Holiday lettings in Berlin

Sitting in the very east of Germany, not far from the Polish border, Berlin’s unique character has been formed by its central role in modern history. The city was virtually destroyed by bombíng in WW2, and the Berlin Wall then divided the city for nearly 30 years. Although the Wall was opened in 1989, the city still has no true centre in the traditional sense, and each district retains an individual feel. Families will enjoy the green spaces and playgrounds of Prenzlauer Berg, while night owls will appreciate the late bars and clubs in the established party districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Up-and-coming Neukölln is easy on the budget, while more expensive Mitte is crammed with museums and culture. Alternatively, head further west to enjoy a holiday on the fringes of the city, with forests and lakes within striking distance.

Berlin wears its incredible history on its sleeve, and those with an interest in the city’s chequered past will be spoilt for choice. The DDR Museum offers some fun insights into how everyday folk lived in East Berlin, and even has an original Trabant car to sit in. For a more chilling look at the regime, we recommend a tour of the Stasi Prison, where many citizens “disappeared” during the GDR’s 40 year reign. WW2 history buffs will enjoy the Allied Museum, while the Holocaust Memorial is an absolute must-see, from both a historical perspective, and as a piece of public art. For something entirely different, head to Tempelhof Airport. Closed in 2008, it is now a much-loved public space. During the 1948 Soviet Blockade, Allied planes landed 200,000 times with essential goods to save West Berlin, and walking those same runways is a special thrill.

From Michelin stars and the latest cocktail trends to cheap beers and late night snacks, Berlin’s eclectic food scene has something to please and surprise every visitor. For a true Berliner experience, you need to try the ubiquitous Currywurst - a ketchup covered sausage that has such cultural significance that it even has its own dedicated museum in the city. Another humble delicacy that Berlin claims as its own is the doner kebab (Döner Kebap, or Döner im Brot), which, in Berlin, is packed with fresh salad, juicy meat and tangy sauces and is not to be missed. If you’re not sure what you want to eat, jump in headfirst with a visit to Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg for Street Food Thursday: a huge array of stalls peddling delicacies and drinks from around the world. Like any major city, Berlin has every cuisine covered, but the high numbers of people of Turkish and Vietnamese origin means that food from those countries is even better represented.

Compared to some other European cities, the speed, efficiency and punctuality of Berlin’s transport system make it a joy to use. The U-Bahn (underground train system) and the S-Bahn (overground trains) offer comprehensive coverage of the entire city, and are open 24 hours at weekends. The train system is complemented by an excellent tram and bus network. Depending on the length of your stay, you may want to purchase a WelcomeCard (available online or in any tourist information office) which allows travel for 48 hours, 72 hours or five days. Ticket holders also get discounts at many of Berlin’s museums and visitor attractions. An alternative to public transport is to rent a bike: Berlin is a very cycle-friendly city, with bicycle lanes on most pavements and many bike rental places (€10-€15). You can even take a bike on the S and U-Bahn (separate ticket needed, and keep to the carriages with bicycle signs on them).