Western europe was the first trip I took abroad. I was so new to travel I didn’t think of it as Western Europe because I was completely unfamiliar with the East. It was just Europe! I’ve put together a sample Western Europe Itinerary that could be done over the course of 1-2 months, or of course longer if you want to travel slower.

This is the route I took my first time abroad. It’s not perfect; I missed some cool places but I did hit the popular “highlights”. I’ve written about each place already but thought it would be helpful to see it all in one post.

In order to travel this route, it was all by train, metro, and local bus once. I actually never had to take a cab. Okay, there was also some hitchhiking. I bought a Eurail pass & did have to make reservations in the popular cities. I visited during summer. Each city has a link to a blog post written about it with tips.

Before you start planning your Western Europe itinerary, make sure you…

1. Find a cheap flight on using my tips.
2. Get travel insurance with World Nomads. Here’s a comparison of plans and price calculator.
3. You can usually stay just 90 days as a tourist.

Backpacking Western Europe Sample Itinerary

Sample Western Europe Itinerary

1. London, UK. A staple in any itinerary to Europe, London has so much to see that you’ll NEED at least 3 days but could of course spend more time here. Your feet will hurt after all the sightseeing but from Big Ben to the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, it’s pretty dreamy. I see people walking to and from work past such amazing architecture and think maybe I could do a 9-5 if it was in London. Here are some Luxury tips for London and here’s a guide for a revisit to London.

2. Paris, France. Of course you should spend a couple of days in Paris. Beware it’s a little hard on the budget. Before the movie “Taken” came out, we were in a train station in Paris trying to think of where to spend the night when a cute young Parisian guy noticed we were lost and offered us his home. It was awesome and we saw Paris with him over the next few days. Sometimes travel is about taking risks, and this one paid off!

3. Zurich, Switzerland. Certainly not my favorite place on this list, but a hub nonetheless. We were forced to go here when trying to leave Paris for Rome and realizing the train was full for two days. This is a problem sometimes in the popular summer months. We showed up the day of the Summer Parade and it was WILD! Again, we couchsurfed but stayed only 1 night because it wasn’t part of our itinerary.

4. Finale Ligure, Italy. We wanted to go somewhere that was on the coast, but not as expensive. I saw online this castle you can stay in Italy for 20 bucks so I emailed them right away to make a booking. It was a cute town and a great introduction to Italy. We stayed 3 days.

5. Rome, Italy. WOW! This is a city that takes some time to see (Colosseum, Vatican city) . We made a mistake of not staying long enough. It is a bit overwhelming so I suggest taking a free walking tour through your hostel. Another suggestion is stay somewhere a bit pricier if it means you’re closer to the center of town. You’ll save on transport- not only money but more importantly TIME.

6. Florence, Italy. Florence was just stunning. I’ve never forget walking the market with gelato and watching the sunsets. You’ll need to save extra with the intention of buying leather in Florence and other goodies like pashmina scarves (which are clearly fake since they are 5 usd). I stayed 3 days here.

7. Venice, Italy.  I know I should go back to Venice because I was a little worn out and didn’t really enjoy my time there. I feel like all I saw were tourists and it was packed to the brim. People go for a reason tough: the little lanes of water and boats instead of cars. Expect high tourist priced food here that won’t be as good as other places. Stay 1 or 2 days. Here are some Venice travel tips.

8. Vienna, Austria. This was also during my “burnt out” phase and also we showed up on a Saturday night, Sunday everything was closed, and Monday we left. I’ve been back since, actually this month, and got to see a lot more. A post on that is coming soon!

9. Salzburg, Austria. The COOLEST place in Europe, maybe!? I loved Salzburg. Talk about a fairytale land. It’s incredible. We went to a beer garden first, got drunk, realized we had nowhere to stay, and crashed with new friends we made at the cutest little Austrian farm-house. Unreal little town! Stay a couple of days at least. The museums and fortress are really cool. A little peak into the magic of Salzburg’s fortress.

