Place

Kulturforum

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.

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Overview & visitor information

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What to do with Children in Tow

Park

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.

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Checkpoint Charlie

road

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

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Museum Island (Museuminsel)

island

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.

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The Spandau citadel

Castles

is a beautiful building made as a castle in the 16th century. Entry is €2.50. Telephone: 354 94 42 00.

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Alexanderplatz

Building

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.

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Tiergarten

Park

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.

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Unter den Liden

Town

is the main boulevard, which includes the Freidrichstrasse shopping area. It turns into Strasse des 17 Juni at the Brandenburg Gate.

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Brandenburg Gate

Sight

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.

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The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Churches

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.

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Reichstag

Building

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

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Hartmann’s Restaurant

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

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The KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens)

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.

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La Petit France

As the name suggests, this a French restaurant. It specializes in delicacies from

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Kushinoya

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.

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Buddah lounge

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

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Aotearoa

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.

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La Rustica

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

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Manngo

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

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Babel

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.

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Café Bravo

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,

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Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Expensive Hotels

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.

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Hotel Palace Berlin

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.

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Hotel de Rome

Luxury Hotels

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.

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Brandenburger Hof Berlin

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.

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East Side City Hotel

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/

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Frauenhotel Intermezzo

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.

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Hotel-Pension Berlin Kassandra

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.

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Ibis Berlin Messe

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.

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Aurora Hostel

Budget Hotels

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.

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City-Hotel Gotland

Moderate Hotels

Urban Road 171, 10961 Berlin, Telephone: 695 36 450, Fax: 695 36 451, Website: www.cityhotel-gotland-berlin.de/ This hotel is affordable yet comfortable. Guests have a choice between one, two, three, four or five bed rooms, and the prices for these rooms range between €49-€107. All rooms feature cable television and a shower and a toilet. A breakfast buffet and service is included in all room rates.