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-   -   Affordable New Year's in Berlin? Or Alternatives Near German Airports? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/affordable-new-years-in-berlin-or-alternatives-near-german-airports-902217/)

pennythoughts Aug 10th, 2011 08:25 AM

Affordable New Year's in Berlin? Or Alternatives Near German Airports?
 
My husband and I are flying to Prague on December 19th for Christmas and flying open jaw home on January 3. The return point of origin is not yet fixed, but it needs to be in Germany or Switzerland (and not, say, Austria, Poland, or Czech Republic) because of the way our miles program works.

I had planned to spend Christmas in Prague, visit Dresden for a night or two, then head to Berlin for New Year's celebrations and museums. The problem is that now that I'm researching Berlin more thoroughly, I'm discovering that A) It's crazy expensive for New Year's (I thought the prices would be comparable to Prague's at Christmas, which are very reasonable) and B) It sounds like there's a bit too much drunken revelry type atmosphere. We like festiveness, music, and good food, but are not hard partiers.

So my questions are,
1. Is it possible to do Berlin affordably at New Year's? Is it ONLY for the die-hard partiers? (If NYE in Berlin is truly unforgettable and fun for people who don't just want to get drunk, then I'm willing to spend a bit more than in Prague, but since we're budget travelers, we can't spend more than $100 per night.)

2. Are there alternatives that are both affordable and fun for New Year's that would allow us to fly out of an airport in Germany on January 3rd? Perhaps a town or city close to Munich or Frankfurt? I'd like it if there were things to enjoy all week between Christmas and New Year's. Vienna sounds lovely for NYE, but it's too far from Munich to fly out on the 3rd, I think.

We enjoy strolling about looking at architecture, seeing sights, music, eating good food, and general merriment. We are open to a small city or town, so long as it's close enough to Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin airports to fly out on January 3rd. I do enjoy museums, so good art is a definite plus. Also, we do not want to rent a car.

I would appreciate ANY help. Thank you!!

Ingo Aug 10th, 2011 09:06 AM

Why not staying longer in Dresden? Berlin's airport is just a three-hour train or bus ride away.

Seriously, Berlin is not more expensive on New Year's Eve than Prague, Vienna or any other major city in Europe. You'll even encounter less drunken folks in Berlin than in Prague, I am sure. Also, what kind of hotels did you look at? And where, which booking machine? I bet there are plenty of reasonably priced hotels available.

P_Peppington Aug 10th, 2011 10:38 AM

Have you looked at the Sol Melia on the Friedrichstrasse? It is just around the corner from Museum Island.

Pippy

nz101 Sep 25th, 2011 12:48 AM

How about Nuremberg/Bamberg area. I was in Bamberg last New Years and it was fantastic. I've heard that Nuremberg is great too for NYE and it isn't too far from Munich. I wrote a trip report on here if you wish to read it.

wanderfrau Sep 27th, 2011 11:56 AM

Nearly every German city will be filled with people drinking and setting off fireworks on New Years Eve.

What kind of experience are you looking for? A nice hotel with dinner/dancing and then a rooftop location to see the city fireworks? Dinner at a family location followed by walking through the streets and watching the fireworks with the crowds? You can do either in Berlin, Frankfurt, Koeln, or most any other city. Some cities are known for their fireworks, some are known for their cultural activities.

Most major hotel chains have package deals for the night/weekend. Check the city's website or the major reservation sites. Remember it may be tough to get reservations in many restaurants for New Years Eve dinner.

qwovadis Sep 27th, 2011 12:07 PM

www.wombats.at in Berlin is fun if you do not mind hostels

Cheap too best place in Germany for New Years Eve...

Giant block party around the gate largest in Europe ususally.

Prague super nice too perhaps a little cheaper...


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