Friday, December 26, 2014

3 Days in Berlin: The Best Sights to See!

I hope everyone had a terrific holiday! Nick and I are now home and rested from our trip to Berlin. We were only in Berlin for two full days and parts of two other days… but boy, did we ever do a lot! Upon arriving in Berlin, we headed right to check into our hotel, pick up our luggage, and get our Berlin WelcomeCards. The Berlin WelcomeCard is an official ticket that includes unlimited use of public transport, in addition to discounts with over 200 partners. For more information on the card and tourism in Berlin, definitely check out Visit Berlin!

After checking in and grabbing our cards, it was off to explore the city!

Augustiner Berlin
pretzels and Bavarian beer, a German staple
Our first stop of the day was to grab some much-needed lunch. Nick and I headed to Augustiner Bräuhaus, one of the classic German breweries. The food was absolutely delicious, and after a great lunch we were ready to really hit the town. Because I have visited Munich for Oktoberfest the past two years, it was quite interesting to check out the differences between the same breweries in Berlin and Munich. Check out more information about classic Bavarian Breweries here!

Berlin christmas markets 2014
Berlin Christmas Markets
One of our first stops was to head and check out some of the Berlin Christmas Markets. Berlin has around 100 Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, so we were never too far from one! One of Nick's favorites from German Christmas markets is Glühwein, a warm spiced wine.

Brandenburg Gate 2014
in front of Brandenburg Gate
Another highlight from our trip was, of course, Brandenburg Gate. It was amazing to walk through the gate, read about the history, and even in places see some of the damage from WWII, with bullet holes scattered throughout the stone.

The Bird Berlin
who couldn't love a restaurant that's menu reads like this?!
One of my personal favorite highlights from the trip was visiting a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant called "The Bird". Above, you can see the menu from The Bird- clearly, this is the type of restaurant where you can go, sit back, relax, and enjoy yourselves. I loved The Bird because in addition to terrific food, the service was just unbeatable.

East Side Gallery
In front of a painting at the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall
And of course, no visit to Berlin would be complete without stopping at the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall. November 9, 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. While much of the wall is fallen, throughout the city there are several spots where portions of the wall remain standing. Wherever the wall has been taken down, it is marked with a row of bricks, trekking it's way throughout the city to mark where the wall once stood.

All in all, our trip to Berlin was certainly a whirlwind- we were constantly on the run to check out more sights and explore more of the city. A city of 3.3 million people, there is certainly something for everyone to do: from history nerds exploring the great culture of Berlin, to foodies checking out restaurants, to tourists exploring Christmas markets. The only downfall of our trip to Berlin was the endless drizzle- but hey, you can't let the weather stop you! We simply used the weather as an excuse to hang out under tents at the Christmas markets with a glass of glühwein.

Here is hoping everyone had a terrific holiday! What did you do for the holidays?

33 comments:

  1. It looks like you had a lovely time in Berlin. I love the look of those pretzels, they're huge! The painting at the East Side Gallery looks amazing, perfect backdrop for a picture :)

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    1. Berlin was such a great time, and the perfect way to spend Christmas! I agree about East Side Gallery- it was such a cool place!

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  2. I really can't imagine going on a trip for only a weekend--and then seeing and doing all you did! What a whirl wind experience that must have been. So glad that you were able to see everything you wanted to.

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    1. Miki, I was lucky that my husband lived in Berlin so knew his way around the city and the best sights!

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  3. How amazing? You guys go on the funnest adventures. The closest I have ever been is Germany inside the World Showcase at Epcot :)

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  4. Those pictures are beautiful. I need to start traveling more. I need more adventure in my life.

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    1. Alyssa, traveling is one of the best things you can do for yourself!

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  5. I had no idea that Germany had such beautiful places and scenery. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Ben, Berlin had so much history and great sights to see!

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  6. Wow! What great photos and sights. I would love to visit Berlin. It looks absolutely beautiful and like a great place to visit. Especially if you are looking for wonderful sights to see.

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    1. Jeanine, Berlin was so beautiful at Christmas. Combine the gorgeous sites with a bit of history for my hubby and it was a great trip!

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  7. Omg I just love Berlin!!! I haven't been to Germany since I was a kiddo but ughhh.... Would love to go back now that I'm actually old enough to appreciate it!

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    1. Courtney, my first trip to Germany was when I was too young to really appreciate it as well- now I love experiencing it again!

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  8. Yum eyeing on those pretzels! I bet this is a beautiful place to visit - so much to see!

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  9. omg those pretzls are making me hungry... what a cute photo. I have never been to Berlin but long to go some day. one more place to add to my bucket list.

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    1. Miriam, fresh pretzels in Germany are the best. Berlin was a great city not only culturally but historically as well!

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  10. What a fantastic trip! I am not a huge beer fan, but I have always wanted to try beer and pretzels in Germany!

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  11. Good food, great breweries and a seeing the historic Berlin wall. That really makes your visit to Berlin worth it. I hope I can see Berlin too someday.

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    1. Franc, you hit the nail on the head. Food, beer, and history- nothing better!

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  12. I love pretzels and I love Germany, when i was there in munich i had enough germany beer and pretzels to last me till kingdom come. Thanks for sharing your trip with us

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    1. Miranda, that's how I felt after Oktoberfest, yet I still had room for a couple more pretzels and beers this trip!

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  13. How fun! I'd love to go to Berlin, but I'm a West Coaster with a husband who has never traveled outside the states. Seems like a far of dream to me. But maybe one day. We hosted Christmas and Thanksgiving and just stayed home. No travel this year. Happy New Year!

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    1. Oh Heather, you will have to get him started! West Coast, head to Canada or Mexico first, then get him exploring other places!

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  14. Wow what a beautiful place to visit! I love the architecture and the pretzel picture (yes I'm hungry) haha. I would love to visit one day, something about it is just so mystical and beautiful!

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    1. Michelle, Berlin was an absolute dream city to visit!

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  15. We sadly were all sick and stayed in, and our husky had to cross the rainbow bridge. I'm glad you enjoyed Berlin, I have always wanted to go!

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    1. I hope your family has recovered from illness now…I love huskies, so I'm so sorry to hear that. Hope your family heals from the loss quickly!

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  16. Looks like you had an amazing time indeed. I actually sat home for the holidays which I usually do. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Rebecca, sometimes being at home is the best. Thats what my husband and I did for NYE!

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  17. Wow! These photos are fabulous! I stayed home and worked. Blog life haha!!! Happy New Year!!! :)

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