The British-German Conference 2011
"The UK and Germany in a Changing World Order: New Challenges, New Strategies"
(Berlin; April 27th - 30th, 2011)
May Day in Berlin
Sunday, May 1st 2011
After attending the British-German Conference 2011, why not take the opportunity to spend an extra day in Berlin? Sunday, May 1st provides an excellent chance to experience the city’s remarkable cultural landscape.Watch Hertha Berlin play at the Olympic Stadium
On Sunday afternoon, Berlin’s largest and most successful football team play at the Olympic Stadium against one of their great rivals, 1860 Munich. Tickets for home games are generally easy to come by and reasonably priced on account of the stadium’s 90,000 capacity. Indeed, even those not interested in football might want to visit the historic venue: Site of the controversial 1936 Olympic Games and the feats of African-American sprinter Jesse Owens. More recently, the stadium has seen the fastest 100 meters in the world by Jamaican Usain Bolt, and the 2006 World Cup final. The stadium’s unique architecture, and the chance to see the original swimming and diving pools used for the 1936 Olympics, means there is plenty to see and do.Visit a Show or Concert
In the 1920s Berlin was the undisputed cultural capital of Europe, possibly even the world. The glamorous early days of the Weimar Republic have left a strong legacy for today’s artists: Berlin is home to hundreds of theatres, concert halls, and performance venues. On Sunday, May 1st you could watch the famous Blue Man Group perform, listen to the Berlin Symphonie Orchestra play at the Berlin Philharmonie, or visit the Friedrischstadt Palast, home of Europe’s largest stage, to watch their latest masterpiece YMA. Alternatively, May 1st will be the final day of Gallery Weekend Berlin 2011 - hundreds of art galleries across the city will have special exhibitions and special offers for the public.Experience International Labour Day in Kreuzberg
Whilst May 1st has seen riots and considerable tension on the evening of May 1st over the years, individuals who don’t mind crowds will find the early hours of the afternoon an opportunity to listen to some live music, taste some of the city’s diverse cuisine, and soak up the festival atmosphere. Young people from across the city flock to its most culturally diverse district for the celebrations.Go Sightseeing
If you would prefer to spend your Sunday relaxing or doing some sightseeing, there are few better cities in the world to be: Take a boat trip through the city on its vast river network, go for a walk in the expansive parks, or visit some of Europe’s most historical sites. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, and the TV Tower are all within walking distance of each other in the historic district of “Mitte”.
