A very merry Berlin getaway
Lured in by the enticing aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine and grilled sausages – myself and 5 friends jumped onto a plane bound for Berlin.
Braced for temperatures below freezing point, we donned our thermals and stepped out into the German winter wonderland.
With only 72 hours to explore the 60 Christmas markets around Berlin, we were blessed that our airbnb apartment in Alexenderplatz was only a short stroll away from several. In fact, the whole area of our neighbourhood was turned into a massive Christmas market with many wooden huts. Under the shadow of the TV Tower, local craftsmen displayed their work and delicious Christmas treats. Of course, being a foodie, we had to stop for a freshly baked pretzel and a Bailey’s hot chocolate before we continued any further.
A little way down from Alexanderplatz, Berliner Weihnachtszeit market was ready to welcome us with open arms. As one of the most famous and also oldest Christmas markets, all of the stalls were beautifully decorated in the style of the early 1900s.
Standing proud at this particular Christmas market was the 50-metre high Ferris wheel, with enclosed panoramic gondolas. Offering a breathtaking view of the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, this was the perfect way to end our first evening in Berlin.
While we made sure to visit Museum Island, the East Side Gallery and various other tourist attractions, enjoying traditional German food was just as a high on our priorities list. For just €7, we were able to taste the nation’s favourite snack currywurst and boy, it didn’t disappoint. Sliced into pieces, drenched in curry sauce and served on a cardboard plate – this was perhaps the best food we had all holiday.
Sadly, we weren’t able to visit all 60 Christmas markets in just 72 hours, but we certainly gave it our best shot. Maybe next time we’ll see them all!