German Nightlife

About Berlin

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin. At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden,  from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.  On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant  museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery. Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin. Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral. We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.  Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a  special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”. Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.  Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping!  They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods. The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is  calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.

About Cologne

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Cologne (German: Köln), one of the oldest of Germany’s cities, was originally a Roman colony and traces of Colonia is felt in every corner so that one feels that the city is still connected to its Roman past. Where the cathedral stands in the courtyard you can see traces of black stripes on the pavement, obviously the place where Roman buildings were at the time of their reign. The Romano-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) has on display unusual artifacts from the Roman period, archaeological finds, relics of regular life, and especially an impressive collection of glass and jewelry. The Western Cologne Ring (Kölner Ringe) is a semi-circle paved road which encircles the old city of Cologne (Innenstadt). It is semi-circular, some 4 km long and the remains of the towers and walls of the former mediaeval city can still be seen. It is without a doubt easy to see that a city that has been accepted as an important bishopric from the 9th century, the era of Charlemagne, should have an amazing, unique cathedral erected.  It took from the beginning of the 14th century to the final completion about twenty generations and thus, dozens of churches, monasteries, schools and a university were built in the area because the cathedral raised the status of the city and drew the heads of churches, the clergy, monks, preachers, men of culture and science, artists and believers to its hub. Another tourist attraction is the railway Hohenzollern Bridge over the river Rhine and two equestrian statues, one on each side welcomes everyone as they approach the bridge; one of Wilhelm II and Friedrich III and on the other side stands the statue of Friedrich Wilhelm IV and Wilhelm I. Here too you will find “tons of locks” in the tradition of couples who latch their lock on the railing of the bridge and throw the key into the river, symbolizing that their love is “locked together forever”. It is rumored that this tradition began over 100 years ago in Serbia.  So romantic! A more industrialized part of the city is on the side of the bridge, in front of the Old City. The promenade stretches towards the south and it is here that you can find your “Kodak Moment” and shoot away at different angles of the cathedral, the town hall and the Old City. Not far from the Cathedral, in front of the Ludwig Museum is a large-scale plaza called the Heinrich-Böll-Platz, which was inaugurated in 1986 and designed by Dani Karavan. The most outstanding component of the square design is found at the north-east corner of the area – an almost eleven-meter-high tower called Ma’alot (which in Hebrew refers to the Psalms 120-134, called “songs of steps”, sung in Jerusalem when the priests walk up the steps to the temple with water jugs in their hands). The “Oldest City Hall in Germany” is the one in Cologne (Kölner Rathaus). It was built in the Gothic style with an added loggia in the Renaissance style. The great tower is about sixty meters. Touring inside the impressive place you will see the collection of the city’s history and protocol from the 15thand 16thcenturies, realizing that not much has changed over the centuries. The Jewish Museum, MiQua, currently under construction since 2018, is being built above and below ground on the square where the city hall stands. This is the site of Cologne's historic Jewish quarter from the Middle Ages. The history of the Jews in Cologne dates back to 321 A.D., just about the same length of time as the history of Cologne. The museum will highlight Cologne's general history from 1424 onwards, with a spotlight on the history of the Jewish people in Cologne. A new quarter, named Rhienauhafen, was built on the southern banks of the old city. Inspired by the cranes near the port there are two buildings which seem to float above the river bank. This is a new young urban area that combines business and residences alongside with restaurants, cafes and galleries. The factory that produced The Eau de Cologne 4711 was on Glockengasse Street (and you guessed it) the address was 4711! The well-known brand has been in existence for about 300 years and the factory-store is on Hohe Street (Strasse), one of the busiest and most popular pedestrian malls, not only in Cologne but in Germany. There are plenty of beer houses in the city and of course the most popular with the townspeople is “Klosch”, the local beer popular throughout Europe, which is also used to cook and season the meat dishes so typical of the place.  Note: A Kölsch by any other name is not a Kölsch!  You could only call the beer by the Kölsch name if 1) the beer isproduced within 50 km of Cologne and2) the product, in this case the Kölsch beer, is listed in the geographical indications registersand has the European Union “GPI”  label. Note:Re: Johann M Farina, who was an Italian (rumor has it that he was a barber), and moved to Cologne, Germany in 1709. It was here that he invented a “scented water & alcohol mixture” and called it Eau de Cologne in honorof his adopted new home.

