Capitals of Cool: Berlin and Amsterdam

Explore a traditional Berlin alleyway courtyard which harbours a trio of small museums relating to the Jewish experience during WWII.

The courtyard's crumbling and grafittied facades give visitors a feel for Berlin tenement life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the museums is the fascinating Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Wendt (free; open 10am-8pm daily). It is located in the former rooms of a broom and brush factory run by one Otto Wendt, whose employees were mainly deaf, blind and Jewish. He managed to protect his workers from the concentration camps by having the factory declared essential to the war effort.

Visit one of the most important legacies of Berlin's pre-Holocaust Jewish community.

The partially reconstructed synagogue was damaged on Kristallnacht, an anti-Jewish Nazi pogrom. It was not completely destroyed thanks to the intervention of the local police chief. Its ultimate destruction was left to Allied bombers and reconstruction didn’t begin until the late 1980s. While large parts remain unreconstructed, it is still possible to visit the interior.

Courtyards of Berlin

With booming 19th-century population growth, nearly every unoccupied space in Berlin was filled by tenement buildings surrounding small courtyards. The Spandauer Vorstadt neighborhood possesses some of Berlin’s most beautiful courtyards, the Hackesche Höfe, as well as other courtyards which better recall the crowded conditions of industrial Berlin. Here you can discover the partially reconstructed New Synagogue, the former site of the Jewish cemetery, and many hidden reminders of a once vibrant community.

Stop for a drink or go shopping within Berlin’s most beautiful courtyards.

These nine courtyards are classic examples of Art Deco. Built in 1905-1907 to house businesses, flats and places of entertainment, Hackesche Höfe was conceived of as an antidote to the dowdy and overcrowded courtyards of working-class Berlin. They are elaborately decorated with blue mosaic tiles and other artistic finishes, but nevertheless preserve a layout that was highly typical of much of pre-war Berlin.

Quadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate

The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a  Germanic cross.

Make your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.

Officially, the Reichstag is actually the Bundestag, which means the federal parliament. The Reichstag was reduced to a ruined shell by arson in 1933 and by World War II fighting, but it was rebuilt with a striking egg-shaped glass dome. Visitors are given a free audio guide that discusses the building’s history and architecture, while also orientating you to the sites of Berlin. It is an excellent introduction to the city. Note that it is usually necessary to book well in advance!

Guided Walking Tour of Berlin

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Quadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate

The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a  Germanic cross.

Take a Break in a Popular Beer Garden Nestled Within the Park.

Even if you don’t feel like stopping for a drink or a meal, it is still worth a quick peek just to experience the atmosphere. The location is absolutely ideal, surrounded by forest and looking over the lake with its many paddle boaters. There's a formal sit-down café on the terrace and a self-service beer garden, where sharing benches is expected and completely normal.

Shop within the forest at Berlin’s best flea market.

If you are looking for a unique purchase then this is the place. The market takes place every weekend from 10am-5pm. Discover art, family heirlooms, furniture, clothing, souvenirs, food, and more.

Tiergarten

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Climb the historic column for a panoramic view of the city amidst a sea of green trees.

One of Berlin’s most familiar sights, the column commemorates victories over Denmark, Austria, and France during the mid-19th century. These victories enabled the founding of the German Empire in 1871. It was moved to the current location on the express orders of Hitler.

Highlights Walking Tour

Enjoy an introduction to Amsterdam with this 4-hour private guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the city's highlights, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the city's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Highlights Walking Tour

Enjoy an introduction to Amsterdam with this 4-hour private guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the city's highlights, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the city's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Highlights Walking Tour

Enjoy an introduction to Amsterdam with this 4-hour private guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the city's highlights, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the city's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Highlights Walking Tour

Enjoy an introduction to Amsterdam with this 4-hour private guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the city's highlights, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the city's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Contemporary in an Old City Can Be Beautiful Too

The MoCo Museum dedicates itself to showcasing modern, cutting-edge works from some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Situated in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Amsterdam, it offers a dynamic and engaging art experience, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include pieces by Maria Abramović, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and other iconic figures who have shaped the contemporary art scene. The museum's intimate scale allows for a personal exploration of the artworks

This museum will defintely make your eyes sparkle.

The Diamant Museum in Amsterdam delves into this dazzling gem's history, highlighting Amsterdam's significance in the diamond industry since the 16th century.  Simultaneously, it showcases its journey from raw stones to exquisite jewelry, emphasizing the art of diamond cutting and polishing, and, of course, features a collection of gems and artifacts,.

Museum Quarter

Arranged in a tight knot on the aptly named Museumplein, Amsterdam's premier world-class museums include the Van Gogh Museum (pre-booked tickets required), the Rijks Museum with its collection of Rembrandts, and the Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art. The Amsterdam Diamond Museum is nearby as well. Choose to visit one or more of these wonderful cultural venues from the detailed descriptions provided in the Full Itinerary.

Find Tickets and Trinkets related to the Rijks- and Van Gogh Museums

Located on Museumplein (Museum Square), this convienent shop is operated by both museums to contend with the overflow at their respective ticket offices.  Even this shop can become busy.  However, if you don't plan on visiting the museums, but still want to pick up some souvenirs, this is your spot: both museums supply this store with their own merchandise.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Zaanse Schans, Self Guided

Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, a panorama of features deemed quintessentially Dutch like windmills and wooden clogs. This well-preserved neighborhood feels like an open-air museum full of traditional Dutch handicrafts as the bakery museum offers freshly baked cookies and their free aromas. Clogs are still hewn here. You should not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills. In guarding these traditions Zaanse Schans has become immensely popular, and crowded at times. The neighborhood can seem a bit fantastical, and sometimes we want that on a holiday.

Zaanse Schans, Self Guided

Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, a panorama of features deemed quintessentially Dutch like windmills and wooden clogs. This well-preserved neighborhood feels like an open-air museum full of traditional Dutch handicrafts as the bakery museum offers freshly baked cookies and their free aromas. Clogs are still hewn here. You should not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills. In guarding these traditions Zaanse Schans has become immensely popular, and crowded at times. The neighborhood can seem a bit fantastical, and sometimes we want that on a holiday.

Zaanse Schans, Self Guided

Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, a panorama of features deemed quintessentially Dutch like windmills and wooden clogs. This well-preserved neighborhood feels like an open-air museum full of traditional Dutch handicrafts as the bakery museum offers freshly baked cookies and their free aromas. Clogs are still hewn here. You should not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills. In guarding these traditions Zaanse Schans has become immensely popular, and crowded at times. The neighborhood can seem a bit fantastical, and sometimes we want that on a holiday.

Zaanse Schans, Self Guided

Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, a panorama of features deemed quintessentially Dutch like windmills and wooden clogs. This well-preserved neighborhood feels like an open-air museum full of traditional Dutch handicrafts as the bakery museum offers freshly baked cookies and their free aromas. Clogs are still hewn here. You should not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills. In guarding these traditions Zaanse Schans has become immensely popular, and crowded at times. The neighborhood can seem a bit fantastical, and sometimes we want that on a holiday.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. Local direct trains to the airport depart every ten minutes, usually from platform 14a or platform 15, and get you there in about 20 minutes. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. Local direct trains to the airport depart every ten minutes, usually from platform 14a or platform 15, and get you there in about 20 minutes. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. Local direct trains to the airport depart every ten minutes, usually from platform 14a or platform 15, and get you there in about 20 minutes. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. Local direct trains to the airport depart every ten minutes, usually from platform 14a or platform 15, and get you there in about 20 minutes. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.