Hi all-
I will be in Berlin for 6-7 days in mid august. Looking for the best things to do. We are in our mid 20s so we plan to explore the nightlife but I am most interested in the history of Berlin. We will be staying 10 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate
I would love to take a day trip, or even an overnight away from the city! Ideally somewhere we could get by train or bus and with hiking/ swimming/ spa.
Let me know what you recommend!
Rick lists his top suggestions for major destinations like Berlin right on this website:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/germany/berlin. << Click on At a Glance
There are many history-related sights in Berlin; Rick doesn't list them all, but what he includes on his list could fill your week. The German History Museum is closed for major redevelopment, but there's a special exhibition in a separate building; information can be found on the museum's website.
Berlin has tons of history sights and nightlife - any part / era of history you are specifically interested in?
Maybe plan a day in Potsdam in.
Nightlife you can find in areas around RAW Geländer, Bosxhagener Platz, Kastanienallee, Reuterkiez and at clubs between YaaM and Renate. See also lists on ClubMap.
Do not miss Rave the planet on Aug 17.
Thank you both for the recommendations. WWII and Cold War era history are, of course, of particular interest when visiting Berlin, but I'd be interested to explore history further back. Maybe a trip out of the city to explore an older town nearby?
Get out to Potsdam. Has 19th century historical context with 3 or 4 palaces and walking trails, plus a great impressionist museum. It's a close, suburban day trip. Easy to do.
It's my understanding that there is relatively little of medieval Branderberg & Prussia left in an around Berlin (please update my knowlege!) as the friendly folks from Russia did some extensive urban renewal projects around 80 years ago with assistance from the RAF and the USAAF. Also, Romans never got this far north, so no ruins from that era like you find further south.
Regarding a spa. No need to leave Berlin. Verbali is one of my favorite spas and is located a short walk from the HBF. https://www.vabali.de/berlin/
For a longer-distance trip with access to water, consider travelling by train to the Baltic coast area, Berlin's traditional summer holiday area. Try the islands of Ruegen or Usedom, or the old city of Stralsund.
Before: Berlin History App is really worth using.
Article with recommendations about Cold War with six recommended places at the bottom:
https://www.visitberlin.de/en/berlin-wall-and-cold-war
I like to add Stasi Museum and Stasi Prison.
If you travel to Potsdam you could add bridge of spies Glienicker Brücke.
The TV Tower was part of GDR architecture.
The movie "Life of others" were made in Grünberger Strasse and Wedekindstrasse; the final scene in a former bookstore on Karl-Marx-Allee.
A Trabbi tour can be some fun.
What do you mean with "WWII"?
Three different topics. Which one(s)?
Take a look at the Original Berlin Walks-The Discover Berlin walk was excellent as well as the Potsdam walk with ovely gardens. https://www.berlinwalks.com
Reserve a ticket to the Reichstag Dome-if it's not not sold out. https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag/dome/registration-245686
Look into the Berlin Welcome Card. If you're staying a week, it can save money on transport and admissions.
Bamberg is a picturesque town a few hours from Berlin via the ICE. One of the few towns in Germany that never had a direct hit from bombing in WW2. Don't miss the smokey flavored beer.
Bamberg is a picturesque town a few hours from Berlin via the
ICE. One of the few towns in Germany that never had a direct hit from
bombing in WW2. Don't miss the smokey flavored beer.
@Heather, thank you for mentioning Bamburg. My favorite town in Germany. I feel I suggest it too often, so again thank you. And in the spirit of knowlege sharing, Bamberg is famus for rauchbier. This translates to smoked beer. The beer isn't flavored with smoke, it is made with barley malt that has been smoked over an open wood fire. So please, don't ask the waiter for the smokey flavored beer. Also look at their beer menu before ordering. Most of the brewers offer limited edition smoked beers at specific times of the year.
One of the few towns in Germany that never had a direct hit from bombing in WW2
This is fact-based a wrong statement.
Source with numbers and pictures in German language.
@MarkK, Thanks for your post. I have walked Green Markt and Hallstresse and was also under the impression of no allied bombing.
