Matador Network's Blog, page 683
March 22, 2021
Collage art on Italian museum
The French artist JR unveiled a stunning art installation on the facade of Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, allowing the public access to art as Italy re-establishes COVID restrictions. A few Italian cities including Venice, Florence, Milan, and Rome went back into lockdown on March 15 with the rules expecting to remain in place until April 6. This includes the closure of museums and cultural institutions.
JR has put to practice his signature photo collage method to create an installation on the exterior of Palazzo Strozzi for passersby to enjoy. The installation is called La Ferita which translates into English as “The Wound.” His work creates an optical illusion of a gash that runs down the facade allowing the public to see what is inside the museum.
The idea behind the installation is to convey the metaphorical wound that cultural establishments and museums are suffering during this time. “What all these lockdowns have shown us very clearly is that people are hungry for culture. They want to access exhibitions, museums, libraries, theaters, cinemas, to have culture back as a fundamental part of their lives,” the Museum Director Arturo Galansino told Artnet News, adding “We want this work to be seen as an invitation to rediscover a direct relationship with art and to explore new forms of sharing and participation — a call to action for art and culture in this difficult moment.”
With access to art restricted and the major loss of tourism which accounts for a large portion of Florence and other Italian cities’ income, local economies across the country are suffering. Galansino hopes for a brighter future full of cooperation between artists, institutions, and fundraising. 
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Act fast to book this luxury Vail mountain getaway for just $199
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the Travelzoo deals’ links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The weather is warming across the United States, and the time is now to book your spring getaway at the best possible rate. Travelzoo, the discount booking site, is loaded with amazing spring deals that put you in high-end lodging at super cheap rates — often adding perks like dining and amenity credits, too. Check out these three incredible deals from Travelzoo this week.
The Sebastian Vail: $199 per night for a two-queen-beds room, $249 for a king roomPhoto: The Sebastian – Vail/Facebook
When to travel: April 6 to June 11
Fully refundable: Yes
Spending spring in the mountains is always a good idea — especially when staying in luxurious Vail at a steep discount. Book your Travelzoo getaway at The Sebastian Vail, a top-notch 4.5-star resort in the heart of the Bavarian-inspired Vail Village right near the base of the ski resort, for the unbeatable rate of $199 per night. That’s a savings of more than 50 percent off normal rates, and the normal resort fee is waived.
Catch the tail end of ski season or enjoy the serenity of Vail’s quiet spring season by traveling between April 6 and June 11. On site, enjoy the Bloom Spa and dining at Leonora. Off-resort get out on beautiful hikes in the Vail Valley, test your mountain biking chops on hundreds of miles of nearby trails, and shop the latest fashion in Vail Village.
If you end up needing to change plans, just cancel prior to seven days before arrival for a full refund with no fees.
Why this deal is unique:
The waived resort fee (normally $40) covers ski-in ski-out valet, Wi-Fi, and a surprise Welcome AmenityFour hot tubs and a year-round, outdoor pool includedWalking distance to world-class dining, shopping, and outdoor adventuresEasy access via Denver airport, Interstate 70, or fly right into Eagle CountySouthern California five-star retreat with $90 in perks for only $349 per night
Photo: Hyatt
When to travel: Through June 2021
Fully refundable: Yes
Arnold Palmer designed the golf course at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, so you know this place is unforgettable. Not to mention that this resort in the hills outside of Carlsbad earned an AAA five-star rating for its top-tier dining, spa, fitness activities, and adults-only pools (family-friendly pools with a waterslide are available as well). To top it off, the beach is just 15 minutes away. This Travelzoo deal is your chance to experience southern California in all its glory for a rate that is not going to stick around long. Head just outside to access the area’s top hiking trails.
Rates are $349 per night Sunday through Thursday, and $399 Friday and Saturday. You’ll receive free valet parking and a $50 daily resort credit with your stay in a king or two-king-bed garden view room. Did we mention there’s a palm-lined pool overlooking the surrounding hills?
Escape to a boutique hotel in Old Montreal for just $139 per night
Photo: Hôtel Place d’Armes/Facebook
When to travel: Through March 31, 2022
Fully refundable: Yes
Surprise your partner or friends with a quick getaway to Montreal as soon as the border reopens. This Travelzoo deal puts you right where you want to be — at the boutique Place d’Armes Hôtel & Suites for just $139 per night most dates between now and March of 2022. Located by the Basilique Notre-Dame in old town, the Place d’Armes puts you within a short walk of some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife (including the hotel’s own rooftop terrace, among the trendiest bars in town).
