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Amusing at its best! – Take a trip to Da Nang, Vietnam

by with No Comment Asia

It’s Friday again, not really, but every day feels like Friday.

It is rightly said that living every day like it’s Friday always leads you to the right places. Proving this phrase, I packed my backpack, left Hoi An, and went to explore the charming central Vietnam city of Da Nang.  It took me 30 minutes by taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang and cost me $15.  I was ready to take a break from the usual tourist itinerary that one is expected to follow while in Vietnam. Well, I have always been a bit off beat with my definition of having fun and Da Nang didn’t prove me wrong.

Sandwiched between the hustle bustle of the capital city Hanoi to the North and very busy Ho Chi Minh City to the South, Da Nang offers a beautiful escape into its leisurely beaches and sumptuous local cuisines. It also has some great shopping highlights and historical pit stops to make sure you enjoy to the fullest while in town. Da Nang has shown speedy growth and development of no other city in Vietnam. The real estate boom and private sector property advancement have colored the place with modern and upscale shades. Not surprisingly, it has emerged as the latest luxury travel destination with its exclusive suite of comfort resorts, artistic villas, and hotel rooms. The more you unfold, the more you like this gift of a city that is Da Nang.

It’s the people that I get to meet everyday that makes my exploration a memorable one.  So I met Bea in Da Nang; young, energetic, and such a beautiful person inside and out.  Bea is from Spain but left the hustle and bustle of Europe for the simple life in Asia.  Bea suggested that I try the local dishes that were unique to Da Nang, so off we went on the little motorbike.  Seafood, beer, interesting talks, and posing for crazy pictures cemented our new friendship.

Although my visit to Da Nang was relatively short, a visit to this beautiful city is a must.  My top things you should definitely do while in Da Nang

  1. Take a night stroll along the Dragon Bridge – The splendor of the city is best experienced on this bridge with a giant metal dragon built into it. At night, it changes colors and offers scenic beauty for professional and amateur photo enthusiasts.  If you are lucky to visit on a Sunday night, then you may also see water and fire blown by the dragon. The Giant Ferris Wheel and serene Han River in the background, make you reminiscent of romance portrayed in movies.
  2. Soak in the History and Religious Sightseeing – Da Nang has beautiful temples and Pagodas within accessible limits and is sure to entice you with their grandeur. The Marble and Monkey Mountains have a bevy of limestone caves with religious symbols and carvings making it a popular pilgrimage site. The Cao Dai Temple and DA Nang Cathedral are the usual tourist attractions. If you have time on hand, a visit to the Cham Museum is worth it as it houses some of the best Cham artifacts and cultural exhibits.
  3. Lounge around the Beach for Outdoors excitement – My Khe Beach, also known as China Beach or Non-Nuoc has featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the most luxurious beaches around the world. The white sandy stretch is also Vietnam’s most picturesque beaches. There are many high-end resorts offering tender loving care at their finest spas and dining restaurants. Sunbathing, surfing or just plain relaxation, the beach is perfect to enjoy alone or with a group.
  4. Relish the authentic flavors at an unbeatable price – The local cuisines, especially fresh seafood can be enjoyed best by the street as vendors offer everything from cuttlefish, shrimps, squid to lobsters, crab and combine them with healthy green veggies and amazing seasoning ingredients for an eclectic mix of flavors. You will find “Hotpot” or Lau in all menus, which is a hot fish soup. Some street cafes give you barbecue options to have your food the way you like it. Tasty noodle joints shouldn’t be missed at any cost, and if you are looking for sophisticated restaurants, then China Beach should be your stop.
  5. Da Nang is one of the cleanest and most livable cities in Vietnam. You can satisfy the Shopaholic in you by visiting the Han Market, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Be ready to bargain and get unbelievable deals on any merchandise or souvenirs you wish to buy. If you plan your travels well in advance, then make sure to coincide your visit to Da Nang during the International Fireworks Competition, when the sky is lit up with a thousand lights.
  6. Travel and Stay – Da Nang International Airport serves international flights from Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo. There are many good budget hotels with Wi-Fi, hot water, and a/c especially along the Pham Phu Thu Street and Tran Hung Dao Street for rates starting around 300,000 VND.

 

Quick Tips:

– Book your hotel in advance and read other online reviews.

