Berlin, Munich, Prague, or Amsterdam?

Uncle_moe

Going on a weekend break before Xmas but dont know which of the above cities to visit. Any ideas?

Or if you think there is somewhere better I'm open to suggestions.

Any advice on hotels also very welcome.

Thanks

dr.bollocko

Well I guess it depends on what you're looking for really. I mean Berlin has some good restaurants and museums, great beer etc. but then so do Prague and Amsterdam.
What are you looking to get out of the holiday? What kind of holidays do you generally prefer?

Fr Tod Umptious

Been to both Amsterdam and Prague in late Nov. early Dec and both are great cities just to stroll around for a few days.

Real Christmas feel to both of them.

addisonclark

Well its totally depend on your interest, I think Amsterdam is best among these three cities as I have been there in Amsterdam, It offers great freedom with fun.

rossie1977

berlin has the most to see
prague is easily the cheapest for things like food and beer
munich has the best natural scenery within 1-2hr train ride away

munich and prague are easy enough to combine by train/bus, we did both on one trip

Uncle_moe

great, thanks a million for the responses.

What I'm looking for really is just 2-3 days in a new city, do a small bit of sightseeing but mainly try out bars, restaurants, local nightlife, that kind of thing.

I suppose the appealing thing about Prague is the cost, everyone says its pretty reasonable.

krissovo

All are good, I dont think you would disappointed with any. As you are going near Christmas then Germany must be the location for its chrimbo spirit.

My recommendation is Munich as its a great spot with loads of cool bars and restaurants. Lots to do and see with great transport links. Christmas markets are dotted all over the city and each has it own character. Spend the evening eating local wurst and drinking gluewien in some good company and just get festive and happy. To feel really festive the alps are only a 1 hr train journey away into Garmisch and the mighty Zugspitze mountain.

Must add nightlife in Munich is decent, read up on Kunstpark....... My god its a mad place loaded with loads of bars and clubs to suit any age or taste.

Unshelved

+1 for Munich. Was there at the end of November last year. There are so many Christmas markets - not just the bit one in the main town square. Loads of fantastic bars and great places to eat. When we were there it was the first weekend of the Christmas markets and the place was packed and loads of fun. Stayed in this place - http://www.laimerhof.de/ - a short tram ride from the city centre but right beside the Nymphenberg Palace. Very friendly staff.

Shans28

Berlin for me. Great city, very laid back, very cheap (if you veer away from tourist areas) and lots to see and do. Really great and diverse nightlife. Very friendly people and fantastic transport system to get around. A good area to stay is around Prenzlauer Berg. There is a very good hotel in Rosenthaler Platz called the Circus Hotel. They also have a hostel across the road. Both very cool. Few nice restaurants around Rosenthaler Platz, very laid back (and cheap) bar called Schmittz up the road (bottles of beer €2, vodka & coke €3.50) with table tennis and fussball. Also just a short stroll into Hackescher Markt where there are plenty of bars. Ask the locals about a good club or after party and chances are they will bring you with them to wherever they are off to. Also, if you have time, head to "The Bird" restaurant. Its not the cheapest place but the staff are really good fun. Many a night I propped up the bar there long after closing time having a laugh with the staff.

Badgermonkey

Uncle_moe wrote: »

What I'm looking for really is just 2-3 days in a new city, do a small bit of sightseeing but mainly try out bars, restaurants, local nightlife, that kind of thing.

Have a peek at author Michael Smith's visit to A'dam.

Great city to walk with little or no plan or itinerary, wander its maze of streets and pop into a buzzing local bar or restaurant when the mood takes you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwEevUsgYCI

Uncle_moe

that is a rather impressive and convincing argument for Amsterdam.

If I can get reasonable flights and hotel I may well head there.

Thanks for the responses people.

bamboozle

Uncle_moe wrote: »

that is a rather impressive and convincing argument for Amsterdam.

If I can get reasonable flights and hotel I may well head there.

Thanks for the responses people.

Amsterdam is a great city, the red light district attracks all the undesirables to one area and leaves the rest of the city beautiful, great city for wandering along the canals, stopping off in the many tiny bars for a beer and slice of apple pie, the Rijksmuseum is one of the best galleries in the world, there's also the van gough museum, heiniken brewery.

Hotels in amsterdam are not cheap though.

johnwatt

Berlin, really enjoyed my trip there. Great transport system, lots to see and great christmas markets if you go anytime between the end of November to the end of December.

ElectraX

I would definitely recommend Prague.It's a beautiful city and so cheap in comparison to Amsterdam or Berlin.Plus its a fabulous time to go there because the Xmas markets are in full swing by the end of November and there is a great atmosphere.Some nights we just ate at the markets instead of going to resteraunts because the food was so good.
There isn't a huge amount of sightseeing, you'd easily cover most of it in two or three days which is good in a way if u just want to have a relaxing few days. Night life there is great too.

magentas

I've just been to Munich and Amsterdam so can't comment on other cities you mentioned. Both are great cities but Germany in the run up to Christmas can't be beaten! Lovely atmosphere and very easy to get around. You'll have beautiful scenery with snow capped mountains in Bavaria. Amsterdam is more expensive too I think

I'm dying to go to Prague, I've heard great reports about it.
Let us know where you decide to go. Good luck!

Naid23

Berlin Definately!!... I've been the last 2 years at Christmas and it was brilliant! Absolutely love the place.

The Christmas markets are good to browse around and that but you wouldnt need more then a day to cover most of them. Food and drink is reasonable and if you can go to a restaurant called 'The Bird' in Prenzlauerberg- Not exactly german food but the nicest Burger/steak Ive ever had!!