Berlin

It's an amazing city with a unique atmosphere. Loads of places just to discover.

A highlight for me was the Jewish museum designed by Polish / Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind . . stunning and very moving.
 
I really enjoyed the walking tour, some fascinating stories and sights.

Also, if you're familiar with the any of the various versions of Valkyrie films, then a visit to the Bendler block where the revolt was finished and the leaders executed is well worth it.
 
My only visit to Berlin was back in the early sixties, had a six week visit thanks to the RAF.
Very odd as the Russian war memorial was in West Berlin in the British sector and soon after the WALL was put up, West Berliners caused so much grief that British troops had to guard the Rusisian guards who were on duty.
I pressume it is still standing there and if so no doubt could be a focal point for future demos.
 
Like most European city's it's great for a short break, lot's of great bars and restaurants to go to, the Germans are quite demanding on service and quality and it shows.

One thing we did that is worth mentioning is hire a bike for the day (approx.12 Euros), loads of cycle paths around the city and you are able to visit most of the attractions while your bike is safely locked up nearby with the chain they provide for you, I thought this was a great way of getting around the city centre.
 
It’s a fantastic city. Several different areas to enjoy and the obvious places like the Brandenburg gate and the Reichstag are worth sightseeing. So is Museum Island.

Several huge parks that also have beer gardens and there’s thousands of food and drink options that cover all budgets.

The old East gets a lot of attention because it knows it’s cool, but the West has a lot of good points too.

If you go to the zoo (or near the zoo) have a drink at the bar of the 25hours hotel. It’s a roof top bar with great views.
 
Lucky you, it's a fantastic city. I won't list all the places but if you're a WWII buff like myself then that alone will fill your itinerary.

If you're a foody then a visit to Markthalle Neun (ideally on a Thursday evening) is an absolute must. Cuisine from all over the world served in a street-food style. An abundance of quirky bars and nightlife in that area as well.
 
Been loads of times, great place. if you like Punk, Kreuzberg is Punk Rock City. Worth going if even you you don't, great bars & not far from East Side with lots of the Berlin wall still standing.
 
WalwynWasGod said:
Jealous of seeing the Sparks there .. I making do with Manchester in April
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It's only because I was too late to get tickets for the UK, but it was much cheaper in Berlin and we got a blinding Airbnb deal in the city plus cheap air fares, just hope Berlin and the rest of the World is still standing by then!
 
Great views from the top of the TV Tower in Alexanderplatz. Plus there's a bar and restaurant up there.
 
Stopping on the river next to museum island, booked a show for the Fri night, tv tower on the list as well, will be looking at a lot of the ww11 memorials etc, thanks for the reply’s 👍🏽
 
Can also recommend a walking tour - the guides are really insightful. Last one we did was an "alternative Berlin" tour - get to see the not so obvious things around the City. You'll find loads on Tripadvisor and most meet at the TV Tower each morning.

Berlin is massive though so plan your days carefully if you want to see certain things as they could be miles apart. The Topography of Terror is a must (despite it's title) - give yourself an hour or so for that. Also really enjoyed the DDR museum, by the river opposite the Berline Dom (Cathedral).

We enjoyed the Hackescher Markt area for bars and restaurants.

Alternative Walking Tour
 
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Wizaard said:
I was going to go as well but the town isn't big enough for the both of us.
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And it aint him whos going to leave dadadadada etc . Saw them a few years ago and Ron fell over when doing his little dance tripped over a mic stand or something. It was with great relief when he moved and leapt ( sort of) back to his feet as , sadly , he's not getting any younger. Great live...even now
 
Went there way back in the mid 80’s
The wall was still up then so had to go through check point Charlie. There was a mini museum there which showed the lengths people would go to in their efforts to defect. Truly amazing but also a sign of how desperate people were to get out of their Country. Nothing changed there then!
We only went across for a night out and a meal so didn’t do much sight seeing at all but do remember the stunning architecture.
The meal really was as cheap as chips and I also remember that a lot of the cars were actually made out of compressed cardboard and the locals were only allowed a minimum amount of fuel which was intended to stop them trying to defect.
What a very strange situation and no doubt there’s will have been vast changes since the wall came down.
 
I could spend a week in Berlin just touring the curry wurst stands!!

*Currywurst nerd fact - Volkswagen have a vehicle parts number for currywurst, and their own sausage factory.
😁
 
i was there last week, we visit quite often as one of my sons lives there.
If it is your first time then i would stick with the main tourist things as mentioned above.
If you want to venture out a little then the East Side Gallery is cool and the bars in this area are very BOHO, the Starsi museum is fascinating and i recommend a visit to West Berlin ( area around Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church) for quality dinning and shopping, it is a little less bohemian than the East (the city centre is old East).

