Travel
- A Visit To The Largest Chocolate Shop In The World
Our end of the year trip to Germany with airberlin not only brought us to East Berlin, the Berlin Wall and Tiergarten Park in Berlin, but also to Fassbender & Rausch, the largest chocolaterie in the world. Rausch is the company behind the...
- Morning Walk In East Berlin
The Jewish history is written on East Berlin's pavements We started our second day in Berlin with a tour of East Berlin. From the doorstep of The Circus Hotel where we were hosted we could see the Berlin Tower, originally a radio and television transmitter,...
- Brandenburg Gate And Tiergarten Park: A Photo Essay
After spending the morning strolling along the history rich streets of the former East Berlin and visiting the Berlin Wall, my husband and I insisted on making one more stop before our flight to Dusseldorf with airberlin. We strongly felt we could...
- The Rich Soil Of Mississippi
William Faulkner, Nobel prizewinner and author, once said, 'To understand the world, you must first understand Mississippi.' As one of the poorest and least developed states of America, Mississippi often ranks significantly below top tourist destinations...
- The Magic Of The Christmas Markets In Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and they are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of the year and as the weather gets colder, I'm already switching to a festive mood. Hundreds of Christmas...
Travel
Berlin on a Budget
Despite rapid gentrification, rising rents and an influx of big business into the once divided city, Europe's "capital of cool” is still a great place to take a bargain break. Historically rich, culturally vibrant and famous for its liberal attitudes, Berlin remains one of the few western European capitals where sitting down for a decent meal won't eat away your entire budget.
Sadly, as the city begins to grow into its cosmopolitan shoes, prices are rising, but for those in the know, accommodation, food, travel and entertainment can be extremely affordable – sometimes even free. Combine a little knowledge with a few money saving offers from Voucherbox UK, and even the most skint of students can have a great time.
Here then, we take a look at some top tips to enjoy your time in Berlin without breaking the bank.
Affordable Imbiss Imbiss is the German word for snack and can be found on almost every street corner in Berlin. With relaxed licensing laws and small seating areas provided in most "take-aways” you can sit, eat and drink until your heart is content from as little a €2. A multitude of national cuisines are represented – including German – but, thanks to a large Turkish population, some of the best food in the city can be found in its Döner and Köfte houses.
Cycle the City Whilst public transport in Berlin remains relatively cheap (€7.20 for an ABC day pass), a little pedal power can go a long way. With bike hire costing as little as €5 per day, you're sure to save money and at the same time see the city and its park (especially the Tiergarten park) – impossible from the labyrinthine tunnels of the U-Bahn.
Eastbound and Down Despite the fact that the wall came down more than 20 years ago, Berlin is still recovering from its former segregation. The east/west divide remains noticeable and the more affluent states in Germany still pay a re-unification subsidy to the city. However, for those wishing to taste a little Ostalgie, a walk in East Berlin and a visit to the longest standing stretch of the wall is completely free and includes the politically charged Eastside gallery to boot.
Open Air Berlin's electronic musical heritage is famous the world over but for those who can't quite manage the queues and costs of Berghain or Kater Holzig, then summer in the city brings frische luft and freiheit to the subterranean techno scene. Bring your own beer and dance away the night (and day) in one of the many, often spontaneous, outdoor parties.
About the Author: Ben Parsons is a half English, half German freelance writer. Based in Berlin, he counts travelling, meeting new people and trying out new cuisines as just some of his interests.
Photo by Werner Kunz via Flickr Creative Commons
- A Visit To The Largest Chocolate Shop In The World
Our end of the year trip to Germany with airberlin not only brought us to East Berlin, the Berlin Wall and Tiergarten Park in Berlin, but also to Fassbender & Rausch, the largest chocolaterie in the world. Rausch is the company behind the...
- Morning Walk In East Berlin
The Jewish history is written on East Berlin's pavements We started our second day in Berlin with a tour of East Berlin. From the doorstep of The Circus Hotel where we were hosted we could see the Berlin Tower, originally a radio and television transmitter,...
- Brandenburg Gate And Tiergarten Park: A Photo Essay
After spending the morning strolling along the history rich streets of the former East Berlin and visiting the Berlin Wall, my husband and I insisted on making one more stop before our flight to Dusseldorf with airberlin. We strongly felt we could...
- The Rich Soil Of Mississippi
William Faulkner, Nobel prizewinner and author, once said, 'To understand the world, you must first understand Mississippi.' As one of the poorest and least developed states of America, Mississippi often ranks significantly below top tourist destinations...
- The Magic Of The Christmas Markets In Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and they are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of the year and as the weather gets colder, I'm already switching to a festive mood. Hundreds of Christmas...