THE BEAUTIFUL BERLIN

History, art, museums, restaurants, shopping, and parks; what can't be found in Berlin? From Van der Valk Hotel Berlin Brandenburg, you can explore this dynamic metropolis.

EVA VAN MEIJL
PHOTOGRAPHY: NOPOINT STUDIO'S

Hotel Berlin Brandenburg has been the perfect location for exploring Berlin and its surroundings for thirty years. The hotel is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center, and with the city train, the S-Bahn, you can reach there in 40 minutes. Of course, during your city trip, you will visit famous places such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the green Tiergarten Park, but there is so much more to see. Even during a longer stay, you can fill each day with different activities and discover new neighborhoods.

COLORFUL STREET ART

The most fun way to explore the city is perhaps from a Trabant. In this car, also known as Trabi, you drive yourself past all the hotspots. Don't forget to look up during a stop to spot the Fernsehturm. This television tower of 368 meters is the tallest building in the city and is located at Alexanderplatz, although it can be seen from almost the entire city. For those without fear of heights, take the elevator to the viewing platform. A visit to Tempelhofer Feld is also recommended. Until 2008, this was still Tempelhof Airport. Now you can bike and walk on the former runways. Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries, and there is also a lot of art to see on the streets. The East Side Gallery on the longest stretch of the former Berlin Wall is a well-known spot with colorful street art. Graffiti is also abundant on Teufelsberg; a former listening station used during the Cold War.

ON THE STREET, THERE IS PLENTY OF ART TO SEE

Attending an ice hockey game is a true experience.

UNIQUE NIGHT OUT

With countless bars and clubs, Berlin is bursting with nightlife options. You can go out until late every day of the week, as closing times are almost non-existent. Another tip for a unique night out is a visit to the Uber Arena during an ice hockey match of the Eisbären Berlin. Ice hockey is a popular sport in Germany and is very much alive in Berlin, as the Eisbären Berlin have often won the national league. An ice hockey match of this top club is truly an experience. Get a ticket and enjoy a great game with up to 14,000 enthusiastic supporters. Having a currywurst during or after the match is a must. This popular snack with curry sauce and spices is one of the most eaten sausages in Germany, alongside bratwurst. The Olympiastadion in the western district of Westend is also an important venue for sports events. Just last summer, the final of the European Football Championship took place here.

ORIGINAL SOUVENIR

Stroll at your leisure through the vintage markets in the city for beautiful fashion items, antiques, art, and kitsch. Who knows, you might find an original souvenir for home. The Ampelmännchen is definitely a popular item. This cheerful little man can be seen on the traffic lights in former East Germany. He makes a stop sign with arm gestures in red and a walking motion when it's green. Crossing the street with him is much more cheerful than with a standard traffic light. Finally, step into one of the many photo booths you can find all over the city, and capture your visit to Berlin forever on a photo strip.

After a wonderful day out, you can unwind at Hotel Berlin Brandenburg and recover from all the impressions. With 270 rooms, a large conference center, a modern-classic restaurant, and many facilities, this is a very complete hotel. Relax in the swimming pool or sauna, and enjoy a delicious cocktail or whisky in the cozy Havanna Bar to end the day. The next morning, you will be fully rested and ready for a new adventure in Berlin!