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Berlin is once more one of the world’s great capitals. Coming in out of the Cold War, Berlin, post-reunification, is a vibrant, cultural metropolis that combines the grandeur of a capital city with one of Europe’s most dynamic counter-culture scenes.

Today’s Big Deal offers the opportunity to experience everything this evocative city can offer, or at least as much as you can pack into a three night break in this exciting destination.

Captivating capital

The Big Deal, exclusive to 5pm customers, flies you to Berlin, a stylish and historic city that offers atmospheric neighbourhoods, hip bohemian shops and bars and more than a few vestiges of the Teutonic air of romance that brought the best out of artists and writers from Bowie to Le Carre, Isherwood to Depeche Mode.

A three-night room only stay in a comfortable modern central hotel provides a superb city break, with the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of one of Europe’s great cities.

The Big Deal offers return flights with Ryanair from Glasgow International, with luggage allowance, and three nights room only accommodation, based on two sharing, in the 3.5 star Hotel Altberlin.

Flight dates

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

8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 31st January

2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th February

2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 29th March

15th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th April

5th, 7th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 24th May

Central accommodation

The 3.5 star Hotel Altberlin enjoys a central location on Postdamer Platz, within walking distance of major attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, National Gallery and Wintergarten Variete as well as a great variety of shops and restaurants.

Praised for its atmosphere and character, the hotel retains some early 20th-century period touches. Rooms are furnished in a comfortable style, with en suite bathroom, heating and air conditioning, mini bar and satellite TV.

The restaurant offers traditional regional German cuisine, making it a popular choice with local diners and visitors.

Nearby transport links include Potsdamer Platz and Mendelsohn Bartholdy Park underground stations, while bus routes M48 and M85 stop directly outside the hotel.

Berlin highlights

Berlin has 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

The Hotel Altberlin has impressed plenty of guests on TripAdvisor. Recent reviews include the following:

‘Friendly staff who are always willing to help, great transport links to the centre and attractions, larger than average rooms, lovely high ceilings and lots of quirky ‘olde worlde’ features. I would definitely stay here again without any hesitation!’

‘Bedroom was spacious, high ceilings, coffee machine and huge bathroom. Good variety at breakfast. If you want a small hotel with charm and a change from large modern places, then this is the place to be.’

‘The staff were the best I have known. They were friendly and helpful. They were knowledgeable about the area and helped us get around when we needed directions.’

Romantic 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.