This deal is sure to sell out fast — book your room now and stay within walking distance of downtown and Chinatown on your next trip to Montreal. If you need to cancel later, this deal is fully refundable. Note that an additional resort fee may be charged at the hotel upon check-in, if traveling May through October.
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International travelers will be barred from attending the Tokyo Olympics
The Tokyo Olympics will be happening this year, but unfortunately it won’t look quite like the Olympics Games we were looking forward to. Originally scheduled for July 23, 2020, and then postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games will now take place from July 23 to August 8, 2021, with the Paralympics following shortly from August 24 to September 5, 2021. Given the still-precarious public health situation around the world, however, overseas visitors will not be allowed to attend.
Around 600,000 Olympic tickets already purchased by hopeful international spectators will be refunded, as well as an additional 30,000 Paralympics tickets. Costs for hotel cancellations, however, will not be covered.
Toshiro Muto, chief executive of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, said in a news conference, “People who are involved in the Olympics in some way may be allowed to enter the country, whereas regular visitors will not be able to.”
While in many respects the Games will remain unchanged, the way spectators see them will be vastly different. Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said in a statement, “We are currently working on specific plans to share support remotely from around the world and help bring people together in ways suited to our current times. Even if you are no longer able to come to Japan this summer, we hope very much that you will continue to support the Tokyo 2020 Games.”
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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are open to vaccinated travelers
Ecuador is now one of several countries to welcome travelers vaccinated against COVID-19, with no quarantine or testing requirements. Previously, travelers needed to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or evidence of recent recovery from the virus. Now, while a test is also acceptable, proof of vaccination will be enough to gain entry to Ecuador, El Universo reported.
Ecuador’s reopening measures have been evolving since June, when its major airports reopened. In October, foreign visitors with a negative test were allowed to enter as long as the test was no older than 96 hours, and in January, that window was shortened to 72 hours for US travelers.
Particularly encouraging for travelers is that the Galapagos Islands is included in the new vaccination rules. A popular destination with tourists around the world, it’s known for its unique wildlife and responsible for a sizable portion of Ecuador’s tourism draw.
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March 19, 2021
Dutch culture in the US
The Netherlands is home to one of the largest and most exuberant street parties in the world: King’s Day, which falls on the King’s birthday on April 27. King’s Day (or Koningsdag in Dutch) is a festive day celebrating the Dutch people’s love for King Willem Alexander and the House of Orange monarchy. The first King’s Day was celebrated in 2014 after the coronation of the present monarch, King Willem-Alexander.
The Dutch show their appreciation by turning all they can lay their hands on a bright shade of orange — hair, skin, clothes, cakes, you name it. Also included in the celebrations is oranjebitter, an alcoholic beverage made from orange peels soaked in brandy that was first concocted in the 1600s.
While the celebration is in the Netherlands, that doesn’t mean you can’t use King’s Day as an excuse for a Dutch party if you’re stateside. Several US cities have such strong Dutch heritage that they celebrate Dutch culture all year round. If you have FOMO from not taking part in King’s Day, admiring Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, and enjoying other Dutch festivals in the Netherlands this year, head on to these cities and revel in some carefully curated Dutch cultural experiences.
1. Holland, Michigan
Photo: yochika photographer/Shutterstock
Dutch settlers of the Calvinist faith arrived in Holland, MI, in 1847 with their leader, Dr. Albertus Van Raalte. Over generations, the settlers sought to meticulously preserve their culture, which eventually led to the town’s fame. To experience authentic Dutch heritage without crossing the Atlantic, spend time at the Tulip Time Festival taking place in early May and admire the colorful tulips along Holland’s historic 8th Street downtown. Get a taste of Amsterdam’s Keukenhof (the largest flower garden in the world) by exploring Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Holland’s only tulip farm. In Holland, step back a century at Nelis’ Dutch Village to shop at traditional marktplaats and tour the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory — the only place in the US where the renowned blue and white glazed pottery is made. Don’t forget to visit De Zwaan windmill at family-friendly Windmill Island Gardens to see the insides of an authentic mill, meet the certified grain miller, and check out a Dutch inn replica. Visit the Holland Museum for city history, Delftware collection, and artworks by Dutch painters.
