Flashbooking free pocket guide of...
BERLIN
booking has never been so quick
13 Aug 1961: Berlin Wall is erected overnight
1988: Berlin is elected European City of Culture
9 Nov 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
1990: Reunification of the two halves of the city
1991: Berlin is proclaimed as future capital of the new,
unified Germany.
After a long slumber lasting fifty years, Berlin is now
once again the capital of an unified Germany, and newly
considered to be one of the most important European
metropolis. After the Second World War, Berlin was left
completely destroyed and demoralised, squeezed in
between the East and the West, and divided both physically
and metaphorically by a long wall that cut across the city.
Today, now that the Cold War and the events of 1989,
which ended in the knocking down of the wall, begin to be
just far off memories, Berlin is beginning to think about
its own future.
INTRO - BERLIN AT FIRST GLANCE - TRANSPORTS - CLASSIC YOU CAN’T MISS -FLEA MARKETS, SHOPPING & Co. - EAT, DRINK AND
‘BRUNCH’! - NIGHTLIFE - EVENTS OF THE YEAR - USEFUL NUMBERS - HOSTELS AND HOTELS

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»INTRO condominium buildings, but with many hidden
beauties. Just to make things easy we suggest
that hold the power of Berlin and its region
between XV-XX centuries.
Although a large part of its historical and artistic
heritage was destroyed during the last War, new a brief city overview keeping as a landmark one If we continue east we come to the destroyed
buildings, designed by world-famous architects, of the most important monuments of the capital: Alexanderplatz, dedicated to Tsar Alexander I
have sprung up everywhere in this new Berlin!! the famous Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger and rebuilt after the bombing raids of the last
Germany’s Capital has kept its cultural identity Tor) as we are giving you -what we are used to war. In the vicinity the remarkable Marienkirche,
and great wealth, with its museums and many call it- ‘a daisy itinerary of the city’ with a starting just behind the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) and
point where to return for another itinerary…well, the World Time Clock, the Nikolaikirche and
just take as it comes! Most interesting places the Rathaus, the red-brick Neo-Renaissance
like theatres, universities, squares, museums building that is the seat of the city council in
and cathedrals are concentrated in the Mitte, the Berlin.
heart of Prussian Berlin, the city’s old town, the Going back to the Brandenburg Gate and
Fridericianus designed by Frederick the Great,
symbol of political and imperial military power, carrying on towards the River Spree, the route
a huge architectural complex that includes the
that therefore can be reached on foot or with just arrives at the Reichstag, the seat of the German
Deutsche Staatsoper, St. Hedwigs Kathedrale,
a few bus/metro stops. Parliament. It was destroyed by a fire in 1933
the Alte Königliche Bibliothek.
The Brandenburg Gate inspired by the Propileus and then again by bombing in 1945. It was built
At the end of Unter den Linden a beautiful
from the Athens Acropolis and topped by a again after the war, work which continued up to
bridge, Schlossbrücke, with eight marble
statue of the goddess of Victory leading a recent years, and it now has a spectacular glass
sections that depict the training and the growth
four-horsed chariot, rises at the end of the
of a Greek warrior, brings you to Museumsinsel
huge Avenue known as Unter den Linden. This
and directly in Schlossplatz, home to the Palast
long, glorious tree-lined Avenue, created in the
der Republik, once the seat of Parliament for
monuments as well as other European Capitals 18th Century, goes from the Tor to the eastern
the ex-DDR. On the north side of the square is
although it is not easy to get immediately Alexanderplatz passing by Museumsinsel
the Berliner Dom, built between the end of the
involved in the city vibe. The Berlin’s many scars (Museum Island) and then changing its name in
19th and the beginning of the 20th century in
are very well recognizable and give both areas Karl-Liebknechtstrasse.
an Italian Neo-Renaissance style. The church’s
of the city an unfinished aspect. That’s why they The buildings on the west side of Unter den
crypt contains the tombs of the Hohenzollerns
say ‘always in progress, never done’. Linden avenue, which crosses with the elegant
Friedrichstrasse famous for its shops, were
replaced with new buildings. Worthy of note are:
»BERLIN AT FIRST the Staatsbibliothek, the Humboldt-Universität,
GLANCE the Neue Wache, once the home of the royal
guards and now a memorial to the victims of
Berlin is a huge and quite complicate city as
there are many streets and interesting sites to fascism and militarism and the Zeughaus - the dome (23,5 metres high and 40 meters wide)
visit but apparently not connected to each other arsenal - that was the largest Baroque building from where it is possible to observe the deputies
by a distinct ‘city centre’. Berlin’s two souls are in Berlin, now home of the German History while working…what a sense of transparency!
still very visible: the Western part has modern, Museum. Just in front of these buildings, in the This was the place where, on 2nd October 1990,
alternative lifestyles and a busy and exciting eastern part of the avenue, the constructions the reunification of Germany was announced!
nightlife, whilst the Eastern part is still a kind of were restored in their original style. There you will Proceeding north on the other side of river
trip through what remains of socialism; a living find the Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin Museum, Spree and north of Alexanderplatz, a very nice
museum made up of state buildings and grey Bebelplatz, Schinkel Museum and the Forum and artistic quarter will fascinate you!! Once the
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Jewish area, now is a MUST for night events, green lungs: the Tiergarten, a wonderful city following day; €24,30 weekly card (Sieben-Tage- in front of Bahnhof Zoo (open daily 6am-10pm),
night clubs, night life in general! The narrow park which was once the hunting grounds of Karte) for 7-day pass. Discounts for children, 5+ as well as counters at Tegel and Schönefeld
streets and courtyards are full of galleries the Brandenburg princes. It is still part of the people groups, or longer periods you can get all airports and at Turmstrasse U-Bahn station.
