Tag: Berlin

One of the reasons why Berlin is so popular as a tourist destination is numerous graffiti that you will find on many buildings. Graffiti is actually a part of street art. Probably the most famous place for graffiti is East Side Gallery (find out more information here). If you are interested in this kind of art, you should definitely visit the backyard of the Haus Schwarzenberg.

Arty courtyard of Haus Schwarzenberg

Berlin is famous for its hundreds of beautiful and unique courtyards, but this one is really special. It is located in the Hackescher Markt district, just a few minutes’ walk from Alexander Platz. This part of the city is mostly known as a shopping destination for small and medium-sized designer shops. Schwarzenberg’s yard is a bit difficult to find from the street. It is located right next to Cafe Cinema (Facebook page). It is a legendary cafe in which directors, artists, bohemians and locals have met for years. The entrance is a bit dark, but when you pass, you will enter the yard with lots of graffiti.

Anne Frank Museum

In the yard of Haus Schwarzenberg, there are entrances to the Anne Frank Museum (link) and the Blindenwerkstatt Museum Otto Weidt. Although a very small exhibition space of the Anne Frank Museum, you can learn a lot about her life and her diary. When you reach the end of the yard, it’s worth the climb up the stairs to the shop on the first floor. You will find there a beautiful and inspiring selection of prints, books, and curiosities.

Fantastic vibrant atmosphere

During the summer months, Cinema Cafe has its own terrace in this yard. It often happens that there is no free table on the terrace (especially during the summer). That is why I would recommend that you avoid the afternoon hours. Don’t forget that graffiti changes every couple of months.

If you want to go a little bit from the center of Berlin, one of the best options is to visit Spandau Altstadt (Old Town) with Citadel Spandau. Spandau is the westernmost of the twelve districts of Berlin and it is about 45 minutes away from the city center. The Citadel consists of 4 bastions that are symmetrically positioned and represent an ideal example of a 16th-century fort. This place will definitely bring you back to the Middle Ages!

History of Citadel Spandau

In 1685, Swedish soldiers were the first to besiege the citadel. In 1806, during the Fall of Berlin, the citadel’s garrison surrendered to the French army under Napoleon. It was retaken by Prussian and Russian forces in 1813. In 1935 the citadel received a different purpose – the Military Laboratory. There were many scientists working on chemical weapons and testing on animals and humans. During World War II, the fortress remained intact thanks to the successful negotiation of the surrender of the citadel to Soviet soldiers. After the division of Berlin, the Citadel Spandau became a part of the British sector.

Citadel Today

Today this fortress has a completely different purpose. Most importantly, it has a function as a cultural center of that part of Berlin. Therefore, it’s not just a tourist attraction. Some of the contents that are inside are art and craft studies, military and historical exhibitions, art exhibitions, theatre puppet shows for children and their parents, ceramics studio and much more.

Interesting arts, exhibitions, and craft workshops

The whole complex consists of as many as 9 museums/galleries make a list can be found at the following link. I especially liked the city historical museum that explores the history of this area from the Middle Ages to modern times. The museum also shows Spandau’s production from ancient times until today and displays various crafts.

Awesome view from the tower

If you don’t have time to walk around the citadel I would recommend that you at least climb the tower. It offers beautiful views of Spandau and the city of Berlin. Also, Havel River, which floats around the Citadel of Spandau, gives beautiful reflections for good photographs.

Citadel Spandau – fantastic concert venue

Finally, I will point out that there is a very nice restaurant. It is decorated as a real medieval tavern with a barrel vault and a medieval menu. Also, Citadel offers a brilliant acoustic sound and venue for a concert during the summer months. In addition to the various events here, the citadel is sometimes a wedding venue.

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One of the best attractions in Berlin is the Charlottenburg Palace. It’s located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin and it is the largest palace in Berlin. It was built in the 17th century while the greatest damage occurred during the Second World War after which it was restored. The way how the palace is renovated is incredible! During 2017, I visited the palace several times. Some parts of the palace were under renovation and had scaffoldings outside.

Berlin’s largest palace

Approaching the palace (except its size) you will also notice the horseman statue of Friedrich Wilhelm Brandenburg, created in 1696-1700. The Old Palace is a U-shaped two-story building with a dome at the top of the middle part. The entrance is located in the middle part where you will buy tickets and start a tour. We had an audio guide that was informative. You can turn off the voice and just read the text if you like. I was a little surprised by the price of the ticket, which is € 17, while you will have to pay another € 3 fee for photography.

History of Charlottenburg Palace

The original palace was designed as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte. The construction started in 1695 and was built at stages. It contains numerous rooms with baroque decorations. It also includes a room called the Porcelain Cabinet, which contains thousands of porcelain items. Don’t miss visiting the room described as the “Eighth Miracle of the World”. The name of the room is Amber Room (Bernsteinzimmer), the room with walls made of ornamental amber. In general, through the tour, you will find so much information about the history of the royal family in Berlin, as well as a very good introduction to Prussian history and many links between European royal families.

The gardens are free

Although you have to pay for the entrance to the palace, the gardens are free and accessible to everyone throughout the year. First of all, walking you will notice the influence of the Versailles style. The garden was designed by Simeon Godeau in baroque style who had been influenced by André Le Nôtre, a garden designer in Versailles. Actually, the German equivalent of Versailles is a slightly smaller version but certainly not the poor relation. There are several other interesting points in the gardens including the mausoleum and the Belvedere.

Every year in front of the Charlottenburg Palace is a Christmas market

Every year during the advent, in front of the palace, there is a large beautiful and festive Christmas market. Moreover, I’m sure you will enjoy walking with hot mulled wine, listening to music playing Christmas songs and enjoying Currywurst. The market is large and not as crowded as those in the city center. Check out The ultimate guide for finding the best Berlin Christmas markets on the following link.

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