About Heidelberg

What does an Apothecary Museum, a world-renown wine cellar and an enormous jester statue have in common? We won’t leave you in suspense and tell you straight-forward – all this and more is what makes Heidelberg city an extremely popular tourist destination! Located on the Neckar River, it combines old-world charm with modernism. People are left in awe of The Old Town and the University and the ancient library, as well as the historic 14th century Heidelberg Castle which overlooks the city and are enthralled when they tour the Artillery Garden, surrounded by cannon posts. People are fascinated when they visit the wine cellar, known as the Heidelberg Tun, which has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and are amused by the well-known statue Perkeo the Jester.  In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Heidelberg offers an exciting cultural scene, with theatres, art galleries, numerous museums as well as incredible landscapes of hills, lakes and forests. Heidelberg has it all!

What does an Apothecary Museum, a world-renown wine cellar and an enormous jester statue have in common? We won’t leave you in suspense and tell you straight-forward – all this and more is what makes Heidelberg city an extremely popular tourist destination! Located on the Neckar River, it combines old-world charm with modernism. People are left in awe of The Old Town and the University and the ancient library, as well as the historic 14th century Heidelberg Castle which overlooks the city and are enthralled when they tour the Artillery Garden, surrounded by cannon posts. People are fascinated when they visit the wine cellar, known as the Heidelberg Tun, which has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and are amused by the well-known statue Perkeo the Jester.  In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Heidelberg offers an exciting cultural scene, with theatres, art galleries, numerous museums as well as incredible landscapes of hills, lakes and forests. Heidelberg has it all!

