Berlin is a large and prosperous city, where business and slick city styles amalgamate with vibrant arts, music and youth scenes. It is built over several waterways making almost any journey require crossing a bridge. Beautiful ancient architecture, bombed out shells of buildings, modern monuments and murals painted by children make up some of the sights you will see when you first come into the city. The Berlin region is separated into 12 boroughs, each with its own distinctive character. This is due to the former separation of the regions. There are many top-class museums and places of historic and architectural interest to explore, and int
Berlin is a fairly child-friendly city with many things to occupy the kids. When going sightseeing, remember to watch for your children as it is easy to lose them in the crowds, particularly if their attention is easily caught by interesting sights. It is very common to go out in Berlin for breakfast or brunch and many restaurants can have indoor playgrounds or other supervised activities for children.
the most famous of the gates between former East and West Berlin. The attached museum (Friedrichstrasse 43-45) gives some background with stories of successful and failed attempts to cross the checkpoint. Website: http://www.mauer-museum.com/. Telephone: 2537250
the river Spree divides Mitte into North and South sections and in the middle of it is the grandiose Museum Island, holding about 20 galleries and museums that will definitely leave you reeling. Do some research before going and decide which ones you want to see most. Each has admission fees (except for special days such as Lange Nacht der Museen and the first Sunday of every month, when entry is free) so plan how much you want to spend. Highlights are the Pergamonmuseum, the Altes Museum (Old Museum) and the Museum of photography.
is a beautiful building made as a castle in the 16th century. Entry is €2.50. Telephone: 354 94 42 00.
the largest, and arguably one of the most famous squares in Berlin. It historically had markets so was an important square for many centuries. In World War II, almost all of the area was bombed but it has been beautifully restored. All public transport lines now have stops here and the TV tower rises up from the center. The Fernsehturm (or TV asparagus, as the Berliners call it) is 368m tall and has a revolving café at the top. If it is a clear day, it is worth paying the €6 admission to see Berlin from up there.
the large central park in Berlin is a beautiful escape from the busy life of the city. The principal road through it is Strasse des 17 Juni which runs East to West. It was originally a hunting reserve and has several lakes in it. The garden was divided by the Berlin Wall in the late 20th century.
is the main boulevard, which includes the Freidrichstrasse shopping area. It turns into Strasse des 17 Juni at the Brandenburg Gate.
the symbol of Berlin and definitely the most photographed monument in the city. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans in 1791, it was a symbol of power and prestige (note its similarity to Grecian architecture) but was used as a division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Now however, it is seen as a triumphant icon of reunification.
is the burial place of many of the kings of the Prussian empire and the largest church in the city. The beautiful church is worth visiting just for the scale and the age of it. Admission is around €5 and free guided tours are available. Telephone: 2026 91 36.
the seat of government in Berlin. Built in 1894, this building has had several political scuffles and has been on the world stage so many times. Most notably, the reunification of Germany was enacted here in October 1990. The tourist crowds can be annoying so visit early or late if you wish to avoid them. Guided tours can be arranged. Telephone: 22732152
this is a charming restaurant that is owned by Stefan Hartmann, specializing in homemade German delicacies. The setting is romantic with excellent décor, tasteful art and a fireplace. The convenient location near the Templehof airport is also a plus. Telephone: 6120 1003. Address: Fichtestrasse 31, Eastern Kreuzberg
It is a large department store full of brand name shops in Kurfurstendamm (Ku’Damm for short) and has an astonishing food court on the 6th floor. They all serve gourmet food of every thinkable cuisine. Telephone: 21210, 21-24 10789. Website: http://www.kadewe.de/en/ Address: Tauentzienstr.
As the name suggests, this a French restaurant. It specializes in delicacies from
This upmarket Japanese restaurant delivers everything it boasts of. The tastes are understated, as in all good Japanese cooking and the atmosphere is cool and serene. The specialization is in unconventional Japanese dishes (no sushi or ramen here!) that the chef will make right in front of you and is called ‘Kushi’. Good for a quiet chat with a few friends or a business lunch/dinner. You’ll find the staff extremely polite and respectful.
