City trip Berlin

Day 1: First impressions of the city

You’ll be staying in a former women’s prison and courthouse that has been transformed into a stunning designer hotel. The hotel is an oasis of calm in the Charlottenburg district, with its elegant pre-war buildings, museums, and the famous Kurfürstendamm, lined with shops. This district is also home to Charlottenburg Palace, the city’s largest palace, with beautifully landscaped gardens modelled on those of Versailles. Around Savignyplatz, which was a hotspot for literature and the performing arts before the Second World War, you’ll find many Asian restaurants.

Day 2: the highlights by bike or on foot

A Dutch-speaking guide will take you past the city’s world-famous highlights. Whether cycling in a small group or walking with a passionate private guide, you’ll discover the Brandenburg Gate, the famous city gate that symbolises German reunification. You’ll pass through the government district, home to the Reichstag, the parliament building with its glass dome and roof terrace. Nearby lies the Tiergarten district, a vast 210-hectare park featuring the zoo and the winged statue of the Siegessäule. The guide will show you the remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the remnants of 40 years of the GDR. They will take you to the famous Gendarmenmarkt, with its two identical churches, and to Museum Island, home to the famous Pergamon Museum, a must-see for any art lover.

Day 3: food or ‘Bowie in Berlin’ tour

Foodies can discover Berlin’s specialities today on a guided food tour in a small group. You’ll experience the unique street food culture, the beer halls and the local and historic eateries. You’ll stroll through secret alleyways and the Schuurwijk, a bohemian neighbourhood with street art, whilst sampling both traditional German dishes and multicultural cuisine. David Bowie fans can opt for a guided small-group walk in the footsteps of their idol. Bowie moved to Berlin in 1976. There, he led a simple and clean life, away from the spotlight of Los Angeles and away from drugs. In Berlin, he found peace, renewal and creativity, and recorded the albums ‘Low’, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Lodger’, also known as the ‘Berlin Trilogy’. You’ll pass the legendary Hansa Studios, where the albums were recorded, and the flat he shared with Iggy Pop in the tolerant Schöneberg district. Of course, you’ll also discover the clubs where the duo partied, including the Neues Ufer café.

Day 4: Topography of Terror – TV Tower – Bikini Berlin

Those who wish can visit the Topography of Terror, the documentation centre on Nazi crimes. The centre is located on the site of the former Gestapo headquarters. An impressive and haunting experience. Those looking for something a bit lighter can head to the top of the Fernsehturm for a 360° view of the city. Shoppers will be in their element at Bikini Berlin, a monumental industrial building housing trendy pop-up shops, large stores, cafés, restaurants and a rooftop terrace.

If you’re staying in Berlin for longer, you can – with or without a Dutch-speaking guide – visit Potsdam, 30 km away, with its Sanssouci Palace, its imposing palaces and the Dutch Quarter.

Frequently asked questions about this Berlin city break

When is the best time to visit Berlin?

Berlin is a city of extremes. For the best atmosphere, May to September are ideal; the city comes alive outdoors on the terraces and in the many parks such as Tiergarten. Do you want to combine impressive history with atmosphere? Then December is wonderful because of the many Christmas markets (especially the one at Charlottenburg Palace, close to your hotel). Do bear in mind the biting wind in winter; Berlin can be very cold then.

Is the hotel’s location in Charlottenburg convenient for a city break?

Absolutely. Although the hotel is situated in a quieter, elegant neighbourhood, the connection to the city centre (Mitte) is excellent via the S-Bahn and U-Bahn. You’ll be staying within walking distance of Kurfürstendamm and Savignyplatz. The big advantage is that after a day full of impressions in the raw, bustling Berlin, you return to an oasis of calm in a unique historic building (a former prison!).

Is Berlin also suitable for exploring on your own after the tours?

Certainly, the city is sprawling but logically laid out. The organised cycling or walking tour on day 2 gives you an excellent guide for the rest of your stay. You’ll learn how the neighbourhoods flow into one another and how to use the S-Bahn and U-Bahn efficiently. On day 4, you’ll have complete freedom: will you opt for the raw history at Topographie des Terrors, the sweeping views from the Fernsehturm, or will you go for an afternoon of ‘concept shopping’ at Bikini Berlin?