Return to main article13 Affordable Trips to Europe
Berlin
Berlin has cold-war mystique, ambitious contemporary architecture, and
booming gallery and restaurant scenes. With its cosmopolitan, east-meets-west
edginess, it’s no wonder the city has become the cultural capital of central Europe; a destination that continues to attract creative types and in-the-know travelers. Day 1 Stay in the fashionable Mitte (“middle”) district,
since it’s convenient to major sites including the Reichstag and Potsdamer
Platz. The boutique hotel Lux 11 is an option, with 72 minimalist rooms and an Ulf Haines
concept store, or there’s the newly expanded Schoenhouse Apartments,
which is set around a secluded courtyard and has a modern café to match its 50
studios and apartments. Have lunch at nearby Leo Bettini, and order the signature Knödel (German
dumplings) before browsing Mitte’s many boutiques, including Bioladen, the
organic-food store found throughout the city. This is where shoppers stock up
on Weleda and Dr. Hauschka body products—about 30 percent cheaper in Germany. At night, check out the lively pub Schwarzwaldstuben, filled with mismatched furniture,
and try the Schweinschnitzel or ravioli-like Maultaschen with a Rothaus beer. Day 2 Begin at the city’s 543-acre park, the Tiergarten,
in the city center, walking along the shaded paths to wind up at the Brandenburg
Gate; then turn right for New York architect Peter Eisenman’s Memorial
to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a haunting field of concrete pillars.
Not far away is Kunst-Werke (69 Auguststrasse;
49-30/243-4590; kw-berlin.de; admission
$9), a former margarine factory that is the hub of the vanguard 5th
Berlin Biennale, highlighting new work from 50 international artists. For
a bite to eat, try Clärchens Ballhaus, a nearby pizza restaurant popular with couples who come for the
ballroom dancing. Day 3 Spend the day viewing art and
artifacts: See the 2,200-year-old Pergamon Altar at the Pergamon
Museum or
the Impressionist collection at the Alte Nationalgalerie. Later, join the fashion and
arts crowds at the city’s current “it” restaurant, Grill Royal, overlooking the Spree River, or just order a glass of Krug at the
bar and take it all in. Detour Set on the Havel River, Potsdam, the former Prussian royal
seat, is only a half-hour (and a $4) ride from Berlin on the Regional Express
and S7 trains. After exploring the 18th-century Schloss Sanssouci and Neues
Palais,
commissioned by Frederick the Great, splurge on truffled pasta at Ristorante
Villa Kellermann, housed in a waterfront mansion. Another must-see is the Einstein Tower (Albert-Einstein-Strasse),
architect Erich Mendelsohn’s 1921 masterpiece. If you’re staying the night,
check in at the 143-room NH Voltaire , where a Baroque façade disguises the modern
interiors.—Aric Chen