– Walking may not be feasible due to long distances and hence book a taxi with the help of the hotel’s reception desk. MAI LINH Taxi service is a good option.

– Bring your swimwear and surfing essentials if you are in the mood for some serious beach fun

Finally, have fun in Da Nang and remember to live everday like it is Friday.

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My trip to Chiang Mai – The Rose of the North

by with No Comment Asia

It’s Friday again, not really, but every day feels like Friday to me.

My first stop in Thailand was in the city of Chiang Mai; I read about this city on the Internet, however, I didn’t know what to expect.  Chiang Mai is one of the largest cities in Thailand, and is located in the northern part of the country.  I have been to many places around the world, however, Chiang Mai was different.  Chiang Mai is mountainous, cosmopolitan, and has a mixture of charm.  Well, I was ready to explore this amazing city.

My arrival at Chiang Mai

The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai lasted less than an hour.  Thai Airlines and Air Asia are your top two choices to get around Thailand.  After much anticipation, I arrived safely at about 8 am.  I immediately felt an awesome feeling of peace, tranquility, and my lungs appreciated the fresh air.  My luggage was waiting for me by the time I went to retrieve them.  I was excited, and couldn’t wait to explore Chiang Mai.  The apartment was located 10 minutes away and the taxi ride cost me 150 Baht or about $5 US dollars.

Staying in Chiang Mai

Hotels in Chiang Mai are super cheap compared to anywhere else I have ever been in the world.  In fact, the rates ranged from about $10 per night for a 3 star hotel to about $80 for a 5 star.  I booked a room on AirBnB because I wanted to live with the locals and experience the Thai culture.  The location was perfect as I was able to walk to the shops and restaurants.  Chiang Mai was packed with backpackers and budgeted travelers.  I met several backpackers staying in guesthouses in Chiang Mai for less than $10 per night.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is very popular in Chiang Mai.  I have never seen so many massage parlors in my life.  As I walked the streets of Chiang Mai, the locals would yell, “Chocolate Man, Chocolate Man, massage-massage.”  Funny as heck!  The average cost for a traditional Thai massage in Chiang Mai is 180 Baht or $6 US dollars per hour.  A foot massage cost 200 Baht, and my favorite oil massage cost me 300 Baht or $10 US dollars.  Where in the world can you pay two beautiful Thai ladies to massage you with warm oil for $20 US dollars? Nowhere, but if you find a cheaper price then please let me know! I had a 2 hour massage every day and by 2 Thai ladies while I stayed in Chiang Mai.  Call me sick, or call me a pervert, but I felt like I was in heaven.  Happy endings cost a little bit more, however, everything in Thailand is negotiable.  I will remain silent on the subject of happy endings given that my mother and daughter may read this post.

Food

I can’t understand why people would go to Thailand and then want to eat American food; makes no damn sense to me.  American food costs twice as much in Chiang Mai.  I love spicy food and Thai food just so happen to be my favorite.  There are Thai restaurants everywhere you go in Chiang Mai.  There are street carts and restaurants everywhere I went.  A basic pad thai noodle with chicken cost $1 and a regular dish will set you back $3 to $5.  Tom Kai soup and Panag Curry are my favorite Thai dishes.  I drank a pot of soup everyday and gained about 10 pounds (5 kilo) during my stay in Chiang Mai.

Culture

People in Chiang Mai are very warm, friendly, and welcoming. The best way to learn about the culture is to meet and hang with the locals.   Most of the people in Chiang Mai are Buddhist.  Chiang Mai celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival, umbrella and handicraft festival, Songkran (the water festival) and many other cheerful festivals.

How to get around Chiang Mai

There is no shortage of Tuk Tuk taxi in Chiang Mai. Tuk Tuk is a fun and popular three wheeler in Chiang Mai and they run 24/7; it’s a kind of scooter where the driver sits in front and the passengers sit in the rear seats of the driver.  I rode in Tuk Tuk vans to get around Chiang Mai.  One driver tried to rip me off until he saw that I was twice his size.  Lesson learned, ask for the cost prior to taking the Tuk Tuk.

