Travelore Tips: Top 10 Things To Do In Berlin

The second largest city in the European Union, Berlin buzzes with history, art and a vibrant air of liberal acceptance.

With its central role in World War II and the Cold War, the German capital city has been home to some of the darkest moments in modern history. Yet from these shadows of oppression and terror, today the city echoes peace and freedom of expression from nearly every corner.

In a city where every square inch is packed with history, unique street art or people ready to party and it can be difficult to narrow down the top sights. Here are ten must-sees for your next visit.

1.    Berlin Wall Memorial

For 28 years, the Berlin Wall divided the city and country between East and West and Capitalism and Communism. Though the wall fell in 1989, several sections still stand. The best place for an in-depth examination of the wall and its history is the Berlin Wall memorial, a collection of open-air exhibits and a visitor’s center.

2.    Brandenburg Gate

Perhaps the most noticeable landmark in Berlin, the Brandenburg gate was constructed in 1791, as a sign of peace under the rule of King Frederick William II. As German politics took tumultuous turns toward anything but peace, the gate served as a backdrop to some of the country’s darkest moments.

Today this gate marks the entrance to Unter den Linden, a fashionable tree-lined boulevard in the western city center that is great for strolling. A photo here is completely necessary to prove you’ve been to Berlin.

3.    Climb German Parliament

Embellished with the phrase to the German People, and marked by a large glass dome, the Reichstag building is a dominant feature in formerly West Berlin. Construction in 1894, the Reichstag building has served as the center for several political governments. Today this building is home to the German Bundestag, or parliament, and visitors can ascend the unique Dome of the building for an interesting exhibition on German politics and sweeping views of the city.

4.    Walking tour with SANDEMAN’s New Europe

City center highlights. Royal Berlin. Red Berlin. Third Reich Berlin. Potsdam. Alternative city art…. There’s so much history in Berlin it would be a shame to not at least explore the facet that most interests you on a visit.

SANDEMAN’S New Europe provides cheap (think 20 Euros or less), informative tours with knowledgeable guides that will unite you with fellow history buffs.

5. Memorials to victims of National Socialism

Berlin does not shy away from acknowledging the atrocities committed by Germany during World War II and the Cold War. Around the grounds of the capital are a handful of memorials that pay tribute to the hundreds and thousands of people murdered under National Socialism in Germany. Groups commemorated by these memorials include the Jewish, Sinti and Roma, gay and lesbian and politician and Soviet victims.

6.    Check Point Charlie

The most touristy section of Berlin lies around Checkpoint Charlie, the former crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the cold war. Skip the pricey and unorganized museum, shuffle past McDonald’s and a myriad of souvenir shops to a replica of a former border sign and guard shack, and imagine how the area was almost 30 years ago.

7.    Mauerpark Flohmarkt

The alternative flea market in Mauerpark, located near a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, operates on Sundays. From trendy souvenirs and soap products to Soviet war medals and antiques, there’s a little bit of everything to be found here, along with a bustling, upbeat atmosphere and diverse selection of food.

8.    Nightlife

Berlin has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe. Hopefully you will have more energy on your visit than I did and be able to experience it. Clubbing is the way to go in Berlin and top clubs include Tresor, Trust andWatergate.

9.    Berlin TV Tower

One of the most popular attractions here, the Berlin TV Tower offers 360-degree views of the city. This is a great place to get a feel for the city’s size and layout.

10. East Side Gallery

The longest section of the Berlin Wall that is still standing has been transformed into an open-air art gallery. The 1.3 kilometer strip is decorated with murals dedicated to peace. Unfortunately many of the paintings have been covered with graffiti and the surrounding area is a bit gruff. This is however, a great place to take an iconic picture in front of the wall.

Contributed by Lauren, http://somethinginherramblings.com/

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Travelore Tips: A Quick Guide To Normandy, France

Each one of these regions are unique and offer something unique and distinctive to that area. This diversity is what makes France such a great destination to travel to.

One of the most popular areas is Normandy, a region located in Northwestern France, famed for the D-Day Allied invasion on June 6, 1944, but also known for so much more.

From the rocky cliffs in the Cotentin peninsula and the famous white cliffs of Etretat, to wonderful small towns and villages with half-timbered houses in the inland area, there are many things to see in Normandy.

Here’s a quick guide to the top sights and attractions in Normandy …

White Cliffs of Etretat

Famous for its beaches and chalky white cliffs, these 70meter high cliffs are a beauty to behold and one of the most beautiful features of Normandy – its three rock formations are known as Potre d’Amont or the Upstream Cliff, Porte d’Aval or the downstream cliff and Manneporte.

Carved by nature and adorned by mysterious names there are images of a hollow eye needle and an elephant dipping its trunk in the ocean.

A walk along the Pebble beach, climbing up the steep stairs to the top of the cliffs for a view, and discovering a 17th Century oyster bed are just some of the things you can do in Etreat.

An easy way to get to Normandy is to take the ferry from UK to Calais and continue down the coast from there - click here for information about ferries to Calais.

Mont St. Michel

This tiny tidal rocky island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in all of France.

This remarkable medieval walled city, crowned by its great gothic abbey, is built on a small granite outcrop standing all by itself in Mont Saint Michel bay.

At the peak is the spectacular and well-preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel.

During the French Revolution, the abbey was used a prison, and today a few prison-era showpieces, like the human hamster wheel used to lift supplies in and out of the complex, have been kept.

Still to this day, people actually live in this village, and there are even a few places where you can eat on the island, such as La Mere Poulard, which is world-famous for its omelets (a specialty on the island).

The D-Day Landing Beaches

On June 6, 1944 – today known as D-Day, Operation Overlord, a long-awaited invasion of Northwest Europe, began with Allied landings along the coast of Normandy where the Germans had turned the coastline into an interlinked series of strong points.

The Allies launched a simultaneous landing of British, Canadian, U.S., and French forces on five separate beaches with the code names Sword Beach (British), Juno Beach (Canadian), Gold Beach (British), Omaha Beach (American) Utah Beach (American).

When they landed they stormed the mined beaches and stormed the gun positions, and continued fighting their way into the towns and hills advancing inland.

The victory was a turning point in World War II and led to the liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

While today the coast is dotted with lovely peaceful seaside towns, there are still many remains from German gun emplacements and bunkers, and war memorials and monuments marks where the allied forces landed on the beaches.

Since there is barely a square yard that wasn't fought over, there are also monuments in almost every village and at every bend in the road.

These beaches can be reached from UK by taking a ferry from Dover to Calais and then continue by car for about 1.5 hours – you can simply drive your car on the ferry at Dover Port and drive down along 

Contributed by Sofia

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