TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY OF HONG KONG

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a quirky, unique treasure found some 400 steps above Hong Kong.
Walk along a path lined by golden Buddha statues striking innumerable poses ranging from elated to solemn and everything in-between.

TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is perhaps one of the city’s most memorable cultural sites.
Unlike most temples in Hong Kong visiting this one is a great way to channel some delightful, playful vibes.

WHAT IS THE 10,000 BUDDHAS MONASTERY ABOUT

Overlooking the lush Sha Tin district in northeastern Hong Kong lies a unique temple brimming with golden Buddha statues and other aesthetic delights.
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a one-of-a-kind Buddhist temple of the 20th-century that does not, despite its name, have any monks residing within it.

Managed only by day workers, this historic temple and its adjacent pagodas are must-sees for anyone visiting Hong Kong.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN BUDDHAS

The temple itself is surrounded by over 10,000 gold Buddha statues, and the site is also home to hundreds of monkeys who regularly make their appearance!
The statues range from life-sized to miniature and line both the walkway leading to the temple as well as the walls of the temple itself.
The entire complex is rather expansive, containing a number of halls and pavilions, along with a nine-storey pagoda surrounded by, yes, even more, Buddha statues.
Dancing, praising the heavens, grinning, grimacing, or simply meditating—you name it—there’s a Buddha statue doing just that at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!
From the top of the temple, panoramic views are far from lacking, allowing visitors to take in the sheer magnitude of the place and fully feel the sense of wonder it evokes.

HISTORY OF 10,0000 BUDDHAS MONASTERY, HONG KONG

The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is actually much younger than it looks.
It was first built in 1951 under a Buddhist monk and teacher named Yuet Kai, and completed six years later.
The Buddhas, however, took an additional 10 years to complete.

At the end of the 20th-century, the monastery was struck by tragedy after one of its caretakers was killed in a mudslide. Afterwards, it closed for three years while the grounds were repaired.

BUDDHA MONASTERY HISTORY

Even before the monastery was built, the site was home to a temple which was donated to Yuet Kai for the purpose of establishing a Buddhist college (which proved to be unsuccessful).
Instead, Kai decided to build the monastery that stands so brilliantly today.
Oddly enough, there are far more than 10,000 buddhas on the monastery’s grounds (a number closer to 12,000 is more accurate).
Why the name, then? In Cantonese, the number 10,000 is used to denote extremely large numbers—which is why the temple was named as such.


Following Yuet Kai’s death, his body was embalmed, clothed in robes, painted in gold, and placed in a glass display in front of the pavilion’s main altar.
Today, visitors can see what is claimed to be his remains—a figure covered in gold leaves in a lotus pond.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BUDDHA MONASTERY

A temple as unique as the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery no easy hike—literally!
Visitors must trek up over 400 steep steps to get to the temple, wander through overgrown foliage and past a rusted chain-link fence.
This trek is all part of the adventure, and the many Buddha statues that line the staircase are sure to keep great company.

MONKEYS AT THE TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS

What makes this journey even better is the fact that monkeys are well at home throughout the site, popping up along the pathway leading to the main pavilion, and swinging from surrounding trees.
They’re friendly but often a bit confrontational—the monkeys at this monastery are known to sometimes snatch food out of visitors’ hands, so snack at your own risk!
Once you reach the site gorgeous views are everywhere to be found—lush greenery in one direction, and the glimmering silver of a mass metropolis in the other.
There’s also a koi fish pond that provides an additional level of Zen.

TIPS FOR VISITING TEN THOUSAND BUDDHA MONASTERY

The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is located about an hour by subway from Hong Kong’s central district.
It is about a 10-minute walk from Sha Tin Station.
Though there are surprisingly few signs depicting the walkway which leads to the site, don’t fret—there are sure to be visitors heading in the same direction, and when in doubt, simply ask!
The temple itself is free to enter and open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and even has a small Buddhist restaurant on site that serves vegetarian food.
In terms of crowd level, it’s usually not terrible (considering the challenge of getting there!), with the exception of during Chinese New Year.
And take note—be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
All in all, the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is a fantastic way to spend a day in Hong Kong, but not recommended for those with mobility issues…or a fear of monkeys!

