From an unusual Florence covered by a soft white mantle I try to make order among the many beautiful ones memories of Christmas in Berlin to give advice to those who will experience the magic of Berliner Weihnachtsmärkte.
It is said that i Berlin markets are not the most beautiful - which instead are found in the smaller towns of Germany - but undoubtedly there is atruly Christmas atmosphere. Especially since every district of the city hosts several markets where you can spend Advent Sundays.
The most suggestive, although touristic, is that of Gendarmenmarkt (until 31 December 11 am - 22 pm), not surprisingly called "WeihnachtsZauber“(Christmas magic). Here, in addition to food and wine specialties from all over Germany, you will find products from high craftsmanship artistic.
Ideal for doing unforgettable gifts, like the leather necklace worked with applied stones that I received three years ago ;-) or the lacquered wood tableware that I never fail to show off for special occasions. The magic of Gendarmenmarkt is not only given by the stands, but also by the theatrical performances and concerts held in the majestic square in front of the Deutscher Dom, Französischer Dom and Konzerthaus.
After visiting the Weihnachtszauber it is worth taking a trip to admire the marvelous chocolate sculptures di Fassbender & Rausch, the chocolate shop that since 1863 has sweetened the palates of Berlin and visitors. But why stay with your nose glued to the window and not come in to taste one of the chocolaty delicacies? There is something for all tastes, the imagination is up to you.
Since you are in the area, shoppers can go and have a look at the Galeries Lafayettes in Friedrichstrasse. From there it won't be long the walk up to Unter den Linden to see the 'Viale dei Tigli' illuminated for the party and get up to The Brandenburg Gate, if it's your first time in Berlin.
A few stops by bus or subway, if you really don't want to walk, there is another beautiful market: that one am Opernpalais. Bratwurst, Glühwein, Lebenskuchen and Christrollen to taste, or to buy, at will and a quantity of wooden objects, woolen items, felt, candles, delicious hats like the one I never leave and much more.
Walking walking we arrived at Republic Square and to the Museuminsel, where you can choose whether to visit the Old National Gallery, the majestic Pergamonmuseum, Bode-Museum, Old one o New Museum or delve into the heart of Hackescher Markt, where a part of Berlin's creative heart beats.
No markets, but the atmosphere of Hackesche Höfe it is equally impressive and the shops of Rosenthaler Straße, High- e Neue Schönhauser Allee, but also small ones Gips- e Mulackstraße, show the best of Berlin design. From here to the historic and controversial Alexander Platz it is only a few minutes. And here's another Christmas market and the ice rink. I mention it not for the market itself but because a visit to "Alex" is a must.
By jumping across town - with the S-Bahn it takes no more than 20 minutes - definitely a must see at the Weihnachtsmarkt Memorial Church, the church destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War and the symbolic center of West Berlin. This market is worth visiting especially for the emotional charge created by architectural scenography of the church. We are also a stone's throw from Ku'damm, the western shopping street.
Also worth seeing Nikolai quarter (the Jewish quarter) with its Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem Roten Haus, the alternative flavor of Friedrichshain or the one in the spectacular architectural context of Sony Center not far from the ice rink of Potsdamer Platz. Kreuzberg it is perhaps not the most Christmas neighborhood, but under the snow it has its magic.
If between one market and another you are not yet satisfied, here are some tips for included unforgettable of sushi: Pan Asia or Sumo; tedesco: Weinstein; Italian: Restaurant or Pizzeria Papà Pane, Restaurant Ca 'Nova or treat yourself to a small luxury at the Gourmet Restaurant Bocca di Bacco or Borchardt, you never know that you will meet some celebrities passing through Berlin ;-) however let yourself be guided by instinct, it really is difficult to eat badly in Berlin.
For sleep dispassionately recommend the sympathetic Adebar hotels of Hackescher Markt because all the guests I have had in Berlin who did not enter the house have been there and have always enjoyed it. For luxury accommodations I recommend you google "Design Hotel Berlin" or to consult the offer of Ku'damm 101. Have fun and bring a big kiss in Berlin for my part.
