Image: Visit Berlin
Heading to Berlin, Germany this summer but not sure what to put on your itinerary? Well, you’re in luck. Thomas Munko, Chief Concierge of The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin and President of the Concierge Association Les Clefs d´Or Germany, gave us some insider tips below on what’s going on in his vibrant city.
From outdoor events and activities to must-not-miss classic sites, be prepared to have the best summer vay-k ever.
SUMMER’S HOTTEST EVENTS:
Gendarmenmarkt Open Air Classic
From July 21-25, 2016, the Gendarmenmarkt transforms into an open air opera that includes both classical and modern melodies. This year the Open Air Classic will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with an impressive light and fireworks show.
German Traber Derby
In accordance with time-honored tradition there will be a Traber Derby in Berlin-Mariendorf, which will take place from July 30th to August 7th. This year, in addition to the thrills and applause of the race, there will be an exciting children’s program, culinary highlights, and a fashion show.
Dahlem Botanical Gardens
On July 16th, 2016, beginning at 5 p.m., the Dahlem Botanical Gardens will bring a Caribbean flair to Berlin. Visitors have until 2 a.m. in the morning to take part in a discovery tour of the flora of the garden, or relax in a deck chair in the middle of this oasis of green.
Berlin State Opera
On July 9th, Bebelplatz and Unter den Linden Straße will become a gathering place for classical music lovers. As a highlight of the Berlin summer cultural life, the Berlin State Opera invites one and all to hear classical music under the open sky starting at 6 p.m.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Open Air Club Haubentaucher
The Open Air Club Haubentaucher is to be found in the young people’s quarter Friedrichshain. During the summer, sun lovers go there to enjoy the modern and hip ambience of the pool area.
The Thaiwiese in Preußenpark
A culinary highlight of the summer is the Thaiwiese in Preußenpark Wilmersdorf. On weekends, lovers of gastronomy can partake in freshly prepared, authentic Thai specialties.
Oberbaumbrücke Open Air Gallery
On June 5th and July 3rd, the Oberbaumbrücke in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg quarter transforms into an authentic festival for art lovers. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the Open Air Gallery offers a sweeping boulevard of various works that invite visitors to discuss and exchange opinions with one another.
MUST-SEE CLASSIC CITY SITES:
Brandenburg Gate
Today, this Berlin landmark with its famous Quadriga once again connects the eastern and western parts of the city and is only a fifteen-minute walk away from The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße is the central place of remembrance for the formerly divided Germany. Here visitors will still find original parts of the Berlin Wall and the former “death strip.”
Reichstag
In front of the modern glass dome of the master architect Sir Norman Foster you can see the plenary hall of the German parliament, and if the weather is good, a remarkable view of the city itself.
And in the case you’re truly looking to do it up in style, check out the hotel’s luxe Discover with You package. You can’t go wrong!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