A small but exceptional Asian restaurant with a bar. It serves all kinds of Asian food and is popular with the locals. A good place to meet or watch people as it tends to get pretty crowded. The weekend buffet is recommended, displaying dishes such as Thai risotto and vegetarian sushi. Address: Stargarderstrasse 60, Prenzlauer berg. Telephone: 44716024
A quaint family-run New Zealand restaurant, with a large kiwi on its roof outside- you can’t miss it! The food is good and the friendly service makes you feel like you’re at the kitchen of a close companion. The fact that you can watch your kiwi food (including some traditional Maori dishes) being prepared adds to this vibe. A home away from home for New Zealanders, and of course, a great restaurant to visit for anyone else. Address: Weichselstrasse 26a, Freidrichshain. Telephone: 20687314.
This Italian restaurant serves impeccable pizzas and pastas and is reasonably priced. The outdoor tables can be a bit noisy as they are close to the train line but the waiters are unconventional and will always give you a great Mediterranean experience. Great for a sumptuous lunch. Tel: 218 9179 Address: 4, 10178 Berlin – Mitte. Kleine Präsidentenstr
Mulackstr. 29, Mitte. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine at very good value for money. Central location makes it easy to find as well. Telephone: 280 40 558. Website: http://www.manngo.de/72
This busy Lebanese/middle eastern eatery is good for quick meals on the go. It serves all kinds of Arabic food, including the staples; shawarma, falafel and kebabs with voracity. Unfortunately it is slightly difficult to get to as it does not have any public transport stops nearby, but well worth the extra walk, cycle or ride. Address: Kastanienallee 33, Prenzlauer.
Beautifully designed with glass and mirrors, this café is in the centre of Mitte and boasts a killer New York Cheesecake. Address: Auguststrasse, 69, Telephone 2838744 40,
Loading local prayer times…
Calculated times. Confirm congregation times with your local masjid.
This hotel is an exact replica of the 1907 Adlon hotel, and hosts a wide range of guests including celebrities, business travelers and families. It has six restaurants with a variety of cuisines from around the globe, as well as a private dining option and two bars. 382 rooms and suites are on offer, all air-conditioned. Facilities include a Day Spa, beauty salon, Pool & Gym. Also on offer are 13 conference rooms and two ballrooms.
This hotel is centrally located and offers guests two bars and a delicious gourmet restaurant. There are 250 tastefully decorated rooms, as well as 32 luxury suites. This hotel offers a wide range of facilities including spa, heated indoor swimming pool and a sauna, as well a gym. They also offer massage and Ayurveda treatment for an extra fee.
The Regent Berlin is one of the best 5-star hotels in Berlin. With a Michelin star restaurant and luxurious rooms and a location close to many tourist attractions - including the Gendarmenmarkt which is home to the Deutscher Dom cathedral that is visible from the hotel - this is an ideal hotel for the tourist who is not on a budget.
This hotel is a renovation of an 1889 building, and as one of only a handful of luxury hotels in Berlin located in a historical building, it offers guests a chance to be a part of Berlin’s architectural heritage. The hotel’s restaurant, Parioli, offer’s guests a high quality dining experience, and the hotel also offers guests a choice between three bars, some of which feature alfresco dining. The hotel has 146 rooms, including 43 suites. A number of facilities are on offer, including a 20 metre swimming pool, sauna, and gymnasium. The hotel also offers a number of rooms for meetings and events, which make it an ideal choice for your next business meeting or special event.
This Prussian style hotel is conveniently located to public transport links. The hotel’s restaurant offers gourmet food in an understated, elegant environment. There is also a Salon which offers QUADRIGA cuisine, and a bar stocked with fine wines. The hotel has 58 rooms and 14 suites, which makes it a desirable option for travelers seeking a more intimate luxury accommodation alternative. The hotel offers a swimming pool, Finnish sauna, solarium and spa, as well as a fitness centre. It also allows pets, which makes it well worth considering if you wish to travel with your animal companion.