KYAIKTIYO PAGODA AKA THE GOLDEN ROCK, MYANMAR

One of the most remarkable places to visit in Burma is the legendaryGolden Rock. Located in Kyaiktiyo; a few hours east of Yangon, the Golden Rock is a phenomenon dangling off the side of a mountain.

KYAIKTIYO PAGODA AKA THE GOLDEN ROCK, MYANMAR

Legend has it that is is balancing on the hair of Buddha and it is the most important pilgrimage in the country. The hair was given to a hermit by Buddha himself, who in turn found a boulder which resembled his own head. He then built a small Stupa on it's top and pilgrims have made their way to see it ever since.
This magnificent structure is not only fascinating but it also generates a magnificent energy. Pilgrims come to this place to marvel at how it clings to the side of a cliff, but also feel the it's spiritual power. Visiting the Golden Rock was one of the highlights of our time in Burma.
We have no idea how it has balanced on this mountain over the ages but as we gazed upon it with our own eyes, we became believers that something extraordinary was standing before us.

THE TOP 10 BEST HIKES IN SOUTH AMERICA

If you decide to explore this beautiful land, the huge Andean range will reward you with surreal waterfalls, pristine lagoons, huge volcanoes and lost cities. With a variety of options for one-day or multi-day hikes, inexpensive prices and quality facilities, it's no wonder that South America has become one of the top destinations for hiking lovers!

1. MOUNT RORAIMA – VENEZUELA

 

Taking in Roraima Venezuela
It's not by accident that this is the first hike on the list; Mount Roraima is simply another world! This huge tepuy (tepui) is one of the oldest land formations on earth and offers stunning views of the great savannah, other tepuys and waterfalls. Once on top, you'll find scenery reminiscent of science fiction, with strange, naturally shaped rocks and rare flora and fauna, the likes of which you have never seen before.

2. FITZ ROY, EL CHALTÉN – ARGENTINA

 

Enjoy awesome peaks, turquoise lagoons and huge glaciers on easy day hikes. Most of the famous spots, like the Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre, are just a few hours’ walk from the town of El Chalten, so you don't even need camping gear! For the most adventurous, there are some amazing multi-day routes along which you can explore the very heart of the wild Patagonia.

3. LAS TORRES DEL PAINE – CHILE

 

The hike to Las Torres del Paine is a wonderful way to explore one of the most remote territories in South America. Being really close to the end of the world, this is a land of strong winds and unpredictable weather, where huge mountains rise beyond beautiful lakes and rivers. You can complete either the “W trek” or the “O circuit.” Both will take you to the two main attractions: Las Torres and Los Cuernos del Paine.

4. HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT – PERÚ

 

This is a challenging long hike that will take you deep into the Peruvian Andes, where you'll find massive mountains, glaciers, mirror lakes and local culture. It's a good alternative to the beaten Santa Cruz trek, with fewer hikers. You’ll have the chance to visit villages, buy cheese from the locals and enjoy awesome scenery, which you’ll have almost to yourself!

5. INCA TRAIL, MACHU PICCHU – PERÚ

Even though the Inca Trail is by far the best-known way to reach the marvellous city of Machu Picchu, there are some great alternatives, like the Salcantay or Lares routes. All of these explore the ancient Inca territories and take you through beautiful rainforests and massive valleys before reaching Machu Picchu—one of the new seven wonders of the world.

6. QUILOTOA LOOP – ECUADOR

Imagine a trail along green valleys and friendly villages, and with almost no tourists! You can stay at mountain lodges, eat local food like the guinea pig (which is actually pretty good) and practice your Spanish with the friendly residents before reaching the Quilotoa lagoon, an amazing crater lake that will leave you astonished!

7. CIUDAD PERDIDA – COLOMBIA

Would you like to explore lush forests and ancient cities while taking the opportunity to meet indigenous community members? This hot and humid trip takes you through the hills, rivers and waterfalls of the Sierra Nevada, where the Tayrona people still maintain their traditional customs and culture.

