So far we’ve given you the inside scoop on Brussels,Bruges & Vienna Christmas Markets, this week is the turn of Berlin.
We found out on our first night there as when I ordered a beer with dinner. The younger Gorgebag asked his Mam could he also have a beer. Well while I can’t type the answer he got, suffice to say it was a, hell no. He then informed us that in Berlin you can legally drink beer from 16 years old. The waitress confirmed this for us so we all had a beer with our dinner!
I was having trouble finding the flight times we wanted with each airline so I ended up booking our outward journey with Ryanair so we could get an early but not stupid early flight. We paid €50pp including taxes & charges for this 10am flight.
Our return leg I booked with Aer Lingus so we could get a 10pm flight, this would ensure we got a full day shopping under our belts. This cost us €58.50pp including taxes & charges. I even booked a check in bag for the return leg so we were free to shop with no restrictions.
Our return leg I booked with Aer Lingus so we could get a 10pm flight, this would ensure we got a full day shopping under our belts. This cost us €58.50pp including taxes & charges. I even booked a check in bag for the return leg so we were free to shop with no restrictions.
The train station is just a 5 minute walk outside the airport terminal. Here you can get the train into Berlin City Centre in about 35 minutes for €3.20pp.
The hotel I chose was a just bit too far out of the City Centre for my liking.
Thirty minutes & a couple of S-Bahn changes later we were at the Europa City hotel. Having said that the hotel was perfect for what we paid, just €190 for a quad room for 2 nights B&B.
Thirty minutes & a couple of S-Bahn changes later we were at the Europa City hotel. Having said that the hotel was perfect for what we paid, just €190 for a quad room for 2 nights B&B.
Europa City Hotel
There are over 60 Christmas Markets dotted around Berlin & most are within walking distance of each other. I used christmasmarkets.com to print out maps; this is also a great site for lots of information on each market. To be honest though, you’ll just happen upon most of the markets just by strolling around the city.
Mmmmm gingerbread!
A few of our favourite markets and really should not be missed are
Charlottenburg Palace: This market is the only one that is a bit out of the way from the rest, a bus or taxi is the best way to get there as the trains & trams have their closest stops about 20 minutes walk away.
Trust me though, it’s worth the trip as not only can you visit the stunning Christmas market with the backdrop of the magnificent old palace you can also take a tour of the palace or walk in the gardens. Many of Berlin’s hotels & restaurants have market stalls in this market so you are sure to find something to whet your appetite!
Trust me though, it’s worth the trip as not only can you visit the stunning Christmas market with the backdrop of the magnificent old palace you can also take a tour of the palace or walk in the gardens. Many of Berlin’s hotels & restaurants have market stalls in this market so you are sure to find something to whet your appetite!
The Nostalgic Christmas Market at the Opernpalais: This market really was like walking onto a film set as the stalls aren’t your traditional wooden huts but rather they are full frontages of buildings. It’s like taking a stroll through a winter wonderland of a bygone era. This market also boasts a 100 year old ferris wheel to take in the amazing views of Berlin.
Nostalgic Christmas Market
This is also where we found our favourite bar!
Potsdamer Platz: This is in the bustling heart of Berlin; the train station is underneath so you will easily find it! There are lots of activities keep you entertained at this market such as ice skating, curling & Europe’s largest toboggan run with glorious views of the Brandenburg Gate.
Potsdamer Platz
The next two markets are right beside each other Alexanderplatz & Berliner Weinachtszeit. The sights, sounds & smells are sure to have you in that festive mood within minutes. Here they freshly bake bread medieval style in many of the huts, hot mead is served in tavern style mugs. Blacksmiths, glassblowers & potters all sell their wonderful hand crafts. With some even giving demonstrations throughout the day.
Alexanderplatz
This, like many markets also has an ice rink with skates on hire for €4pp. To keep the younger market goers entertained they have a petting zoo, pony rides & historic carousels. Although I have to admit to having a gluhwein or two and having a go on a carousel!
Berliner Weihnachtszeit
We couldn’t go to Berlin without taking in some of the cities culture & visiting some of their historic sites. Below are a few of the photos we took while on our weekend in Berlin.
Checkpoint Charlie
Berlin wall
Holocaust Memorial
Brandenburg Gate
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| And back to whence we began! |
Also, in 19 days (but who's counting) we're taking to the skies again to see Cologne. It'll be our first time experiencing their markets and the city itself so any hints and/tips would be hugely appreciated!
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