10. Interlaken, Switzerland. If you’re traveling solo, this is a town you’re sure to meet some people. There are two popular hostels and lots of youngsters hanging out for extended amounts of time. Hang-glide, paraglide, sky dive, ice climb, rock climb, kayak, or canyon; this is the epitome of adventure in Europe. Situated between two glacier lakes, with the Swiss Alps in the background, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen. Stay 4 days or more so you can do more activities and budget for them. Read more; Guide to Interlaken and Canyoning Interlaken.

11. Berlin, Germany. Berlin is the “cool” city of Europe. It’s trendy, fashionable, has great clubs and bars, and has some very open-minded people. Overall, I never hear travelers say a bad thing about Berlin. I think it was a bit cliquey and many cool places are hush-hush, so Couchsurfing and meeting locals is imperative here. I also LOVED the free walking tour of Berlin and learned a lot.

12. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam is full of history, but it’s also full of “coffee shops” and you’ll need to make a bit of an itinerary so that you can be sure to see what’s there. I was 19 and did not see all that I should have. Walking the streets and seeing the lifestyle and everyone riding around on bicycles is adorable so even if you did nothing, you’d see a cool scene.

13. Delft, Den Haag, Maastricht. I’m putting all this together because they’re all very small towns in Holland. I changed my flight and stayed solo when my travel buddy went home and Couchsurfed to these towns. They were very cute and fun. I recommend seeing one country a little more in-depth and I chose Holland (because it seemed safe). Couchsurfing Holland was ideal because I had a host and I really got to see the towns the way locals do. Delft was my favorite.

A few extras…

You’ll have noticed I missed biggies like Ireland and Spain. They usually require flights which I couldn’t afford, so I waited and hit these up on my next trip to Europe, before I traveled onward to Eastern Europe. I don’t want to write about Ireland and Spain in my “Eastern Europe” post as it’ll confuse people, so will mention them here, now.

• If you have the budget, add Dublin to the top of this list, and head to Spain after France, before Italy.

Dublin, Ireland. One of the many places that I wish I’d had more time in- but not in Dublin. Two days were enough in Dublin, but I wanted a week to see the countryside (a week which I didn’t have). I did take a train out and see a bit, but it’s truly gorgeous so don’t spend too much time in Dublin downing Guinness. 7 Travel Tips for Dublin.

Madrid, Spain. Madrid was culturally impressive but for me, a little boring. Many people argue about which is better: Madrid or Barcelona? But I think they are so different you can’t really compare. Madrid seemed more old-fashioned to me. Tips on backpacking Madrid.

my couchsurfing hosts in Madrid who showed us everything!

Barcelona, Spain. The party place! I had a BLAST in Barcelona, even though I got pickpocketed and had to call my couchsurfing host from jail. Eating delicious food, downing sangria, checking out amazing art like Park Guell, and enjoying the incredible nightlife. Nowhere has such life in it like Barcelona.

Valencia, Spain. Valencia was much more chilled out, kind of like a typical beach town- but old school. I really enjoyed my time here although didn’t stay in “Old Town” as we should have. The beach was stunning and we had a blast at the bars. I did find the buses hard to navigate mainly because of language barriers. Tips for Visiting Valencia.

Read next | sample itinerary for Eastern Europe

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Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Frankfurt

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Frankfurt.

Well, I’ve been living in Frankfurt as an expat now for two years. My (now, but not then) husband and I relocated here after exploring some other countries in Europe and fell in love with the German lifestyle so much we decided to stay a little more permanently.

Frankfurt is such a huge part of our lives now as it’s where Dan (my husband) popped the question, where we got married and the first place we rented an apartment together. We also had our first trip to Ikea together here, which of course isn’t luxurious, but I’m sure you can all relate is a pretty big relationship milestone!

What makes Frankfurt a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Frankfurt is a city of money, skyscrapers and class, all wrapped up in a German style ribbon for you to admire. As it is the banking capital of Europe, it is a city full of suits, fast walking and business lunches, but that only adds to the hustle and bustle city feel of what’s going on here.

From 5 star restaurants to simple coffee shops, most places have impressive and (in some instances) skyline views of the city because like a lot of popular German cities, Frankfurt is dressed to impress no matter what.

 What 5 star hotel is the best in your town?

