Berlin mini-break

After a very short flight (just under 2 hours) from Heathrow we arrived at Berlin Tegel airport, and by using the public bus, which cost €2.40 each, we travelled to our hotel. The Park Inn in Alexanderplatz is in such a good location to explore the city. The bus stopped just beside our hotel, which was linked to a shopping area and was a vibrant place with lots of restaurants and cafes right outside. Once we had checked in we set about exploring Alexanderplatz and the surrounding area. The Television Tower dominates the skyline here and we had booked a table for dinner here in the revolving restaurant as it was my partner's birthday (he deserves a treat every now and again!). The food here is amazing and although it is a bit on the expensive side it was a special occasion and it was worth it! They even gave Michael a birthday card which I thought was sweet. Ask to book a window seat and you have the most spectacular view of Berlin by night as you slowly revolve. The next day we set about on the trusted hop on hop off bus. We stayed on for whole loop as we had the front seat and it was freezing cold! It took in all the famous sights - Brandenburg gate, The Reichstag, Berlin Zoo, Checkpoint Charlie and parts of the remaining Berlin wall. Once the hotel returned to Alexanderplatz we walked to the Reichstag. You have to pre-book at least 72 hours prior to go in here and provide your passport information, unfortunately all the tours were fully booked but we were free to look around the main building and dome. We also had lunch reservations in the restaurant - when else are you going to eat in Parliament? After lunch we headed to the Brandenburg Gate for some photos and then to Check-point Charlie - I must admit I was a bit disappointed with this as I thought it would be a grand monument not just a booth next to McDonalds! We were flying back the next day but we had the most of the day to finish our sightseeing. We had a 48 hour ticket for the bus and so we took the second route which took us to the Berlin wall - this is the more iconic section of the wall with the infamous picture of 'the kiss' . There is so much to see and do in Berlin - there are statues and monuments everywhere and the architecture is amazing - you really notice these when you are walking around. I have always wanted to visit Berlin and it didn't disappoint (well apart from Checkpoint Charlie) - this is the perfect city for a short break.