2. Albany, New York
Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
Tulip lovers in the Northeast need not fly abroad to view these delicate bulbs because they bloom every spring at Washington Park in Albany. New York State, once named New Netherland, was settled in the 1620s by the Dutch, and cultural remnants abound. The origins of the tulip festival stem from when Mayor Corning declared the tulip as Albany’s official flower in 1948 and got Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands to name a bulb variety as Albany’s tulip in the same year. For over seven decades, Albany has held a Tulip Festival every May with a Royal Tulip Ball, celebrating the city and its Tulip Queen with arts and crafts, music, and food stands. Explore tulip blooms at specific locations like the Tulip Sculpture at Wallenberg Park, tulip beds at Historic Cherry Hill, and, of course, blossoms at Washington Park.
3. Lefferts Historic Home, Brooklyn, New York
Photo: Prospect Park/Facebook
Pivot from tulips to the life of a prominent Dutch settler family in New York City, formerly New Amsterdam. Lefferts Historic Home was moved to its present location in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, from its original site on Flatbush Avenue and Maple Street, by the City of New
York for historic preservation. It is an 18th-century living museum depicting the lives of the Lefferts’ and the enslaved people that lived with and farmed for them. The homestead features original and restored furnishing, settler life re-enactments, objects of a settler household such as crockery, and a working garden. Learn the early history of Breuckelen — now Brooklyn — as a farming village. Lefferts Home is currently closed for restoration with no fixed opening date, but you can remotely tour the home with these virtual programs.
Photo: Sinterklaas Rhinebeck/Facebook
Rhinebeck in New York State’s Hudson Valley is a picturesque town with strong Dutch roots. It may not have tulip blooms for you to check out in the spring, but it has a Dutch winter festival — Sinterklaas. Originally called “Dutch Christmas,” it was brought to the area by Dutch settlers over 300 years ago. Held annually in early December, Sinterklaas features Nicholas Sinterklass, who was reputedly born in present-day Turkey, spends the year in Spain, then sails to the Netherlands to visit children with his controversial helper, Black Peter — or Zwarte Piet in Dutch. (Many Afro-Dutch citizens have campaigned against the blackface depiction of Zwarte Piet.) In 1985, Rhinebeck festival organizers voted to transform Zwarte Piet from its historical blackface to a friendly Grumpus — Sinterklaas’ sidekick — who gives presents to children. Sinterklaas has parades, music, games, Dutch pastries, and a Snow King and Queen. After the British takeover of New Netherland (New York) in 1664, Sinterklaas was Anglicized to Santa Claus where it entered American folklore.
5. Pella, Iowa
Photo: Pella Historical Museum and Tulip Time/Facebook
Pella was founded in 1847 by 800 Dutch immigrants and has grown to a city of over 10,000. Over generations, inhabitants have celebrated their Dutch heritage with traditional parades and festivals, attracting many visitors. Get into a belated King’s Day mood with the annual Tulip Time Festival in early May and experience Dutch heritage at its finest. Feast your eyes on thousands of tulips at the Tulip Garden and eat your way through poffertjes — Dutch mini pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter — at food stands. Observe Pella’s transformation into a Dutch town at Pella Historical Village with a visit to Werkplaats, where the famous Dutch wooden shoes are made. Climb all five floors of Vermeer Mill, the tallest working windmill in North America that mills grain; watch heritage bands in traditional attires; and tour Scholte House Museum, home of one of the famous founding families of Pella. Scholte House was home to Dominie Hendrik Scholte, leader of the band of 800 immigrants to Pella, and he lived at the house with his wife and three daughters till his passing in 1868. Finish with a stroll downtown and fantasize about being in the Netherlands with a Pella city tour of Dutch architecture and the Molengracht canal.
6. Orange City, Iowa
Photo: City of Orange City, Iowa/Facebook + City of Orange City, Iowa/Facebook
Founded in 1870 by Dutch settlers from Pella searching for arable land, Orange City was first named Holland before changing its name to reflect the Dutch Royal House of Orange. Like in Pella, settlers preserved their heritage by introducing their flower growing skills into this new city, resulting in the first Tulip Festival in 1933. There is a costume contest with authentic Dutch clothing handed down over generations; Queen and Court, where five high school seniors are chosen by the public and a Queen selected by a panel; Fietzen Zangers, bicycle singers serenading visitors with Dutch harmonies; Volksparade with Dutch-themed floats; wooden-shoe-carving demonstrations; and the six miniature windmills at Windmill Park along tulip beds and a canal. The Tulip Festival is held annually in the second week of May.
7. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Washington
Photo: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival/Facebook
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held every year since the 1920s for the full month of April, has bike tours, a Tulip Run, a street fair, art shows, and fields of brightly colored tulips that visitors can walk among. The bulbs are grown by two of the area’s tulip-growing families — RoozenGaarde of the Roozen family and Tulip Town of the DeGoede family. Admire thousands of tulip bulbs at the RoozenGaarde Display Garden, a daffodil field, a gift shop, and a Dutch windmill. The Tulip Festival claims to be Washington State’s largest with over a million visitors at its peak so download a festival map as the tulip fields have no exact addresses and are best accessed by driving through multiple points across Skagit Valley.
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Fastest trains in the world
Frequent international train travelers know that the US is lagging severely behind when it comes to speed and efficiency. FleetLogging, a company that manages train fleets in the US, calculated how fast the average passenger train in the US compares to the fastest trains around the world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they didn’t stack up well.
The fastest commercial train in the world is the Shanghai Transrapid, which has a regular operating speed of 267.8 mph. Built by German companies Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, this train uses electromagnetic suspension to eliminate friction by hovering above the track.
Coming in second is the Blue Dolphin and Golden Phoenix trains in China’s Fuxing Line. They use conventional electricity-powered locomotion applied from multiple cars to push it along the track at speeds of 217.5 mph.
For third place, there’s a four-way tie between the UK’s E320, Japan’s ES/Eg/H5 Shinkansen, Morocco’s Al Boraq, and France’s TGV trains, all of which operate at 198.8 mph.
The US, by comparison, can’t really compete. The average speed of an Amtrak train between New York and Boston was just 65 mph.
The post The fastest high-speed trains in the world in one cool animated graphic appeared first on Matador Network.
2021 Sony World Photography Awards
The Sony World Photography Awards, arranged by the World Photography Organization, just announced the winners of its annual Open Competition. The competition recognizes the best single images across 10 categories, including architecture, creative, landscape, lifestyle, motion, natural world and wildlife, object, portraiture, street photography, and travel. These are the winners in each category from this year’s Sony World Photography Awards.
Drying Fish — TravelPhoto: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Khanh Phan
A photograph of a lone woman surrounded by hundreds of trays of drying fish in the Long Hai fish market in Ba Ria, Vung Tau, Vietnam. Taken from above, the pattern of the fish in trays resembles a large piece of fabric with the woman seemingly weaving it all together.
Girl Power — Motion
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Marijo Maduna
A black-and-white photograph recording the moment when a woman dives off a cliff on the island of Lokrum near Dubrovnik, Croatia, while her friends stand by and watch.
Little Kiss — Natural World & Wildlife
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Cristo Pihlamäe
An amusing picture of a hare looking out into the field with its tongue sticking out.
Memento — Object
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Kata Zih
A photo depicting a tailor’s mannequin in an empty room. For Zih, the stillness of the scene evokes a feeling of solitude and stirs up memories of lockdown.
Son — Portraiture
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Lyudmila Sabaina
This photo features a young child sitting on a table while gazing into space, lost in contemplation. The photograph shows another side to childhood, one of calmness and reflection. Disinfection — Street Photography
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + F. Dilek Uyar
A cinematic image documenting an employee of the Health Affairs unit of Ankara Municipality in protective gear walking along the train platform while spraying it with disinfectant.
African Victorian — Creative
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Tamary Kudita
A portrait of a young Black woman dressed in Victorian dress and holding traditional Shona cooking utensils. The image probes at stereotypical contextualizing of the Black female body and offers an alternative visual language through which a multifaceted African identity is presented.
The Blue Window — Architecture
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Klaus Lenze
Klaus Lenzen (Germany) for The Blue Window, depicting a ramp of stairs at the Hyatt hotel in Düsseldorf ascending towards a window from which a view of clear blue skies is reflected. Seemingly floating in space, the stairs and window are framed in dark shadows that highlight the design while also adding an element of surrealism.
Dias de Playa — Lifestyle
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Mariano Belmar
A softly focused picture of two women enjoying a morning walk on the beach in Alicante, Spain.