and boutiques. The Scheunenviertel quarter Mitte quarter and home to some important info at the apposite offices. Underground runs The Berlin’s taxi fleet is quite expensive but
is living nowadays a spectacular moment with sites. One above all, laying on its south part, everyday from 4am to 00.30; Friday to Sunday highly recommendable if you are in a small
many bars, restaurant, shops, galleries that lines 2,5,6,7,9,15 run every15 minutes (same group. They gather around the city main centres
is the Kulturforum which gathers together the
open (and close) every week in narrow lines of for S-Bahn). You can buy these tickets at every
Gemäldegalerie, the Neue Nationalgalerie, the
coloured charming houses. Direct your feet to station where the vending machine displays
Kunstgewerbemuseum, the Staathsbibliotehek,
Oranienburger Strasse, that stretches for just over English instructions or you can get them on
a mile between the makeshift Tacheles cultural the Kunstbibliothek (specialized in art books). buses and trams. Nice, old style still comfy are
centre near Friedrichstraße or to the fashionable Right in the middle of the park are the Schloss the 30 public trams serving East Berlin.S-Bahn
Hackesche Höfe on Rosenthaler Straße which is Bellevue, built in a Neoclassical style, and the links together Berlin’s Eastern (Ostkreuz) and
the focal point of the entire district. In the area Grosser Stern, a huge square that is also home Western (Westkreuz) city centres intersecting the
the Neue Synagoge with its imposing beautiful to the Victory Column (Siegessäule). Worth a north-south lines at Bahnhof Friedrichstrasse.
golden dome or the ever-present TV Tower will visit are the Zoo and the Aquarium, also in the Trains run daily 5am-3am. (Info at S-Bahn Berlin
glare down at you!! vicinity and natural liason with Berlin West: GmbH, Nordbahnhof office; ph: +49 (030) 2974
South east from our Brandenburg Tor, along Ku’damm (shopping, restaurants & cafés area), 3333; www.s-bahn-berlin.de).
Wilhelmstrasse, you reach a very popular Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf, stretching north To get info about Berlin transport providers
district, once the heart of non conformist Berlin. and those of the surrounding region
and west of the Mitte till the northern woods of
Kreuzberg remains nowadays fascinatingly contact the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-
Grunewald and lakes (Havel). To see: Schloss
Brandenburg, Hardenbergplatz, 2; ph: as KaDeWe superstores, Savignyplatz, the
Charlotteenburg (little Berlin Versaillles!), +49 (030) 2541 4141; www.vbbonline.de). Zoo, Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz train
Funkturm, the Olympic Stadium, Plötzensee. Ferry: there are 3 seasonal and three year- Stations (S-Bahn). Also available by phone:
round ferry services to the ports of Hamburg, Taxi-Funk Berlin (ph: +49 (030) 443 322; www.
»TRANSPORTS taxifunkberlin.de), Würfelfunk (ph: +49 (030)
Berlin has an efficient transport system network 210 101 or 0800 222 255; www.wuerfelfunk.
run by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe; ph: +49 de) and Spree Funk (+49 (030) 443322). Just
(030) 19449 or 2562 2562; www.bvg.de) that to give you a rough idea, a journey from the
integrates the underground (U-Bahn), commuter Ku’damm to Unter den Linden ( crisscrossing
rail (S-Bahn), bus, tram and ferry services, with the city from west to east) costs about €10. Tips
easy connections to regional and main line to taxi drivers are very common: usually 5-10
rail services. Bus services crisscross the city, per cent of the fare.
and night buses operate when trains are not As always, we recommend the lowest-
running. This clean and always on-time network environment impact means of transport and a
offers many options to its travellers putting at way to cherish the urban life…as a citizen would
diverse and guests the Check Point Charlie and
disposal many kinds of tickets: 2€ single ticket do. Thanks to the flat terrain and extensive
the Jewish Museum.
to travel within AB zone, with transfers; 1,20€ network of bicycle paths, cycling in the city is
Back again from our favourite landmark (the Kiel, Lubeck and Rostock, which are linked by a pleasure!! You can rent your bike at Berlin
short distance ticket to travel up to 3 S/U-Bahn
Brandenburg Gate) and going west in Strasse road and rail to Berlin. All information available by bike Fahrradstation centres for about 15 €
stops or up to six stops by bus or tram; €5,60
des 17 Juni, we cross the magnificent city’s at the BVG in the pavilion at Hardenbergplatz, per day or 50€ per week (www.fahrradstation.
Daily Card (Tageskarte) valid up until 3am of the
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deHackesche Hofe, Hof 7; Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; 1. The Kultur Forum, located slightly west of German (everyday at 1pm) or at least go for a
Sat and Sun 10 am-4pm; ph +49 (030) 28384848; Potsdamer Platz in the Tiergarten park, is an concert!!! (Herbert-von-Karajan-Strasse 1; ph:
or in Auguststr. 29A (Mitte) from Mon-Fri 8 am- extraordinary group of museums, galleries, +49 (0) 30 254 880 or 2548 8156 or 2548 8999
8pm; Sat and Sun 10 am-4pm; ph +49 (030) libraries and concert halls and is considered to be for online tickets; www.berlin-philharmonic.com;
2859 9661; or in Leipziger Str. 56, from Mon- one of the best cultural centres in Germany having concerts usually on Fri-Sun 4pm and 8pm).
