The fall of the Berlin Wall and subsequent breaking down of barriers across Europe is commemorated every year with World Freedom Day on 9 November. Holiday Lettings celebrates with suggestions of top cities to visit, starting in Berlin and moving east.
Berlin, Germany
Once a symbol of division, the Brandenburg Gate is now seen as a symbol of unity. Nearby, the new Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie offer reminders of the city’s troubling history. For a real blast from the past, take a ‘Wild East’ driving tour through Berlin in a classic Trabant car.
Sip aperitifs at Bar jeder Vernunft, a mirrored tent whose mix of scarlet velvet and atmospheric lighting evoke the club of 1920s musical Cabaret. Then eat at Zagreus Projekt, an art gallery that makes your meal part of the exhibition.
Prague, Czech Republic
You can easily visit key sites of Prague’s Velvet Revolution: join the marchers commemorating student Jan Opletal, who died opposing Nazism 50 years before, with a tour of the Czech National Cemetery at Vysehrad. You can follow the spread of the protests to central Wenceslas Square or visit the memorial to the revolution at Narodni Street.
You can also follow the country’s modern art trends: the new DOX art centre broke down barriers of its own with the blockbuster inaugural show Welcome to Capitalism! You could also try your luck at a local casino: the Savarin offers a traditional atmosphere courtesy of the baroque frescoes and Czech candelabras, brought up to date by American stud poker and roulette.
Moscow, Russia
Hulking and shimmering, the Kremlin has been the historic heart of power for Soviet politicians and presidents. You can walk around the extravagant square and the churches where many royal weddings were celebrated. You can also visit the Armoury Chamber to admire its gorgeous Fabergé eggs, ancient Russian armour and dazzling state regalia.
Cross the Red Square to GUM, one of Moscow’s largest, most decadent shopping malls: amble through the broad, boldly designed hallways stuffed with Moschino and Hermès wares. Then head to Winzavod – this former factory’s the place to go for gallery openings, fashion shows and to spot the city’s wealthy and infamous.
Warsaw, Poland
Step back in time at Warsaw’s Museum of Communist Life and experience a typically styled flat and communist party member office. Stroll round the first square ever to be built specifically for the workers – the Constitution Square. Drop in at the Palace of Culture and Science and unwrap the mysteries of this present from Stalin.
Warsaw’s contemporary club and music scene is buzzing; you’re sure to stumble upon a trendy street fest or cool art opening. You’re spoilt for contemporary architecture too: why not visit Marek Budzyński and Zbigniew Badowski’s Warsaw University Library or Norman Foster’s Metropolitan Building in Plac Piłsudskiego?
Ljubljana, Slovenia
You can look up at the balcony on Ljubljana’s Congress Square where Marshall Tito, communist leader of former Yugoslavia, delivered his first speech (and where the Slovenian Spring independence movement ultimately began). There are reminders of Tito all over the city, from portraits at B Bar to busts in flea markets and his bespoke Mercedes limousines at the Technical Museum.
Head to Metelkova to take in the street art by day and for the city’s hippest nightlife on Friday night. The army’s base was once here, but artists colonised the district when Slovenia achieved independence. It now houses numerous clubs and bars plus plenty of unique public art and graffiti.