Under $100: Berlin

KaDeWe on Kurfürstendamm, Berlin, Germany © Jorg Hackemann | Dreamstime

Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is the country’s largest and draws many visitors for its cultural and historic highlights. Berlin’s famous department store, KaDeWe, is one of the largest in Europe. At almost 200,000 square feet, shoppers will find everything from designer fashions, beauty and spa products and gourmet items. Grab a coffee and pastry at KaDeWe’s Leysieffer Café for about $12.

If you’re in the mood for museum hopping, purchase the area pass for $20, which gains you access to the museums on Museum Island. The island on the Spree River is home to the Altes Museum, Bode Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum and Pergamon Museum.

Berlin Currywurst © Berlinfoto | Dreamstime

For authentic currywurst, take a trip to Curry 36. Order the popular fare or try some of the otheroptions like various sausages and schnitzel. Fries and potato and pasta salads are also available. For about $5–8 total, this lunch won’t break the bank.

Berlin has many beautiful parks. Take a stroll through Tiergarten in the city center. Situated on more than 500 acres, the park is a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, another one of Berlin’s popular attractions. Follow your walk with a filling meal at Martha’s. Focusing on a farm-to-table approach, the restaurant uses local German ingredients to put a spin on dishes like its duck “sashimi” appetizer. Dinner runs about $30.

Berghain Nightclub, Berlin, Germany © Mlaiacker | Flickr

Berlin’s nightlife is booming with many clubs, music venues and bars staying open into the early morning. Berghain/Panorama Bar is one of the best-known clubs in Berlin. Be warned: you might not get in to the exclusive club. Wearing black and traveling in small groups or alone will help. Cover charge and drinks for one evening will be about $25–30.