Fri 8 am-8 pm; Sat and Sun from 10am to 4pm; European art as its chief focus. (Kulturforum,
ph:+39 (030) 666 49 180; or at Bergmanstr. 9, Matthäikirchplatz, 8; ph:+49 030 266 2951; www. 2. Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is an island
Kreuzberg from Mon- Fri 8am-8pm; Sat and located between two branches of the River
Sun from 10 am-4pm; ph +49 (030) 21515 66). Spree, at the eastern end of the Unter den
Another interesting innovation are the red/silver Linden, where an impressive group of five
CallBikes (www.callbikes.de; +49/ 0700/ 05 important museums is simply irresistible for art
22 55 22) available in different corners of the lovers! Architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s neo-
cities and for as cheap as 0,06€ per minute or hours; ph: +49 (0)30 266 2951; www.smb.de). classical building, Altes Museum (Old Museum)
15€ per day. You call the company, give them The distinctive rectangular structure of the Neue was opened in 1830 and inaugurated the
credit card details and get a code to unlock the Nationalgalerie also called the famous ‘temple of Museums Island. It guests some breathtaking
padlock. Pre-register one week in advance. You light and glass’ designed by Mies van der Rohe collections of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts
can take and leave them in every corner of the in 1968, houses the collection of 20th century whilst the upstairs galleries show the collections
city simply using your mobile phone to connect European painting, sculpture and significant of the Egyptian Museum, which will be moved
to the central booking system! General cycling movements. Particularly well represented are to the Neues Museum in 2009. (Bodestrasse
maps, information and assistance are available Cubism, Expressionism, the Bauhaus and
at Das Radlerzentrum, run by the cycling lobby Surrealism with works by the Brücke Grou,
group Allgemeine Deutscher Fahrrad-Club smb.spk-berlin.de; Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; Thurs Otto Dix, Munch, Kokoschka, Paul Klee, Oskar
(ADFC: Brunnenstrasse 28; ph: +49 (030) 448 10am-10pm; admission charge). Schlemmer, Pablo Picasso. Each year, the
4724; www.adfc-berlin.de; Mon- Fri 1200-8pm It also includes the Gemäldegalerie (Painting museum guests many highly renowned special
and Sat10am-4pm. Gallery) one of the most prestigious art galleries exhibitions. During temporary exhibitions,
in the country that houses a large collection of the permanent collection is often not on view.
»CLASSIC YOU CAN’T paintings by European Masters dating from the
13th to the 18th centuries. After the collection
(Kulturforum, Potsdamer Strasse, 50; ph: +49
030 266 2951; www.smb.spk-berlin.de; Tues &
MISS was founded in 1830, it was systematically built Wed: 10am-6pm; Thurs: 10am-10pm; Fri-Sun
Berlin is dotted with interesting attractions and up and perfected. It is now divided in different 10am-8pm; admission €4; reductions apply:
touristy places but unfortunately, due to the city sections: the German (among the others: €2.; free on for last 4 hours on Thurs).
recent history and nature, sightseeing can be a Dürer’s ‘Virgin Mary praying’ and the ironic A honey coloured building on the north-east
nightmare as they spread all over! To simplify Cranach’s work ‘The fountain of youth’); the corner of the Kultur Forum houses the world
the things for our first-time visitors, we have Dutch (works of J.Van Eyck, Bruegel senior, Van renown Philharmonie und Kammermusiksaal
grouped the most interesting museums and Dyck, Rembrandt) and the Italian Renaissance that guests the Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra
sights to see in this way: 1. Kultur Forum; 2. section with Filippo Lippi, Mantegna, Masaccio, considered to be the best in the world. Herbert-
Museumsinsel; 3. Mitte; 4. Scheunenviertel (ex- Giotto, Botticelli and the famous ‘Cupido’ by von-Karajan had the privilege to be the director
Jewish district) 5. West Berlin: Bahnhof Zoo, Caravaggio. (Opening hours: Tue- Sun 10am- and to have an apartment inside the prestigious
Ku’damm; 6. Charlottenburg. 6pm; Thu till 10 pm; €6 admission ticket with building until his death in 1989. We suggest to
audio guide; free entrance on Thu last 4 opening take a guided tour although available only in
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ph: +49 030 2090 5577; www.smb.spk-berlin. 3. Mitte
de; opening hours: Tues, Wed and Fri-Sun -This little Berliner section of the great
10am-6pm; Thurs 10am-10pm; admission €4; Guggenheim Museums of NYC and
reductions apply: €2). The newly restored Alte Bilbao, where Unter den Linden crosses
Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) houses an Charlottenstrasse, is a gallery that usually
important collection of pictures and sculptures guests 4 exhibitions in a year of modern
from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Last but not and contemporary international artists. Nice
least is the Pergamonmuseum. This fantastic cafeteria and book shop inside. (Everyday
museum takes its name from its precious glory: 11am-8pm; Tue till 10 pm; tickets €3; Mon,
free admittance; www.deutsche-guggenheim-
berlin.de; U-Bahn Franzoisische Strasse).
Just opposite the Staatbibliothek zu Berlin
where, beside having the possibility to read
the books, you can unwind in the nice green - A trail of bricks embedded in the pavement and sufferings. (Niederkirchnerstrasse 8; ph: +49
patio and get some rest in the cafeteria in sidewalk traces the path of the former wall... to (030) 2548 6703; www.topographie.de; opening
front of the fountain. The building that stands keep memory of human insanity. A stop at the hours: daily 10am-8pm; May-Sep; 10am-dark
beside the national library is the Humboldt Mauermuseum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, Oct-Apr; Free admission).
