Berlin
The biggest city in Germany and the capital of the great country is Berlin, one of the top business and travel destinations in Europe. As the second largest city proper and the ninth largest city of the European Union, Berlin has drawn people from across the continent for their lively blend of music, culture, language, and of course, some of the world's finest brews.
Berlin
The biggest city in Germany and the capital of the great country is Berlin, one of the top business and travel destinations in Europe. As the second largest city proper and the ninth largest city of the European Union, Berlin has drawn people from across the continent for its lively blend of music, culture, language, and of course, some of the world's finest brews. Planning a trip to Berlin? You're not alone, but there are a few things to be prepared for - alongside the incredible food and drink, cultural sights, rich history, art and architecture, you will find surprising customs, a sordid past, and one of the most confusing systems of public transport anywhere in the world.
Berlin, however, is more than manageable when given just a little bit of insight and planning. Many travel guides are available, from books like the Lonely Planet series and others to internet resources and travel agencies. Airfare is generally extremely reasonable, as planes are flying into the hub of Germany and a major hub of Western (and Eastern) Europe; with a little research, you should be able to find fare in the range of $700-$1000 from any major US city. Transportation around the city is manageable, too; the average public transport ticket costs only about $7 US Dollars, much less than a tank of gasoline. The city is a worthwhile investment; an abundance of culture, art, history, and commerce, not to mention a booming night life, make Berlin a pleasure to visit.
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Berlin History
Out of all the countries in Europe, perhaps none has a more famous and impassioned history than that of Germany, and especially Berlin, where it all began and ended. The city played capital to several kingdoms in its time, including Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimer Republic, and the Third Reich. Being a center of commerce for both Germany and the bordering countries, Berlin became known throughout Europe as a valuable center of art, history, politics, and economics.
The most famous role of Berlin in world politics, however, came during and after World War I. Hitler's rise to power began and ended in Berlin, where he first seized control by declaring a state of emergency after the burning of the parliament building and finally lost control by committing suicide before his inevitable capture. In between, of course, were the atrocities of the holocaust, and the murder of over six million people of Jewish descent.
These events are commemorated throughout Berlin, from the rebuilt parliament building with its transparent walls to the memorial for those killed during the genocide.
Another commemorated symbol of Berlin is the remains of the Berlin Wall, which divided the city for 28 years - from August of 1961 until it was torn down in 1989. The wall separated East Berlin from West Berlin as well as East Germany from West Germany, economically, socially, and politically. East Germany operated under fundamentally communist values, and was a fearful and oppressive state, while West Germany embraced the values of capitalism and western culture. The tearing down of the wall in 1989 after what was essentially a colossal bureaucratic mistake was an event that would absolutely change the course of history. Travelers today can still see the preserved sections of the wall, which stand as a reminder to Berlin's intense past.
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Sightseeing in Berlin
When traveling to Berlin, undoubtedly among the sights most vital to see are these cultural and historical monuments. Few cities in the world boast a history like Germany's, and with Berlin as its capital, many of the most influential events in world history are commemorated or represented within those walls. Art is also a factor, with "Museum Island" in the center of the city, boasting several museums including prehistorical art and archeology, modern art, and renaissance centers. The city is ablaze with memorials, with every statue, lawn, and fountain commemorating an event and telling a story.
There are two good ways to get a feel for the city of Berlin. One is to buy a guidebook or manual, and study it exhaustively until you know exactly where you want to go, what you want to see, and whom you want to hear about throughout your trip. The other way - requiring much less research on your part - is to simply sign up for one of the guided tours in the city, and allow a professional to give you the inside view of Berlin's rich culture.
As the third most-visited tourist destination in the EU, Berlin is full of tour guides, advisers, and workers willing to show you what you won't want to miss; there are even free tours offered daily, with guides working only for tips. Other companies include tours on bike, such as those given by Fat Tire, or guided tours by bus or van. No matter what option you choose, taking advantage of Berlins tourist resources will ensure you get the most out of your stay.
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Transportation
As the second largest city in the EU, transportation in Berlin is no easy matter. Unlike Paris or Prague, you cannot simply walk from one end of town to the other; the sprawling mess of streets and buildings zigzagging every which way makes it as impossible to navigate as it is long. Berlin does, however, have one of the largest and most comprehensive transportation systems in Europe - assuming you know how to use it.
The means of transport in Berlin include Bus, Ferry, Taxi, Intercity Railway, S-Bahn, Underground, MetroTram, Metro Bus, and tram. If you're an American, you probably don't even know what most of those systems are - things like metros versus undergrounds and trams versus trains mean little in a country that has little or no public transport. In Berlin, however, they are vitally important, and a good knowledge of the system can make all the difference of getting from A to B.
