2. Introduction
History
Survive Berlin
Sights
Museums & Memorials
Arts & Culture
Recreation
Food & Drink
Shopping
Nightlife & Music
Contributors
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7
11
23
37
53
61
71
85
97
110
Editorial
Lily Prasuethsut, editor-in-chief
Hera Sparnon, survive berlin
Louise Cheeseman, sights
Marj Clark, museums & memorials
Sebastiaan Berswerda, arts & culture
Adam Harris, recreation
Helen Frear, food & drink
Megan Lumsden, shopping
Victoria Lewis, nightlife & music
Layout
Sally Grondowski
Sebastiaan Berswerda
Hera Sparnon
Features
Louise Cheeseman
Megan Lumsden
Helen Frear
Marj Clark
Hera Sparnon
Adam Harris
Reviews
Sebastiaan Berswerda
Louise Cheeseman
Marj Clark
Helen Frear
Sally Grondowski
Adam Harris
Victoria Lewis
Megan Lumsden
Lily Prasuethsut
Hera Sparnon
German Language Tips
Victoria Lewis
Special thanks to Marcus, Matt and Lutz for all
your support and expertise
full ebook: www.lulu.com/content/ebook/berlinsiders/13246200
3. From World War II to the division of east and west,
Berlin has seen some of the most turbulent times in
history. To avoid a textbook-sized account of Berlin’s
past, the following is only a snippet of this city’s
immense record; however, it should be enough as
you stand in line waiting to buy your ticket for one of
the many historical museums.
History
4. This city is safe, affordable and easy to navigate. If
you’re looking for transport info, weather or general
tips about Berlin, the following should help you feel
right at home.
Survive Berlin
5. Reichstag
One of the most important historical sites
in Berlin, this epicentre of German political
reform has seen two world wars, been
partially destroyed and finally rebuilt in
the 1960s to become the popular visitor
destination it is today. Its impressive dome,
currently constructed with glass, offers
360 degree views of Berlin. Considering
this world class visitor destination is free
to explore, it is well worth making an
appointment online and seeing inside this
important historical center for yourself
(page 31).
East Side Gallery
Situated in Friedrichshain, what was once a
part of the Berlin Wall is now a site dedicated
to the city’s prominent street art scene.
An international tribute to freedom, the
East Side Gallery not only hosts the largest
Survive Berlin
16 17
remaining continuous strip of the wall, but
it boasts of over 100 artistic murals and is
the largest outdoor gallery in the world.
Completely free and a feast for the eyes, a
wander along East Side Gallery will give you
countless photo opportunities and food for
thought on cultural diversity (page 57).
Topography of Terror and
Stasi Museum
Situated near Checkpoint Charlie on Frie-
drichstraβe, these permanent exhibiti-
ons are the perfect opportunity to explo-
re Berlin’s intense political history. While
the Topography of Terror (page 44) gives
stark and respectful insight into Germany’s
political behavior during WWII, the Sta-
si Museum (page 49) sheds light into the
Soviet’s Secret Police during the Cold War
years. Both exhibitions are fresh, interac-
tive and highly educational experiences.
Berlin’s Walking Tours
There are a number of free walking tours
that operate throughout Berlin. Companies
such as Brewers Tours offer comprehensive,
extensive walking tours covering areas from
museum island to Checkpoint Charlie, and
are completely operated on a“pay what you
think it’s worth” basis. Various companies
also offer alternative tours of the city. For
example, alternative Berlin dedicates their
tours to the vibrant subculture present
in the city, and have their fingers on the
pulse when it comes to street art, urban
exploration and Berlin’s underground scene
(page 56). Although varying in content,
both kinds of city tours are in ready supply
from numerous companies, and can help
visitors grasp great contextual knowledge
of the city (page 26).
Sachsenhausen Concentration
Camp
Although not a pleasant side of Berlin’s
history, the former site of this WWII
concentration camp nevertheless played its
part in the city’s past. It is now open for the
public to gain a better awareness of some
of the atrocities witnessed within its walls.
With a number of informative exhibits and
the opportunity to walk around this site,
Sachsenhausen helps visitors gather facts
about this building’s gruelling formative
years. Immensely informative, moving and
a place to reflect on some of the shocking
events communities have had to witness
through the years (page 51).
