gss517

Hi Everyone -

I wanted to thank you in advance on any input that you give me. My DH and I are going to be in Sweden during the holidays visiting family and we want to take a few days to stroll either Paris or Berlin. I have been to Paris and my DH has been to Berlin so we can't make a decision. Does anyone have any pros or cons about either city? We like museums, restaurants, historical places and generally exploring the city, which both can give us... so I welcome any and all suggestions..

Thanks again!

zeppole

I'd pick Berlin because I didn't finish up exploring its fantastic museums and they've re-opened some important ones since I was there.

But there's a pretty strong Paris contingency here (many if not all of whom have never been to Berlin!)

Downsides of Berlin would be a cuisine less thrilling than French, the fact that is less of a strolling city, but with abundant public transportation.

If your husband has never been to Paris, he might want to make his first visit at a time of nicer weather. Since you're going to be dressed so warmly for Sweden, you'll have the right clothes for Berlin.

Lastly, it's easier to get back to Paris in terms of transatlantic flights. If it's easy to get to Berlin from Sweden, that would also be a plus for me.

danon

I was planing to go to Berlin this summer - ended up in Paris and Amsterdam (again!)
Then, we decided to go to Berlin in May next year - booked tickets for 10 days in Paris.
Obviously, I cannot comment on Berlin
but Paris with its art, food, shops, and beauty, never stops to beckon.

Hope to visit Berlin in July 2009!

Bird

Hi gss,

Both cities have plenty of what you are looking for.

I love Berlin. It's vibrant and has changed dramtically in the last 10 years, and is still in the process of change now.

If money is an issue, then Berlin is cheaper than Paris.

sbsjsf

I took my first trip to Berlin last month and found it FASCINATING. I will definitely go again.

However I will vote for Paris in late December because Paris is particularly magical around Christmas--lights, displays, music, etc. You mention wanting to stroll and Paris is more compact, has more of an historical city center and is more conducive to strolling (IMO).

zeppole

Funny, but I would have thought the Germans were more into christmas traditions and decorations than the Parisians. (I've not been in either city around Christmas).

Bird

Christmas will be over for gss, so not much of an issue.

gss517

You're definitely right Bird, but the decorations will still be up. But zeppole made an interesting comment that Berlin is less of a strolling city and the cuisine is ok. I might just flip a coin as one of my friends suggested, any further thoughts and opinions are welcomed.

thanks again!
GSS

LN

I have been to Paris and Berlin and each is wonderful. Price wise you might have a more reasonable time in Berlin - just as wonderful with all the great things to do.

Their underground is wonderful - you can get all over the city in very little time - hotel rates are pretty good too and even better using Priceline.

Try to visit the Pergamon Museum while there - there's actually an island full of museums there - we loved it!!

Madison

PARIS!!!!

DAX

I love BERLIN and am going back this week for my umphteenth time, so I'm a huge fan of Berlin. Berlin has a lot of great restaurants with high cuisine for half the cost of those in Paris (if you are comparing the same food level/quality). Berlin is just a bargain galore in every aspect compared to any major european capitals.

That said, if you're gonna miss all the festive elaborate christmas markets in Berlin which ends on Dec 25th, I would recommend going to PARIS for a couple visiting in the winter time! Save Berlin for the warmer weather.

gss517

Looks like we're going to Paris!

Thanks again!

travel_buzzing

DAX- please can you provide more info about the elaborate xmas markets or preferences to which are better in Berlin. Will they be there next weekend? I will! thanks.

DAX

Here's a list of 16 christmas market inside central Berlin alone plus 7 more in the far east Berlin.
http://www.visitberlin.de/kultur/de/...te-2008-dt.pdf

I am staying in Potsdamerplatz so my focus is pretty much on the outdoor Winterwelt(10am to 10pm) which has already started.
Last year they imported snow from Salzburg and built a giant ski ramp at the S+U bahn station entry (36 x 210feet) where people can rent tires to slide down, and a large skating rink on Marlene-Dietrichplatz. They have also set up a large austrian ski hut(200 people capacity) and a small hut (50 people)to serve austrian food & drinks(Stiegl beer, Almdudler, Jaegertea. They have live music to create the apres ski party mood. If you read German:
http://www.berlin.de/kultur-und-tick...winterwelt.php
The real christmas market itself will start on Nov 26 till Dec 26.

Travel-buzzing: When are you going to arrive in Berlin? I'll be flying from Stuttgart this coming Saturday evening and staying at the Berlin Marriott till Nov 26.

One fun indoor thing to do is to eat inside the casino (Spielbank) at the Marlene Dietrich Platz where you pay for your 3 course meal after throwing the ball on the culinary roulette to determine the cost (0 to 36)euro. The restaurant name is Blaue Ente.

Have a great time in Berlin.

DAX

Just realized that there is actually an English version of the website:

http://tinyurl.com/5kskr7

DAX

It looks like the christmas market at Potsdamerplatz has been extended to start on Nov 24 till Dec 28 according to itw own dedicated website. www.winterwelt-berlin.de/weihnachtsmarkt.html

Berlin weather forecast for next week: 34 F High, 23 F Low & FOGGY.

gruezi

I see gss has decided but just had to put in a vote for visiting Berlin. It's a fascinating city and I think also quite beautiful with unique architecture. I also love the way it seems to have risen out of the ashes of its past so to speak.

I also love Paris, but Berlin should not be missed.

gruezi

travel_buzzing

thanks dax those are great tips, we will try and do as many as we can fit in.
arriving on friday evening, staying at the Checkpoint Charlie apartment.

http://www.waytostay.com/Berlin-apar...n-222-2611.htm

I think the casino dinner is a definite.

Cries_Van_Notebook

Berlin. And definitely stay in East Berlin to see all the exciting new buildings going up.

One of the greastest pleasures of my life was standing in the glass dome of the Reichstag Building and looking down on all of Berlin.

And don't forget to have some gluewine.

Your old friend,
T

laura45

This will be my first Christmas living in Berlin. The biggest/most famous market opened yesterday. It will be open until Dec 31 according to its website
http://www.gendarmenmarktberlin.de/m...?lang=eng&

All of the Christmas lights are on throughout the city and it looks amazing. There are also Christmas markets at Potsdammer Platz (been open for at least 2 weeks) and the middle of Ku'damm, the main shopping street. And I am sure many more.

I have never been to Paris during Christmas so I can't add anything on that side. But Berlin is definitely MUCH cheaper as everyone else has mentioned.

Happy Holidays and enjoy your trip no matter what you choose!