Berlin

When Churchill said we'll fight them on the beaches he probably didn't mean the types of urban beaches that can be found on the banks of the River Spree. But even though Berlin is over 150km from the coast you can still lounge back in the sand and sip a cocktail at any of the 30 man-made beaches along the river. Although swimming in the Spree is not advised due to the uncleanly nature of the water those looking for a dip can go to the Badeschiff. This is an old barge converted into a clearwater pool. During the summer the pool that , originally began as an art project, carries an ibiza vide and in Winter sauna's and a roof are installed. Another sand-based event in Berlin is Sandstation. An annual summer competition that invites artists and creative types to display large sand sculptures. It is the only urban sand art festival in Europe and it has been run every Summer since 2003.

When wandering the city be sure also to keep an eye out for the Ampelmannchen. The male figure was originally used in East Berlin traffic lights but when Germany was reunified there were moves to standardise all traffic lights. The amusing male figure wearing a hat became a key focal point for East German Nostalgia and the green man in the hat was soon put back into service.

One thing the Germans do well is sausages and you can't get anymore German than the Currywurst. Under the U-Bahn rails, next to Eberswalder Strasse Station, Konnopke's is a cheap and chearfull place to go for a snack. But Konnopkes isn't the only place to get a good taste of Berlin. Any fan of The Simpsons knows that Germany is "The Land of Chocolate" and Fassbender & Rausch have been making it since 1863. The outlet is the largest of its kind and only last year they opened Europes only chocolate themed restaurant with all dishes containing cocao.

Berlin is another of Europe Fashion capitols however and if you want a real souvenir go to Berlinomat in old East Berlin where you can buy products fashioned by over 180 berlin designers.

While Berlin is a great place to go clubbing don't expect the hotspots to be easy to find. Most of them don't have signs and simply look like derelict buildings. Kunsthaus Tacheles was formerly a department store slated for demolition but it was taken over by artists and squaters who turned it into what it is today. It now houses an arthouse cinema, a café, artists studio's and a beach bar backyard.You can hang out in the sun or come back later for a night gig. Other than here there are underground clubs and more mainstream spots around the city but Cascade with its multicoloured dancefloor ticks both boxes.

Price Information

Dublin/Berlin
Return Fares start from €85
Aer Lingus
www.aerlingus.com
0818 365000

Other Airlines that fly to Berlin

Ryanair
www.ryanair.com

Berlin Tourist Information
www.visitberlin.de