This hotel is located close to public transport and offers 36 rooms, all with a bath or shower. The restaurant offers international cuisine and continental breakfast. Services offered include a bar/café, free parking, satellite television with pay movies and 24 hour check in. Prices are between €60-100 for a single and €70-110 for a double. Address: Muhlenstrasse 6, 10243 Berlin, Germany, Telephone: 293 833, Website: http://www.eastsidecityhotel.de/
Gertrud-Kolmar-Straße 5 10117 Berlin Telephone: 22 48 90 96, Fax: 22 48 90 97, Website: www.hotelintermezzo.de This hotel is unique in that it offers accommodation exclusively to women, though all children are welcome. The hotel is located close to the QVPN Subway and within walking distance to a number of museums, theatres, restaurants and shops. 17, rooms, furnished in IKEA style, are on offer. All of the rooms have a shower and some of them have a toilet (additional toilets are located along the hallway). The hotel also offers one double room for handicapped persons, with shower and toilet. The services that the hotel offer include breakfast buffet, wireless internet access in the some areas of the hotel, luggage storage and parking.
Uhlandstr 33 10719 Berlin, Telephone: 880 43 20, Fax: 880 43 299, Website: http://www.hotel-kassandra-berlin.de/ This centrally located hotel offers 32 rooms, with each room featuring a shower, toilet and colour TV. Services offered include a complimentary breakfast, lounge and meeting place, laundry service and 24 hour reception.
Messedamm 10 - 14057 – Berlin, Telephone: 303 930, Fax: 3019536 This hotel neighbors Berlin’s ICC and exhibition grounds, and features 168 rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and a lot of which feature wireless internet access. The hotel also features a 24 hour bar and an excellent breakfast buffet which is served between 4am and 12pm. Other facilities that the hotel offer include rooms and facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage and shoe shine.
Pappelallee 21, Prenzlauer Berg, 10437 Berlin, Telephone: 46 99 55 30, Website: www.aurora-hostel.com/ This hostel offers travelers very clean rooms and is centrally located nearby to public transport. Some rooms offer private bathrooms and others have shared bathroom facilities. The hostel is family friendly and offers guests free internet access in the communal area. Taxes, linen and towels are all included in the hostel’s rates.
Getting a visit visa into Germany is a fairly quick process. U.A.E and most G.C.C country nationals will need their passport (valid for atleast 6 months), two passport photographs, a copy of a health insurance policy, completed application forms and proof of the reason for travel (i.e. hotel booking, letter from host etc) to be taken to the nearest German visa center. There are however, other visas that can be applied for: • business visas • work permits • student visas The application fees vary depending on how long your stay is, but is in the range of €60. The application forms are relatively short and easy to handle. A Schengen-visa is a helpful tool that allows travel into many mainland European countries for 90 days in six months. The member countries include Denmark, Slovakia, Portugal, Iceland, Austria, Malta, Italy, Latvia, Belgium, Finland, and Switzerland. For a full list, see the German consulate website (quoted below).
Berlin is in a temperate climate zone so the general weather is quite pleasant all through the year. There are four distinct seasons. Temperatures don’t have too large a range between the extremes; -1°C in the winter (December-February) up to around 25°C in the summer (June-August). Needless to say, if you do not enjoy the cold, do not travel in winter, and if you do, remember to take enough warm clothing. The tourist season is from May to October but there are attractions and festivals all through the year. Check beforehand to see which ones you will be able to witness. Being the arts and music hub of Germany, there will definitely be several concerts, plays and exhibitions on play during your trip for you to take advantage of.
-Location: Berlin is situated in the north-east of Germany, in the midst of a network of lakes and marshes. The river Spree follows a valley carved out by ice flows many thousands of years ago, and meets the wide river Havel in the borough of Spandau. Most of the region is flat with a few rolling hills. It is about 70km west from the border of Poland, and is completely surrounded by the region of Brandenburg. It is the cultural and administrative capital and most populous city in Germany, and is also a centre for commerce with many European companies headquartered there.