By Marj Clark
Billig Berlin
Top tips of things to do when you’re on a budget
Berlin is bursting at the seams with exciting activities to lose yourself in. Of course, it can be
difficult to decide on what to do in a city with so much to offer. Scan this handy list for some tips
of billig (cheap) things to do in Berlin when you’re feeling poor (don’t worry, you’re still sexy).
6. Basic German
While most Berliners seem to have a good
grasp of the English language and are more
than happy to practice their skills with visi-
ting foreigners, it’s always helpful to learn
the lingo when taking trips to foreign climes.
Locals will appreciate you making the effort,
and learning even a few phrases will enrich
your travel experience.
Here are a few handy words and phrases to
help you on your way…
Hello/ good day Hallo/GutenTag
Good morning Guten Morgen
Good evening Guten Abend
Good night Gute Nacht
Goodbye AufWiedersehen
Bye Tschüss
Please/Thank you
(very much)
Bitte/Danke (schön)
Yes/No
Ja/Nein
Excuse me/
Sorry
Entschuldigung
How are you?
Fine, and you?
Do you speak English?
No, I don’t understand (you)
Yes I understand you.
What does…..mean?
What is your name?
Correct/affirmative
I was only joking!
1 zehn
0null
1 elf
1eins
00 hundert
1 zwölf
2zwei
0 zwanzig
1 dreizehn
3drie
0 driezig
1 vierzehn
4vier
0 vierzig
1 siebzehn
7sieben
0 siebzig
1 achtzehn
8acht
0 achtszig
1 neunzehn
9neun
0 neunzig
1 fünfzehn
5fünf
0 fünfzig
1 sechszehn
6sechs
0 sechzig
Can you
speak more slow-
ly please?
Könnten Sie bitte
langsamer
sprechen?
Wo ist hier ein Internet-Café?
Gibt es hier einen WLAN-Zugang?
Is there WiFi internet access here?
Where is the local internet café?
das Internet
369 = drie-
hundertneun-
undsechzig
58 = achtund-
fünfzig
Wie geht es Ihnen?
Mir geht es gut, und Ihnen?
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Nein, Ich verstehe (Sie) nicht
Ja, ich verstehe (Sie)
Was bedeutet….?
Wie heiβt du?
Genau
Das war nur ein Schwerz!
Mobile Phone
das Handy
I’d like a SIM-card for your network.
Ich hätte gern ein SIM-Karte für Ihr Netz.
I want to buy a phone card.
Ich möchte eine Telephonekarten kaufen.
Survive Berlin
uby bus
mit dem Bus
tby train
mit dem Zug
pby taxi
mit dem Taxi
on foot
zu Fuβ
`links
arechts
Where is….? I am looking for…
Wo ist? Ich suche…
How far is it…?
Wie weit ist es?
20 21
Beware Bear Tip!
The Bear is the
symbol of Berlin,
and will give
you handy tips through
this guide.
“Helllo, I am Barry
Ze German”
“Hallo, Ich heiβe
Barry Ze German”
7. As the capital of Germany, Berlin has a lot more to
offerthanjusteccentricnightlifeanddeliciousmeals.
Promising to be a picturesque setting for an array of
intoxicating sites, the city is jam-packed with places
that must be visited more than once.
Sights
8. Berlin is bursting with museums. Offering over 170
and even a whole island dedicated to museums, the
city is buzzing with exhibitions suited to everyone’s
taste. Whether you adore art or are a history buff,
there is a museum waiting around every bend. Flip
the pages and be taken on an inspirational, mind-
boggling tour full of Greeks, gruelling wars and...
currywurst.
Museums &
Memorials
9. After the reunification in 1990, Berlin established
itself as one of Europe’s brightest centers for arts and
culture. Famous for its elaborate and inspirational
street art scattered throughout the city, Berlin
continues to grow and thrive as a magnet for a
multitude of different kinds of artists to display their
work in various exhibitions in the city.
Arts & Culture
10. You would expect the capital of any country to be
filled with urban concrete; however, Berlin manages
to find a nice balance between greenery and gray.
Whether you stumble into the Tiergarten hoping
to escape the city noise, wander the Royal Potsdam
Palaces or immerse yourself in a film at the Sony
Center, you are sure to find a few relaxing days
amidst the action of Berlin.