University where Albert Einstein and the perhaps one of the best representative places, -If you wish to complete the picture, not
Grimm brothers taught and other important is a MUST to get a sense of what the divided city too far away, you can visit a controversial
names as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels was like during the Cold War. The Checkpoint commemorative monument to six million victims
took their studies. Charlie was the border point between Berlin of the holocaust: The Memorial to the Murdered
two halves and guest in the Kreuzberg district. Jews of Europe. Inspired by Prague cemetery
the altar from the Zeus and Athena Temple in This small, privately run and very well organized (see Flashbooking Pocket guide of Prague) and
Pergamon (West Turkey, 180-160 BC), one museum guests a number of permanent completed in 2005, this project by the American
of the world’s most significant archaeological exhibitions that document the history of the Wall architect Peter Eisenmann gathers 2700 grey
finds brought to light by Carl Humann. Beside and place them into context, as well as record squared columns (Field of Stelae open to the
artefacts from the Antique world and other the famous paintings on the Western side of public day and night) laying one beside the
collections from East Asia and the Islamic world, the division. In the surrounding area, some other…covering a central area that -many have
the Museum guests other magnificent sections people may try to sell you some pieces of the said- was probably best used for civil houses.
as the Ishtar Door of Babylon, and the façade of wall…please, do not believe they’re original… When you reach the centre of the monument,
Nabucodonosor II Throne Room (VI cent. BC). nor that this business is officially permitted!! higher columns show you the entrance of the
Do not miss it!! (Am Kupfergraben; ph: +49 030 (Friedrichstrasse 43-45; ph: +49 (030) 253 underground Information Centre maintained by
2090 5577; www.smb.spk-berlin.de; opening 7250; www.mauer-museum.com; opening a Federal Foundation. Last comment: 30 millions
hours: Tues, Wed and Fri-Sun 10am-6pm; Thurs hours: Daily 9am-10pm; Admission charge). of euros have been spent for this Monument
10am-10pm; tickets: €2; free on the first Sunday Just around the corner a free exhibition entitled sponsored by Degussa (a IG-Farben partner in
of the month). The Topography of Terror is an informative open- the production of Cyclon-B gas), monument that
air exhibition displaying a preserved section of excludes from the commemoration other victims
Remember: you can get a €12 joint-ticket for all wall and the former headquarters of the SS and of the Holocaust as gypsies, handicapped,
the Island Museums available in any museum Gestapo (demolished). An audio tour in English homosexuals, prisoners etc. To you the last word.
entrance!! is available on the documented tortures and (The Information Centre is open from 10am-8pm;
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last entrance 7.15pm; closed on Mondays; free list of attractions in this increasingly popular (and €2.50; reductions apply: €1.50). no “dead museum” but a “lively institution”, so
entrance; www.holocaustmahnmal.de; Oct-Mar: tourist-ridden) district. The Neue Synagogue, an - Very interesting is the Museum für Naturkunde, forth, the exhibition program, together with his
Tue-Sun 10am-7pm; latest admission at 6.15pm; imposing building, with its striking golden dome, one of the most important Natural History multi-faceted, innovative and often provocative
closed on 1 Jan, 24, 26,31 Dec; ph:+49 (0) 30 Museum in the world, founded in 1716 and house work, will also include shows on other artists
26394336; Transport: any public transports that of a rare fossil of an Archaeopteryx, the oldest
stops at Potsdamerplatz is fine.) bird ever known! 125 million year-old, this animal
-On a different tone…want to see, until shows the passage from birds to reptiles and is
recently, the biggest building site project in the especially well-known for the excellent imprint of
world!? Here you have the Berlin’s new heart: the feathers! (Tue-Fri: 9.30am- 5pm;closed on
Potsdamer Platz with its Sony centre and the Mondays; adult entrance: €3,50; reductions for
Film Museum that enthral some eight million children; www.museum.hu-berlin.de; U-Bahn
visitors every year!! Architect Helmut Jahn’s Zinnowitzer Strasse). Another interesting site
Sony Centre on Berlin’s historic Potsdamer Platz -but probably only for this player’s work lovers-
consists of a complex of seven steel and glass is the Brecht-Haus where he lived with his wife
structures and a light-flooded plaza spanned by until his death. (Chausseestrasse, 125; Tue- Fri
a spectacular roof. It is an awe-inspiring space 10am-12; Thu 5pm-7pm; Sat 9.30 am-2pm; Sun
which encloses offices, apartments, shopping is one of Berlin’s most instantly recognisable 11 am-6.30pm; entrance €3; ph: +49 (0)30 283
centres, large 3D cinemas and a museum of landmarks in the area. Designed by architect 057044).
Fine Arts. This area is used by cafes and bars Eduard Knoblauch in 1859, the synagogue and photographers, allowing their work to enter
to cater for cinemagoers, workers and tourists was the centre of Jewish life in Berlin until 5. West Berlin: Bahnhof Zoo, Ku’damm into a dialogue with Newton’s.