Electric Storm on Lavender — Landscape
Photo: 2021 Sony World Photography Awards + Juan López Ruiz
A dramatic photograph capturing the moment lighting strikes a flowering field of lavender with a solitary tree at its center, set against a dusky evening sky. Taken in the province of Guadalajara, Spain.
The post The extraordinary photos rewarded in the 2021 Sony World Photography Competition appeared first on Matador Network.
Happiest country in the world 2020
Regardless of the devastating year we have had, the research group Gallup World Poll has managed to rank the happiest country on Earth, and the result does not deviate from what we were expecting. Finland has snagged the number one spot for the fourth year in a row. The second place went to Iceland, followed by Denmark in third place, Switzerland in fourth, and the Netherlands in fifth place.
Other notable rankings from the World Happiness Report include the United States rising from 18th to 14th place, the United Kingdom dropping from 13th to 18th place, and Australia remaining 12th overall.
“We need urgently to learn from COVID-19,” Jeffrey Sachs, the co-editor of the Happiness Report and a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University told CNN, adding, “The pandemic reminds us of our global environmental threats, the urgent need to cooperate, and the difficulties of achieving cooperation in each country and globally.”
The World Happiness Report was assembled a bit differently this year. Researchers were not able to conduct in-person interviews in a number of countries. COVID-19 and its correlation to wellbeing also took a central spot while preparing the research questions and synthesizing the data. The report is primarily based on GDP, freedom, life expectancy, and levels of corruption.
The top 10 has remained largely unchanged from the previous year with Iceland jumping from number four to number two and Norway slipping from fifth to eighth place. Germany made a remarkable jump from 17th to seventh place, and Croatia rose from ranking 79th to 23rd. You can read the full report and its findings here.
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Paris goes into lockdown as third COVID-19 wave grips France
To curb the spread of COVID-19, and its highly contagious new variants, France imposed a new lockdown on Paris and parts of the country’s northern region.
President Emmanuel Macron’s strategy was to keep the country open as long as possible, refusing to commit to a third strict lockdown. However, given the spread of the COVID-19 variants in the country, and a sluggish vaccine rollout, the French government changed course yesterday.
Dans ces 16 départements, de nouvelles mesures de freinage massives de l’épidémie interviendront à compter de ce vendredi soir minuit, et pour 4 semaines.
C’est une troisième voie que nous retenons, une voie qui doit permettre de freiner sans enfermer. pic.twitter.com/AkzukWf5O9
— Jean Castex (@JeanCASTEX) March 18, 2021
France is now in the midst of a third wave of COVID-19, with the UK variant now accounting for around 75 percent of cases. The spread is particularly bad in Paris, where there are over 400 infections for every 100,000 people, Reuters reported.
The lockdown will last for four weeks, starting Friday at midnight. Barbers, clothing stores, and furniture shops will be forced to close, though stores selling essential goods will remain open. The lockdowns may be extended to other areas if necessary.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a news conference, “The epidemic is getting worse. Our responsibility now is to not let it escape our control…Four weeks, the time required for the measures to generate a sufficient impact. (It is) the time we need to reach a threshold in the vaccination of the most vulnerable.”
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11 of the best Airbnbs in Berlin
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Berlin is one of the most historic cities in Europe and home to thriving nightlife and arts scenes that attract travelers from across the globe. There are also loads of great restaurants, and a centrally-located Airbnb puts you right near the action. These are the best Airbnbs in Berlin to be within walking distance of clubs, pubs, and the Brandenburg Gate.
Penthouse in Prenzlauer Berg
Photo: Airbnb
A penthouse made of sunshine is a rare find in Berlin. This one sits in the city center, with views of Alexanderplatz, and has an absolutely gorgeous rooftop garden. It’s the type of apartment that a down-on-his-luck writer has in virtually every sitcom and movie, but in real life, is usually reserved for rather successful businessmen. We writers just ain’t that lucky, so we have to live out our fantasies through our stories. Four people can stay here, within a stone’s throw of Gendarmenmarkt, Unter den Linden, and Hackescher Market.
Price: $238 per night
Dream Home in Kreuzberg
Photo: Airbnb
Occasionally you read the name that an owner has given their place and you think, “Okay, that’s a little bit much.” Dream Home is an exception. This property in Kreuzberg has a view of the canal right across the street, and it has an awesome no-rail stairway. It also has a balcony, it’s not too expensive, it has a canoe and bikes available, and, oh hey, kids stay free.
