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Berlin is one of the world’s most exciting capitals.

Post-reunification Berlin is a vibrant, cultural metropolis that combines the grandeur of a capital city with one of Europe’s most dynamic counter-culture scenes.

It has atmospheric neighbourhoods, hip bohemian shops and bars and an artistic heritage that stretches from Bowie to Le Carre, Isherwood to Depeche Mode.

Today’s Big Deal offers the opportunity to experience everything this evocative city can offer during the festive period.

Or at least as much as you can pack into a three-night break in this exciting destination.

Captivating capital

The Big Deal offers return flights to Berlin with Ryanair from Glasgow International, with luggage allowance, and three nights room only accommodation, in the four star Hotel Amano Grand Central.

The offer is based on two sharing a double or twin room.

Flight dates

The city breaks are for three nights, flying out from Glasgow International airport. Available dates for departure are as follows:

17th-23rd, 25th-29th November

3rd-6th, 9th-21st, 23rd-24th December

Flight times may vary – outbound times vary on certain dates, and include 07:30, 07:50, 13:00 and 14:10. Inbound flights can be 12:20, 14:20 or 13:35.

Fantastic hotel location

Centrally located next to the Berlin Central Train Station, the four star Hotel Amano Grand Central is ideal for the leisure traveller.

The contemporary rooms all have free WiFi, soundproof windows, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, telephone, and a safe.

Guests can enjoy a sundowner and panoramic views in the Sky Bar on the sixth floor while the ground floor bistro serves innovative French-Mediterranean cuisine.

There is a well equipped fitness centre on the first floor.

Berlin’s Christmas markets

The festive season kicks off in the German capital around the beginning of November. The hub of the city’s festive celebrations is Winter World on Potsdamer Platz.

Toboggan rides and a 500 square metre ice rink attract the crowds, and there is no shortage of refreshments. Stalls sell traditional German and Austrian Christmas snacks, like roast sugared almonds, toffee apples and gluhwein.

The Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market opens in the last week of November with stalls showcasing crafts, leather and textile products, offering hundreds of potential stocking-fillers.

Every neighbourhood in Berlin seems to have its own market and funfair as Berliners embrace the festive spirit.

The Christmas markets are scheduled to open from 21st November to 31st December, including 24th to 26th December. They are open every day from 11am ‘til 10pm (24th and 31st December ‘til 6pm).

Berlin highlights

If Christmas markets aren’t your thing, Berlin has plenty of other attractions to suit all tastes. Sir Norman Foster’s ultramodern Reichstag design and the Brandenburg Gate are obvious architectural highlights, although the old Eastern quarters of the city also exert a fascinating appeal.

Bowie fans may want to make a pilgrimage to the Hansa studios on Potsdamer Platz in Kreuzberg, location for the singer’s iconic Berlin recordings.

Nearby, the grungy S036 club retains its authentic 80s atmosphere and still stages live music.

The city has countless art venues and small galleries, with a cosmopolitan feel. In particular, the hipster neighbourhood of Neukölln is a great area to explore, with its cool bars, shops and clubs.

Guest reviews

Hotel Amano Grand Central has impressed plenty of guests on TripAdvisor. Recent comments include the following excerpts from longer reviews:

‘Pleasant stay. Stayed here at the end of March… have nothing but positive things to say about Hotel Amano… was greeted at the reception by a very courteous gentleman who provided me with information about the area and also with a map of the city. He was very helpful throughout my entire stay… The hotel is ideally located less than two minute’s walk from Berlin Hauptbanhof which provides train, subway and buses to the city. Here you will also find places to shop, eat and much more. The hotel is ten minute’s walk from the Reichstag and fifteen minute’s walk from Brandenburg Gate. Will definitely be staying again…’

‘Modern and stylish… thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Amano Grand Central. The room we were given was quite small, but adequate. The Wi-Fi did drop in and out a little… breakfast was absolutely delicious and the rooftop has a stunning view of the city… The Bistro bar at the bottom of the hotel is delicious… The location of the hotel is great (right near the train station), and not too far away from major sites… We loved our stay at Amano.’

Romantic festive getaway

For fans of espionage thrillers, Bowie’s Berlin trilogy, cool neighbourhoods or spectacular modern architecture, a Berlin city break is the perfect escape.

With direct flights and conveniently located accommodation, today’s Big Deal puts you right in the heart of this energetic city, ready to enjoy a leisurely exploration of one of Europe’s most atmospheric destinations.

It’s ideal whether you want the chance to visit the Christmas markets – could be the perfect opportunity to get a different type of gift for that person who’s a bit hard to buy for…