinate, and thrill you in so many ways! Falling in love with this open-minded, arty, and cultural diverse city is easy. Just go there and enjoy every moment!