Thursday, December 31, 2009

Berlin - The Capital of The Modern World

The breathtaking Berlin can't be described in only a few pages. The German capital can propose much more than what an excursionist may experience in one or even two weeks of recreation. To have a somewhat significant idea about Berlin, it is enough to say that it has a surface of around 900 square kilometers, it receives 850.000 visitors annually and accommodates 172 museums and palaces, 50 theaters, over 200 clubs and discotheques, 3 zoos, tens of lakes, beaches, parks, art galleries, operas and malls.

From a touristic point of view, Berlin is the dream of any person who has a fondness for traveling. This capital is the European metropolis with the richest history but also with the most incredible revival. The city, shocked after the Second World War, terribly affected by the Berlin Wall and the split administration, finds itself for 18 years in a strenuous process of rebirth, reinvention and reconstruction. Today, the capital of Germany represents one of the most essential world centers of fun, music, tolerance, culture, art and tourism.

In Berlin you can find everything you need in order to savor the ideal vacation. The two rivers that cross the city (Spree and Havel) also form an agreeable collection of small lakes which were transformed by the local administration into peaceful beaches. Over the River Spree there are a lot of terraces and bars, restaurants and clubs. Ships and all types of boats are scheduled daily, therefore constituting an evident delight for amateur tourists. The chances of examining the city are extremely seductive. You can appeal to the simplest method: along with a skilled guide you can start inspecting the city on foot. But you may also choose other options. In Berlin there are organized tours of the city. Because Berlin has hundreds of miles of bike lanes, my specific recommendation would be to take a two-wheeled tour of the city. A boat ride - with the counseling of a tour guide - could be another possible alternative.

Sights of Berlin must be sorted according to preferences. Therefore, a meticulous documentation before departure is advised. However, one thing is assured - no matter what type of vacation you choose - whether is cultural, artistic, for relaxation, for fun or mixed - you have all the chances in the world to spend some of the most pleasing and fascinating days here.

There are lots of attractions that you should see while visiting Berlin. This capital has over 170 museums and palaces, more than enough for an art lover. The Museuminsel is the most influential museum complex in Germany (found on the UNESCO World Heritage List) - it hosts 5 unique museums, visited every year by more than 800.000 tourists.

The Pergamom Museum is Berlin's most visited museum, mostly due to the fact that it hosts 3 impressive art collections - the Antique Collection, the East Museum and the Islamic Art Collection.

Checkpoint Charlie is the most satisfactory place for those trying to discover some of Berlin's hidden history. Here you will see photo exhibitions, movies and you will be able to take part in unique meetings between those who were witnesses or those who played an important role in the downfall of the Berlin Wall.

The History Museum is hosted inside an extremely large but interesting palace, built in a Baroque style. Zeughaus was initially built in 1695, by the order of Frederick III. Up until the beginning of the 20th century it served as an Arsenal and a Military Museum. In the Second World War, the palace was almost totally devastated by bombings. It was reconditioned and since 1990 it hosts permanent art and history exhibitions.

The Charlottenburg Palace was built at the end of the 17th century by Frederick III, as a summer residence for his wife, Sophie Charlotte. The palace, opened for public six days per week, amazes the tourists with its beauty and its ornaments. It deserves to be and you should have at least some hours to spare if you want to see everything that it has to offer.

The Egyptian Museum is one of the most famous museums with this thematic in the entire world. Here you can find the monumental bust of Nefertiti, 3000 years old, as well as the Papyrus Collection which includes hundreds of ancient Egyptian elements.

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