Welcome to German Tips

Buffalo Records, Arts and Gallery

Buffalo Records is a music store selling CDs, vinyl, videos, posters, books and Native American art and jewelry. The gallery is located in the store. Brunnenstrasse 33 (subway Bernauer Strasse). For details phone: + (030) 449 97 97.

Museumspaedagogischer Dienst

Get information on cultural events on the phone. Call the Museumspaedagogischer Dienst Berlin. They will provide you with details on all permanent and current exhibits in all of Berlin's museums (of which there are over 140!). They can give you information on performances, happenings, lectures and films. They will help you getting on guided tours, either in German, or in foreign languages. Call + (49) (0) (30) 282 61 83, or fax + (49) (0) (30) 282 49 83.

Cafe am Ufer

This quiet cafe is situated on the banks of a canal in Kreuzberg. Very nice for an evening out with friends. Also an excellent choice for a late breakfast, or as a starting point for a sightseeing trip into Kreuzberg.
Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44
subway: Kottbusser Tor
open daily 9 a.m. - 1 a.m., Saturdau & Sunday open until 2 a.m.

Technikmuseum Berlin

Go on a virtual tour through the Technikmuseum Berlin or plan your visit at:

http://www.dtmb.de/

(in German and English)

Gendarmenmarkt

The churchlike dome buildings on Gendarmenmarket (French Dome and German Dome) and the Schauspielhaus (Playhouse) form a unique ensemble on one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe. Bus 100.

Inexpensive lifesavers

Packets of instant oatmeal and other hot cereals can be an inexpensive lifesaver if your hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast. Bring a small supply in your suitcase and replenish your supplies in any German
grocery store. Quick meals in a disposable plastic cup (made by German companies such as "Maggi" and "Knorr") are cheap and widely available.

Zitadelle Spandau

Plan about a half-day trip for this historical building. Zitadelle Spanday - Spandau Fortress - a former water castle, is situated in a picturesque park and contains a museum on the history of the castle. After walking through the exhibition, dine in medieval style at the castle restaurant or attend one of the free concerts, which are held in the park in summer.

Am Julisturm 1
(subway stop Zitadelle, bus 133)
open: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., admission ca. DM 2-3.

Jagdschloss Grunewald

Jagdschloss Grunewald (Grunewald Hunting Palace) houses a collection of German & Dutch paintings from the 15th to the 19th century.
Huettenweg (Zehlendorf)
bus 115 to Clayallee, then walk
open: Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
admission: ca. DM 3

Angel of Peace / Victory Column

The Victory Column is an ideal starting point for an excursion around Berlin´s Tiergarten and new government district. Go up top for a great view of the city - including the nearby Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. You might also consider taking a walk to the art market (open weekends, walk takes about 30 minutes) located on Strasse des 17. Juni.

Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is Belin´s most important street. Start at Potsdamer Platz and walk down to Alexanderplatz. You will see a lot of old buildings, some dating back to the Prussian-German monarchy. Among those worth taking a closer look at are: the Arsenal, the Crown Prince´s Palace, the Opernpalais, the Palace of William I, Humboldt University, St. Hedwig´s Cathedral, the State Opera, the Royal Library and the New Royal Guard House. Expect between one and two hours for this tour. If you get tired get on bus 100 or 200.

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)

Trendy clothes store for the young or those young at heart located on Kurfuerstendamm. Cheap to expensive, but always flashy. Now with branches all over Germany.
Kurfuerstendamm 20
subway Kurfuerstendamm
open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Walking Tours

A good way to see the inner city is to take a walking tour. There are not that many great distances to cover, and traffic is usually so slow that you´re better off on foot. In any case, you will see more. Most German cities have only one center - Berlin has two. Go to either subway stop Kurfuerstendamm (former West Berlin center) or Alexanderplatz (former East Berlin center) to start your tour.

Castle of Charlottenburg

The Castle of Charlottenburg is one of Berlin´s most impressive baroque buildings, with the equestrian statue of the Great Elector in front of it. Today, it hosts a museum with masterpieces of 19th century painting. It is located near Mierendorfplatz (subway 7) in a large park. In summer, free open-air concerts are held. It is also a good starting point for a boat trip.

Swimming in Wannsee

Wannsee is a district with access to Berlin´s bigger lakes and the river Havel. Most beaches are easily accessible, swimming is free. There is also a public swimming bath with a nude beach, "Wannsee Beach" (Wannseebad Zehlendorf). It can be reached by using a special BVG public transport service. Take the S-Bahn (stop Nikolassee) and bus 513. Note: Inquire for details beforehand, as the bath is not always open (generally April - September, depending on the weather). Busses run only when the bath is open.

Restaurant Kohldampf

At Restaurant Kohldampf you can eat traditional German home cooking. They have day specials, too. Leipziger Strasse 40, subway Franzoesische Strasse. Open Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. onwards(open end). To make a reservation, call + (030) 204 41 47.

Concerts at the Schwartzsche Villa

The Schwartzsche Villa in Steglitz has become a cultural center. Check your city mags for details.

Schwartzsche Villa
Grunewaldstrasse 55
Berlin Steglitz
Subway: Rathaus Steglitz (U9)

Check Point Clothes

Check Point is a trendy 2nd hand store with a great selection of leather jackets.

Mehringdamm 57 (Kreuzberg)
Subway Mehringdamm, open Mo – Fr 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Turkish Market

Buy great food and souvenirs at the Turkish Market in the district of Kreuzberg. It is located near the Paul-Lincke-Ufer. Or go by subway train to Hermannstrasse and walk. Don´t forget to check the local newspaper for opening hours. Don´t forget to take your map, in case you do not find the market and have to ask.