Berlin Tips
Read these 157 Berlin Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about German tips and hundreds of other topics.
Gasthaus "Zur Rippe"
At Gasthaus "Zur Rippe" you can eat genuine Berlin food in a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant is located at Poststrasse 17, subway Alexanderplatz. Open daily from 11 a.m. onwards. To make a reservation, call: + (030) 242 42 48, to get more info visit www.berlinshop.de/Rippe.
Ride sharing phone numbers
In need of a ride, but no phone book at hand? Try these "Mitfahrzentralen" (ride sharing agencies):
ADM: 1 94 40
Citynetz: 1 94 44
See also tip on ride sharing in general.
Trippen Designer Shoes
Check out Trippen shoe designers at Fountain Yard, Hackesche Hoefe. May be expensive. Rosenthaler Strasse 40-41, Mitte, S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Open: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Deutsches Technikmuseum
The German Museum of Technology is located on Trebbiner Str. 9 in 10963 Berlin, near the Landwehrkanal. The closest subway stops are Gleisdreieck (U1/U15) or Moeckernbruecke (U7). It is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the week and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays. For more information on current exhibits, call: + 030 - 902 54 0.
Guided Berlin Sightseeing Tours
Guided Berlin sightseeing tours and city walks in English. Berlin city facts, pictures, history, events, travel tips and travel related links. This looks interesting. Find out more here:
http://www.Berlin-sightseeing-tours.de
Hans-Juergen-Hillmann Groceries
This grocery store comes close to a deli: you can browse through a variety of cheeses from 6 countries, or buy specialties from the Black Forest region (Schwarzwaelder Schinken) and other German regions. This is a good store. Oranienstrasse 20 (subway Kottbusser Tor), open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., phone: (030) 614 56 44.
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.
"Do as you please"
"Do as you please" was the motto of the Prussian emperor Frederick the Great (1712 - 1786). Tolerance is still one of the city's best qualities. There are no licensing hours, lots of foreigners, a large lesbian and homosexual community, and a multitude of shops, restaurants and magazines catering to all kinds of tastes. It is easy to be 'a little strange'. Chances are you will not get hassled.
Stattreisen Berlin e. V.
This business offers a large selection of tours in and around Berlin (on foot, by bicycle or public transport). Located at Malplaquetstrasse 5 (Wedding), suway stop Leopoldplatz (U9). Open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m..
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.
Subway map in English
Check out this English version of the Berlin subway map here:
http://www.subwaynavigator.com/bin/statmap/english/germany/berlin
Shopping after hours
Although the new after-hours shopping laws have been in effect for quite some time, it can be very difficult to find a store open past 10 p.m. - Try the main railway stations and airports: Kurfuerstendamm, Alexanderplatz, Lichtenberg station (East station), Tegel airport, Schoenefeld airport, Tempelhof airport, Zoo train station.
BVG Call Center
You can call BVG public transport all day around the clock. Some knowledge of German is essential. Telephone: + (4930) 19449.
Online restaurant guide
An online restaurant guide for Berlin with several search functions. Look for restaurants in individual districts, or for local, regional and international cuisine.
http://www.berlinonline.de/service/restaurantfuehrer/?ycl=nv
Berliner Geschichtswerkstatt
The Berlin History Workshop is concerned with Berlin's everyday life history, social issues and culture. They arrange interesting historical tours by boat. Goltzstrasse 49, Schoeneberg, subway stop Eisenacher Strasse.
Technikmuseum Berlin
Go on a virtual tour through the Technikmuseum Berlin or plan your visit at:
http://www.dtmb.de/
(in German and English)
The German Bundestag in Berlin
The German Bundestag in Berlin is located at the dome of the Reichstag Building. Visitors can access the roof terrace and the dome of the Reichstag Building through the west entrance (look for an outdoor staircase).
Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to midnight (admission until 10 p.m.).
The roof restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to midnight. For reservations call: + 49 (0) 30 22 62 99 33.
BVG souvenirs
The BVG public transport company has an info office and a souvenir stall at subway stop Turmstrasse (U9). You will be able to buy nice souvenirs, which are typical of Berlin, such as the yellow "Doppeldecker" bus, miniature subway trains or postcards, books and toys for kids.
Buying BVG tickets at subway U8
Get your BVG travel tickets at the following U8 subway stops: Alexanderplatz, Gesundbrunnen, hermannplatz and Kottbusser Tor.
Buying BVG tickets at subway U5
Get your BVG travel tickets at the following U5 subway stops: Frankfurter Tor, Frankfurter Allee, Lichtenberg and Hellersdorf.
Gemeinschaftshaus Gropiusstadt
The Gemeinschaftshaus is a cultural community center (sozio-kulturelles Zentrum), which arranges all kinds of events. For details call: (030) 680 91 410. They are open Tueday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.. The House is located at subway stop Lipschitzallee (U7). Big sign, impossible to miss.
Go on a yellow Doppeldecker bus
The best way to do sightseeing is on top of a double decker bus. Try to get seats in the first row for a great panoramic view. This has an added benefit: more legroom.
Fire brigade and emergency medical aid
In case of fire and/or a medical emergency, call 112. If you need to see an emergency doctor, call 31 00 31. They make housecalls and will arrange for transport to a hospital if necessary.
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.