I always recommend the Roomers hotel to anyone looking for a luxurious stay in Frankfurt. It’s the hotel Dan and I stayed at on our wedding night and as we married very early in the morning at a registry office, we spent most of our day basking in the glory that is the Roomers hotel!

If you stay there, make sure to visit their spa on the top floor. It’s where we spent most of our time and in the week it’s so quiet that you’ll easily have the whole place to yourself!

What about boutique hotels, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Aside from the Roomers (which I am clearly obsessed with!), I have heard good things about Hotel Concorde and The Westin Grand Hotel. Particularly the latter, which is a not-so-expensive but not-so-cheap hotel in the city centre with a bathtub big enough for two and a bed fit for a king!

Alternatively, there are a lot of cheap hotel options in Frankfurt still within a short distance to the city centre, due to the fact that this city isn’t very big. Providing you are an uBahn journey away from the city centre, you can assume most places to be within a suitable distance.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

The boat tours along the River Main are not to be missed! I’ve taken several since we lived here and they are best enjoyed from April – October, when you are likely to have the sun shining and enjoying a nice glass of champagne as you watch the city go by.

I’ve shared a post on 5 Things To Do On Your Trip To Frankfurt where I share the best (naked!) spas to visit, restaurants and more insider tips.

Something I am yet to do (but will be doing this year) is the Fairytale Route which isn’t exclusive to Frankfurt but starts closeby. If you’re looking for an adventure around castles that inspired fairytale stories, then it’s right up your alley!

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

I would have to say that one of the many parks that surround the city. Not only is the inner city surrounded by parks (take a look at it on a map to see what I mean!) but many small boroughs within it have their own parks too. My favourite is Gruneberg Park which is a ten minute walk out of the city centre.

If you’re looking to grab a warm drink and enjoy some crazy cool decor, then I recommend Ohne Name (no name) in the city for the best hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted!

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Frankfurt and what are their best dishes?

Dan and I love to frequent Im Herzen Afrikas, an Ethiopian style restaurant with great prices for a fantastic service. The restaurant has low lighting, (optional) low seating so that you are almost on the floor, which is covered in thick sand, and a relaxed atmosphere.

I recommend ordering the sharing platter (which you can order for as many people as you like) for some of the most delicious spice mixes you’ll ever encounter! Make sure to order an African beer with your meal and ask for a table ‘in the sand’ at the front of the restaurant. It’s an unforgettable experience!

The closest uBahn station to Im Herzen Afrikas is ‘Willy-Brandt-Platz’, which is just a five minute walk away.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Sugar Mama (near the river) has the most amazing cookies I’ve ever tasted! Alternatively, head to the MyZeil mall in the centre of the city and grab an ice cream from Dulce.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? Are there designers we should make sure to meet?

I am always on the hunt for local designers here, unfortunately one of my favourite places in the city that showcased a lot of local work just closed down. The best way to spot local designers and see what’s on trend is to check out the Fashion and Design festival “Stilbluten” which is normally around November/December.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Frankfurt?

Spas are covered in the post I mentioned above (and a few others on my blog), but for a salon I highly recommend Headlines Haircutting in the Westend area. All of the staff speak English, are super friendly and have years of experience, not to mention years of fantastic reviews! Since living here, I’ve only let these guys touch my hair after a very bad experience when living in Paris!

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Head to Frankfurt’s love lock bridge (Eiserner Steg) and watch the sunset behind the skyline. It’s breathtaking!

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

When we aren’t pre-gaming at home, we tend to head to The Parlour which is an exclusive bar in the city that is known as a secret bar. It has no markings outside and a buzzer will put you through to the doorman who decides if you look presentable enough to enter. From there, you are paying over 10 euro for some of the strongest and tastiest drinks you’ll have ever encountered.

The Parlour is also a great place to spend the whole evening, but it can get pretty costly, particularly if you are buying drinks in rounds, so I recommend pre-gaming there before heading somewhere else in the city.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

If you’re looking to dance all night in the city centre, I recommend Club Gibson. It has different themed nights throughout the week and it’s big enough to not feel overly cramped, even on super busy evenings.