Excursions and what to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers plenty of things to do and see in and around Chiang Mai.  Things to do include, Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle and visit to Long Neck Karen tribe; Doi Inthanon National Park, Elephant Safari; and Chiang Dao Cave and five different Hill Tribes.  You will need over a month to fully enjoy the many attractions in Chiang Mai however, I did a Thai cooking class, rafting, and the elephant tour. If you want to be a little more adventurous then I recommend bungee jumping, trekking, or playing with the tigers. There are small excursions offices located everywhere in Chiang Mai to purchase tickets for excursions.  The cost of the excursion include transportation to and from your hotel.

Entertainment in Chiang Mai

I partied my ass off while in Chiang Mai.  Due to the city ordinance in Thailand, a majority of the bars and clubs were closed at 1am.  My favorite spot was “Spicy” and they closed at 5am.  Zoe in the Yellow is another cool spot if you are into pop music.  THC Rooftop Bar is a famous spot for students or budget travelers and Norhgate Jazz Co-op has open mic nights if you are into Jazz.  If you love live music then you will love Chiang Mai.  There are lots of live-music venues that include reggae bar, and outside discos.  You will find no shortage of “buy me drink bars in Chiang Mai if that is your thing.  As I walked the streets at night, I was approached my Thai ladies interested in meeting western men.  I felt like a celebrity even though I knew they only wanted my money.

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Caye Caulker, Belize – Unique Sun and Sand Experience!

by with No Comment Central America

It’s Friday again and today I am exploring Caye Caulker, Belize.

If you are thinking about escaping the hustle and bustle of the modern world for peace and tranquility, then Caye Caulker is the place for you.  No cars, just giggling children, bright painted houses, and slow-paced lifestyle.  Caye Caulker, with its astonishing natural beauty, friendly and laid back atmosphere, was the perfect vacation for me.

All I had was a book back with a few underwear, T-shirts, slippers, and my sunglasses.

At the pier waiting on my ride to Caye Caulker

How to get to Caye Caulker

Flights to Caye Caulker are available on Tropic and Maya Island Air from Belize Municipal/International Airport.  A cheaper option is to take the ferry for about $20 round-trip.  I took the ferry to Caye Caulker but I flew back to the airport using Tropic Air for $70.

A Little History

History presents Caye Caulker as the shipbuilding and a coconut export community. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means “the island of the Cocoplum.” Coconut still forms the main ingredient of the many delicious desserts found in local restaurants, delis, and carts.  While fishing continues to be an important industry, the economy has also received a boost from tourism with many hotels and other businesses flourishing with each passing day.

My ride, a Golf Cart because I was too lazy to walk

The famous split was a result of a hurricane that separated the island into two parts.  Caye Caulker has mainly Mestizo culture, speaking Spanish (English closely follows on the second spot).  Other cultures include Maya, Garifuna, Creoles, Mennonites and, of course, the increasing breed of tourists bewitched by the white sands.  If you like reggae, then Caye Caulker is the place to be because of the Caribbean influence in Belize.  I met and partied with the locals while staying in Caye Caulker.

The main mode of transport on the island is walking, but I was too lazy to walk so I opted to rent a golf cart instead.  Bicycling is also cheaper and will get you around this beautiful island.

Things to do in Caye Caulker

Water activities – Caye Caulker offers a plethora of water activities, making it a mecca for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers and tourists who want some beach fun.  I am not a big fan of water sports so I partied instead.

  • The robust east wind allows for Wind Surfing for experts and novices.
  • Whatever Fishing form you follow, go for the big catch in the deep blue ocean with fishing guides to take you to the right spots
  • Scuba Diving can be real fun here as there are many spots with day and night options to explore. You can get your scuba diving certification here, typically lasting for 4 days.
  • Snorkeling at Caye Caulker is out of this world. Bright colored fishes, corals, sponges and other water delight await you when you immerse yourself in the blue waters.
  • Manatee (Sea Cow) Tour gives you a glimpse of these docile creatures and makes for great vacation pictures.
  • Land activities – For those who are too lazy like me to leave the sand, some impressive alternatives can be explored.
  • Bird watching and Nature Trails that are guided walks let you get amazed by over 100 species of birds and land creatures like salt-water crocodiles.
  • Dancing is at the heart of Belize culture. Whether it is some festival, holiday celebration, fundraiser, event, dancers here always find a reason to let them loose.
  • A Trip to Maya Ruins, which completes your Belize trip experience is a must visit. Get ready to feel the beauty of mangrove lagoon, orchids, and howler monkeys while you visit the ruin site.
  • Shopping is simple and fun on the island with over two dozen gift shops offering you a wide variety of clothes, antiques, souvenirs, and collectibles.
  • Dining is a pleasure for the foodie in you with over 30 restaurants serving top quality seafood like fresh lobsters, conch and red snapper and other Chinese/Mexican varieties. Fresh fruits and homemade bakery items will treat your senses like never before.
  • Photography is a sensational experience here with so many scenic things to capture and frame. Professionals and amateurs can have a swell time with their lens at the island.