Probably the most convenient and common mode of transportation is the Underground, which runs all over the city every few minutes. Maps and plans are available at every station, and stations are generally no more than a few blocks apart. When you arrive in Berlin, you can buy a 48-hour, 72-hour, three day, five day, or one week pass which will allow you access to all public transportation, as well as offering an explanation of different forms of transportation.
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Tips and Tricks
As with most places, there are certain unspoken rules that apply to both the City of Berlin and the country of Germany. In the Metro, for example, make sure you stand to the right of the escalator if standing still, and move quickly if you're on the left (just like when in traffic.) You may see locals riding the tram without a ticket, or slipping onto the S-bahn without punching their tickets; European transportation is largely honor-based, relying on passengers to punch and verify their own tickets. If you choose to take the risk, however, beware; every once in awhile trams or stations will flood with police checking for un-punched tickets, and Berlin has one of the most expensive fines in all of Europe for public transport violations. Tickets will probably cost about 6-8 Euros a day ($8-12 US Dollars), but that's a lot cheaper than a $80 fine - not to mention less embarrassing.
The key, as with most cultures, is to pay attention. Be aware of the people around you; observe their habits, prick up your ears if something seems different. Don't be afraid to ask questions; people are generally friendly, and very used to tourists and their confusions. The Internet is also a valuable resource - printing out maps, figuring out routes, and planning destinations can be very helpful when trying to find your way around this vast city.
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Lodging
One of the most important considerations when traveling to any destination is where to stay; Berlin offers a multitude of choices, from the penniless backpacker to the high-powered businessman. When searching for hostels, using a website such as Hostelworld can be an excellent tool for finding cheap sleeps for the night. Hostel prices vary dramatically, from as little as 10 Euros (about $13 USD) to 20-30 Euros.
Hotels generally run much higher, of course, with prices often in the upper hundreds; but this can be a worthwhile investment, particularly to people visiting Berlin on business. Finding a hotel in the center of the city is convenient, but not necessary; even from towns outside Berlin public transportation is easy and accessible, and you can generally be inside the city within half an hour. When finding lodging, keep in mind that if you will be relying on public transport, you will also be limiting your access to night life if taking the underground, which stops at midnight. Taxis, however, are plentiful and comparatively inexpensive, and run all night.
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Dining
As with everything else in the city, Berlin offers a huge range of options concerning cuisine. Fast food is abundant, although unlike the American version of such fare; curryworst, French fries, and hot dogs are a heartier and perhaps less plastic alternative to McDonalds. Famous for German sausages, the streets boast venders spooning fast food and sauerkraut on every corner, but the town is also famous for high-end dining with some of the best restaurants in the world. Food is available in a huge variety of flavors and cultures, from genuine Chinese fast food to gourmet French and German cuisine. American fare is available too, with Starbucks and Hard Rock Cafe holding their proud places scattered throughout the city.
Finding a restaurant in Berlin can be tricky if one is looking for something specific, but one of the most reliable sources for restaurant recommendations is as simple as stopping somebody on the street: just ask someone. The internet also has a number of resources; the Virtual Tourist company offers other travelers the chance to make recommendations and comparisons, while other sites offer comprehensive star-ratings as well as information, menu access, and directions.
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Language
Everybody knows that the Germans speak German, but how much do you need to get by - especially in Berlin? The answer is almost none. As a huge, multi-cultural, and booming tourist-oriented city, many - perhaps most - Berliners speak at least some English, and are often happy to do so. It is always a good idea to learn the basics, if only as a sign of respect for the local country you are visiting; "good morning", "hello", and "where is the bathroom?" are all phrases that should be learned no matter where you go. English-speakers attempting to learn German are known to complain that Berlin is the worst place to do so, since Berliners are so eager to speak English when the opportunity presents itself. With a few phrases, a crash-course book, and an emergency dictionary, the door of the city are open to English-speakers.
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To Do in Berlin
It may seem obvious, but activities and interests in Berlin are varied and fascinating. Costs of activities do range greatly, but like most cities in Europe, artistic and cultural activities are heavily discounted. There are also huge discounts for students, who can do nearly everything for anywhere from ten to forty percent off. The best way to find discounts is to check the internet - many travel sites offer cheap rates on tour guides, food, hotels, museums, and cultural sights.
Virtual Travel's Guide to Berlin names several top-ten lists for hotels, activities, and dining. A few of the top-listed hotels are Hilton Hotel, InterContinental Berlin, and Park-Inn Berlin Alexanderpatz (a name that is thoroughly indicative of names you are likely to find in Germany). The sights are also listed; top on the list is the Riechstag, the parliament building burned to the ground and rebuilt with clear glass walls to symbolize transparent government. The Brandenburg gate separates East and West and is an excellent jumping-off point to tour the rest of the city, including Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island. No matter what your purpose is in Berlin, business or pleasure, take some time to explore the rich cultural treasures and incredible history behind the city; you won't be disappointed!
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