It was here that the prestigious, secular Heidelberg University aka Ruperto Carola, was established in 1386 under the auspices of Pope Urban VI, making it the oldest university in Germany.  It is known as being one of Europe’s leading comprehensive research universities, as well as being   renowned for its Faculty of Medicine. The impressive library, known as the Heidelberg University Library (Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg), includes millions of manuscripts and books, many of them unique and ancient, as well as a collection of maps and other media such as videos and micro films. The history of the city is filled with fascinating events. It was a favorite city for counts and electors who were responsible for the construction of magnificent buildings – especially the famous Heidelberg Palace which sits on the northern part of The Königstuhl summit which allows for views of the city as well as the Neckar River. The construction started in 1200 AD but suffered much during the 500 years that passed until its destruction in 1693 by the army of “The Sun King” Louis XIV. Basically, it was due to the fact that he felt he was entitled to inherit the castle, as being Monsieur Philippe I, the older brother of Duke of Orleans.  A tour of the castle is actually a tour of a courtyard with a group of several buildings around it. TIP: If you’re not taking the funicular and plan on coming with a car, it is best to park in one of the lots and follow the signs to the castle.  On the other hand, if you are taking the funicular in the city then get off at the Schloss Station.  At the lower station you can buy a combined ticket for the train and entrance to the castle.  Suggested route: Walk straight past the ornate Elizabeth’s Gate into the Artillery Garden which is surrounded by cannon posts and which offer beautiful views of the palace façade. It is here that you can take a “Kodak Moment” from what was once a five-story tall turret but was later destroyed by an explosion from gunpowder that was stored within. Crossing over you’ll find ourselves in an impressive Renaissance style courtyard full of wall sculptures and then continue to the Heidelberg Tun - the wine cellar. It has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and large barrels that most probably had never been filled with wine.You can climb the stairs to the top of the largest barrel (which can hold 220,000 liters) and dance on the dance floor.  The well-known statue Perkeho the jester (whose real name was Clemens Pankert) is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Legend has it that he drank wine on a daily basis, until one day he accidently drank water – and died. He is the unofficial mascot of the city and area. Then from the winery you’ll ascend to the observation deck for an amazing view.   Upon returning to the courtyard go to the building on the left and don’t miss a visit to the German Apothecary Museum which is right there; included in the price. You will see this impressive collection with over 20,000 objects on display including different kinds of receptacles, instruments and raw materials that were used in the past and some of them to this day, for concocting medicines. As well, you will gain interesting insights into the history of pharmaceutics. Tip: Do use the audio guide so you will understand the history of the museum.Returning to the castle pass through a small beautifully designed gate that was constructed by Fredrick V, in honor of his marriage to Elizabeth Stewart in 1615. Legend has it that the gate was built in one night as a birthday present to his wife. Descending from here you’ll get back to the city by funicular, or by foot, to a route that will lead you from the town hall plaza and the Holy Ghost Church on Market Square (Marktplatz), one of the oldest squares in Heidelberg. Continue to the pedestrian area and then on to the university. Pay close attention to the gabled House of Knight St. George, architecturally typical of the styles of all the houses in Heidelberg before its destruction in 1688. It is opposite the Church of the Holy Spirit (Hauptstr.178), an exciting area for wandering between shops and the townhouses.  If you’re interested you can visit the university and the ancient library. Afterwards you’ll cross the old bridge, officially called Karl-Theodor Bridge, which was built in 1788. There is a great view from which to take your photos of Heidelberg’s skyline of church spires, the castle and the houses on the river front.  Located at the west end of the Bridge Gate is the “Bridge Monkey” and legend says if you touch the hand then you will return to the city and if you touch the mirror, you’ll become rich and if you touch the mice next to the monkey you will be blessed with many children!  Good Luck and may you get whatever you wish for! In the university quarter of Heidelberg, on the bend of the Neckar River you will find the Heidelberg Zoo (Zoologische Garten Heidelberg). You have an option to join an organized tour, an opportunity to feed some animals and take a break in one of the cafes or restaurants in this corner of paradise. The zoo is home to about 2000 animals including polar bears, giant turtles, gorillas, elephants, leopards, flamingos and many other diverse species. Easily accessible, you can visit about 2,000 animals including polar bears, giant turtles, gorillas, elephants, leopards, flamingos and many other diverse species. Easily accessible, it’s truly one of the most pleasant and charming zoos enjoyed not only by children but very much so by adults as well. Not too big – not too small, but just right! If you’d like to sate your appetite with an authentic regional dish, just try the Schweinshaxe, which is pork shank served with potato slices and includes, as per tradition, sauerkraut. Another typical dish for the region is: Spätzle; (pasta or dumpling made with eggs) typically served as a side dish with meat and gravy dishes which is very popular in the restaurants throughout the city. Typical wines of the region are red and white wines from the various grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer.Bon Appetit!

About Munich

Munich is the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. It is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is home to many national and international authorities, major universities, major museums and theaters. Its numerous architectural attractions, international sports events, exhibitions, conferences and Oktoberfest attract considerable tourism. Since 2006, the city's motto has been "Munich loves you".

Munich is the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. It is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is home to many national and international authorities, major universities, major museums and theaters. Its numerous architectural attractions, international sports events, exhibitions, conferences and Oktoberfest attract considerable tourism. Since 2006, the city's motto has been "Munich loves you".

About Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in Saxony, Germany. Leipzig has a prominent opera house and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Main sights include St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): Most famous as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), for which Bach was also responsible. Gewandhaus: home to the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Bundesverwaltungsgericht: Germany's federal administrative court was the site of the Reichsgericht, the highest state court between 1888 and 1945. The Leipzig Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Germany

Leipzig is a city in Saxony, Germany. Leipzig has a prominent opera house and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Main sights include St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): Most famous as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), for which Bach was also responsible. Gewandhaus: home to the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Bundesverwaltungsgericht: Germany's federal administrative court was the site of the Reichsgericht, the highest state court between 1888 and 1945. The Leipzig Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Germany

About Berlin

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin. At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden,  from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.  On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant  museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery. Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin. Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral. We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.  Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a  special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”. Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.  Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping!  They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods. The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is  calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.