Springtime in Berlin. Poems, songs, books, whole musicals (of a kind) have been written about the phenomenon. And with good reason. As winter gets shaken off the city begins to glow with a golden warmth that gives every sight in the city a pastel hue, softening the harshest of lines. In short: the light in Berlin at this time of year is rather splendid, no wonder Berliners are so sassy and effortlessly stylish. The splendour of the city makes it easy.
One of the best ways to enjoy the great Berlin outdoors this spring season is by taking a stroll around a particular area of the city. Each of the sections of the city feature is prefaced by a brief look at where is best to do just that.
Then there’s the huge amount of outdoor events to help you make the best of the sun. Perhaps the pick of them is the Culture Carnival which takes place over four days around Pentecost weekend in mid-May, and which celebrates the wide variety of cultures who call Berlin home. Expect life, colour, music, food, drink, dance and a quite spectacular time.
Should the weather turn, head indoors to a show: there are loads to choose from. The One Grand Show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast is the pick of them, a cornucopia of revue complete with costumes by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Exhibition wise, find out why Germans save so much with the fascinating Saving exhibition at the German Historical Museum, or the sound and music extravaganza at the ISM Hexadrome at the Martin-Grobius-Bau.
Finally, spring means that it is officially beergarden time again. And no matter what the Bavarians might claim, no city in Germany does a beergarden like the capital. Prost!
Whatever you do this year in Germany's amazing capital, remember to let us know your tips and comments at berlin@inyourpocket.com. Enjoy Berlin.
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Berlin In Your Pocket is the English-language city guide to Germany's vibrant capital; appearing bimonthly and distributed in hotels, it's the essential guide to anything a visitor needs to know.
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Berlin is regularly mentioned as Europe's party capital, and there are dozens of great clubs - from techno to indie - that attract thousands of partygoers each weekend. To make sense of the multitude of options, visit our (German-language) partner website www.theclubmap.com, which has photos, reviews and other information about Berlin's vibrant nightlife scene.
City Essentials