The Euro (€) is the currency in German
The weekend in Germany, like the rest of the European Union, is Saturday-Sunday; New Year’s Day:: 1st Jan Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday, generally in April. The exact date depends on the lunar calendar. Easter Monday, Ascension Day and Whit Monday also depend on the day of Easter) Easter Monday; Labour Day:: 1st May (there are sometimes riots in the city the night before and after)
Month High (°C) Low(°C) January 2.9 -1.9 February 4.2 -1.5 March 8.5 1.3 April 13.2 4.2 May 18.9 9.0 June 21.6 12.3 July 23.7 14.3 August 23.6 14.1 September 18.8 10.6 October 13.4 6.4 November 7.1 2.2 December 4.4 -0.4
It is difficult to describe a ‘typical’ Berliner, simply because society is always changing and the people of the city come from a variety of backgrounds. Most of the residents have lived in the city for less than ten years and it is not easy to find a ‘born-and-bred’ Berliner. The society is quite multicultural and young, because of the universities located in the city, and the vibrant arts, dance and music scenes.
Berlin is a large and prosperous city, where business and slick city styles amalgamate with vibrant arts, music and youth scenes. It is built over several waterways making almost any journey require crossing a bridge. Beautiful ancient architecture, bombed out shells of buildings, modern monuments and murals painted by children make up some of the sights you will see when you first come into the city. The Berlin region is separated into 12 boroughs, each with its own distinctive character. This is due to the former separation of the regions. There are many top-class museums and places of historic and architectural interest to explore, and interesting restaurants and nightspots to discover.
Berlin has had an illustrious history, if a relatively short one, and has been in the hands of five forms of government, all in the 20th century. Berlin was only founded as a city in the 13th Century and was initially a small town. It was amalgamated with neighboring CölIn (which is the current Neukölln) to make a town of 8000 residents.
short for the Kurfurstendamm and neighbouring Tauentzienstrasse are ‘mall streets’, where you can find pretty much anything you are looking for. The KaDeWe is the most prestigious shopping complex, with every brand name store found in its maze of corridors.
just outside Franzosische strasse station in Mitte, this beautiful arcade-like complex is host to many upmarket clothing, shoes, perfume and souvenir shops. It is open every day but Sunday, 10am-8pm. Telephone: 209480
This beautiful courtyard h
This clothing store offers the latest fashions in the stylish Prenzlauberg area. The store itself, like many others in Berlin is a work of art just as much as the merchandise. Address: Kastanienallee 21, Prenzlauer Berg.
This minimalistic fashion store is uniquely Berliner. The clothes, furniture and jewellery are all created by local designers and tend to have a sense of Berlin pride in them. Address: 89 Frankfurter Alle, Friedrichshain Telephone: 420 81445
A fairly odd shop, initially looking like a costume hire. It is not however, it sells clothes and accessories that are uniquely and traditionally German and Bavarian. It also sells hunting rifles and other items you might need were you to spend a weekend in an old castle. Worth a visit if only to have a look around. Address: Schönwalder Strasse 12, Spandau. Telephone: 3355001
a perfume shop that uses natural ingredients and secret recipes. Brand name perfumes are not found here but you’re sure to find something that matches your mood or personality and will not cost too much either. Address: Kantstrasse 106, Charlottenburg. Telephone: 3243582
this shopping zone in Steglitz has something for everyone, with two malls, a galleria and several smaller stores with personalized service. The Schonhauser Allee S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations are the closest to this area.