Accommodation and Travel

There are some cool options on the island to stay ranging from easy-going luxury with modern amenities to private beach camping for incredible sights. There are approximately 30-40 hotels on the island, and the majority of them cater to budget travelers.

I stayed in a basic room on the beach for $40 per night.  You can choose from very low budget hostels with shared bath (costing US $10-20) to low budget hotels with private baths (costing US $25-35) to moderate studio apartments with air-condition, TV and refrigerator (costing US $65). You can go for the campsite option too by shelling approx. US $6 per person per night. For the high-end travelers, there are hotels with swimming pools and charging up to US $160 a night.

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Celebrate Life in Brussels, Belgium

by with No Comment Europe

There are some places that I have traveled to that still remains fresh in my memory and Belgium is one of them.   My journey makes for a cherishing tale to tell; Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.  I decided to explore in the luxuries offered by the center of European culture.  Did I love it? Well, I can’t wait to book a trip again to savor the greenery and rich cuisine experience of this historic destination.
One thing that will hit you first about Brussels is that it is very unassuming.  One side has a countryside green, lush feel with flower markets, and the other side is throbbing with cosmopolitan cafes and bars to make you drink and swing.  It is an ironical place where hip meets history; confidence meets humility, waiting for you to be embraced in its multi-layered cultural.  Brussels has a population of approximately 1.4 million people with French and Dutch being the prime languages spoken.

The architecture of the city will leave you spellbound.  Medieval Grand-Place is indeed a grand square to take a stroll or just sit to absorb the everyday life of Brussels.  I enjoyed a relaxing walk in one of the parks where I experienced the beautiful arts and sculptures.  An unmistakable feat in the architectural history is the ‘Atomium’, which is the star attraction for all visitors to Brussels.  The iron crystal hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions throughout its web of tubes and spheres.  The famous art nouveau era is depicted in many of the late 17th century art structures and 19th century regal mansions, which form the perfect backdrop for your holiday selfies.

What to do in Brussels:

There are tons of things to do when you are in Brussels as there is something for everyone.

Museum world to inspire – Brussels boasts more than 100 museums of all shapes and sizes, making it a discovery of sorts for you. It doesn’t matter if you like the classical ones or prefer the scientific quirky treasures, and the city has it all.  For the car buffs, Auto world is the place to be while those who prefer fine arts can indulge at Horta, Bozar and Royal Museum of Fine Arts.  For the people who can’t think beyond chocolates and beer when in Belgium, there are quaint small museums of Cocoa and beer breweries too.

Comic strips become reality – A walk along the comic strip route, brings back memories of famous characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke, Gaston and Gil Jourdan. The path has more than 50 mural paintings and can also be enjoyed with a 2 hour bike ride.

Food lovers’ paradise – Belgians love to eat out on a footpath, especially if the weather is promising.  Mussels and fries are the classics that you will find on any restaurant menu.  Visitors with a sweet tooth are in for a great treat as Belgian chocolates and waffles are yet to find a match elsewhere.  Waffles dusted with powdered sugar or topped with bananas, ice cream, and whipped cream will make you go bonkers with its aroma and flavors.  You can get some free chocolate tasting at the entrance of shops.  I think I gained about 10 pounds (5 kilos) eating Belgian Waffles.

Beers – Brussels is wired with beer given that you can choose from over 400 varieties and drink to your heart’s content.  Not a fan of beer? Worry not.  You can even find fruit flavors like peach and cherry to give your palate a beer twist.  St Gery’s clubs and bars are packed all year round.

