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GERMANY

BERLIN

Berlin, Germany’s capital, blends a complex history with a lively present—its landmarks and the Berlin Wall echoing past divisions and reunification.
The city thrives as a creative and multicultural hub known for vibrant arts, diverse neighborhoods, and green spaces. Berlin’s cultural energy pulses through festivals, nightlife, and street art, drawing people from around the globe. Ultimately, Berlin’s ‘blur’ is its ever-shifting, multifaceted spirit—inviting all to explore its unique character.

Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its dynamic cultural scene. Once divided by the infamous Berlin Wall, the city now stands as a symbol of reunification and progress. Berlin’s architecture is a fascinating blend of modern structures and historical landmarks, with sites like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Parliament building, and remnants of the Wall attracting visitors from around the globe. Art and creativity pulse through Berlin’s neighborhoods, from the galleries of Mitte to the street art of Kreuzberg. The city hosts world-class museums on Museum Island and boasts a diverse culinary landscape, reflecting its multicultural population. Berlin’s parks and waterways offer green retreats, notably the expansive Tiergarten and the picturesque Spree River. Excellent public transport makes the city accessible and easy to explore. Nightlife is legendary in Berlin, with an array of clubs, bars, and live music venues catering to all tastes. The city’s open-minded atmosphere fosters innovation and inclusivity, drawing artists, entrepreneurs, and students alike. With its rich historical legacy, creative energy, and cosmopolitan flair, Berlin is a truly unique European capital that continues to reinvent itself while honoring its past.

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CHECKING IN WITH CHUCK

BERLIN: JEWISH HISTORY

We met our guide Robert, an expert on the Holocaust, who has a book set to be published by Fordham University later this year. As you can tell, the guides we hire from Context are all highly knowledgeable individuals who enriched our experience beyond merely touring the sites. Jewish Berlin has a rich history dating back to 1671, though few physical reminders remain. Remarkably, in the 1930s, Berlin, with over 4 million residents, had about 160,000 Jews, of which 55,000 were murdered, while...

BERLIN: FOOD SCENE

Deciding where to eat can often be more difficult than choosing which site or museum to visit. With so many options and limited time, Berlin presents a wide range of choices, requiring some discernment when making reservations. I usually book in advance for major cities if I'm worried about last-minute availability, but I also enjoy getting recommendations from the local concierge. Our first night's dinner was at a trendy, small restaurant called Barra , where we sat at the bar, watched the...

BERLIN: ART SCENE

Berlin is loaded with art from old masters to modern. Even the Berlin Wall is a work of art as after it was taken down, artists and just plain folk were given the opportunity to paint on a section of the wall and it became known as the East Side Gallery. The Old Master Museum is known as the Germaldeggalerie. We got our fill of old masters and what we loved about this museum, was that there were very few visitors, so it was a joy to hang with Botticelli's, Vermeer’s, Rembrandts, Caravaggio’s,...

BERLIN: SO/BERLIN DAS STUE

Our hotel, SO/ Berlin Das Stue, was a boutique establishment adjacent to the zoo and a large park known as the Tiergarten . We enjoy boutique hotels for their smaller size and interesting design elements, and this one certainly met our expectations. Notably, it was originally the Royal Copenhagen Danish Embassy, constructed in the 1930s but left vacant during WWII. It was converted into a hotel around 2008. The hotel is stylish and the staff were attentive. Berlin is a large city and the...

BERLIN: CITY WALK

Today, we spent 7 hours exploring Berlin with our guide Aaron, originally from Great Britain, who moved here after meeting his wife, calling himself a "love refugee." Aaron, educated as an archaeologist, has a clear passion for history. Strolling through Berlin with him was enjoyable, as he was a rather cheeky fellow, always entertaining and a walking encyclopedia on everything Berlin, both past and present. We began at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and concluded our day at the Berlin Wall,...

BERLIN: ARCHITECTURE

We embarked on a Bauhaus and Architecture tour led by a woman named Nina, whom we hired through Context Tours. For this trip, we booked all our Berlin tours with Context and used ToursByLocals for the other cities. A notable difference is that with Context, we met our guides at the starting point of the tour, whereas with ToursByLocals, they picked us up at the hotel before proceeding. Both organizations provide knowledgeable and informative guides. Nina is a sculptor originally from Poland....

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