to the Film Museum that guests a good-quality the Kristallnacht (9th Nov. 1938), when it was Once you have reached the Zoo U/S station, - As you are reading these lines, it maybe means
presentation of the German Movie production attacked by Nazi storm troopers. Destroyed in you can start a visit to the West district of the you are interested in photography…uhmm…so
with a focus on national beloved Marlene 1943, the synagogue laid in ruins for around 40 Capital dedicated to shopping and nightlife: you maybe would like to know that since June
Dietrich. A Film Biblioteck is also open to the years till its restoration and reopening on the Ku’damm. Beside the shopping main areas 2004, the Museum for Photography (Museum
public. (Sony Center: www.sonycentre.de; Film fiftieth anniversary of the Kristallnacht (1988). It rich of cafeterias, boutiques and cinemas für Fotografie, part of the Kunstbibliothek -Art
Museum- Filmhaus; Potsdamer Str. 2; Tue-Sun is now a museum of Jewish culture. (Opening (Tauentzienstrasse) the district offers some Library) is right there, situated under the same
10am-6pm; Thu 10am-8pm; admission fee €6; hours: Sun-Thu 10am- 5.30pm; Fri: 10am- 2pm; other attractions. roof as the Helmut Newton Foundation. This
www.filmmuseum-berlin.de; ph: +49 (0)30 300 closed Sat and Jewish holidays; admission: We’d suggest to start with The Helmut Newton recent Museum is a place dedicated to exhibitions
9030; U/S-Bahn Potsdamer Platz). Foundation (just opposite the train station), and as a research and documentation centre
founded in 2003 by Helmut Newton himself with aims to bring together many different aspects of
4. Scheunenviertel (ex-Jewish district) the aim to protect and present the photographic the photography found in the National Museums
To get a bit of a quarter rich of culture, life and oeuvre of Helmut Newton and his wife June in Berlin. (Jebensstraße, 2- Charlottenburg;
art, get the train to the Hackescher Markt’ s (alias Alice Springs) who was a prominent +49 (0)30 318 648 25; Wheelchair Access;
station which is the entrance to the nearby portraitist in her own right. The Foundation is transports: U-Bahn U1, U2, U9; S-Bahn S5,
fashionable Hackesche Höfe complex, a labyrinth guest in the former Landwehrkasino in Berlin S7, S75, S9 and many buses with stop at the
of courtyards built to guest artists and their Charlottenburg, with the ground floor and Zoological Garten).
studios in the first decade of XX century and the first floor made permanently available as - Other sites in the vicinity are the Zoo and
now brimming with cafés, restaurants, boutiques exhibition space. According to the wish of the Aquarium (although we are not very fond
and art galleries. A cinema, theatres and the Helmut Newton (who died in January 2004) the of those relegating places!) and the Kaiser
Oranienburger Straße nightlife strip complete the foundation in Berlin, his home city, was to be Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, a church that stands
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as a reminder of World War II. This part of the furniture. The entire palace presents itself Sat 9/10am -4pm. Those in suburban areas Türken-Markt where you can get some delicious
city is worth a visit for the dynamic nightlife with majestically equipped rooms and saloons may close earlier. Some bakeries are open on cheese, olives, bread and dry fruits… Best
entertainment and as a shopping area. and with top-class art collections that offer Sundays from 2-4pm. on Fridays! (Kottbusser Damm/Maybachufer
outstanding masterpieces. One of the highlights At Flohmarkt am Ankonaplatz you can get Neukölln; U-Bahn Kottbusser Tor, Tue and Fri
6. Charlottenburg in the exhibition is the largest collection of anything from 60’s and 70’s. (Prenzlauer Berg: noon-6pm).
French paintings of the 18th century outside of U-Bahn Bernauer Strasse; Sun 11am-6pm).
France. The ensemble of rooms and saloons If you’d like something from former USSR … Shops & Stores: KaDeWe the biggest store of the
- artistically as well as historically impressive - you’d better go to the small, students-run market continent from clothes, to food…(Tauentzienstr.,
is a living testimonial of courtly culture and life at Boxhagener Platz (Friedrichshain; U/S Bahn 21; Shönenberg; ph. +49 (0) 30 21210; U-Bahn
from baroque times until the early 20th century. Warschauer Str.; Sun 9am-4pm). Wittenbergplatz; Mon-Sat 10am-8pm); the
(Spandauer Damm 10-22; www.spsg.de; ph For old furniture, books, clothes or anything cheapest nice store we suggest is Wertheim
+49(0) 30 320 911; besucherzentrum@spsg. found under Berliners’ roofs...try the Flohmarkt (Kurfürstendamm 231, in Charlottenburg;
de; opening hours:1 March - 31 October from Schönenberg, right in front of the homonym ph: +49 (0) 30 880030; Mon-Sat 10am-8pm;
8.30am to 5pm; 1 November - 28 February from Municipal hall (U- Bahn Rathaus Schönenberg; U-Bahn Kurfürstendamm). Close by and
9am to 4pm) Sat-Sun 8am-4pm). specialized in backpacking gears is the Bannat
- Do not miss the Berggruen Collection, just At Fredrichstrasse Train station, for something (Lietzenburger Str.65, Charlottenburg; ph:
opposite the palace in the Western Stüler you might buy for your mum or mother-in- +49 (0) 30 882 7601). If you run out of books
Building, presenting exceptional works of law… there’s a small and nice antique market, try these bookshops the huge Emporium for
classic modern art. Included among the artists rare books, jewels and more. (U/S- Bahn books, cds and software at Dussmann (Mitte;
are Picasso, Klee, Giacometti and Matisse. Friedrichstrasse, 190-203; Wed-Sun 11am- Friedrichstr.90; ph: +49 (0) 30 2025 2400; www.
