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Visit Berlin, the Historical European City

Visit Berlin, the Historical European City

Brandenburg gate at sunset
Brandenburg gate at sunset

Berlin is one of the most coveted tourist spots in Europe. Below are some of the many amazing reasons why you should definitely go and visit Berlin. Refer to the Berlin Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro for a more comprehensive understanding of this wonderful city.

Profound History

No other European city is as historically significant as Berlin. In fact, a major part of recent history in the continent began at Berlin, making it the dream destination for history both history geeks and the average Joe who are simply curious. It is the best place to obtain an understanding of World War II and how it impacted Europe. Berlin also has Communist roots. The city has several museums you can spend a few hours on.

Liberal Mindset

Berlin is regarded by many as the most liberal European capital. It is a place where you can just be yourself and no one will judge you or act awkward towards you because of it. It has numerous alternative neighborhoods and vibrant places where you can just chill and relax.

Impressive Monuments

The Berlin Wall alone is worth your visit to Berlin. It is a mammoth structure that once separated East Berlin from West Berlin. Then there is also the Holocaust Memorial where you can gaze at remnants from the most terrible genocide in history. In contrast, there is the East Side Gallery, a particular 1316m section of the Berlin Wall that serves as an international memorial for freedom. There are other remarkable monuments scattered all over the city.

Wow! Graffiti House in Easten Berlin
Wow! Graffiti House in Easten Berlin

Delicious Food

Berlin offers a wide selection of cuisine. First of all, it is a haven for vegans. It has the most number of vegan restaurants in the continent. You won’t even have to look for one to see one. Berlin also has the highest population of Turkish people in Europe so there is an abundance of Turkish restaurants and supermarkets. Other cuisines you can quite easily find in Berlin include Oriental, Italian, and Mexican.

Fun Shopping

Berlin has its fair share of colossal shopping malls such as the Berlin Mall, the KaDeWe and the Gallery Lafayette. The city also has a plethora of booth shops and small stores as well as flea markets full of vintage items. There are also secondhand bookstores and sellers of second hand designer clothes.

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Outstanding Reasons to Visit Havana, a Premium Destination for Americans

Outstanding Reasons to Visit Havana, a Premium Destination for Americans

The Cuban Government has made making it easier for Americans to visit the country a key part of its tourism campaign. There are now direct flights to Cuba from many cities in the United States. A lot of major American cities even have nonstop charter flights to Cuba. This alone makes it a good idea to visit this country. And if you will visit Cuba, might as well choose its capital and largest city, Havana. For easier time navigating Havana’s busy streets, get the Havana Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map. The Tourist Area of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja)

There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Havana than taking a casual walk through the busy, crowded Calle Obispo from Calle Mercaderes, near Havana Harbor, west to Avenida Bélgica. You might even pick up souvenirs along the way as the sidewalks are littered with closet-sized shops selling refrigerator magnets, stuffed dolls, marionettes, t-shirts, and more.

You can also grab some street food as you go along with your stroll. An elote (corn on the cob on a stick) is a must try. You will also come across vendors selling sticky pastries and small Cuban sandwiches along the way. You might also encounter musicians giving free performances on a random street corner.

What a view! Havana Morro and the city Malecon seawall
What a view! Havana Morro and the city Malecon seawall

Historical Havana

Cuba had its fair share of battles. It came under Spanish occupation for many years. Americans also tried to invade and conquer it numerous times. In Havana, you can find various fields, buildings, and promontories that were once battlefields. Take a walk on the walkway through the lawn facing the Malecón and the beautiful water beyond. Look for the historical markers that provide clues of when Cubans and Americans faced off using rifles and cannons.

1950s and 1960s American Cars

Havana is a paradise for automobile enthusiasts who have a taste for the antique. You will surely be amazed by how many vintage Buicks, Pontiacs, Chrysler Plymouths, Ford Fairlanes, Chevrolets, Dodges, and Studebakers parade the streets. Perfectly restored cars are often parked near hotels and plazas waiting for tourists who want to rent them.

Havana's Typical Old American Cars
Havana's Typical Old American Cars

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A city armed with Gothic grit and glamour- Visit Lisbon!

A city armed with Gothic grit and glamour- Visit Lisbon!

WOW! Lisbon skyline at sunset
WOW! Lisbon skyline at sunset

Lisbon which came out of a dire recession galvanized and game for anything, has found itself in the unexpected position being of Europe's new cool capital. There are more exciting things to do in Lisbon so make sure you have your Lisbon Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Enjoy the view

Strap on some comfy shoes and get moving, Lisbon, after all, is a city of seven hills, which means there are breathtaking views around (nearly) every corner. One of the best views of Lisbon can be found from the São Jorge Castle. Get your tickets online to avoid lining up, and enjoy the view of the city from the castle grounds. If you’d rather not pay for a view, Miradouro da Graca offers some of the best sights free of charge. Bring a sandwich, grab a bench, and enjoy a leisurely lunch with a stunning view of Lisbon. If you’re after a luxurious setting, Silk nightclub is supposed to be one of the best vantage points to see Lisbon at night. Just make sure to dress the part, as this club has a fairly strict dress code (we found out the hard way).

Shop

Shopping in Lisbon is plentiful and very affordable. Skip the useless souvenirs, and instead stock up on delicious Portuguese specialties like gourmet tinned fish, sweet Ginja, and the delicious Portuguese-made preserves and honeys. Portuguese ceramics and fragrant soaps are also amazing keepsakes to bring back with you. Make sure you’re not buying the Made in China products by shopping at stores that sell the locally-crafted ceramics (and other goodies) – Lisbon Shop, A Vida Portuguesa, and Embaixada are a few of my faves. Embaixada deserves a special mention for its beautiful setting.

Explore

Lisbon is a lively, beautiful city with a ton of things to do and plenty of landmarks to visit. Admiring the many tiled buildings was probably my favorite thing, which is why I’m so sad that we missed out on a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (aka the Tile Museum). I hear it’s a gem, so check it out if you get a chance.

It was too hot for us to ride the infamous Tram 28, but hanging out along its route to take photos of the passing trams was just as fun.

So beautiful, typical Lisbon architecture
So beautiful, typical Lisbon architecture

Eat

Lisbon’s foodie scene was definitely a pleasant surprise. Nearly every single meal we had during our trip was a smash hit. There’s a plethora of delicious options at the admittedly touristy Time Out Market; the Piri Piri chicken from the Miguel Laffan stall was my personal favorite, but other restaurants were great too according to my friends and fellow travelers (just watch out for aggressive table stealers).

For a fresh take on ceviche, A Cevicheria is a must-visit. You won’t be impressed with the quantity of food at this tiny resto, but you will certainly love every bite.

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