Image: Jonas Tebbe, Unsplash.com

GERMANY: How the world's changed! A short time ago, most of us would have found it difficult to comprehend a world with such intense travel restrictions... but, as these start to ease, it's the perfect time to discover the hidden gems in our own backyards... starting with Berlin.

Gardens of the World Marzahn (Gärten der Welt Marzahn)

How can you immerse yourself in green oases from South Africa, Thailand, Japan, Brazil, Australia or China in one day? Would you believe it's totally possible in Berlin's aptly named Gardens of the World! This large recreation park in Marzahn not only adds a little international flair in the heart of Berlin but is definitely worth a visit after months of self isolating. Flower lovers will rejoice in the colourful blooms, culture vultures will enjoy Germany's largest Chinese garden, whilst the smallest adventures will love the koi pool.

Berlin Zoo (Zoo und Tierpark Berlin)

This renowned zoo and animal park in Friedrichsfelde is not only the largest one in Europe and, with the most zoo a popular spot for families all year round. The zoo and animal park reopened to visitors in April, but the aquarium currently remains closed. The good news is the zoo's elephants, giraffes and marmots (recently out of hibernation) are active and healthy and looking forward to your visit. Tickets can only be purchased online.

Take to the Water in Treptow

If you've spent way too much time indoors over the past few months, you'll be pleased to know the time has finally come to get out and explore the great outdoors. Treptow, on the south-eastern side of Berlin, is the perfect spot to rent boats or canoes and, best of all, it's smack back in the middle of the city. If the mood takes you, why not paddle to the overgrown islands of Liebesinsel, Kratzbruch and Bullenbruch where you'll likely spot woodpeckers, herons, swans and beavers and otters in their natural habitat? Or, you can float away the hours and simply enjoy the serenity on the water.

We All Love a Great Market Bargain

Markthalle 9 is a famous market hall in Kreuzberg where you'll find fabulous food from all over the world, alongside an incredible selection of regional fresh fruit and vegetable. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this is the place to go for a tasty warm snack and the vendors will bend over backwards to make sure you have a heavenly foodie experience. Here, an eclectic blend of stallholders cook native dishes from Africa and Asia, alongside local artisans with German favourites. Whatever preference you have, the results are delicous.

Picnicking and Kites Flying at Tempelhofer Feld

A visit to the Tempelhofer Feld is like taking a trip to the countryside without ever leaving the city centre. The former airport area has been open to public since May 2010, and is a popular mixed use venue for outdoor enthusiasts. Go for a walk, ride a bike, fly a kite, have a nice picnic or just lie on the grass and relax... there's no judgement here. The former runways and taxiways are perfectly suitable for cyclists and inline skaters and draw quite the crowd. In summer, it's not unusal to smell barbecues on the breeze.  

If you're heading to Berlin from out of town,our spacious Adina Aparment Hotels put you in the thick of the action.