8. CHAPADA DIAMANTINA – BRAZIL

Brazil is much more than caipirinhas, surf and nice beaches. If you visit the northern region of Bahia, don't miss the Chapada Diamantina, a stunning region full of tea-colored rivers and lagoons, green valleys and, above all, lots of high waterfalls everywhere!

9. HUAYNA POTOSÍ – BOLIVIA

Known as one of the easiest 6000-meter mountains to climb in the world, this is a very popular route in Bolivia that provides awesome views of Lake Titicaca and Cordillera Real. This is more a climb than a hike, so you must be in really good shape and have a good acclimatization plan.

10. COTOPAXI VOLCANO – ECUADOR 

Climb the glacier of this active volcano with a perfect conical shape and enjoy stunning views from the top, with a magical sunrise over the clouds, as well as other huge mountains and volcanoes around. Be sure you are physically prepared before climbing Cotopaxi because it's not an easy walk!

Historic Travel Through Paris France

Historic travel through Paris France is the next short guide for European historic travel. Paris is the capitol of France and was founded in the 3rd century BC by a group of Celtic people called the Parisii. This name is how the city got its name. By 12th century, Paris was the largest city. Many events have happened through the ages. There is the French Revolution in the 18th century and in both wars WWI and WWII Paris saw the brunt of the fighting and 1940 Germans marched through the city. There are many historic places to visit and learn about. There is something for anyone because of the different periods in history Paris France has witness. We will start with a couple of historic places to visit. Then we will walk on down for dining and finish with some accommodations you can stay at.

Historic Places

The first historic place to visit and probably the most famous is The Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889 based on the design of engineer Gustave Eiffel. Place de la Concorde is another site to visit. It was created by Louix XV and completed in 1763 and was the site where the guillotine put to death Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and many others. Arènes de Lutèce was a Roman-style arena was built between the first and the 2nd century A.D. Catacombes de Paris where underground tunnels that date from the Roman period and in WWII, the catacombs were home to the French Resistance. Also in the eighteenth century, these underground tunnels were transformed into a labyrinth-like subterranean graveyard. L’Arc de Triomphe is the symbol of a French victory that was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836. Another historic site is the Chateau de Versailles. This was the palace where royals like, Louis XIV, XV and XVI lived before the start of the French Revolution.

Also why not go to the Musee du Louvre where many historic pieces lie like Ancient Egyptian mummies, Ancient Roman statues and Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, Mona Lisa. Another famous historic site one has to visit is Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris which is a Gothic cathedral was first built in 1163. Another place is the La Conciergerie which became a court and prison. This site was where Marie Antoinette and other prominent figures were imprisoned before their death sentences were carried out.

Dining

Feeling a little hungry walking around? First place to try is Bouillon Chartier, this restaurant is over 100 years founded in 1896. This a popular place to go so except queue lines. But, the lines move fast and thanks to being popular with the locals, it offers inexpensive and traditional dishes. Next on the list is Le Grand Véfour which is over 200 years offering finest place for gourmet food. Another place is Le Train Bleu which has been a restaurant since 1901. The food is mostly inspired by French gastronomic tradition. Les Deux Magot a café that was started in 1914 is where many famous people like Picasso and Hemingway use to hang out. Pricing is somewhat moderate. Last is Le Procope which was founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli as a coffee house.

Accommodations

Time for the accommodations and sleeping. First the La Relais du Louvre where parts of the hotel once accommodated printing presses used by Revolutionaries. Next the
Hotel Scribe which was constructed in 1861. Many famous people have stayed there along with people like, Wilhelm Rontgen presenting his discovery of X-rays in the place. St James and Albany Hotel located close to the center of Paris is another place to stay. This was once the home of the Dukes of Noailles and many royals visited before it became a hotel. Another option is rent a Holiday Apartments in Paris. There are many places to book and may be cheaper than booking at a hotel. Last on the list are bed and breakfast, like Villa La Riante, built-in 1869, just outside of Paris.

Hope you enjoyed a small guide of historic travel through Paris France. If you have enjoy reading my articles consider signing up for a newsletter.

