Berlin, capital of Germany, is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and youthful cities in Europe. It is the most populous city and hosts cultural options, shopping and entertainment for all tastes and budgets. The international atmosphere permeates the streets, bars and restaurants, one of the quintessential college towns in Europe. It also has excellent communications by road and by air. Berlin is one of the busiest cities of low cost flights in Europe. Hotels in Berlin are not very expensive either. There are many attractions in this city that is the summit of art and alternative culture and home to pioneering experimental musicians in styles and trend setters.
Some of the best kept secrets of Berlin are:
The Tiergarten, Berlin lung park is the second largest park in the city after the Grünewald. It’s located right in the city heart and because of its large size, it is best to cross it by bike to make the most of every corner, especially their wildest and leafy nooks. It features a cemetery in which lie the remains of Red Army and one of the best kept secrets of this beautiful natural area is open to the public. It’s the nudist space offered in summer, example of progressive culture within the city. The second secret of the Tiergarten is that it can accommodate parties and barbecues freely, although always according to rules of conviviality and use. Any citizen or visitor can use the facilities and public barbecues of Tiergarten to enjoy a picnic day.
Scheunenviertel, the Jewish quarter of the city is par excellence. Located in the eastern part of Berlin, it is not always mentioned among the main Berlin attractions, but by no means is it less interesting. This outdoor museum of Hebrew culture reflects history, suffering, reconciliation and peace in the streets. Today lovers of culture, art, alternative trends and creativity, as well as those who enjoy charming cafes and a touch of modern romance, find as one of their favourite places, the Scheunenviertel in Berlin. One of the secrets of this bohemian mecca for connoisseurs of fashion and trends, are its clothing stores, where you can find unique clothes, gourmet boutiques or designer pieces.
The Free Tour is one of the best options for the most emblematic of the city from the hand of young enthusiasts who know by heart places. The duration of this tour is about three and a half hours walking on foot and the most important points of historical and cultural attractions of Berlin. The worst kept secret about this tour is that it is free. Guides accept the offerings of the participants at the end of the visit, so that each is free to remunerate the work of the same according to their criteria, if desired. It is a favorite for young and international students who come to Berlin each year to their first contact with the city options.
The route of this tour, which is normally available twice a day every day of the week, includes the Pariser Platz, the door Bandenburgo, the Parliament building or memorial Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe and more. The tour will not ignore the history of the Hitler Bunker and will guide participants in their tour of the iconic Berlin Wall, as well as the exploration of the former SS barracks or the Gendarmenmarkt. It also includes other landmarks such as the famous Neue Wache or Bebelplatz and the TV Tower and beautiful Museum Island.
Berlin is home to some of the most interesting open secrets of European cultural scene. This city is rich in history, education, arts and entertainment and will delight our five senses. All you need is a good base of action. So it’s a great idea to find a good apartment in Berlin near the center so you are situated within reach of all the open secrets!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, visitors to Germany often head for the country’s three largest cities, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. While all three offer access to important historical and heritage sites and a range of interesting tourist attractions, there is a very different experience awaiting those who decide to explore Frankfurt am Main, more commonly known simply as Frankfurt.
This is the sixth largest city in Germany, with a population of around 704,449 in 2012, while a further 2.3 million live in the urban area. Frankfurt is also at the center of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region, the country’s second largest metropolitan region, which has a population of 5.6 million.
Known for its futuristic high-rise skyline, Frankfurt is the business and financial nucleus of the country and also the financial center of continental Europe. A truly global city and a major air, highway and rail transport hub, Frankfurt has Germany’s busiest airport, serving all parts of Europe and further afield. Air France flights operate from other parts of Europe and the US, as well as Russia. Frankfurt also has a diverse population and a rich cultural scene, as evidenced by its many theaters, museums and world-class opera performances.
The city is now becoming more popular with tourists and its central attractions, including the square at Römer, Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church and the museums at the River Main, attract the most sightseers. However, there are quite a few neighborhoods, such as Bornheim, Bockenheim, Nordend and Old Sachsenhausen that are not on the regular tourist routes and are easily overlooked by visitors. Some of Frankfurt’s best-kept secrets are the beautiful 19th century streets and parks where many of the traditional local eating and drinking places, so beloved by the locals, are to be found.
