What's to see in Germany?

[mr friendly guy]

Because this board has always given me great travel advice, I thought I will try again.

Last time it gave me great advice for the Nordic countries and Edi was able to show me around Helsinki.

So next year I am thinking of going to Europe, most probably seeing Amsterdam (since it seems the transit point anyway from Australia to other European destinations). Then I will pop over into Germany. Now I am thinking of doing this in the first half of the year, maybe around April depending on whether I can get leave. I am thinking of spending around 2-3 weeks in Europe, anything less and its not really worth the long trip from Australia to Europe.

Talking to colleagues who have actually been to Germany it seems I can get away with English, which is good as my German is non existent.

So what's to see? I mean which cities? Is there much cultural difference between regions of Germany (I assume so since historically German regions were once separate states in their own right)? I sort of thinking of Berlin (because its the capital), Cologne (because of the reputation for a party atmosphere) and maybe one other.

Any suggestions?

[K. A. Pital]

1. Interesting places will be more interesting if you know German or someone who knows German. Sometimes no English information about cultural relics or other things will be offered, although the place could be interesting.

2. We (me and my wife) could show you around and host you if you arrive in a certain city. More via PM.

3. There's a whole lot of difference (parts of Germany used to be different feudal states, after all). In food as well.

4. Berlin is a must, though be aware Germany is big. A trip there will take time. Some cultural relics of Roman times (if you're interested) are located along the former West Roman Empire border in the Frankfurt area. Book high-speed trains well in advance, and you can get very cheap fares.

5. Amsterdam is a great city.

[TithonusSyndrome]

I went to Berlin last year and had a fucking blast. If you like to party, this city has you covered, no matter what your exact kink is. Trust, Tausend, Principal Kreuzberg, Clarchens, Last Cathedral, Santa Maria, Berlin fucking pops. Be sure to get down to Kreuzberg and eat at a Turkish restaurant, in particular Doyum if you can find a seat.

My only complaint is that people can still smoke inside the clubs and bars, but that's a small price to pay. You'll have plenty of time for all the cultured tourist shit in the day, but this is a city that really does night life properly and you should make an effort to participate.

[mr friendly guy]

The thread lives.

Ok so finally my leave got approved, with me only being granted 2 weeks of the 3 weeks I requested. Fortunately it starts on a tuesday, and the preceding Friday to Monday I am off, so I could theoretically come earlier to squeeze a few more days (when flying from Australia to Europe, you want a decent length trip to make up for the long flights). Unfortunately those extra days are the Easter holidays.

I imagine not all things will be as lively, so I am hoping to pop over and arrive on the Monday when the festivities will be dying down. But I thought I will put it out there, what is there to see during the Easter break? Are most shops and eateries still opened?

Thanks to K.A. Pital who has agreed to show me around Frankfurt. Looking forward to catching up with another SD.net denizen.

[Alferd Packer]

If you can make it, go to Berlin. There is so much goddamned history in that city that you will never be bored. In particular, since it was the epicenter of the East/West partition of Germany, you can really gain an understanding of how the division affected the country and its people. And more practically, almost everyone speaks at least a little English, so you should be able to get by fairly painlessly.

[Gandalf]

If you're into the history of cinema, I recommend the film museum at the Sony Centre in Potsdammerplatz. The signs are in English, and it's quite engaging.

[K. A. Pital]

But I thought I will put it out there, what is there to see during the Easter break? Are most shops and eateries still opened?

Eateries are open on public holidays, but 99% of the shops are closed (only those physically located at airports or railway stations are permitted to work on these days). So on these days, just walking around town watching architecture is probably the best one can do. Some museums are also open on holidays, check hours individually.

[General Zod]

I hear the brothels are nice.

[Thanas]

The thread lives.

Ok so finally my leave got approved, with me only being granted 2 weeks of the 3 weeks I requested. Fortunately it starts on a tuesday, and the preceding Friday to Monday I am off, so I could theoretically come earlier to squeeze a few more days (when flying from Australia to Europe, you want a decent length trip to make up for the long flights). Unfortunately those extra days are the Easter holidays.

I imagine not all things will be as lively, so I am hoping to pop over and arrive on the Monday when the festivities will be dying down. But I thought I will put it out there, what is there to see during the Easter break? Are most shops and eateries still opened?

Thanks to K.A. Pital who has agreed to show me around Frankfurt. Looking forward to catching up with another SD.net denizen.

PM me if you are interested in seeing some historical sites alongside the rhine river.

[mr friendly guy]

I am tentatively planning to see Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne, and given the way flights are, its hard to get many flights from Perth to Berlin believe it or not. So I will start in the Netherlands in Amsterdam then pop over to Cologne. I don't think I will be able to see things along the Rhine given my limited time off.

K.A. Pital, please check you pms.