Charming Medieval Villages in France

These small medieval villages in France are nestled on the hilltops of the French Riviera.

Most travelers visit the famous manicured village of Eze and its chic hotel, as well as the artsy medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence.

Of course, both of these old villages in France provoke oohs and aahs on everyone's lips and with good reason.

But lesser known villages in the Alpes Maritimes region are definitely worth the detour for their authenticity and charm, each in their own way.

And that's where we're going! Join us as we discover 4 lovely french medieval villages in hidden corners of the South of France.

1. Sainte Agnes – Medieval and Fortified

Sainte Agnes has 2 privileges:

• it's officially labeled as possibly the most beautiful village in France


• and at 800m above sea level, it also claims to be the highest coastal village in Europe.

One of the Beaux Villages of France

A good portion of the road that leads up to this medieval village is steep and full of sharp twists and turns.

But the spectacular views of the valley below filled with olive trees and various shades of blue on the horizon largely makes up for it.

In Sainte Agnes, the cobblestone streets lead to secret archways and peaceful squares. It's easy to imagine what life was like a few centuries ago.

What to Visit in Sainte Agnes

Walk – Take a closer look at the houses dating from the 15th to 18th century that line the narrow streets and alleys.

Some homes are original, others are restored, but all are nonetheless full of details and character.

Bunker on Maginot Line and its WWII Fort

This massive fortification built in the 1930s was meant to protect France's borders from invaders. The bunkers go down several meters within the rock and for history buffs can be visited for a fee.

The Garden

There is a path not far from the fort that leads to a wide and steep stairway. From here start climbing up until you reach the garden.

Our stamina was put to test. But yes it's worth it.

The reward? Great views of the village rooftops on the way up!

The garden itself is filled with exceptionally maintained fruit trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs. A small donation may be requested by the volunteers who care for the garden but the entrance is free.

The Castle

Above the gardens sits the castle. Actually, we found no castle here, only its ruins.

The ruins tell the story of a king who in the late 1600s destroyed the 10th-century castle as punishment for those who were against him.

Catch your breath and enjoy the impressive panoramic view of this medieval village.

For hikers, there are several paths that lead to other incredible viewpoints as well as other villages nearby.Spring and fall are the perfect seasons for memorable moments in this unique medieval village. Winter also has its own particular charm, but be warned that most shops will be closed.

2. Couraze – the sunniest of medieval towns village in the Alpes Maritimes

Twists and turns. Mimosa, pine and olive trees. You can almost hear the crickets and smell the rosemary plants.

Getting to this circular hilltop village is a slow ride. The suspense builds up little by little around every turn through some luxurious green vegetation.

Real people live here. It's a functioning day to day little village and residents are happy to see visitors.

Besides its picturesque setting, it also seriously lives up to its medieval reputation.

Read the small panels at the old village entrance that explain different landmarks, including the public “lavoir”, a long rectangular concrete basin where women back in the days, washed their clothes.

Usually, this daily chore was also the best times to talk about life together. (Might as well make the best of it right?)

We got happily lost meandering through the village's medieval architecture.

From the 16th century church, the arcades, the stone houses, and arched passages, to the very narrow sloped streets and stairs that lead to secret corners.

It all forms a maze of authenticity.

Sundials

The village of the sun. That's the other name for Coaraze. Because of its location, it receives more than average sunlight year round and has numerous sundials scattered around the village .

Around 1960 the first sundials were created by famous artists such as Jean Cocteau. Then later in the years 2000, more contemporary artists from the region like Ben and Sosno, joined in to add their own modern touch.

Try to find the various sundials as you walk around and explore Coaraze. Picking up a small map at the tourism office will make it easier.Throughout the village, houses painted in warm blues, yellows and pinks are a fresh surprise. These colors are intensified by the sunlight adding a mix of curiosity and poetry to our walk.

Just in front of the villages stands a small and simple 17th-century chapel. The Spanish artist Ponce de Leon painted 2 frescoes depicting biblical scenes on the interior walls. He used various shades of blue.

This is why in the early 1960's it was renamed the Blue Chapel.