The city is undergoing massive change as it gentrifies and museum island (its historic centre) is fab with a special mention to the Pergamon Panorama
 
When we were in Berlin there was this 'Bike', about 5 yards long with about 15 guys on it. One at each end pedalling and the rest
drinking beer. it was fantastic.
Must see The Wall' and that Jewish memorial with all those different sized polished stones.
Our guide asked what we thought it was, I said it was a memorial recognising the millions of Jewish people of all ages, killed by the Nazis.
Very moving.
 
Davepick said:
When we were in Berlin there was this 'Bike', about 5 yards long with about 15 guys on it. One at each end pedalling and the rest
drinking beer. it was fantastic.
Must see The Wall' and that Jewish memorial with all those different sized polished stones.
Our guide asked what we thought it was, I said it was a memorial recognising the millions of Jewish people of all ages, killed by the Nazis.
Very moving.
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Did auschwitz when we stayed in krakow just before lockdown, unbelievable 😞
 
If you’re feeling flush and want to treat the mrs, book a meal at the top of the revolving bt tower (i think it is) - decent food and great views of the city.
 
Pauls_Boutique said:
Thanks for asking this question. I’m going on a boys break the last weekend of April so some good hints on here.

I believe Union Berlin are at home the weekend we are there so I think that’s on the agenda.
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when we went hertha berlin we’re playing so “dragged” the mrs to that. She actually enjoyed the experience as did i, beers in your seats whilst watching the game was a novelty as well.
 
hertfordseasider said:
I'm piggy backing this Steve, We're off there at the end of April for a long weekend, going to see Sparks in concert there!
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What a great gig to see and city to visit. I’ve not seen Sparks live but would love to. Hope you have an amazing time. I note that Kraftwerk have been announced as headliners at Green Man in Wales this summer, another I’d love to see but no tickets left.
 
I was there mid week about 4 years ago. Arrived at rush hour after work. First morning woke up and the City was deserted, was staying right in the centre of the Office and Shopping areas near the main train station. Didn't know that it was Labour Day (1st May) everywhere was closed. Livened up a bit in the afternoon and the night time was fine. The Brandenburg Gate area is nice for a wander around Went to Kreusberg district the night before that seems ok, but i'd prefer it in daylight.

Don't bother with Checkpoint Charlie, unless you want to go for a McDonald's or a Subway or a Starbucks as that's pretty much all that's there now apart from an American Soldier posing for photos. River cruise around the city will kill some time. Not a bad place, i'd probably go again over a weekend.
 
I lived there for 2yrs whilst I was in the army...in fact my regiment was the last British regiment in Berlin. Myself and my wife actually went back for the 1st time in about 26yrs just as restrictions got lifted last year. I was really interesting to see the changes since we were last there.

Absolutely love Berlin, there is a great bar on the Kudamm called Alt-Berliner-BierSalon (next to a imbiss that does an awesome currywurst!) they have live music on every night with loads of footy scarfs pinned to the walls...next time we go we're taking in a BFC scarf.

Definitely worth booking in advance to go up the TV tower in alexanderplatz to avoid the queues.

The holocaust museum is worth a visit and take some tissues cos its very emotional.

If your feeling fit then give the climb to the top of the Seigesaule a go for some spectacular views of the city.

There is now a tethered hot air balloon called Welt Balloon not far from Checkpoint Charlie which is another city view.

Hope you have a great time, cant wait until we go back.

#UTMP
 
Hint-of-Orange said:
I lived there for 2yrs whilst I was in the army...in fact my regiment was the last British regiment in Berlin. Myself and my wife actually went back for the 1st time in about 26yrs just as restrictions got lifted last year. I was really interesting to see the changes since we were last there.

Absolutely love Berlin, there is a great bar on the Kudamm called Alt-Berliner-BierSalon (next to a imbiss that does an awesome currywurst!) they have live music on every night with loads of footy scarfs pinned to the walls...next time we go we're taking in a BFC scarf.

Definitely worth booking in advance to go up the TV tower in alexanderplatz to avoid the queues.

The holocaust museum is worth a visit and take some tissues cos its very emotional.

If your feeling fit then give the climb to the top of the Seigesaule a go for some spectacular views of the city.

There is now a tethered hot air balloon called Welt Balloon not far from Checkpoint Charlie which is another city view.

Hope you have a great time, cant wait until we go back.

#UTMP
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Hint,

I had a great night in the Alt-Berliner a few years ago. MOTD was on in the background and the band all had mullets and played some proper cheese. Everyone in the place was loving it.
 
All of the above, also the Reichstag is worth a visit, booking a trip up the dome.
Timed tickets are free and can be booked online, or in the ticket office nearby. When you book a ticket, because it's a government building you'll need ID in the form of your passport. The Dome is fascinating with great views of the city when you get up there.
Next to the ticket office is a public cafeteria, great for curryworst and bier...and it's cheap.
 
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