If you’re looking for more of a tequila dive bar with sticky seats but a real ‘night life’ vibe, then you have to head towards the Sachsenhausen area, Alt-Sachsenhausen in particular. It’s a fairly pretty area in the day, but at night it turns into an almost street party with all of the partiers spilling out of the bars and into the street. If you find yourself here, head to Anglo Irish Pub for good music, cheap beer and a lively atmosphere.

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Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Hamburg Germany

one of the many canals of Hamburg

Tell us a little about Hamburg and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel there.

Hamburg is one of the three cities in Germany with over one million inhabitants. It has the biggest seaport in Germany and is such a charming and chic metropolis. It is this certain atmosphere Hamburg exudes that makes you want to wear your best clothes, wander the streets, sit down for coffee and cake and simply feel a bit…special.

There are many posh areas, boutiques as well as restaurants and cafés. If you feel like spending money, look no further. I have been to Hamburg numerous times – for weekend getaways or simply a few relaxed Saturdays – due to the fact that it only takes about an hour by car from where I live to get there. Whether it is with my family, a friend or boyfriend, the Marriott in Hamburg’s heart is a 5 star hotel close to all the amenities as well as shopping area and restaurants. You won’t be disappointed, for the Marriott makes your heart flutter.

What makes Hamburg a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

First of all, Hamburg itself is glamorous. There are so many fancy hotels and bars as well as entertainment possibilities that there is something for everyone. You probably wouldn’t know where to start. Also, Hamburg is different, for it is located right at the river Elbe, which means that there are quite a few hotels, restaurants etc. offering a stunning view on the river or port, which adds to a great atmosphere. Moreover, don’t miss a boat trip. They give you a different perspective on this beautiful city.

It’s not without good reason that Hamburg is oftentimes referred to as the “Pear of the German North”.

What boutique hotel would you recommend to your friends that are stopping through?

As mentioned before: stay at the Hamburg Marriott. It’s a place which leaves nothing to be desired. The rooms are very modern, yet cozy with a king size bed, wifi and 24-hour room service. A gym as well as a swimming pool and spa offers help you relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while. Right outside of the hotel is the so-called Gänsemarkt, with many independent and thus unique boutiques. Shopping, anyone? Come back to the hotel to finish off the day in the Piano Bar or eat at the restaurant.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

You will never get bored in Hamburg. Some of the things you should consider doing are the following, for example:

1. “Call a Bike” and gain an overview of the city.

This is an excellent way to be active while getting familiar with the city – ideally on a sunny day. The “call a bike” concept is simple: you have to register on the internet in advance and then you are good to go, wherever you want to, as long as you wish. The bicycles are sponsored by the German national rail company and can be found in about fifty German cities. Once you have registered, you are allowed to use them all. You will be asked for your mobile phone number in order to be sent the code, which you have to type into a little display on the bike of your choice. There are 120 drop-off stations in Hamburg, which means the nearest one is not far once you decide to end your cycling tour. After having dropped-off the bike, the amount will be deducted from your credit card. It is free for 30 minutes; afterwards it costs 4 cents per minute and 6 cents per minute after one hour. If you choose to borrow it for 24 hours, you will have to pay 12 Euros.

2. See Hamburg from a boat.

If you are keen on going on a boat trip to see Hamburg from a different angle, you don’t have to go far as they start right from there. The Alster trip is an old classic and you should give it a try. Boats leave every 30 minutes and the tour last approximately an hour. With 14,50 Euros per person, this can still be considered affordable. Once you’ve made it to the Außenalster, rent a pedal boat and drift. If you feel like exercising, grab your jogging shoes and enjoy a scenic, “green” run.

even a rainy day in Hamburg is great!

3. Check out the Kiez.

The famous Reeperbahn and St. Pauli make up the so-called Kiez. The Reeperbahn – within walking distance from the port – is not only St. Pauli’s but also Hamburg’s main entertainment quarter. Apart from that, it’s known for its iconic red-light district. Many tourists come there just to get a feel for the “edgy” atmosphere. This part of the city is especially vibrant after dark, when the bars and clubs come to life. Also, the most famous police station in Germany, the so-called Davidwache, can be found here and makes the area safe. You should definitely see the “Große Freiheit” (Great Freedom), which is one of the side streets where you can find most of the music-clubs.

