Berlin Dresden and Prague
It’s sometimes difficult to find that one place to spend five or six days which offers a varied mix of attractions to keep you engaged. Things that are usually on the checklist need to include a blend of culture, delicious food, scenic views and a bustling nightlife. So instead of picking just the one, I tried my luck on a three city break which could hopefully tick all those boxes.
Starting off in Berlin, I arrived into the main station, Hauptbahnhof, which in itself is a sight to behold. If Waterloo Station and Westfields shopping mall ever got together to produce offspring, you’d start to get a bit of an idea. The city itself has rapidly overcome its reputation since the fall of the Wall and the end of the Cold War, and is now one of the most popular destinations in Europe. And after a quick 2 hour walking tour around the city, its easy to see why. The tour took me around all the main sights including Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and Humboldt University (where a “relatively clever” young student called Einstein made his name). I then spent a compelling and thought provoking afternoon visiting the numerous Jewish remembrance museums and monuments, which are an ever present reminder of the city’s grim Nazi history. Berlin by night then transforms into a lively cosmopolitan hub, which would give any other city in the world a run for its money. With a great variety of bars and restaurants, I headed back to my hotel after a meal and a short stroll before the next morning’s trip to Dresden. After breakfast I, went back to the metropolis that is Berlin Hbf, and boarded my train for the quick 2 hour journey to Dresden. In comparison to Berlin, Dresden is quite small, which can be a relaxing change from the bustling capital. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, the city boasts just the right mix of old and new to keep all the history buffs occupied while still being modern and fresh. I put my bags down at my hotel, which is conveniently located just across the road from the station, giving me ample time to set out to explore the city. Often referred to as the “Florence of the North”, Dresden offers a refreshing collection of swanky eateries and bars, traditional market squares and iconic 18th century architecture. The fact that some of its grand buildings even remain is a miracle in itself, as most of the city was destroyed during heavy allied bombing in WWII. I spent a couple days visiting museums, sampling the cultural feasts and taking in one or two of the city’s riverside beer gardens, and then was on my way to Prague. As the train picked up some speed out of Dresden through farmland, it rejoined the Elbe River, weaving its way through the mountains and offering spectacular views along the way. After a couple of hours I arrived into Prague where a transfer was waiting on the platform to take me to my hotel. This is definitely recommended, as Prague’s cobbled streets and narrow walkways might make it a little difficult to find your hotel for first time visitors, and can cut into the all important sightseeing time. The first thing I noticed about Prague was its extensive collection of Bohemian and Gothic architecture, which seemed to be more concentrated than any other European city I’ve been to. I spent the afternoon walking through medieval streets surrounding the Charles Bridge, then stepped back in time while visiting the city’s main drawcard, Prague Castle. The second thing I noticed about Prague is Czech beer, available in abundance anywhere in the thousands of bars, beer gardens and outdoor restaurants the city has to offer. The third thing I noticed, was my hangover. However I still jumped out of bed and thrust myself back into the city streets, not wanting to miss a single thing. I finished my trip content and satisfied at rediscovering three cities that have all undergone massive transformations in the past. I also returned with a list full of ticked boxes. And as always my thoughts turn to the next adventure, and where it will take me….
