The Ramones is the most famous punk group of all times and its rebellious and non-conformist image will always be related to the city of New York and the CBGB, the down-at-heel club that shot them to fame in the middle of the 1970s. But the musical world turns in many ways and thanks to a quirk of fate, we have found out that the only museum in the world dedicated to the legendary group of Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee is in fact in the back room of a bar in Berlin.

This adventure of epic proportions can trace its roots back to almost two decades ago, when Flo Haylerdecided to invite the public to view his collection of Ramones photos and t-shirts to the public. He never thought that such a kitsch idea would turn his dining room into an “official” museum and that he would be visited by tens of thousands of fans from all corners of the world.

But what can you see in this museum? In short: everything and more. You will learn about the history of the Ramones from their beginnings to their break up through hundreds of photos, videos and a host of posters from their tours. In addition, the permanent exhibition has the attraction that it mainly concentrates on the tours the band did in Germany and the famous visit they made in 1989 that coincided with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Also worth a mention is the small stage where rock concerts are held and its bar is a regular haunt of famous musicians passing through the city (including: Pearl Jam, Social Distortion, The Subways and many more).

By David Moreu

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Leipzig is known as the capital of German music, classic music artists such as Strauss, Wagner or Bach were closely attached to the city. Nevertheless, is also known for being part of an important moment in history, playing a key role on the fall of the Berlin wall, reason why the city is considered as the birthplace for the Peaceful Revolution.

On October 9th 1989, 70.000 Leipzig citizens demonstrate carrying candles around the Leipziger Ring calling for freedom to the Federal Republic of Germany. Despite several threats by the police to open fire, the demonstrations were peaceful and became an important milestone on the way to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.

From that date, every October 9th the Festival of Lights is celebrated to remember that important date, taking history to reality by using audio, video and light. On 2014, the 25th anniversary for the Pacific Revolution is celebrated and, as every year, the Festival of Lights in Leipzig sets the start for a long weekend were many cultural organizations dedicate events, exhibitions and concerts to remember the events on 1989. On 2009, for the 20th anniversary, almost 150.000 people joined a great parade around the city centre and Leipzig became a sea of lights. For 2014, numerous activities are expected around the festival.

Furthermore, on October 9-13th, 2014, Leipzig will celebrate a long week of cultural events and, throughout the year, visitors can follow the steps of these historical events and visit places such as the museum and the bunker in Stasi or the exhibition “Freiheit! Einheit! Denkmal!” (Freedom, unity, monument) – from September 24th, 2014 to January 4th, 2015 – in the Leipzig City Museum, where the historical memory remains to debate the future monument to freedom and unity.

Under the slogan “Fall 89 – Democracy arrival” Leipzig will transform the streets one more year in a light show and cultural celebration that you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning to visit the city.

Image from Philipp

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Looking for a different kind of destination to get away? Keen to discover somewhere new? Pack your bag and head to these cities which you've probably never visited.

Despite its location on the shores of the icy North Sea, Hamburg is an ebullient city – and Germany’s second largest – while St. Pauli is its hottest quarter. It is articulated around a main avenue, the Reeperbahn, a risque, bacchanalian precinct, site of the red light district and a trove of highly recommendable temptations. From the iconic Schmidt Tivoli theatre to the Millerntor-Stadion, home to the endearing FC St. Pauli, we lift the veil on all the allurements of Sankt Pauli.

Angie’s Nightclub
Located on the upper floor of the Schmidt Tivoli is Angie’s Nightclub, one of the most popular clubs of Sankt Pauli’s night scene. Founded by the soul singer Angie Stardust in the 90s, the resident band features a different guest vocalist every night, often a leading figure in Germany’s music scene or on the international arena. Next you may proceed to Mojo Club, a live music venue tucked away amid the underground of Sankt Pauli’s iconic Dancing Towers, or to either the Klubhaus or Golem, two multi-space locales with an invariably interesting entertainment schedule crammed with concerts, movies and theatre plays. To round off your evening, you could head for the Golden Pudel Club (currently undergoing repair work after being ravaged by fire). Set on the banks of the Elbe, not far from the Fischmarkt, on the outside it looks like some unassuming fairy-tale house but it is actually the temple of electronic music where the dancing goes on until dawn.

Davidwache
At the intersection of the Spielbudenplatz and Davidstraße, hard by the Reeperbahn, stands Davidwache, probably the best known police station in Europe, with its own fan club! And, for its location, one of the busiest in Europe, too. Dating from 1840, the building has appeared in countless films and television series, while its cells have seen both small-time crooks and celebrities of the calibre of Paul McCartney and Pete Best held in custody.

Landungsbrücken
The Landungsbrücken, also known as theSt. Pauli Piers, is Hamburg’s old harbour terminal, situated on the banks of the river Elbe. It was once northern Europe’s port of departure to the New World and some five million people are estimated to have set sail from here, bound for a new life in America. Not far from here stands the Fischmarkt or fish market. In winter, it opens at 7 a.m. and in summer at 5 a.m. and immediately fills up with locals, tourists and hawkers as the fish auction gets under way. The brunch served on Sundays at various restaurants in the Fischmarkt is simply wonderful.

Millerntor-Stadion
The modest yet great FC St. Pauli is a reflection of the neighbourhood spirit and a last refuge of grass-roots football. Their principles advocate against xenophobia, fascism and sexism and the team is a favourite among both Germans and all over the world. They come out onto the pitch brandishing the Jolly Roger as their banner, with Hells Bells by AC/DC played over the PA system, while Song 2 by Blur sounds out whenever the side scores. Watching a match at the Millerntor-Stadion is truly an experience that goes beyond that of just a sporting event.

Reeperbahn
This is the main thoroughfare running through Sankt Pauli and one of the most ribald avenues in the world. Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, it has two faces. By day, crowds jostle about doing their shopping or going out for a coffee. By night, the neon signs of the discos, night clubs, cabarets and sex shops light up. Mid-way between Barcelona’s Las Ramblas of the 1980s and Las Vegas, whatever transpires in Reeperbahn stays put within the neighbourhood. Local curiosities include the Beatles Platz, a square commemorating the passage of The Beatles through the city in their early years, when they performed at such venues as Star-Club, Kaiserkeller, Top Ten and Indra. Then there is The Reeperbahn Festival, which has been held each year at the end of September since 2006. Its programme features hundreds of concerts and the festival is a beacon for the music industry on an international level.

Schmidt Tivoli
With its old-world, slight seedy charm, the Schmidt Tivoli is the variety theatre par excellence in Hamburg’s red light district. Be sure to get tickets to the midnight show, when the ambience is more risque than during the afternoon or evening sessions. If you can’t get hold of a ticket, there are many other theatres and cabarets in Sankt Pauli to choose from, including the Operettenhaus, which specialises in musicals, the more conventional St. Pauli Theater, which has been operating since 1841, and the Imperial Theater.

Superbude Hotel Hostel
With its colourful designer rooms done out in fully recycled furniture, the Superbude is Hamburg’s hipster hotel for those who like to stay the night and be able to boast about being a trendy. A more conventional option is the EAST, housed in a former factory. Its stands out for its aesthetic, combining strains of the Far East with a Western industrial look. Be sure to have a meal in their restaurant, one of the best in St. Pauli.

Book your Vueling to Hamburg and revel in a district with possibly the liveliest night life in Europe.

Text by Oriol Rodríguez

Images by Heiko S, Wojtek Szkutnik, Itti, Reading Tom, David Coggins, abbilder