A city of contrasts and contradictions, Berlin symbolizes many different things to many different people. While many see Berlin as the seat of political power in Europe, many others enjoy it as a swank, hedonistic playground with never-ending parties.
If Berlin has been the catalyst for World Wars, it has also been deemed as epicenter of unification. Nevertheless, it is the least German of all cities in Germany. The city of Berlin is warm, down-to-earth, and chic and has panache unique to its character. Also seen as an epitome of Teutonic efficiency, rigid tolerance, the power of lobby, a home to the bohemian race of artists as well as a vibrant gay and lesbian community. Berlin is a mix of simple and ultra dapperness.
Traveling to Berlin is fun in many ways. An exciting place that is ever evolving, the city is a study in contrasts. Where the old rubs shoulders with the new, you will find an undercurrent in the day-to-day activities of this Teutonic race. Ever since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin has been on a second lease of life. Oriented towards positioning itself as a metropolis of international standard, it is surely carving its identity as the new 'Capital of Europe'.
Due to its sheer size, Berlin may be confusing to most first time visitors. Therefore, it would be easier for you to remember that Berlin has 23 different districts, and each has its own distinguishing character. The most central district in Berlin is Mitte. It has an ancient past and is showcase of some of the oldest buildings in the city such as Marienkirche and Nikolaikirche in Nikolaiviertel. Besides this, Mitte is also home to many of the grandest buildings standing proud and strong along the magnificent boulevard Unter den Linden. The postmodern style showroom of Germany's own Volkswagen is also located along the boulevard.
Further, towards the north of the River Spree, the Mitte attains a different character. Here you will be able to enjoy plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. This is the epicenter of Berlin's fast beating and throbbing heart - the vibrant nightlife. This is also the place in Berlin to check out some alternative art galleries and be part of the artistic experimentation movement. Home to resident subculture - the Hackescher Markt and Oranienburger Straße are full of small art kiosks, and squatters and bigger art centers such as the Tacheles cultural centre or the Acud theatre.
After touring the main district head to the northeast of Mitte, you can visit the district Prenzlauer Berg that used to be the centre of alternative culture and political resistance during the old glory days. Taken over, pre-dominantly, by rich West Germans now, Prenzlauer Berg has some of the best restaurants, bars and clubs in Berlin and it's a great hangout place!
Other districts include Friedrichshain, south of Prenzlauer Berg, or the legendary Kreuzberg situated next to the Wall in former West Berlin, which is the abode of hippies, punks and left-wing intellectuals. If you are bored of the urban culture and want to relax and just be lazy, then a walk in the park is just perfect. Full of green spaces, Berlin's parks are like an oasis. Berlin also has many canals, rivers such as the beautiful Landwehrkanal.
Berlin is a great place to visit and as the Berliners say - Willkommen in Berlin!
By, Brian Zinn, From San Diego, California.
Specializing in Travel Articles for ZinnTravel.com on subjects such as, Romania, Bucharest, Constanta, Berlin, London, England, Miami, Ibiza, Clubbing, Sightseeing, travel tips and things to do.
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