Break in Berlin

With Summer coming to an end and winter blues setting in, its the perfect time to plan a little winter trip to looking forward to. One of the best places I've been over the Christmas holidays is Germany's capital city, Berlin. From festive Christmas markets to museums and the infamous Berlin Wall, there so much to see and do whatever the weather. This blog is my guide to how many days, what to see and what to eat on a short break to Berlin. 

How Many Days in Berlin?

Berlin is another perfect city for a midweek trip or long weekend away. Though you could probably squeeze it into 48 hours as I did with Budapest , I found that four days was a great amount of time to see the sights and experience the culture, as well as chill out and enjoy my time away.

What To Do in Berlin

Museum Island

On our first full day in the city, the weather was not great, and so myself and my best friend Helena took full advantage of Museum island, which was not too far from out hotel in Alexanderplatz. We spent much of the day wandering round the fascinating museums, which were packed full with artefacts and paintings from so many different time periods, including some from Ancient Egypt, which were my personal favourite to look at. The Berlin Cathedral is also on the island, which was not only spectacular to behold itself, but allowed you to climb to the outside of the Dome for a 360 view of the city. 

The Berlin Wall

As the weather was slightly better on our second and third days, we decided it would be a good opportunity to check out some of the historical sights. Though this did involve a fair amount of walking, I thought thy were all really worth it, particularly the Berlin Wall. Berlin is infamous for this wall that separated the East and West of the city during the Cold War. Although it has been torn down for nearly 20 years, sections remain and are now protected as the East Side Gallery. These sections have murals depicting images of love, hope and peace on them, and are so inspiring to observe, meaning that what could be a very morbid and depressing reminder has become a beautiful, positive landmark that you have to see. There is also a museum to visit at the Berlin Wall Memorial for those interested in the facts and the history. 

Check Point Charlie

Check Point Charlie, nicknamed by the Western Allies, was also part of the Wall, but famous in itself for being the best known crossing point between the East and the West. Though there is not a huge amount to see, you can get a great photo with some actors dressed up as soldiers as a memento and there is an excellent museum, filled with pictures, objects and documents to depict the history of the wall. Whilst looking round it, I found the heartbreaking stories of those that were separated, as well the incredible tales and inventions of those who tried to cross the wall most interesting to read about.

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag building, used by government until the infamous fire in 1933, was a great photo opportunity and an incredible sight to look at. With its ornate architecture and big grass lawn, it was definitely a spectacle and not too crowded at all. Next time, I believe a tour of the dome and roof terrace, which is open to the public, is in order, as it has spectacular views of the parliamentary and government district. 

Brandenburg Gate

This iconic neo-classical monument was also well worth the walk to behold. Towering well above the crowds, the monument is one of the most important to the city of Berlin and an absolute must see. Representing the East-West divide between Berlin during the war, it was yet another historical sight that really put things into perspective. Whilst we were able to wander round the busy and exciting plaza surrounding it, it was a humbling reminder. 

Memorial to the Murdered Jews

This memorial was an incredibly sombre, but fascinating place to visit. The site covers over 19,000 square metres, with 2711 concrete slabs of differing heights, to represent those murdered. The vast and immersive nature of it really hit home in regards to all the holocaust stories I had been taught in school. Although it isn't for the faint-hearted, I would thoroughly recommend a visit. 

Christmas Markets

On a much lighter note, an absolute highlight of Berlin in the winter is the Christmas markets. There are so many throughout the city, but my favourite was definitely the one at Alexanderplatz near our hotel. With so many different stalls, sweet treats, ride and an ice-skating rink, it was the place to be every evening. We would sit and enjoy the happiness around us, after our long days, with a gluhwine (mulled wine) or hot chocolate, as well as get our Christmas shopping done!

What To Eat in Berlin

When it came to food, we were certainly not spoiled for choice. My favourite option had to be curry-wurst, either from a quaint cafe, or one of the Christmas market stalls, it was always available and always delicious. 

For pudding, we managed to come across an absolute gem: Princess Cheesecake. There were so many different cheesecakes to choose from, it actually felt like heaven, and provided an excellent incentive to carry on with all the walking we had to do. 

The markets also provided us with so many choices when it came to snacks, with toffee apples, candyfloss, chocolate kisses and many other treats to satisfy my sweet tooth, it was the perfect place for me. 

Break in Berlin

There really is so much to do in this incredible city. There are so many sights to see, and it is so rich in history, whatever the weather. And the Christmas Markets are absolutely bucket list worthy...one you must tick off!