<p>For a beautiful city try Dresden. While Berlin has it’s modern (revitalized) eastern section, it still has lots of the old world charm. The Jewish museum is well worth the visit as is the DDR museum. If they are interested and have the time, it is a bit of a bus ride, a visit to the original Stasi headquarters is worth the effort. It is housed in a non- descript building in the old east section. The building was the actual head quarters of the Soviet secret police. </p>
<p>Potsdam which is a short hop from Berlin is also worth a visit. </p>
<p>On a recent visit I stayed at </p>
<p>Hotel Friedenau - Das Literaturhotel Berlin </p>
<p>It is not in the central section but located in a residential area. However, public transportation is very easy to reach and use. It is (at least 2 years ago) run by a sole proprietor who hosts literary talent and is in a unique building. It’s quaint, comfortable and I found it much more enjoyable than the Holiday Inn Express (downtown) which I’d stayed at during a previous visit.</p>
<p>I have visited both the Dachau and Buchenwald camps and have been back to Buchenwald with both kids in the past few years. It is located in a not so touristy area and accommodations maybe easier (and cheaper) to find. Since this camp was part of East Germany until 1989 it tells not only the well known story of the German history but also of the subsequent Soviet occupation. It is in a much ‘rawer’ state than Dachau. </p>
<p>Nuernberg is both beautiful and historical…and has great beer gardens :)</p>