October 9, 2014 marks 25 years since the Iron Curtain opened, and this metropolis of 3.4 million embraces modern life on the cutting edge. The city’s free-spirited ambiance is flush with constant change and an exciting appeal for visitors.
The Festival of Lights (held on Oct. 9th) recalls the event when more than 70,000 people demonstrated with candles in their hands despite threats of a shoot to kill order. The event remained peaceful and became a milestone leading the way to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.
The anniversary will culminate on the weekend of November 9th in Berlin with a 7.5 mile long symbolic wall installation in the form of a light barrier made out of helium-filled balloons. Hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors will stroll along the length of the wall and get a feeling for the intensity of the separation between West and East. There will be a special series of exhibitions and events throughout Berlin the entire weekend.
While no longer physically split into two halves, the two cultural Berlins provide an exciting venue for those who enjoy urban life, culture, music, and a buzzing, cosmopolitan environment. Rarely have I visited a city with so much to offer — and at such a good value. Not only is Berlin one of the most inexpensive European capitals, but also one of the most vibrant ones.
Almost entirely rebuilt since World War II, Berlin has evolved into a global focal point for young individuals and artists attracted by a liberal lifestyle and a modern worldview. Recognized for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of life, the German capital is the third-leading tourism destination in Europe because it offers so much to see and do.
With impressive architecture and a plethora of museums, educational institutions, and events covering everything under the sun, Berlin rightly deserves the title zeitgeist metropolis. The city has a diverse art scene, and is home to around 420 art galleries.
The town square, Gendarmenmarkt (pictured top right) is very inviting and surrounded by several historic structures. While in Berlin, walk under the Brandenburg Gate and visit the Reichstag parliament building with its famous glass dome. If you are in the mood for something different, put yourself in a challenging maze at EXIT Berlin.
In recent years, Berlin has become a mecca for the young people who drive trends in fashion and the arts. There are 17,000+ Americans living here as well as many other nationalities, so it’s a very mixed community.
Young Germans and international artists continue to settle in the city, and Berlin has established itself as a center of youth and popular culture in Europe. Signs of this expanding role was the 2003 announcement that the annual Popkomm, Europe’s largest music industry convention, moved to Berlin, and then MTV moving it’s headquarters and main studios to Berlin.
Moreover, Berlin is easy on the pocketbook. You get a lot for your money in terms of accommodations, food and entertainment. Theater tickets are an exceptional value, and you can dine on great food on a budget.
So just how much money does it cost to visit Berlin, Germany? A 7 night package spending 2 nights in Berlin, 2 in Dresden and 3 in Prague with 4 star hotels, breakfast daily and train transportation between cities starts at just $649 pp or $85 per day. Of course you can spend all of your time in just Berlin and spend even less but why go all that way and not explore more of Europe?