Nature Hike

For those who are fit and prefer a good hike after strolling the village, a special path close to the Blue Chapel leads up to the ruins of Rocca Sparviera. At about 1000 m in altitude, it takes roughly 2-4 hours to complete depending on your pace.

Legend has it that during medieval times, Queen Jeanne after living through a painful family tragedy put a curse on Rocca Sparviera.

Consumed by revenge, her curse forced the 350 residents to urgently abandon their homes for other hamlets.

Today, the ruins are the only proof left of this phantom village. The hike itself lead us to incredible viewpoints all the way up to the ruins.

Another explanation as to why the residents fled is that due to a drought, the village lacked water for too long.

But most people prefer to believe in the legend.

Ask the tourism office for a map. Proper shoes are required for a few tricky areas.

3. Tourrettes sur Loup: Medieval and Poetic

Tourrettes sur Loup is a picture postcard medieval village with flowers hanging from windows and residents who smile when they say hello.

Once through the impressive stone archway, the medieval setting played with our imagination and transported us to another era.

We accepted the invitation to wander and got lost within the narrow cobblestone streets imagining how the lords and peasants in the middle ages lived.

It's possible to spend several hours in this charming medieval town exploring the main street and side alleys. We spent the entire afternoon.

Stay on the lookout for quirky details, delicate flowers, sweet scents, and sun-filled stones. It's all there, like a poem in the making.

As most perched villages, Tourrettes sur Loup is not very big, but it's so poetic that size doesn't count here. It all intertwines forming a labyrinth of beauty around every stone.

Cité des Violettes

For over a century residents have cultivated violets and to this day people everywhere refer to this medieval village as the village of violets (Cité des Violettes). The small museum dedicated to this flower explains its history and in March they celebrate the violet at the flower festival !

Queue up for some violet ice cream or buy some crystalized violet candy to take back home as an original gift.

Stroll through tiny art galleries and admire the handmade crafts sold in small shops.

Enjoy a delicious meal in one of the village's typical restaurants or like us, stop in a small snack shop for a more local taste.

This french medieval village is a gem to explore alone or with family and friends.

Lose yourself in the peaceful and soothing views that stretch beyond the ramparts over wooded hills towards the mediterranean sea.

Gel a glimpse of the green countryside and the valley below where fig trees grow naturally everywhere.

4. Gourdon: Small and dreamy French village with the best view

This small medieval village rises up from a rocky mountain and remains suspended on its edge as if by magic.

For this reason, it's labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France and people call it the Eagle's Nest because of the spectacular view.

Getting to Gourdon involves maneuvering some tight twists and turns, but the tradeoff is an amazing green and rocky view of the valley below.

You know you're almost there when you see clusters of houses sandwiched together that touch the sky.

The fortified ramparts and the 9-14th-century castle served their purpose through WWII. They were strategically built during times of conflict to protect and alert in case of invaders. Although very strong symbols, the medieval village of Gourdon was almost forgotten.

Who would have thought that years later it would attract so many people?

Gourdon's reputation of being the perfect ideal of what a French village should look like, may be true. Like a masters painting, everything is in the right place and its beauty never ages.

Place Victoria

But the real reason people come here is the incredible view.

Admire the panorama from the best spot in the village: Place Victoria, (named after Queen Victoria who stayed here in the 1800's).

Paraglide your way through blue skies and be a part of the view, or just take a very short walk to the end of the main street.

After passing the quaint restaurants and small shops, we went up to the stone barrier and just breathed it all in.

The low stone wall prevents admirers from falling into the Valley of Wolves.

And there you have it.

Sweeping views across the valley below and into the Cote d'Azur horizon.

Almost 180 degrees. That's a big stretch and the key reason so many people flock here year round.

Spend a couple of hours walking the immaculate streets which gently slope up, then back down, and admire the beautifully restored facades full or charm.

There are under 500 residents who live here year round. Many families who have homes here come on weekends or during the summer to get away from the city.

Historical Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital of Germany, has a rich, storied past stretching back through the Cold War, the two world wars to the swinging 20s and beyond.

Today it is the second largest city in the European Union afterLondon. At the same time, you’ll find that Berlin is surprisingly affordable when compared to other larger European cities.