Amusing Walks – Most sightseeing destinations are within reasonable distance, making it easy for you just to walk around.  Right from walks to markets and museums, comic strips, and European Union walk, green trails and visiting monuments on foot, allow you to feel Brussels at your own speed in your own sweet time.  My hotel was located close to the parks so I enjoyed a 20 minute walk to the park.

Shopping Time – Brussels has some of the oldest shopping malls in the world with best luxury brands.  Boutique shops along the shopping streets and Brussels Markets are also worth visit to satisfy the shopper in you.  Try shopping on weekdays if you are buying stuff from local shops as Saturdays are too busy and Sundays they keep closed.

Visit Bruges – If you are a fan of fairy tales, then you can also take a mini trip to Bruges, the largest city of West Flanders in the Flemish region of Belgium.  Set against the medieval town, with picturesque cobbled lanes, dreamy canals with swans, rising towers, and attractive market squares, Bruges is sure to charm all tourist types. If you have time at hand stay overnight to enjoy, the evening floodlighting.  You can soak the beauty of churches, belfry and cathedrals by taking a water taxi along the different canals.  There are daily trains between Brussels and Bruges every hour during the day.  Tickets can be purchased at the station without any prior seat reservation, and it takes approx. A 1-hour train ride from Brussels Midi station to Bruges train station.  While in Bruges, I enjoyed riding in a water taxi and explored the town.  I had an amazing experience!

 

Accommodation and Travel

Compared to Paris and London, Brussels offers one of the best hotels at excellent rates.  You have some great choices in the form of airport hotels, hostels, budget hotels and apartments available.  Most of them are within a safe distance from the main city attractions.  The budget hotels or hostels should be chosen wisely in terms of location and hygiene.  I stayed at a fantastic hotel for about $65 per night with a gym and even a washer to do my laundry after traveling for a couple days.  For the budgeted traveler, a good Hostels will cost you around $35.

Another option includes mid-range hotels costing anywhere $80 and up  depending upon the amenities and travel convenience. If you are in a mood to splurge, with desires of spacious rooms, sauna or fitness center is ready to spend $135 and up per night.

Due to its central location, Brussels is easily reachable by air, train, bus, car or even a ferry.  I took the train from the international airport to the closest train station and then dragged my suitcase to the hotel.  Domestic trains run through 3 main stations Bruxelles – Nord, Midi, and Central.  There are high-speed trains operated by Eurostar and Thalys, which will take you to London or Paris.  There are tons of direct and connecting flights to Brussels Airport from all over the world.  It is a 1-hour journey from London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.  An interesting alternative to flights is a combination of the ferry with connecting train, bus or car.  I flew from London Gatwick Airport.
Quick Tip – Brussels Card, which is available online as well as at most of the tourist centers in Brussels, will save you a lot of hard work.  One purchase gives you access to 30 museums, discounts at tourist attractions, shops and restaurants/bars and even free rides on the Hop on Hop off buses.  The card can be used for 1 to 3 days depending on your need.

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Berlin, Germany – Relax as you move through the fast paced fun!!!

by with No Comment Europe

It’s Friday again, not really, but every day feels like Friday.

John F. Kennedy once said – “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin. And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words ‘Ich bin ein Berliner!” This quote captures the essence of my experience in Berlin, the capital of Germany, where I got a chance to meet the new version of this amazing city while experiencing its history and multicultural flavours. The city has gone through a lot, right from being divided into east and west parts by the iconic Berlin wall. The traveller in me was overwhelmed with joy as I explored this magnificent city in Germany.

Berlin will very lucidly makes you selfish and addictive for fun, but you have to visit the place once to know what I mean. The vibrancy of the city engulfs you in its cloak of pleasure be its laid-back lifestyle ironically co-existing with jet speed party life or its high on history quotient balanced with openness to queer culture.

Not to forget the world-renowned museums, festivals, picturesque architecture both modern and historical that draw huge number of tourists every year. Not many people know that Berlin apart from being popular for its historical sites, forests and rivers is also an international village of creatives, expats and immigrants. Locals seem to take the phrase “Live and Let Live” quite literally with a huge emphasis on creativity and freedom. Materialistic status is secondary in this chic and gritty city.

The city has a lot to offer on a wide spectrum. Your itinerary, however, would not be complete without a due appreciation of these major attractions.