Recreation
11. Contrary to popular belief, there is far more to
Berlin’s culinary repertoire than wurst and beer. The
city is home to an array of weird and wonderful
eateries, ranging from quaint café’s and themed
restaurants, to Imbisses and Turkish kebap joints.
From coffee to cake, you’re guaranteed to find a little
bit of what you fancy!
Food & Drink
12. Berlin’s shopping scene is brimming with haute
couture and shabby-chic styles making the city one
ofthefastestgrowingfashionmeccasinEurope.With
thecommercialstoresandmallsonKurfürstendamm
to vintage shops and boutiques of Kreuzberg and
Prenzlauerberg, Berlin has it all. This section of the
travel guide has a wide variety of shops for you to go
out and grab the best deals off the rack.
Shopping
13. Famed for its hedonistic club culture and constantly
evolving music scene, Berlin is a thriving creative
hub with music at its beating heart. All night techno
temples and achingly cool jazz haunts keep this city
awake catering to the most eclectic tastes. Berlin
loves to party, and in a city where beer is cheaper
than water, you know you’re in for a good time.
Music &
Nightlife
14. Megan Lumsden, Shopping
Megan, or better yet known as the Aberdeen Tiger, is absolutely
grrrrreat (with a Scottish accent of course). A photo without her isn’t
a real photo until she’s in it striking one of her famous poses. But in all
seriousness, she’s a good friend, a kind soul, an occasional lead balloon
(just kidding, she never is) and a bona fide babe with her luscious red
locks. This Tiger is simply one a kind. Rawr.
Hera Sparnon, Layout , Survive Berlin
One of the most awesomest people on Earth, Hera’s travelled all
over the globe and made friends wherever she goes. She’s always
smiling and can be found at Mauerpark singing to the crowds. Hera is
definitely one of the coolest people around.
Contributors
Lily Prasuethsut, Editor-in-Chief
Our California girl and all-around top editor, Lily is a fan of all things
geek. When she’s not playing computer games or watching Star Wars
you can find her dancing to her favourite bands dressed as a soya bean
drink!
Sally Grondowski, Layout
Sally is, simply put, the sweetest girl in the world. Practically perfect in
every way and like a true English lady, she makes the best cup of tea
thissideoftheChannel.Nottobeunderestimated,thisyoungwoman
is also a pro-active creativity powerhouse.
Adam Harris, Recreation
Adam Harris, or rather Dr. Adam Harris, is top Lad with a capital L. Likes
a tipple or two and loves his chilies. Ten ja’s out of ten!
Helen Frear, Food & Drink
Helen brings a splash of fashionable sophistication to the group.
Good looking by day (even when she’s a tad hung over *cough*)
and by night with her hair whipping back and forth on the dance
floor. She’s down to earth and cracks a good joke, or two, as well.
Plus, you’d never guess she’s a Nottingham-er!
Victoria Lewis, Nightlife & Music
TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO, a bit of head jamming and more
TECHNO. Passionate music lover, she can party the night away
and still manage to whip up incredible reviews…..her flower
photography is also top-notch!
Louise Cheeseman, Sights
Despite her name, Louise is neither a cheese fanatic nor a man. She
can always be found armed and ready with a camera in hand and on
average, takes a photo every 12.6 seconds. She is an extremely nice,
quirky girl, who up to the age of 16 believed Robin Hood was an actual
Marj Clark, Museums & Memorials
Be warned! This Scottish wench will jabber away sharing stories
with anyone around her. In addition, she isn’t scared to show her
singing skills either. Every Sunday at Mauerpark, she has entertained
hundreds of people with hits by Madonna, Journey and the Divinyls.
Marjisagoodadditiontoanykindofgatheringassheissuretocreate
a smile on your face.
Sebastiaan Berswerda, Layout, Arts & Culture
GENAU. What would we do without the great and powerful
Sebastiaaaaaaaaaan? Do you like waffles–yes, he likes waffles! He
knows every song written, and he knows more than you, because Basti
is Fantasti. He has the body of Adonis, pulls a good duck face and also
takes a “GREEEAT Phot-oh.” He appears out the smoke in nightclubs like
a creepy ninja and dances like your dad. But we love him, and he gets our
R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
