Berlin in Frankfurt

Well, November came and went and it’s already almost Christmas. Each week and month seem to go faster than before. I wanted to share some highlights from some recent trips before I forget things and get wrapped up in the busyness of the holidays. 

Berlin- The Highlights

Stayed:

We stayed at this beautiful and airy rooftop Air B&B in a neighborhood called Kreuzberg. Very convenient to the main areas in Berlin with a natural grocery store just across the street. We were pretty tired that weekend and since Berlin is pretty spread out, we ended up ubering a lot for longer distances instead of taking trains.

Ate:

• Berlinburger International – hip, tiny, smoky, and delicious! They also had vintage Mariokart which was fun.
  
• Chipps – relaxed brunch place with some healthier options – we both got the farmer’s scramble with lots of veggies.

Saw:

• Pergamon Museum – this was the only museum we went to on Berlin’s Museum Island due to our short attention spans but this was really an incredible place and worth the visit despite the fact that their prized exhibit (the Pergamon-Altar) is closed for a lengthy renovation. Their collection is extensive and the Ishtar Gate blew my mind. 

  

• Tiergarten – we walked all around this massive park and really enjoyed the respite from the city. There are many different statues and monuments as well as streams and small ponds – really beautiful.
  

I created a more expansive Google list of interesting places in Berlin – some we went to, some will be for another trip!

Belgium- The Highlights

Stayed:

• Bruges –  Amazing location, cozy and historic little house.

• Ghent – Great location, funky and hip decor and kind/helpful host.

• Brussels – Great location, clean, apartment needed a little maintenance but otherwise was good for one night.

Ate:

• Jigger’s – great cocktails and friendly staff right near our place in Ghent
• ABA-JOUR – classic and cozy Belgian brasserie right next door to Jigger’s – we made friends with two girls at the bar who were going here for dinner so we decided to give it a try
• The Old Chocolate House – in Bruges, owned by our Ghent Air B&B host’s family. We had steaming bowls of hot chocolate for dinner because we are adults and we can do that. Delectable doesn’t even begin to describe it.
• Brugse Gin Club – stumbled on this walking home one night and decided to go back and check it out and man, I am glad we did! I learned more about gin that night than ever and really enjoyed talking to the owner who is also a buyer for various restaurants and companies.
• The Sister Brussels Cafe  – gluten free heaven! I’ll be honest, Belgium was not an easy country to eat gluten free in but this place had so many options. I got a beer sampler, sandwich, and waffle for dessert – all GF! I was so happy…and full.

Saw:  

• Ghent Walking Tour – highly recommend this company – we learned so many interesting things and ended up an adorable shop run by the tour guide’s boyfriend.
• Design Museum Ghent – fascinating museum and worth paying the entrance fee.

More places to see and things to eat here on my Google list, including many of the famous historic sites in each city.

Coming soon: Germany and Switzerland travel recaps and home decor update!