This is an unconventional jewellery shop with local designers. Of course, precious jewellery can be expensive but you will find some reasonable offers here as well. Address: Savignyplatz 13-Passage. Telephone: 31802354.
is held on Georgenstrasse in Mitte most weekends. It is full of interesting collectables and various kitsch. Ethnic crafts can be good souvenirs.
this collection of museums, art galleries and concert halls was planned as a cultural center in the South of the main city. The State Library (Neue Staatsbibliothek), The Berliner Philharmonie, The Gemäldegalerie (Gallery of over a thousand European paintings), The Belin Music Hall, and the Bauhaus Archiv are all found in this single complex. Most of the museums have an admission charge of €2-4. Check opening times before going as some are only open at odd days such as Wednesday-Monday.
near Warshcauer Strasse Station in Freidichshain is a 300m stretch of the remains of the Berlin Wall. A haunting reminder to the events that took place only in the recent past. Artists have created the East Side Gallery on one side of the wall, a testament to the resilience of Berliners.
This eye-opening collection of artefacts are a must-see for visitors who want to know the real past of Jews in Germany. Items from over 2000 years ago are displayed. Although the holocaust is only a small section of the museum, its presence pervades the entire place. Website: www.jmberlin.de Lindenstrasse 9-14, Telephone: 25993300.
The large luxury shopping precinct is located in this borough. More information in the ‘Shopping’ section
is the largest surviving palace in Germany. It was initially built as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick I. it is a beautiful piece of architecture and gives an insight into the lives of the royals in the 17th century. The large grounds are also good to wander through. A whole day can even be spent there, as there are some adjoining museums. The crowds can be difficult to handle, especially if you choose a peak time such as a Saturday morning. Telephone: 320911
are a fascinating place, and the most visited of all the zoos in Europe. More details in the ‘What to do with kids’ section.
The ‘Long Night of Museums’ festival is run for one day every January and August and has many museums open till 2AM. Special exhibitions are staged and other cultural events are held around the city as part of it. It is an excellent night out for any appreciator of art. This year’s (2010) festival was held on the 30th of January and featured events all around the city. Telephone 90 26 99 444
is renowned all around Europe as a premier festival for independent and mainstream movies; and is called the ‘Berlinale’. It takes place at the end of February and is surprisingly accessible for an event so large. Tickets are relatively easy to obtain and some of the screenings of films not in the competition are free. It is a delightful addition to a movie buff’s itinerary, but of course, tickets must be booked in advance. Telephone: 259 200
25th March-6th April, 10 high profile days of opera in Berlin. Also called the Festtage, it showcases some of the world’s leading opera singers in beautiful concerts and star-studded after parties, all at the majestic Berlin opera house. Perfect holiday gift for the opera aficionado. Telephone: 20 35 40.
The International Tourism Exchange in Berlin is an annual trade fair in the middle of March, generally at the Messe Berlin fairgrounds. It attracts thousands of visitors as well as tour companies, hotels, insurance companies and publishing organizations. It is also a travel convention and its scale has been steadily increasing in the past few years. It is a good opportunity to research some travel locations or fix up that business holiday.
this is the Carnival of Cultures, a dizzying weekend of celebrating the cultural and ethnic diversity in Berlin. It takes place in late May or early June, generally on Pentecost weekend or Whit Sunday. There are parades, market stalls, outlandish food, and the streets come alive with people in their national garb. 1 in every 7 Berliners has emigrated from a different country so there is plenty of diversity to rejoice. Telephone: 6097700.
Located in Meinekestr. 3, 10719 Berlin – Charlottenburg, this company offers a range of bus tours to suit any budget. Most are the hop-in hop-off type, which can be convenient or annoying depending on your mood and the weather. Telephone: 88 56 80 30, Website: www.berolina-berlin.com There are concessions for children, so this is a plus when travelling with the little ones.
in the BVG bus service passes many of the tourist landmarks and since you only have to pay the price of a public transport ticket, is a cheap way to see the sights.
Sensburger Allee 2. Telephone: 301 9194 Website: http://www.berlinwalks.com/home.html This fairly old and established company has been operating walking tours for many years. There are several walks to chose from, including a ‘discover Berlin’ and a ‘Third Reich sites’ tour.