-North of Ku’damm, there’s the Charlottenburg Oil paintings, sculptures and various works on 6pm). Also good for flowers is the close by kulturkaufhaus.de). If you are in West Berlin try
district that, with its castle, gardens and paper are on show on three floors under the title Blumen Röwer open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat a small bookshop Books in Berlin with a good
museums, will take you an entire day! The “Picasso and his Time”. More than 100 works by 10am-4pm whilst the biggest flea market runs section for English narrative and used books in
Charlottenburg castle is located on the north Picasso form the heart of the collection illustrating along Strasse 17 Juni through the Tiergarten general (Goethestr.69, Charlottenberg; ph+49
west of Ernst-Reuter-Platz, in parkland that many facets of his life’s-work: from a drawing at weekends. An interesting food market is the (0) 30 3131233; www.booksinberlin.de). In the
runs alongside the river Spree. Charlottenburg from his student days in 1897 to the works he heart of East Berlin you should have a look
is the largest and most prestigious castle in painted in 1972, one year before he died. The at the East of Eden international bookshop:
the city, built in 1699 as the summer residence blue and pink period are represented as well A DAILY REASON WHY BERLIN IS WORTH A an independent second hand book shop
for Queen Sophie Charlotte. The magnificent as cubism and classicism. (Spandauer Damm VISIT!! hosting regular events (readings, open stage,
palace is surrounded by a baroque garden, in 20-24; ph: +49 (0)30 3209 1440; www.spsg.de; TUE: Cine-day (Kinotag) where reductions apply exhibitions and live music) in the reading room.
which diverse architectures melt into a unique opening hours: Tues -Sun 9am-5pm; Tues-Sun to many movie theatres: at the Sony Centre many They have something like 10,000 second-hand
ensemble and where we suggest to take a 10am-5pm (Mar-Oct); 11am-5pm (Nov-Mar); movies are in English! English language books! (Schreinerstrasse
relaxing walk! A Protector of the arts, the grounds open daily 6pm-9pm (summer); daily THU: Free National Museums entrance on the very 10, Samariterstr; U-Bahn Samariterst ; www.
sovereign turned Charlottenburg into a meeting 6pm-8pm (winter):admission charge). last 4 hours (roughly from 2pm-6pm or later) east-of-eden.de). Art galleries: there are many
place for intellectuals and musicians. The castle FRI: clubbing… Scheunenviertel or Ku’damm areas!! spreading all over the city. The ones in the East
was seriously damaged by bombs during the last
war, and was rebuilt by copying photographs,
»FLEA MARKETS, SAT: flea markets for all!
part are more focused on contemporary art
whilst the Westerns are more elegant, luxurious
sketches and designs. The interiors too have SHOPPING & Co. SUN: give your stomach a brunch and have some
fitness skating in the Tiergarten park! You will feel
and traditionally run. For all info, we suggest
been returned to their antique splendour, For traditional shopping just notice that Central you grab the English-German magazine Artery
thanks to the restoration of decorations and Shops opening hours are Mon-Fri 9/10am- 8pm; like a real Berliner!
Berlin, or the free copy of Galerien Berlin
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available in almost all galleries or again see to Check Point Charlie, and not too touristy is inexpensive tapas, risottos, paella and other Tiergarten: For a relaxing break in the green the
the website www.berliner-galerien.de. The Zitty the Adler Café, famous for fresh home-made Spanish delightful meals. (Arch 576-577, Café am Neuen See, a Bavarian beer house, is
and Tip magazines also report latest art events soups and breakfast! (Friedrichstr, 206; ph.+49 between Uhlandstrasse and Grolmanstrasse the ideal place to cool down with fresh beverages
in the city. (0)30 251 8965; mon-Sat 10am-midnight; Sun and small appetizers close to the pond where
10am-7pm). you get on boat trips… (Lichtensteinallee, 2; ph.
»EAT, DRINK AND East: In this part of Berlin there are too many
+49 (0) 30 254 4930; all days 10am-1pm). To
‘BRUNCH’! things happening to list them all here. Good
Berlin also has restaurants to suit all tastes. Our places to start: Kula- Karma, close to the
personal selection gather in a few lines places lively Hackescher Markt, serves Thai dishes
with character that feature view, charming with seafood or ducks. (Rosenthaler Str. 36,
atmosphere, good prices, fulfilling healthy food, ph:+49 (0)30 27582035; www.kulakarma.
de). A stylish option close by, clean and with
a warm atmosphere given by wooden floors
and candle lights, is the Oleander. You can
chose among several Mediterranean dishes
and wines. (Rosenthaler Str, 46, ph: +49 (0)30
2809 6517). On a 207metres-high tower the Tele in Charlottenburg; ph: +49 (0)30 313 2728;
Café Alexanderplatz offers international dishes www.carpe-diem-restaurant.de). Close by and
and delicious soups! Booking is preferable! good for cafés and breakfast is Café Sauvigny end the light meal with something sweet, get a
(Panorama Str.; ph +49 (0)30 24233 33; all days with a bohemian crowd (Grolmanstr.53; special cake at the park Café Buchwald, since
10am-11-30 pm) ph:+49 (0)30 31519612; all days 9am-1am). 1852 an institution! (Bartningallee, 29; ph.+49
A place where to get a soup or American bakery Something filling as goulash and ravioli (0)30 391 5931; all days Mar-Oct 11am-11pm;
products during your art visits is the Barcomi’s (Maultaschen) is served at the Zwiebelfisch, a Nov-Feb 11am-6.30pm)
Deli with a nice internal garden. (Sophienstr, place for some jazz, and sleepwalking artists
young crowd and divided in 3 main areas of 21; ph. +49 (0)30 2859 8363; all days 9am- or journalists…the last serving hour is 3am!!!
Berlin and the Tiergarten Park. 10pm). On Oranienburger Strasse are the funky (Savignyplatz,7: ph: +49 (0)30 312 7363; NIGHTLIFE
Mitte: For a great view over the Brandenburg 808, (Oranienburger Strasse 42-43), Reingold, open all days noon-6am) Once in town, get the free magazine 030 (www.
