Berlin Apartment Types

Berlin – the capital of Germany and one of the largest cities in Europe – is an immensely popular destination, home to some of the most fascinating culture, magnificent architecture and vibrant business centres in the world.

History

First documented in the thirteenth century, the two cities of Cölln and Berlin were an economic and social unit before uniting politically in 1307 and later become known simply as Berlin. Berlin successively became the centre of the Enlightenment in 1704 then the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia between 1701 and 1918, the German Empire between 1871 and 1918, the Weimar Republic from 1919 to 1933 and the Third Reich between 1933 and 1945. The Industrial Revolution transformed Berlin during the 19th century with the city’s economy and population expanding dramatically making the city become the rail and economic hub of Germany. In 1920 the Greater Berliner Act united dozens of suburban cities and villages around Berlin and saw the city expand greatly. Following WWII Berlin, and Germany, were divided into four sections. 1961 saw the construction of the Berlin Wall which completely separated the city into East and West Berlin. On the 9th November 1989 following great pressure from the East German population the Berlin Wall was demolished which led to the reunification of Germany on 3rd October 1990 and the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany with Berlin as its capital. Berlin today is the capital of Germany, a modern metropolis and a major centre of culture, politics, media and science in Europe.

Getting In & Getting Around

Tegel International Airport is the main airport in the city serving a number of international and domestic destinations. The airport is located in the north-west of the city and has excellent transport connections. Schönefeld Airport, located south-east of Berlin, is the city’s second airport and is popular with budget low-cost airlines. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the city’s main train station and the largest in Europe, linking east/west and north/south lines in the city centre. Berlin has a highly integrated transport system comprising of U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), bus, tram and ferry services. 

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Berlin is so jam-packed with sights and attractions, many famous the world over, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do. The Brandenberg Gate - the iconic landmark of Berlin and Germany, the Reichstag Building – the magnificent seat of the German Parliament and Schloss Charlottenburg – the largest surviving historical palace in Berlin are some of the city’s most famous sights. Potsdamer Platz is a major public square in the centre of the city, a thriving centre of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues and home to the famous Sony Centre. Berlin boasts a vast array of museums from the grand internationally renowned to the weird and wonderful more quirky museums.  Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is an area abounded with museums including the renowned Pergamon, Altes and Bode Museums. The East Side Gallery is one of the only remaining sections of the Berlin Wall and is a popular tourist attraction. Berliner Dom is the largest and most impressive of Berlin’s churches and is one of the city’s major sights. A novel way to explore the city is on a Segway tour – an extremely popular and alternative way to see the sights. Tiergarten Park, Gärten der Welt (World’s Garden) and Berlin Zoo offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Eating Out

As an extremely multicultural city Berlin offers a wide range of cuisine and you’ll be hard pushed not to find something you like. From street vendors to Michelin star restaurants the quality of food in Berlin is exceptional. Currywurst is a local speciality and a staple in Berlin - you can find them at street vendors all over the city. Cakes and pastries, from pies made from local berries to pfannkuchen (jam doughnuts), are also outstandingly good and sampling authentic German beer, whether in a beer garden or just to go with your meal, is a must on a trip to Berlin.

Outside The City

There are a number of popular destinations easily reached from Berlin. Potsdam, the capital of the surrounding federal state of Brandenburg, is a great spot for a day trip being just half an hour away. The Park of Sanssouci, the World Heritage Site home to a number of famous palaces, is a must-see when in Potsdam. The Müritz lake region is a national park home to a few hundred lakes is just north of Berlin. The Spreewald (Spree Forest) is a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve located approximately one hour south of Berlin. The stunningly unique landscape of the River Spree meandering in thousands of small waterways through meadows and forests is the perfect get-away from the city.

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