As well as the general bus tours, this company also operates ‘Trips with Terry’. These are fascinating glimpses into the lesser known parts of Berlin with the help of Terry, who seems to have been everywhere and done everything. Terry has stories to tell about most of the places you visit, that will give you a whole new impression of the city. Telephone: 177 3881537. Website:
These nostalgic tours involve getting in a ‘Trabi’ an old car that was manufactured in East Germany during the Cold war years to be as cheap as possible. You are given a guide, who will sit with you in the car and explain the history behind the sights you drive to in your Trabi. The novel idea caught on mainly because of the strange fascination that many Germans have with the clothing, styles and culture of that time. A fun trip to go on with friends. Telephone: 2759-2273,
There are about 18 mosques scattered around the greater Berlin area, again mostly in the Neukölln and Wedding areas. Most are traditional, with a few Lahori mosques. Your hotel will be glad to give you locations as will any tourist helpdesk.
Address: Seydelstr. 28, Berlin Mitte Phone: 20 619 639
Address: Drontheimer Strasse 32a, Wedding Phone: 49500803
Address: Drontheimerstr. 16, Wedding, very close to Interkulturelles Zentrum Phone: 49912702
Address: Skalitzer Straße 132, Kreuzberg Phone: 6158991
Address: Meteorstraße 52, near Tegel Airport in Wedding. Phone: 4138546
The bright yellow double deckered caterpillars are an icon of the Berlin city-scape. They are slower than any of the other means of public transport but will certainly take you anywhere you wish to go with growls and aplomb. Bus and tram stops have yellow and green ‘H’ signs.
Berlin has an extensive network of railways which can be fairly confusing for a first time visitor. The national rail service is Deutsche Bahn and it has four train categories. The Regional (RBP), the Regional Express (RE), the Interregional Express (IRE) and the Intercity Express (ICE). The Express lines have trains that do not stop at every station. Tickets can be bought online or at a station, but can be expensive. There are several special offers that can make your travel a lot cheaper so look out for them in newspapers, TV and online. The English language paper ‘Exberliner’ has useful information and news.
Taxis can be a convenient method to get around when there is no other option. They can be flagged down on the road (when the yellow light is on, the taxi is empty) or at a taxi stand. You can expect Taxi drivers to speak passable English. Although all taxis are metered, there may sometimes be a cheaper alternative if you are only going a short distance and have flagged the taxi on the road.
There are facilities for renting cars in Germany, provided you have a valid driving license and are over 18 years old. Depending on the type of rental car, you might need to have held your license for 1-3 years. A young driver surcharge may sometimes be added and all passengers are required to wear a seatbelt. Most of the big car rental companies are situated close to the Tegel Airport and prices are reasonable. Cars rented in Germany can be driven to the surrounding countries, provided the rental company is notified. They generally have a list of allowable countries.
Berlin has two Airports; Tegel, about 10km from the centre of the city, and Shoenefeld, about 20km to the south-east of the city. Tegel is the main international airport and services most of the large carriers such as the national airline Lufthansa, Delta Airways, British Airways, Continental Airways, Emirates and KLM. There are plenty of public transportation options to get to the city from Tegel; the S-Bahn, U-Bahn and the buses all have dedicated lines. This is probably the easiest method as well, but for extra convenience you can take a taxi, which will cost around €30 to the city.
Germany has a world-renowned series of superhighways, the AutoBahn; they were in fact the first of their kind in the world. Driving in Berlin and elsewhere in Germany therefore, is enjoyable and safe. Traffic moves on the right so be wary if you are inexperienced in this. Try to avoid the far left lane on the autobahn as speeds can often exceed 100mph/161kph.
There are efficient Bicycle routes through most of Berlin and hiring a bike for your stay can be an interesting and fulfilling way to see the city. Bikes can also be taken on trains and some buses. The cyclist hotline (01805 151 415) will give you information on the rules and regulations to do with biking in the city.
Although Berlin is a large city, it is quite safe by any standards. Driving is courteous and people are genuinely helpful. Pickpockets can be a problem around the crowded tourist areas but as long as you are aware of your belongings at all times, you should be fine. In case of a health emergency, you can call the ambulance number (112) or a clinic, a few are listed below. If you are a citizen of the EU, medical care is subsidized.
