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Without meaning to wish the year away, my attentions have turned to celebrating New Year in Berlin. 

The cosmopolitan and exciting German capital has it all - world-class art, architecture, attractions and nightlife. Combining the big city vibe with acres of parkland and meandering walkways. Berlin has been spectacularly reinvented and revived and is a destination which can be as relaxed or wild as you like!

   

Berlin is also "the place" to celebrate New Year. The laser, light show and spectacular fireworks at Brandenburg Gate is a sight to behold. Some of the top hotels host the finest New Year's Eve balls with commanding views across the city to ensure you benefit from seeing the night sky lit up in all its splendour. Alternatively, we will book you a restaurant with a wonderful view to make it a celebratory night to remember. There are a plethora of excellent restaurants to suit your tastes, including the fabulous two Michelin starred Fischers Fritz for the full gourmet experience, and we will book a superb four-star hotel in a central location making this a memorable start to your city break.

There are plenty of things to see in Berlin. For modern architecture, visit the imposing steel and glass dome of the Reichstag, designed by Norman Foster. On a historical note, you can also trace the Berlin Wall route, marked by yellow footprints tracing its route through the city and consider those risking everything to escape Communist East Germany. The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie small museum details photographs of escape tunnels, improvised balloons and tells the story of this once divided city.

During your stay, we suggest you take a half day trip to the nearby city of Potsdam. Spend time exploring this beautiful city with the Sanssouci palace - the former summer residence of King Frederick the Great and the vast landscaped park with a replica Dutch windmill, Chinese tea pavilion and Italian Romanesque villa which are just some of the many interesting sights here.

    

There's shopping abound - from funky boutiques, expensive designer stores, and undiscovered trends, often at more reasonable price tags than other European cities. Be sure you visit KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens, translated as Department store of the West), Berlin's largest department store and on the sixth floor showcases 400 different kinds of bread, 2,400 wines, 1,300 cheeses and 1,200 types of wurst (sausage)! Take time to savour some oysters and champagne in the bar afterwards!

For further details about visiting this fabulous city, get in touch with me today by phone or e-mail catherine@grand-tourist.com