Berlin, Germany
One of the most exciting cities in Germany, with the most cultural activities in Europe.
Guten Morgen!
Ok.. It's your lucky day! I'm giving you here my favorite things about Berlin, and tons of knowledge. I lived in this town for over 8 years, and I come back to visit quite often, since it still feels home for me.
Arriving at the airport, you can have the option to take the taxi to the city. If you are in the city center, iYou can also take the train, which has one of the most extensive systems in Europe. You can visit the transportation system website, and check your itinerary. I usually take a train since it's one of the fastest ways to get to the city, leveraging their Regional Train system or the Airport Express. They also have their S-Bahn trains, S9 and S45 that can take you to the city as well.
Around town
One of the best ways to explore Berlin is by bike. The city has an extensive bike path, and drivers are very aware of the bike riders, so you feel safe to explore the city. If bike is not much your way to explore, or the weather is not the best, Berlin has a fantastic train/subway/bus system, which can take you anywhere you want to go, without much hassle.
Another great tip for a very inexpensive tour is to take the bus 100 either at the Zoo or at Alexanderplatz. Make sure to stay in line, and walk to the top level of the bus and seat on the front. This bus actually drives by many of the main sites in Berlin; it's a great way to see the city.
Berlin is a city that offers tons of cultural programs. It has 3 Opera houses, besides the best orchestra in the world can be enjoyed in the Berliner Philharmonie.
There is so much to see in this city. Ideal is at least 2 days to see the main attractions. The Gedaechtniskirche, Tiergarten, Warchauer Strasse (where you can see the Berliner Wall), Potsdamer Platz, Sony Center etc. are some of the sites you can't miss.
Across from the Gedaechtniskirche, there is a new shopping called Bikini Berlin, it has nice cafes and very cool boutiques. Not your typical mall.
Talking about shopping, Berlin has also great options. You should check out shopping malls like Alexa, Mall of Berlin, and Boulevard Berlin. Other great shopping options are: Friedrichstrasse, Hackescher Markt, and KaDeWe. The Ku'damm main street in west Berlin, is where you can find the main avenue with all main boutiques, from the popular ones to the luxury stores. It's a long avenue, so make sure to have comfortable shoes if you plan to walk.
Brandenburger Tor
The Brandenburg Gate in with no doubt one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in Berlin.
This was actually commissioned by the King of Prussia in the late 1700s, and it has been the sign of many historical events.
A walk from the Brandenburg Gate all the way to Alexanderplatz can take you close to 35 minutes. But actually the best is exploring the area, since it has so many interesting sites.
Walking on Unten den Linden, not far from the Gate, you will find Friedrichstrasse. Walking south on Friedrichstrasse, you will find great shops and restaurants. A great place to visit is Ritter Sport ChocoWorld. This place besides having a chocolate museum, you can create your very own chocolate and take it home with you. From Friedrichstrasse, walk west on Franzoesische Strasse until you get to Gerdarmenmarkt. This landmark has the beautiful Konzerthaus and the French and German churches. This area was completely destroyed during the war. It has been beautifully restored. During summer times, this square hosts many outdoor concerts, and during winters, it has one of the best Christmas markets in the city. This would be an area I would highly recommend staying because of its location. I enjoyed my lovely stay at the Hilton Berlin during one of my visits.
Don't miss visiting Rausch Schokoladenhaus. The store has all Berlin landmarks in display in chocolate, quite impressive. Their chocolate is delicious! I always buy myself some chocolate there when in Berlin.
No too far from Alexanderplatz, if you are ready for a coffee break, there is a cafe where all the locals go to grab their breakfast with amazing bread, coffee, and pastries. You can even see them preparing the bread. Everything is so fresh and highly recommended. Don't miss the opportunity to go. It's called Zeit fuer Brot. You will love it.
Museuminsel
Continuing in Friedrichstrasse in the direction of Alexanderplatz, you will find the Museuminsel, where many museums and beautiful landmarks like the Berliner Dom can be found. Not so far from there too, you can see the Rotes Rathaus, the town hall of Berlin. Very close to the Rathaus you can find Nikolaiviertel. Known to be the Old-Berlin, this area was founded around the year 1200, and you can find the oldest church in Berlin, the Nikolaikirche.
There is then no way to miss the Berliner Fernsehturm (Television Tower). It's possible to go up the tower and enjoy the revolving restaurant. It takes one hour revolve a full 360 degrees.
Not far from Alexanderplatz, is another very popular area known as Hackescher Markt. This area has many boutiques and restaurants, although it can be very touristy.
If you are in Berlin in a Sunday, don't miss going to Mauerpark. This park from completely abandoned from the time of the wall became one of most popular by locals and tourists, who come here to shop at the great flea market and have tons of fun with the Bearpit Karaoke, certainly one of the must-dos when in Berlin.
Berlin has no doubt, so much history. If you like exploring it, don't miss visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial or the Berlin Wall in Warschauer Strasse. It's just a short walk from the train/subway station.
Don't miss visiting some very interesting bunkers from the Second World War. If you would like a tour in English language, make sure to get there early to book your tour (first come, first serve).
If you have more time and are into castles and beautiful parks, check out the castles from the Prussian times, in Potsdam. Potsdam is only about one hour away from the heart of Berlin. You can get there with the public transportation, with the S-Bahn system, or even the RER (regional faster train). Make sure to buy the train ticket for region ABC in Berlin and you will be covered until Potsdam. Arriving in Potsdam main station, you just need to buy another transportation ticket for the day. The buses and Trams drops you very close to the main attractions.