4. Be sure to visit the fish market.

Get up early and dive into the hustle and bustle of the “Fischmarkt.” Hamburg and fish? That’s a must. Fresh fish is even better and so you should roll out of bed early on a Sunday morning to experience the fish market. If you don’t feel like getting up early, have an all-nigh-party and then pay a visit to the Fischmarkt afterwards. You might be surprised at first but it is indeed common that people dance to live music in the early morning hours. It’s only open from 5am – 9.30am (April until October) in the morning but worth the experience.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

• When in Blankenese, you hardly feel as if you are in a big city. This rather suburban area is located right at the river Elbe and makes this part of Hamburg very idyllic. Blankenese is a former fishing village and the little houses have their own charm. It has become one of the rather posh parts of Hamburg. A few of the houses are located on a hill and only accessible via a staircase with 5,000 steps. The surrounding is beautiful and a long walk along the river adds to a relaxed afternoon.

• The Speicherstadt – or warehouse district – is what characterizes Hamburg and reminds of the active ship trade in former times. It is now under a preservation order. If you are interested in the brief history, then a boat trip through the canal is the right choice as is the Speicherstadt Museum. Also, The HafenCity (or HarbourCity) is a district surrounded by courses of a river and the most significant urban development project in Hamburg. Rather expensive residential property is emerging which is well-worth a look. I can assure you: some apartments will make you want to move to this city. Afterwards, go for a stroll along the port and do ship-watching while grabbing some fries on the go.

• The Binnen- and Außenalster are one of the most iconic places in Hamburg. The Alster is a tributary of the river Elbe and in the area around the Binnenalster, you will find many cafés, chic hotels, such as the Four Seasons or the Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg, and many extraordinary – or even more ordinary – shopping opportunities. Make sure you grab a drink or a bite to eat at the “Alex” as you will have a great view over the Binnenalster. If you are keen on going on a boat trip to see Hamburg from a different angle, you don’t have to go far as they start right from there. The Alster trip is an old classic and you should give it a try. Boats leave every 30 minutes and the tour last approximately an hour. With 14,50 Euros per person, this can still be considered affordable. Once you’ve made it to the Außenalster, rent a pedal boat and drift. If you feel like exercising, grab your jogging shoes and enjoy a scenic, “green” run.

view from town hall

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Hamburg and what are their best dishes?

Have sushi at the White Lounge. I was introduced to this design restaurant a couple of years ago, in the course of a so called “lying dinner.” For all the sushi lovers out there, the White Lounge in Winderhude is a hotspot you have to give try. All covered in white, freshly made sushi and dimmed light – the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner. If you even want your very personal space, you can book your private, cosy section of the restaurant with a view on the canal. It’s like a sofa lounge where you can make yourself as comfy as you would in your own living-room while enjoying fresh Asian food. It definitely is a somewhat different dinner experience if you choose this option. I would also recommend booking in advance.

Also, try the Tschebull located at the Mönckebergstraße, which is very stylish and impresses with an alpine decoration. Hearty Austrian food is what they cook.

Well-known and very romantic is the La Luna, an Italian restaurant with candle light. Go for one of their pasta dishes – everyone likes them!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

It is not a surprise that, due to the fact that Hamburg is such a charming, diverse city that has much to offer, many wealthy people live there in their big mansions. You can find them in the Elbchaussee, for instance, one of Hamburg’s most well-known residential streets.

If you feel like spending some money, you can shop your way around the Binnenalster (Inner Alster Lake, an artificial lake) where many great stores and unique little boutiques are. Also, this is where you will find the Europa Passage, a shopping mall. If you haven’t gone crazy enough – shopping wise – go to the Mönckebergstraße, actually the main shopping district. It’s a shopaholic’s paradise. If you feel the need to re-energize in between times, there are bars, restaurants and cafés around.This is where you’ll find the boutiques!

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

A walk by the port never gets old and is always something special in Hamburg. Beyond that, the Strandperle (Beach Pearl) at the beach right by the river Elbe in Altona is worth the visit. Beach flair, a cold drink, deck chairs and the sundown – what more could you ask for?

