Berlin Travel Guide - Day Trips

In contrast, depending on the area you visit, you may find some spectacular architecture and clear signs of the prominence Germany played during the Age of the Enlightenment.

Potsdam: on the Havel River just southwest of Berlin, you’ll see where the former leaders of 17th – 19th century Germany lived in grand style. Highlighting the riches of the time and the importance of Potsdam is Schloss Sanssouci, a castle commissioned by Friedrich the Great in the mid-18th century, emulating the influence and grandeur of French architecture during this period.

Kreuzberg: located southwest of the centre, is a rather strange suburb, as it has outgrown its streets patrolled by punks and neo-Nazis and become quite trendy, characterised today by quirky coffee shops, music shops, book stalls, and ethnic markets and eateries, including the very popular kebab shops.

Leipzig and Weimar: are two interesting cities a bit further afield and well worth visiting. You might want to consider an overnight stay to take in all the attractions here. Leipzig is particularly noted for the heroic WWII escapes from its infamous Colditz prison; while Weimar was a focal point during Europe’s ‘Age of Enlightenment,’ home to large numbers of scholars and artists.