Overview & visitor information
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.
Tour
Bus number 100
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.
City guide
More tours in Berlin
Keep exploring Berlin.
berlinBerolina Sightseeing
Activity
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.
berlinBerlin Walks
Activity
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.
berlinBrewer’s Berlin
Activity
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:
berlinTrabi Safari
Activity
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,
More places in Berlin
Keep exploring Berlin.
berlinWhat 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.
berlinCheckpoint 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
berlinMuseum 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.
berlinThe Spandau citadel
Castles
is a beautiful building made as a castle in the 16th century. Entry is €2.50. Telephone: 354 94 42 00.
berlinAlexanderplatz
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.
berlinTiergarten
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.
berlinUnter den Liden
Town
is the main boulevard, which includes the Freidrichstrasse shopping area. It turns into Strasse des 17 Juni at the Brandenburg Gate.
berlinBrandenburg 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.
berlinThe 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.
berlinReichstag
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
More restaurants in Berlin
Keep exploring Berlin.
berlinHartmann’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
berlinThe 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.
berlinLa Petit France
As the name suggests, this a French restaurant. It specializes in delicacies from
berlinKushinoya
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.
berlinBuddah 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
berlinAotearoa
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.
berlinLa 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
berlinManngo
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
berlinBabel
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.
berlinCafé 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,