 

Berlin History Documentary:

Berlin has a rich history that will amaze you at each nook and corner; giving you glimpse of a bygone era of Nazi revolution, bombing and invasions.  For starters, sights like The Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden make you revisit the Prussian glory.  I took one of the tour buses and got off to see the Brandenburg Gate.

One of the most iconic buildings, the Reichstag is a masterpiece of architecture with its glittering glass dome (reservations necessary and accessible by lift) which offers 360-degree view of the city. Auto activated audio guide is available to learn more about the building and the working of parliament.

The old buildings at Mitte beautifully complement the modern structures like Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The symbol of cold war, the Berlin wall, should top the chart of any tourist in the city.  It lets you experience the scar in the city’s history, and the East Side Gallery offers scenic murals, politically motivated and otherwise.

You can also opt for half-day walking tour lasting about 4 hours which lets you explore marvels like Holocaust Memorial, which commemorates six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Other stops include Checkpoint Charlie, Topography of Terror and Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial. These are sure to send shivers down your spine with their aura of brutal executions and crematorium.

Art and Music inspiration: People around the world draw inspiration from Berlin’s music, art and lifestyle scene. With more than 170 museums, including the ones on popular “Museum Island” it is a delight for artists and cultural connoisseurs across the globe. The Pergamon museum has pieces from Greece and Middle East, while the Neues Museum houses Egyptian antiquities. Berlin’s Jewish history can be visualised at the Jewish Museum and for those who love regal era, a visit to the Schloss Charlottenburg royal palace is a must.  Romantic landscapes, precious artefacts, Prussian touch of the palace are breath-taking. The film museum offers a good break from history museums.

Orchestras are the way of life in Berlin, such as internationally acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic and other artistic treats such as ballet, opera, stage shows hosting Cabaret, plays and musicals. Karaoke fans can sing their heart out at Mauerpark on Sundays.

Berlin will make you say “I live to drink and party”: No matter what music genre you prefer, you get in all in Berlin’s sky bars, clubs and restaurants without the usual worry of closing time. Party to your hearts’ content and you will agree that Berlin never sleeps like its contemporary New York. Chalet, Renate and KaterHolzig are fun clubs to let you loose.

Berlin has superb food markets. While Turkish Market is the most colourful, you can indulge in international street food at Markthalle Neun. Grab coffee at Bonanza Coffee Heroes or beer at Prater, Berlin’s oldest beer garden. Other famous bars that you can drop by are Paloma Beer, Sub War Gestern, Mein Haus am See and Luzia.

Other Miscellaneous things to try: Berliners love to flock in their favourite parks to tan and picnic. During warm months, the life in Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars, pavement cafes, open air cinemas and theatres, a great way to enjoy the summer breeze. Tiergarten and Tempelhorf Park are great hangouts for some BBQ fun if you are visiting from May to October.

If you are a shopaholics, you can spend your euros at Kurfurstendamm, grand old Friedrichstrasse and small independent boutiques in and around the charismatic Hackesche Hofe. Bikini Berlin, the first concept mall of the city with edgy 1950’s design, makes for an amusing visit. A good break from the staid sightseeing is the famous Berlin Zoo, which has around 14,000 animals including some of the endangered species like rhinoceroses, polar and panda bears.

 

Stay and Travel:

While you can always opt for the standard hotel and hostel services, I wanted to make my travel experience unique by living like a local. Airbnb is a great alternative to try. I had a very comfortable and affordable stay at one of the Airbnb listed properties. Worth a try! Berlin’s two airports (Tegel and Schonefeld) are well connected with international carriers. You can find a direct flight to Berlin from New York or take other connecting flights with a change of planes at Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London or any other major European city. For internal city travel, public transport is best. Go for a combination of subway, trains, trams and buses.

 

Quick Tips:

– If you are cooking your own meal at a hostel or service apartment, shop at discount supermarkets like Netto, Aldi, Penny or Lidl for great offers on groceries.

– For an awesome hassle-free time at Museums, buy Museumpass Berlin, which allows admission to about 50 museums for up to 72 hours.

– Popular Hostels like Circus Hostel and East Seven Berlin will make you save a lot of cash.

– Carry your rainwear as Berlin is prone to unpredictable rains. Also don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes as the city is best explored on foot. For operas and high-end restaurant dining, carry your dressy clothing.