In addition, the Cliff in Harvestehude is a posh little place for colorful cocktails and a great atmosphere – including one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

Now the the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Enjoy cocktails with a view at the 20Up Bar. This is one of the more extraordinary bars and my all-time favourite. High above Hamburg and located at the 20^th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel, you can indulge in delicious cocktails. The music and lighting are perfect and it’s a great opportunity to dress up (you are even advised to stick to the dress code), go for a pre-party or post-dinner drink and just soak in the great atmosphere and – last but not least – be amazed by the stunning view over Hamburg’s port. I highly recommend booking a table at the window maybe even weeks before your trip because this bar is always crowded and you want to avoid disappointment. You can, of course, try your luck but there’s only a remote chance that you will get a table.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

The Reeperbahn in general is a good starting point. Don’t miss the Große Freiheit 36, the venue where the Beatles and Lenny Kravitz as well as Chris Isaak have performed already, inter alia. The Große Freiheit is Hamburg’s most iconic party area.

What else is there you can do apart from dancing the night away?

Go see a musical, theatre performance or cabaret.This is what I get very excited about when I am in Hamburg. Dirty Dancing, Phantom of the Opera, Tarzan, The Lion King – I am a total freak when it comes to musicals. The latter, I have even seen four times. The city offers a wide range of musicals, theatre performances or traditional cabaret. The best way to make sure you get the evening entertainment you want is to book online. As for cabaret and theatre, the Schmidt’s Tivoli located right on the Reeperbahn is one of the iconic theatres. The Imperial Theatre is also worth a visit. If you feel like being more spontaneous, you can get discount tickets at the evening box-office. However, due to oftentimes high demand performances sell out quickly.

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It might be a bit nerdy, but I love taking walking tours through European cities, like Madrid. I absolutely adore hearing how each one of them single-handedly ended WW2, or how they fought the most important battle of the war. I leave each city a believer in how strong the citizens are. Berlin was no different, except I had a walking tour that brought tears to my eyes. This is one example of why you should take a walking tour in Berlin. Hope you are ready for a history lesson!

Because I am from the U.S. and WW2 wasn’t fought in my hometown or state for that matter, it seems far away, and like it was a long time ago. Being in Berlin, it was a big reminder it wasn’t that long ago at all. Our guide was magnificent, although not German (most guides are Australian or English travelers trying to make a few bucks), she told various stories about how the wall came down and about lovers separated and reunited again. She told us clever ways Germans used to get past the wall. Some of the love stories were so tragic I cried (but keep in mind a good commercial can make me cry, it doesn’t take much).

Holocaust memorial

She took us to a parking lot and said, “This is where Hitler died”. Berlin thought he deserved a parking lot over his burial site, instead of a tombstone. There were no signs or any indication that this was where his life ended.

where hitler died, a parking lot

One part that really caught my attention was the square, Babelplatz where they burned 20,000 books by greats like Marx and Freud. Having been a huge fan of the book,  The Book Thief, it was very sad to see. Next to the space that commemorates the books burnt is a quote from well before the Holocaust occurred.

“That was only a prelude, there
where they burn books,
they burn in the end people.” -Heinrich Heine (1820)

the space commemorates the 20,000 books burnt, to the right is the original quote

Mother with her dead son’ a sculpture that is a memorial to the victims of fascism and militarism

On a softer note, she also showed us where Michael Jackson dangled his baby out the window. Yikes.

We wandered through the huge blocks at the Holocaust Memorial, which I was bothered to see kids sitting on and smoking weed.  She took us through areas in which old buildings have bullet holes from the war. We saw old checkpoints for the wall, and propaganda from Hitler that was used against the German people.

Nazi propaganda- what they wanted the German’s to think life was like, painted on a wall

on the ground, in front of the propaganda wall, a photo of what life was REALLY like

I consider myself a history fan, although my lack of long-term memory means that if you ask me a question I’ll likely not be able to remember what I was taught. These walking tours make it nearly impossible to forget because you’re seeing it with your own eyes and the stories get stuck in your head. I recommend being a nerd in each European city and letting someone guide you through a tour. They may be free, but remember to tip whatever you think that tour was worth! If you’re not as into history you could consider a street art in Berlin tour or even a food tour.

look at all those bullet holes!

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