Getting to know Frankfurt
Unlike other German cities, Frankfurt has a large multicultural population; some 180 nationalities live there. Almost 25 per cent of people living in the city are foreign nationals and 40 per cent of residents have an immigrant background.
Apart from the city center attractions, other popular attractions include the peaceful botanical gardens at Palmengarten, the Mediterranean flora at the River Main in the “Gardens of Nice” and Frankfurt Zoo, which is a particular favorite with local families. With such a compact city center, the best way to get around is on foot. In fact part of the fun of exploring the city is to get off the beaten track, away from the usual tourist haunts.
Palmengarten Botanical Gardens
For example, in Old Sachsenhausen locals gather in authentic and unspoiled pubs in the area around Wallstrasse (Wall Street) and Affentorplatz to enjoy one of Frankfurt’s specialties, Ebbelwol or apple wine; this is not a sweet cider and is something of an acquired taste. Food in Frankfurt is also a serious business and there are several local dishes worth a try beyond the famous frankfurter. There are other sausages, made from beef known as Rindswurst, and a special green sauce containing herbs that is served with meat known as Grie Soss or Grüne Sosse.
Why not take a trip to view the impressive skyline of Frankfurt am Main, to see if it truly does deserve the portmanteau title of “Mainhattan”?
Long unspoilt beaches and beautiful coastline are not exactly the first things that come to mind when thinking about Germany, but that is exactly what you’ll find if you travel to the sea in Mecklenburg-Vorpommen. Long known to the Germans, but something of a secret to the rest of Europe, this area offers natural beauty, outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Rügen is Germany’s largest island, and is connected to the land by Germany’s longest bridge. There are accommodation opportunities all over the island but the majority of tourists head to the east coast, which is where you’ll find the best beaches. You can take a trip on the Rasende Roland, a beautiful old steam train, or visit the large forest and hills in the north if you want to go hiking. Usedom is another German island with similarly lush forests and beautiful beaches.
Getting around the Baltic coast is fairly simple, with trains linking all the major towns and buses taking you most places you need to be. However, to get to the small holiday home tucked away in the forest, you’ll probably need a car and you can rent one at www.erento.co.uk. Cycling is also an option, and there are many bicycle lanes for intrepid tourists.
Like many coastal areas, fish is the most recommended dish, with smoked fish being a speciality and certainly worth a taste. Restaurants are reasonably priced, but you can save money by eating at less touristy spots, so it pays to look around for a hidden gem.
There are several historical towns along the coast, including the university city of Rostock, the Gothic town of Stralsund, linking the Baltic islands to the mainland, and Lübeck, which has the largest medieval centre in northern Germany and is definitely worth a visit.
Lubeck is located in the northern region of Germany known as Schleswig-Holstein, approximately 60km north-east of Hamburg. It is situated on the Trave River and is one of the largest German ports on the Baltic Sea. Much of its trade is with the Nordic countries.
For several centuries the “capital” Altstadt, was the former headquarters of the Hanseatic League (“Queen of the Hanse”). The main function of the Hanseatic League was to enable economic co-operation and trading in Europe. With its preserved Brick Gothic architecture, it’s now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Altstadt is the main attraction of Lubeck, located on an island surrounded by the Trave River and smaller channels. The old town has fine examples of churches from various periods, a 13th century Town Hall, 16-18th century Salt Houses and the famous gate way, Holstentor. Lubeck is known as the ‘City of Seven Spires’ because the skyline is dominated by the spires of 5 local churches.
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The Tiergarten, Berlin lung park is the second largest park in the city after the Grünewald. It’s located right in the city heart and because of its large size, it is best to cross it by bike to make the most of every corner, especially their wildest and leafy nooks. It features a cemetery in which lie the remains of Red Army and one of the best kept secrets of this beautiful natural area is open to the public. It’s the nudist space offered in summer, example of progressive culture within the city. The second secret of the Tiergarten is that it can accommodate parties and barbecues freely, although always according to rules of conviviality and use. Any citizen or visitor can use the facilities and public barbecues of Tiergarten to enjoy a picnic day.
Long unspoilt beaches and beautiful coastline are not exactly the first things that come to mind when 
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