Berlin, Germany
STORY BY VI HUGHES, 2019
If you truly want to experience Germany, you should visit Berlin. The capital of Germany, this vibrant city is a mixture of history, culture, architecture and mystique with so much to see and do it is guaranteed to satisfy your adventurous desire to find out more.
At first sight there seems to be a sameness about the general Berlin area; block after block of low-rise residential blocks that appear to be cut from the same mould. But it is not until you remember that much of Berlin has been rebuilt in the last 70 years after being razed during World War 2 that one can appreciate the urgency of providing new accommodation.
Berlin's population dropped by 1.5 million people between 1939 and 1945, from 4.3 million to 2.8 million; more than 600,000 apartments and hundreds of public buildings and massive areas of infrastructure were flattened.
If you truly want to experience Germany, you should visit Berlin. The capital of Germany, this vibrant city is a mixture of history, culture, architecture and mystique with so much to see and do it is guaranteed to satisfy your adventurous desire to find out more.
At first sight there seems to be a sameness about the general Berlin area; block after block of low-rise residential blocks that appear to be cut from the same mould. But it is not until you remember that much of Berlin has been rebuilt in the last 70 years after being razed during World War 2 that one can appreciate the urgency of providing new accommodation.
Berlin's population dropped by 1.5 million people between 1939 and 1945, from 4.3 million to 2.8 million; more than 600,000 apartments and hundreds of public buildings and massive areas of infrastructure were flattened.
Much of Berlin, particularly around where the city was divided by the Berlin Wall, remained damaged for decades but redevelopment has ramped up since reunification in 1990.
The greater population of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area today has grown to more than 5.8 million from over 180 countries, and it is only when you look closely behind the facades and curtains of buildings that you realise there is a fierce pride in how homes and buildings are well maintained, which is directly influenced by the Bauhaus movement that began over 100 years ago and is kept alive by hundreds of dedicated enthusiasts in many countries.
It is obvious that East Berlin is still "catching up" with development, but there is massive construction work underway everywhere and it is expected that the architectural face of Berlin will continue to change dramatically over the coming years.
The greater population of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area today has grown to more than 5.8 million from over 180 countries, and it is only when you look closely behind the facades and curtains of buildings that you realise there is a fierce pride in how homes and buildings are well maintained, which is directly influenced by the Bauhaus movement that began over 100 years ago and is kept alive by hundreds of dedicated enthusiasts in many countries.
It is obvious that East Berlin is still "catching up" with development, but there is massive construction work underway everywhere and it is expected that the architectural face of Berlin will continue to change dramatically over the coming years.
Berlin Welcome Card
In order to get around to see as much as possible, I would definitely recommend that you purchase a Berlin Welcome Card. There are 12 different versions of the card that can be tailored to suit the length of your stay in Berlin, from 48 hours to six days. The card gives you free travel on public transport which also includes to and from the airport, as well as great savings on attractions, food and shows.
When you purchase your card, you will be asked to validate it at either the airport or one of the tourist centres in Berlin. On validating your card, you will receive maps and guides of the city and a book full of over 200 discount offers from major attractions and restaurants. However, it is important to read all the card criteria carefully, as validation of the card is essential before you use it. While cards can be validated in multiple places, the tourist infrormation centres are not open 24 hours a day, so you will need to check validation points if wanting to use your card from the airport, but are arriving outside their operarting
times.
We found the discounts and the savings that were made by using the Berlin Welcome Card far exceeded the initial outlay, making it a valuable asset for tourists.
Find out more about this fabulous way to save on your next trip to Berlin with the
Berlin Welcome Card - Click here
When you purchase your card, you will be asked to validate it at either the airport or one of the tourist centres in Berlin. On validating your card, you will receive maps and guides of the city and a book full of over 200 discount offers from major attractions and restaurants. However, it is important to read all the card criteria carefully, as validation of the card is essential before you use it. While cards can be validated in multiple places, the tourist infrormation centres are not open 24 hours a day, so you will need to check validation points if wanting to use your card from the airport, but are arriving outside their operarting
times.
We found the discounts and the savings that were made by using the Berlin Welcome Card far exceeded the initial outlay, making it a valuable asset for tourists.
Find out more about this fabulous way to save on your next trip to Berlin with the
Berlin Welcome Card - Click here