In this article, we’ll run through some of the best historical sites and Berlin attractions to see in this sprawling city of almost four million inhabitants based on my experience of living on and off in the city since 2008.

As Germans say, “Los geht’s!”.

#1 Visit the Reichstag

The Reichstag building is the home to the German parliament. Famously, it's burning in 1933 was a trigger for the Nazi’s consolidation of power.

Today it’s one of the most popular sites in all of Germany thanks to free entrance to the glass dome on top that gives spectacular views of Berlin.

You’ll have to register ahead of time to book a visit, and it’s important to bring your ID. Personally, my favourite time to visit is just before closing when you get a view of Berlin at night.

#2 Stop by Brandenburg Gate

Just five minutes’ walk away from the Reichstag building, you’ll find the famous Brandenburg Gate. It was in front of this monument that Regan issued an ultimatum to the Soviet leader, Gorbachev, to tear down the Berlin wall.

To the east of the gate, you’ll find the Pariser square which leads on to “Unter den Linden”, a wide boulevard leading down towards Museum Island, which is lined with embassies, five-star hotels and high-end boutiques.

#3 Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin is full of reminders of the crimes of the Nazi era from the brass-plated stones you’ll find in the sidewalks marking the last residence of victims on the Nazi regime to monuments such as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

This monument is located centrally just beside Brandenburg Gate. It’s made up of 2711 rectangular blocks that descend deeper as you walk further into the memorial, giving you a sense of isolation and unease.

Located underground beneath the memorial you’ll find an information center on the Holocaust with free entrance almost every day.

#4 Stop by Gendarmenmarkt for a Coffee

Berlin was largely destroyed in the second world war, so many parts of the city lack the historical buildings of other European capitals.

One exception is Gendarmenmarkt, a market square situated between Under den Linden and Checkpoint Charlie.

It’s perfect for sitting out on a cafe terrace and enjoying a coffee before your next stop of the day.

Over the holiday season, you’ll find one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin here, where you can sample mulled wine and German Christmas biscuits.

#5 Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous of the border crossings between East Berlin and West Berlin featured in countless films such as Bridge of Spies.

The Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, which provides information on the Berlin wall, is worth a visit.

#6 Museum Island

Berlin is home to some amazing museums. Conveniently, you’ll find five world-class museums situated on Museum Island right in the center of Berlin.

The Altes Museum has an amazing collection of Greek antiquities. Highlights in the Neues Museum include an Egyptian collection with notable pieces such as the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. Inside the Pergamon Museum, you’ll find entire historical buildings such as Ishtar Gate of Babylon.

As these museums have large collections, I personally would choose one to visit rather than trying to take in all five on one day.

#7 Take a Trip to the Top of the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

East Germany built the TV Tower to be a symbol of the technological advances of the Eastern Bloc in 1969.

Today it is the highest vantage point in Berlin. You can take an elevator up to the 203-meter high viewing platform where you’ll get the best view in all of Berlin.

This being Germany, you can also enjoy a beer at the top at the bar or even eat at the restaurant that slowly revolves around to give you a 360-degree view of Berlin.

#8 Visit a Remaining Piece of the Berlin Wall

Remnants of the Berlin Wall that separated East Berlin from West Berlin still exist around the city.

One such place is the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you’ll find a visitor center along with a remaining section of the wall.

Another section that is popular is the East Side Gallery on the Spree river, which has many famous graffiti sections.

#9 Where To Stay to Make the Most of Your Berlin Trip

If you’re excited about Berlin and want to make a trip out of it, you then have the question of where to stay. Berlin is a sprawling city, so making sure you choose the right location to stay will make a big difference.

As you may have noticed, many of the popular historical sites of Berlin are found in “Mitte”, literally “Center” in German. Hotels along the “Unter den Linden” Boulevard are very centrally located but also among the most expensive in Berlin.

Accommodation around the “Volkspark am Weinberg” offers an excellent mix of location as well as great surrounding restaurants and bars.

If you are looking for a more gritty, nightlife-orientated location, Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain are popular choices with lots of small bars and nightclubs that rarely close.