Price: $76 per night
Pulsing loft in Kreuzberg
Photo: Airbnb
Live la vie Boheme at this pulsing loft. As one of the main cultural centers of Europe, much of this centers around the artsy neighborhood of Kreuzberg. So any of the places available in Kreuzberg are prime for partying, dining, and museum-hopping, this loft in particular because it overlooks a garden with absolutely crazy amounts of space and has a wraparound indoor balcony that helps you feel like you’re at a punk show even while you sleep.
Price: $117 per night
Beautiful large apartment in Mitte
Photo: Airbnb
Some of the spots you find on Airbnb are less places to crash for the night, and more places to nest into and pretend you live there. This bright apartment is the latter. It’s as Berlin as it gets, complete with an acoustic guitar, expansive lounge space, and bumping nightlife within a quick transit ride or stroll away. Guests can gaze out onto the Mitte and Wedding districts from the large windows, and get to top tourist spots like the Brandenburg Gate in minutes.
Price: $143 per night
BlissRoom in Prenzlauer Berg
Photo: Airbnb
Any place called “BlissRoom” must be rad. This apartment looks like it must be owned by a yoga instructor. Turns out, no, it’s owned by a healing practitioner and massage therapist, but it underscores this point: People working in the relaxing arts are the best interior decorators. Also in Prenzlauer Berg, which is right by the city center, this one (unlike many on this list) is actually pretty cheap, well within the realm of potential wish-fulfillment.
Price: $39 per night
Charmante Unterkunft in Kreuzberg
Photo: Airbnb
Here’s a unique apartment that keeps the “sunshine and daydreams” decorating vibe while still calling to artists. This home has a dedicated workspace, making it ideal for the nomads and wandering vagabonds inspired to be financially or artistically productive during their time in Berlin. Located on the south side of the city, it’s also close to Markthalle Neun and Tempelhofer Feld, with plenty of green spaces and beer halls to explore in-between the two.
Price: $79 per night
Beautiful apartment in Mitte
Photo: Airbnb
This Mitte apartment’s decorating style pulls from minimalism accented by Berlin’s bright summer days. Four guests can stay in the two bedrooms and enjoy a large living room good for relaxing or pre-gaming before hopping on the subway one of the three nearby stations to explore the city. The owner promises free coffee and tea, but if you’re picky, there are plenty of cafes nearby to post up with an Americano and a laptop.
Price: $89 per night
Three room flat in Kreuzberg
Photo: Airbnb
If you can read German and enjoy rabble-rousing literature, this is your spot. The owner channels the rebellious spirit Berlin is known for. Decor calls to the power of the people and the location is near Kreuzberg’s artistic hotspots including the Berlin Story Bunker, Berlin Jewish Museum, and Berlinische Galerie. Five guests can split the two bedrooms in this spacious flat.
Price: $137 per night
Charming central apartment in old bakery
Photo: Airbnb
This former bakery is a walk from most of Berlin’s top sights, markets, and restaurants, and a short train ride from the rest. Bellevue castle and Tiergarten Park are right around the corner, but the unit itself is quiet and hidden, perfect for sleeping in or stepping away for an hour of solitude between sightseeing sessions. Up to six people can stay in the two bedrooms, and at the price point, you’ll all have plenty left over to hit the town.
Price: $51 per night
Artist loft with garden in center of Berlin
Photo: Airbnb
You’ll be right in the middle of artistic Berlin at this loft, with galleries, bars, beer halls, and more right up the road. The Berlin Wall and Mauerpark flea market are nearby and the owners implore you to “just smile” if you find dust from their frequent painting projects. This means, of course, that they weren’t lying when they named this an artist’s loft.
Price: $101 per night
Luxury penthouse downtown near Government DistrictPhoto: Airbnb
Wake up to views of the Berlin TV Tower each morning in this luxury penthouse downtown. The loft is fitted with panoramic windows that offer expansive city views, and down at ground level you’ll be right next to the city’s action. Invite people up to check out the view, share a brew, and dance — or just keep it for you and your crew. This is the spot to book for an epic weekend to remember — it’s perfect for special occasions like bachelor and bachelorette parties, anniversaries, or that once-in-a-lifetime Eurotrip that you’ve been planning for years. It’s pricey, but up to six guests can stay and there are three bedrooms to spread out in. And with these views, the upfront cost is more than worth it.
Price: $903 per night
A version of this article was previously published on March 13, 2014, and was updated on March 19, 2021, with more information.
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