Brrrrrrrrrrrlin

Without doubt, Berlin is the best - but coldest - place I have ever been. Whenever someone mentions to me that they're planning to visit the city, I can think of 101 things to tell them - hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, shops... Remembering trips and travel tips has therefore inspired a new section of posts on our blog called "Bon Voyage" featuring photographs and recommendations from our holidays. The first, obviously, focusses on Berlin.

1. WHERE TO STAY

We visited Berlin in December 2009, staying for three nights. Planning a cheap but cheerful weekend, we booked into the Best Western Hotel am Spittelmarkt. Our room was basic but clean and comfortable - perfect for a city break when you're out and about most of the time. Spittelmarkt was a central location and the hotel is just 5 minutes from the U-Bahn which was the perfect way to explore the city.

2. WHERE TO EAT

Our first stop was the traditional German Christmas Markets in Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmart where we sampled sauerkraut, bratwurst, lebkuchen and of course gluhwein.

3. WHERE TO SHOP

Berlin has several huge department stores and shopping centres including Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, Alexa and Galeries Lafayette. The markets are also a great place to find unique souvenirs for family and friends, with hundreds of stalls to browse.

4. WHERE TO VISIT

a. Reichstag

From the dizzying, mirrored interior to the famous "Dem Deutschen Volk" inscription above its entrance, the Reichstag is a must-see. The building has played centre stage to momentous events in German history and following German reunification in 1990, has been the seat of the Bundestag. There are often queues at the entrance but the views from the rooftop terrace are worth the wait.

Inside the Reichstag

b. Charlottenburg Palace

The largest palace in Berlin, commissioned by Sophie Charlotte at the end of the 17th century. Decorated in an exotic baroque style with large formal gardens, the palace is a major tourist attraction. Admission is not free but the audio tour - which guides you round the New Wing - is excellent.

Charlottenburg Palace (on a very cold evening)

c. Topographie of Terror

Since 1987 a permanent exhibition at the site of the Secret State Police and SS headquarters has provided information to the public about Nazi persecution. When we visited in 2009, the fascinating exhibition was displayed on a series of poster boards outside but a museum has since opened. Admission is free but check the website for opening hours.

d. Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie 

Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West. In October 1962, Rainer Hildebrandt opened the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charliein a two room apartment on the checkpoint's famous Bernauer Strasse. On display are photographs and documents of successful escape attempts from East Germany, together with escape apparatus such as hot-air balloons, modified getaway cars and a mini U-Boat. There is an admission fee for the museum but it's an absolute must-see, as well as having your photograph taken at the Checkpoint.

e. Berlin Wall

Little more than 1.5km of the Berlin Wall still stands, as a symbol of the triumph of freedom over oppression. The longest, best-preserved and most interesting stretch is called East Side Gallery, because of its many murals.


**If you have visited Berlin and want to share your travel tips, please comment on our post!