Berlin is the largest city and capital of Germany. It is well known for the historical landmarks, excellent nightlife and street art. Visitors have plenty of things to do in this interesting, cosmopolite city.
Take a walking tour
There are free walking tours of Berlin, which leave from the Brandenburg Gate. The tours last about 3 ½ h and the guides speak English.
Not free, but definitely worth your time and money, is the Berlin underground tour which starts at the underground train station Gesundbrunnen. Around it there are civilian shelters and bunker complexes used during the bombing campaigns in Berlin, which were left untouched from the building of the Berlin Wall.
Explore the glass dome of the Reichstag
Germany’s parliament building – the Reichstag – was restored and got a brand new glass dome which can be climbed, of course. Sure, you’ll have to endure long queues but the entire experience is free. And the lovely views guaranteed.
See the Berlin Wall
There’s a long stretch of the Berlin Wall still standing and you can find it on Mühlenstraße. It’s known as the Eastside Gallery because today it’s covered in multicolored art.
Visit the Holocaust Memorial
Close to the Reichstag, there’s the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe, which opened in 2005. After you walk through the 2,700 slabs of concrete, make sure to visit the underground information center, too.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin. Today , it’s a tourist attraction , located in the Allied Museum. Visitors can take photos (for free) with actors dressed as allied military police.
Visit the Pergammon Museum
Pergammon Museum is one of the best history museums in the world. Some of the most important items on display are: the Ishtar Gate (Babylon) , the Pergamon Altar, the Mshatta façade and the Market Gate of Miletus.
Have a picnic in Tiergarten
Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin. In the summer it buzzes with life. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day out in the nature. This park used to be a hunting ground in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Take a photo of Brandenburg Gate
It’s one of the symbols of Berlin and the site of many important events. Should you be in the city for New Year’s Eve, make sure to take some photos of the fireworks , too.
See the city from above: Berlin TV Tower
Located in Alexanderplatz , the TV Tower has a super fast elevator which zaps you to the top in no time. There’s a revolving restaurant with interesting views of the city.
Visit Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island)
Pfaueninsel , an island on the River Havel , is home to a historic castle called Palmenhaus. Aside from seeing peacocks on the island, you can catch a glimpse of other interesting birds. And don’t forget your bike because there are plenty of bike lines available.
Soak up the sun on the shores of Wannsee
Wannsee is a man-made lake which is the hub of activities during summer. It offers beaches , restaurants, beer gardens and there are also tour boats available.
Take a day trip to Potsdam
A short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is home to many historic monuments and buildings, including Sanssouci, a complex of parks and palaces built in the 18th century, the Old Market Square, and the Dutch Quarter.
Swim at Badeschiff
Badeschiff is a public swimming pool and was built inside the hollowed-out hull of an old barge. There is also an outdoor dance floor where you can party until mid-night.
Visit Berlin Zoo
It is the largest zoo in Europe and was made (more) famous by the birth of Knut. Unfortunately Knut died in 2011, but the zoo is still popular and home to a variety of animals.
Try the Berlin bagel
Whether you are nursing a hangover or are just too tired from all the visiting you’ve done while here, the Berlin bagel is an excellent way to start your morning. There are a variety of bagels to start from – sweet and salty – and you can also try some bagel sandwiches.
Photo credit:Checkpoint Charlie , Pergammon Museum , Brandenburg Gate , Walking tour , Reichstag , Berlin Wall , Holocaust Memorial , Tiergarten , Pfaueninsel , Wannsee , Potsdam , Badeschiff , Berlin Zoo , Berlin bagel
When one hears the word “Carnival” (or “Carnaval”), the city of Rio and the country of Brazil also spring in mind. But, those parades actually have their origins in Portugal , the country that settled Brazil. 
If you simply ask for “Swiss cheese” in Switzerland, you may get a few funny looks. While the country does produce some of the mild, holey cheese you find under that name in the US, it’s generally used for sandwiches and considered a cheaper option.
Porto is best known as the center of Portugal’s port wine production, and that’s probably what most visitors come for. Yet this charming city on the Douro river, with its colorful houses stacked seemingly on top of one another as the climb the city’s steep hills, is worth a visit even if you aren’t a wine-lover. For a quick taste, plan on 2-3 days, plus another if you plan to take a day trip to the nearby Douro Valley.
As in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal, cuisine in Porto relies heavily on fresh fish. Try bacalhau (cod) grilled, broiled, poached, or in a soup, or opt for other popular fish like grilled sardines, horse mackerel, cuttlefish, grouper, turbot, or mullet. Portuguese food also uses a lot of pork and sausage. Try the suckling pig or sausages like “chouriço” or “linguiça.” Alheira, a smoked sausage made of pork, poultry meat, wheat bread and olive oil, seasoned with salt, garlic and paprika, can also be found on menus all over Porto. For a splurge meal and a modern take on traditional local food, make reservations for the dining room at the beautiful Yeatman Hotel. And if you tire of Portuguese food, check out Sitar (one of a handful of restaurants offering international food) for excellent Indian food.
