Holocast Museum

A must see in Berlin is the Jüdisches Museum. This museum shows the story of Berlin’s Jewish population. The museums beauty is more about the architecture itself rather than the artifacts contained within it. A more emotional visit can be had by visiting the Denkmal für die Ermordeten Juden Europas. This is a memorial dedicated to the lives lost in the Holocaust.

Holocast Museum, Berlin, Germany by Studio Daniel Libeskind, Guenter Schneider

Berlin Wall

Anyone interested in more recent history should check out the Berlin wall. Though most of the wall has been destroyed, there is a restored area along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte. A visit to Checkpoint Charlie would be a terrific way to get a feel for the history. Checkpoint Charlie was the famous east-west border control which is now a tourist center. There is a one mile stretch running called the “East Side Gallery” which has been largely left alone to preserve the true history.

The Berlin Zoo

Though not the most famous in the world, the Berlin Zoo, is still a massive tourist attraction. The zoo contains almost 14,000 creatures, including many rare and endangered animals. The Berlin Zoo opened in 1841 and is the most popular zoo in Europe. A visit to the Berlin Zoo would be terrific for a family with children.

Charlottenburg gardens

No visit to Berlin would be complete visiting Charlottenburg gardens. The gardens are not only beautiful to see, but are rich in history. These gardens were restored after world war 2, and certainly will amaze anyone.

Charlottenburg Palace and gardens, Berlin, Germany by Imamon

Getting Around

The Best way to get around Berlin is by rent a car it is really easy to drive in Berlin and the biggest car rental company in Berlin is Sixt Rental Cars. 

But the public transportation is also good but sometimes you can wait more then expected so renting a car is the safest bet.

Berlin is a remarkable and vibrant city. Whether young or old and no matter the activity preference, there is something to do for everyone. Berlin is a renowned tourist destination year round, as the ambiance is comfortable at all times. Often-times, because the city is so large, it is easy to find cheap lodging and transportation. A visit to Germany without seeing Berlin is an incomplete visit.

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This picturesque port city was named after fennel, which grows here. It is a modern city and tourist center of the island. It has a beautiful beach promenade and is ideal for the lovers of history. Funchal is formed by the centre of the city, eastern old town of Zona Velha and western tourist area with hotels and restaurants. From the coastal side it is protected by the volcanic peaks. Green peaks create a beautiful background of the city.

The historic centre is full of narrow streets of cobblestone. Because of frequent traffic congestion it is better to move on foot here. The heart of Funchal is situated near Avenida Arriaga. You can find here a bustling port with a small fleet. The port was an important transport hub already in the 15th century, and you can still see the fishing and merchant ships here together with luxury ocean-going cruise ships. It is worth visiting the pier Ilheu de Pontinha, where you experience an unforgettable view of Funchal.

The most important monument of Funchal is its Cathedral of the 15th century, which is the work of architect Pêra Anes. It is one of the few buildings that remained almost untouched from the early days of colonization of the island. The cathedral has an interesting, relatively dark interior, where you can see the ceiling with Gothic arches and beautiful ceiling decorations of cedar wood in the Arab style. The cathedral features gilded altar or hand carved and decorated seats.

It is recommended to visit also the Botanical Gardens Jardim Botanico, situated on the steep slopes north of Funchal, which is formed into terraces. It was opened in 1960 and you can enjoy plants here from around the world.

Funchal boasts also several palaces, e.g. Quinta das Cruzes, or fortress Palacio de Sao Lourenco and lots of museums. If you wish to enjoy European culture out of Europe, then Funchal with other Madeira’s attractions is best tip for you!

View Funchal – the capital city of Madeira known as Little Lisbon | Portugal in a larger map

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