Gate and a variety of tasting healthy cuisine book (Novalisstrasse 11), for cocktails and jazz, or berlin030.de) or Zitty (www.zitty.de), Tip (www.
the Dachgartenrestaurant, inside the futuristic Ambulance Barr, Oranienburger Strasse 27, berlinonline.de/tip), Prinz (www.prinz.de) or the
Parliament building. Good also for brunches which doubles as a club. In trendy Prenzlauer BEER HOUSES Best in springtime!
In Mitte the Leopold’s Brauhaus is a Bavarian main English language paper, the ExBerliner
(till 11am) or ‘Kaffee und Kuchen breaks’ in the Berg, the Prater, Kastienalle 7-9, with its beer (www.exberliner.com).
afternoons. (Platz der Republik,ph. +49 (0) 30 garden, theatre and bar. style spot which offers excellent beers like the
2262 9933; www.feinkost-kaefer.de). A place famous Weissen and specialty food for lunch at
where usually artists and players meet for a West: For vegetarians, the Hamlet is good good prices! (Karl-Liebknecht-Str.13, Mitte; Mon- Berlin literally wakes up at night! For this reason it
taste of South German culinary art is the Florian. for dinners or light meals during the day: Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10 am-11pm). A view on is considered one of the liveliest cities in Europe
Wish to get some sun on a terrace? Try Maxwell, specials baguettes, couscous, omelettes, Charlottenburg Castle and never-ending pouring featuring discotheques, style bars, yuppie haunts,
a restaurant where local products and a creative feta crepes…. (Uhlandstrasse,47; ph +49 (0) beer is the Luisenbrau (Luisenplatz,1; ph.+49 (0)30 parties, clubs and every type of entertainment!
cuisine blend together. (Bergstrasse, 22; ph. +49 30 882 1361). Close by try the Carpe Diem, 341 9388; Mon, Thu and Sun 9am-1am; Fri and Sat The right spot to be, although it could sound like
(0)30 280 7121; www.maxwellberlin.de). Close a charming stylish industrial setting and 9am-2am). a non-sense, is the resurgent new East Berlin! As
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first time visitors, we recommend a nightly tour www.iconberlin.com; U-Bahn Eberswalder Str.: jazz musicians as well as upcoming talents respectively phone numbers: (0)30 44316316;
through Berlin-Mitte and around the Hackesche opening hours vary). Soda, a former beer Industry playing jazz, blues, folk, funk, soul. (Kantstraße, (0)30 26066260).
Höfe, Oranienburger Straße, Friedrichshain features soul, house and funk and good salsa on 12; Charlottenburg; ph: +49 (0)30 3128086; www. A concert of the Philarmonie is a must! OCNtact
and above all Prenzlauer Berg; on West Berlin Thursdays and Sundays. (Knaackstr. 97; ph: +49 quasimodo.de; open daily from 9pm; live music the ticket office at +49 (0)30 2548 8999; www.
Savignyplatz and Kreuzberg. (0)30 44058707; www.soda-berlin.de; U- Bahn from 10pm). Soultrane, the elegant side house of berliner-philharmoniker.de; Matthaikirchstr,1).
Eberswalder Str.: opening hours vary) the A Trane: after dinner, first class jazz is being
Mitte: A very DDR-look for this club WMF (Cafe Friedrichshain: In the summer we suggest the served. (Stilwerk, Kantstraße 17, Charlottenburg;
Moskau) featuring Hip, electronic and famous beer house Pavillion with Nu Jazz, soul and ph: +40 (0) 30 315 18 60; www.soultrane.de).
»EVENTS OF THE
djs. (Karl-Marx-Allee 34; Schillingstraße; www. funk…(Friedenstrasse in Volkspark, ph: +49 In Mitte, try also B-Flat, spacious and modern YEAR
wmfclub.de; open Thu-Sun 10 pm till late). A 0172 750 4724; www.pavillion-berlin.de; U-Bahn where you can get good jazz every night: on January
stylish place with a retro atmosphere, the Gruner Strausberger Platz). Wednesday jam session and Tango on Sundays!! Sechs-Tage-Rennen (6 day bicycle racing), end
Salon attracts many people on Thursdays for Kreuzberg: Golgotha very popular especially on (Rosenthaler Strasse 13; +49 (0) 30 2838 6835; of January.
tango, on Fridays for swing and on Saturdays Thursdays where music from the 60’s attracts www.b-flat-berlin.de). Another very good spot for Long Night of the Museums (Lange Nacht der
for cabarets. Charges apply. (Rosa Luxemburg many people on its open air dance floor! jazz, salsa and cabaret occasionally is the Flöz Museen) www.langenacht-der-museen.de , end of
Platz,2; ph: +49 (0) 30 2459 89 39; www.gruener- (Dudenstr. 48-64; ph: +49 (0) 30 7852453; U (Nassauische Strasse,37; Wilmersdorf; ph:+ January
salon.de; U-Bahn Rosa- Luxemburg-Platz; Mon- and S- Bahn Yorkstrasse). 49(0) 30 861 1000 from 9 pm till late every day.) February
Sat from 7pm till late). The Adagio Berlin club is The famous Far Out is a very friendly place Berlinale: Internationale Film festival
rather unusual with its baroque and old-times in Charlottenburg with a large dance floor. It’s A good alternative for an evening are the city March
interiors: it can guest up to 1000 people dancing very popular among locals and tourists: on
disco classics, house and RnB. (Marlene-Dietrich- Wednesdays nights has free entrance for people
Platz 1, Tiergarten; ph: +49 (0) 30 258989; Wed over 30! Recommended option for your night!
9pm-3am, Thu 7pm-2am, Fr-Sa 10pm-5am). (Kurfürstendamm,156; ph: +49 (0) 30 3200
Prenzlauer Berg: A big place, with lounge bar, 0723, www.farout-berlin.de; Tue from 7pm, Wed
privè and bar where it’s easy to find your own from 9pm, Thu-Su from 10pm).
intimate spot it the Icon, one of the best clubs JAZZ CLUBS: The jazz and blues scene is
CINEMAS. Internationale Tourismusbörse, tourism fair,
Close to the Grune Salon there’s the Babylon halls at the radio tower, Funkturm: more info at
where they often have English movies (Dresdener www.messe-berlin.de.
Str. 126; Kreuzberg; ph. +49 (0)306160 9693; U- Berliner Festspiele: a festival for topical music
Bahn Kottbusser Tor); Cinemaxx Potsdamer Platz Maerz-Musik. (www.berlinerfestspiele.de)
or the Cinestar Sony Center are huge multiplex May
in Berlin for drum ‘n’ bass with International particularly happening (www.berlinjazz.de) and that project movies in original languages. (both Museuminselfestival (festival on the Museuminsel)
dj. (Cantianstr. 15; ph: +49 (0)30 6128 7545; popular spots include Quasimodo, for renowned in Potsdamer Platz, U/ S Bahn Potsdamer Platz; starts in May and goes on till September (www.
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museuminselfestival.info) artists and their arts, cabaret and specialties dedicated to classical music concerts (www. Renaissance Theatre guest international
Women’s Tennis Open of Germany ( info at from Berlin cooks along Under den Linden. berlinerfestspiele.de/en) renown prominent figures of our time -
www.german-open-berlin.de) (beginning of August) October philosophers, artists, scientists and politicians-
June: Fete de la Musique on 21st: groups, bands Lange Nacht der Museen (end of August) over Berlin Festival a vast program of different offering an alternative to the bland talk-show
from all over Europe literally invade Berlin clubs, 100 museums are open till midnight promoting performing arts from dance to theatre, mentality of our time.
jazz clubs and streets. ( www.lafetedelamusique. various cultural events (www.mdberling.de). literature reading, live music and more! ( www. Jewish Culture days: presentations of books, movies,
com) Young Euro Classic, youth orchestras from berlinerfestspiele.de) concerts etc. (www.juedische-kulturtage.org)
Christopher Street Day: everything is brightly all over Europe perform on different theatres. November December
coloured on last Saturday of June: gay pride (www.young-euro-classic.de ) JazzFest Berlin (Berlin Jazz Festival): info at Christmas Markets: the most attractive in
parade, music events a lot of fun! (www.csd- Tanzfest Berlin at Hebbel Theatre: dance www.berlinerfestspiele.de/en. Richardplatz in Neukölln; the biggest in Altstadt
berlin.de) performances and shows with artists from all Berliner Lektionen (Berlin Lectures): these Spandau.
The long science night : info at www.langenac over the world. (www.tanzfest.de; last 2 weeks Sunday morning lecture series held in the Silvester Marathon on the 31st.
htderwissenschaften.de of the month)
July September SUGGESTED FILMS »USEFUL NUMBERS
Love Parade: a huge street tecnoparty attracting Art Forum Berlin, fair for contemporary art, Run Lola Run (1998) by T. Tykwer
Fire 112
hundreds of thousands of techno fans from all over with galleries and artist performances at The Sky Over Berlin (1987) by W. Wender
Police 110
Germany and Europe! ( www.loveparade.de) the Messegelande in Hammarskjoldplatz- Bourne Supremacy (2004)by P. Ambulance 19222
Classic Open Air at the Gendarmenmarkt on the Masurenallee (www.art-forum-berlin.de). Greengrass Central Post Office: Joachimstaler Str. 7 (www.
beginning of July (www.classic-openair.ch) Berlin-Marathon starting on Strasse des 17 Schlinders list (1993) by S. Spielberg deutschepost.de)
Bach Celebrations and concerts all over the city Juni and runnig for 50 km through Dahlem, and Faraway so close (1993) by W. Wenders Main Tourist Office: Brandenburg Gate, Pariser
on the second week of July. back to Ku’damm. Subscription deadline close 1 Around the world in 80 days (2004) by F. Platz
August month earlier. (www.berlin-marathon.com) Coraci General Train info: (01805) 331050
Internationale Berliner Bierfestival where you Internationales Literaturfestival (www. Lost and found: +49 (0) 30 756 00 (Platz der
Beyond the Sea (2004) by K. Spacey
can taste over 1700 beer specialties from literaturfestival.com) Luftbrucke)
AND BOOKS
200 breweries of 75 different countries. Berlin PopKomm, pop music and entertainment
becomes a 2 km long outdoors beer-house! professional fair with many side programs, We Children from Bahnhof Zoo by
(second weekend of August). parties and music festival (end of September) Christiane F. or Film (1981) by U. Edel »Embassies
Gauklerfest nice and small festival of street Musikfest Berlin: 2 weeks of September Letter from Berlin Ian McEwan UK: +49 (0)30 204 570
Any book by Nobel Prize Heinrich Boll Ireland: +49 (0)30 220 720
Spain: +49 (0)30 254 0070
France: +49 (0)30 5900 39000
Flashbooking is a youth hostels and budget hotels booker that gives all
Italy: +49 (0)30 254 400
independent travellers the unique opportunity to book their bed-nights New Zealand: +49 (0)30 206 210
Canada: +49 (0)30 203 120
online and worldwide with an immediate confirmed reservation.
Australia: +49 (0)30 880 0880
South Africa: +49 (0)30 220 730
USA: +49 (0)30 238 5174
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