BVG Travel Tourism
BVG Travel Tourism organizes day-trips or extended trips to Berlin's surrounding regions.
phone: (+) 4930 - 256 27 422
Tourist information via the telephone
Get your hands on a copy of the Berlin phone book, and you will find various services on the first pages (e.g. weather, time, movie theaters, operator ..). The best number to call would be tourist information in English. These services are are run by the Deutsche Telekom company. They are not free, but local calls are inexpensive.
Art:Berlin Tours
Art:Berlin offers guided tours on real live art and culture.
Address: Kufsteiner Strasse 7
(subway 1, Nollendorfplatz)
Office hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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.
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.
Hairdresser Maik Baber
Maik Baber specializes in natural hair cosmetics, plant dyes and other alternative treatments if you want to beautify your hair.
Crellestrasse 11 (Schoeneberg), subway Kleistpark, open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday till 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m..
Crisis Hotline for Girls
If you are a girl, female teenager or twen and have a big problem you want to discuss, call the 'Crisis Hotline for Girls', 792 04 04.
Tattoo Connection
Tattoo Connection has been recommended to me by friends. Good tattoist, by appointment only.
Belziger Str. 53, Schoeneberg
subway: Kleistpark
open Tuesday - Friday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday by appointment
Traces of the GDR
Some traces of former 'East Germany' can still be found in the city:
- the former Stalinallee (now Karl-Marx-Allee) from Strausberger Platz to Frankfurter Tor
- the Haus des Lehrers (House of Education) at Alexanderplatz
- the Council of State building and the Palace of the Republic at Schlossplatz
- the former Soviet Embassy (now the Russian Embassy) at Unter den Linden.
Free tourist information 1
For free information on the city, contact the following offices:
1) Press and Information Office of Berlin
Berliner Rathaus, D - 10137 Berlin
Germany
phone: +49 (0)30 90 26-0
fax: +49 (0)30 90 26 25 26
http:// www.berlin.de
2) Press and Information Office of the Federal Government, Berlin Office
Neustaedtische Kirchstr. 15, D - 10117 Berlin
Germany
phone: : +49 (0)30 22 440
fax: +49 (0)30 22 44 1365
Tip Magazine
If you want to know what's going on in the town, buy Tip magazine, or go to their web site. Tip gives you news, cultural events, movie & book reviews, addresses, ads and much more. The recommendations are reliable. Highly recommended. Most young Berliners read this mag, too.
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.
Presse- und Informationsamt Berlin
Contact (write, fax or e-mail) the Presse- und Informationsamt des Landes Berlin for free information:
Presse- und Informationsamt des Landes Berlin
Berliner Rathaus
D - 10173 Berlin
Germany
phone: + 030 - 90 26 - 0
fax: + 030 - 90 26 25 26
e-mail: Presse-Information@Skzl.Verwalt-Berlin.de
Bicycle Rickshaws
Bicycle rickshaws are available on three routes:
Adenauerplatz - Wittenbergplatz
Europa Center - Pariser Platz
Pariser Platz - Alexander Platz.
They charge between DM 5 - 15.
Berlin Wall Page
Here's another interesting page about the Berlin Wall:
http://www.dieberlinermauer.com/
Berlin photos
Pictures from Berlin: photos of current events and more
http://www.berlinonline.de/wissen/berlin_fotos/?ycl=nv
Alexander Braeu
Alexander Braeu is a pub that specializes in beer. They sell their homemade specialty beer and traditional German food. At Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 13 in the Berlin Carre shopping center. Subway Alexanderplatz, bus 100. Open daily from 11 a.m..
Buying BVG tickets at subway U2
Get your BVG travel tickets at the follwing stops of subway U2: Kaiserdamm, Zoologischer Garten, wittenbergplatz, Kurfuerstenstrasse, Alexanderplatz and Vinetastrasse.
Subway Train Museum at the Stellwerk
The new subway train museum is located at the Hebelstellwerk Olympia Stadion (subwaystop Olympiastadio Ost). It is open every second Saturday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.. Admission ca. Dm 3. Get more information by calling + (030) 813 4403.
Reederei Bruno Winkler
The Bruno Winkler shipping company is located near Schloss Charlottenburg, so you might consider combining these two. You can go on boats at the Schlossbruecke at Charlottenburger Ufer and will see a lot of the inner city. Info: Mierendorffplatz 16 (Wilmersdorf), subway stop Mierendorffplatz (U7).
Another Country 2nd hand bookstore
Another Country buys, sells or loans out books (DM 3). Address: Riemannstrasse 7, D - 10961 Kreuzberg, subway Gneisenaustrasse. Phone: 6940 11 60, opening hours: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Blue Moon
Blue Moon is a fashion store that's been around since the early eighties. Clothes & shoes for punks, teds, nightclubbers and other trendy people. Almost as good as going shopping in London. Wilmersdorfer Strasse 80, subway: Adenauer Platz, open Monday - Friday noon - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m..
Buecherhalle - 2nd hand books
Are you looking for new reading material but do not want to spend a lot? Visit Buecherhalle, a secondhand bookshop with a good selection of titles. Hauptstrasse 154 (Schoeneberg), subway Kleistpark, open Monday - Friday 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m..
Television Tower
The Television Tower is 368 metres tall and provides you with a great view of the town. Alexanderplatz, subway & city train stop, bus 100 and 200.
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.
Cheap accommodation
I found this ad in a mag: "We will arrange cheap accommodation in a room of your own - with nice people - from DM 35 per night including breakfast!"
Sounds to good to be true. Was puzzled that "we" does not provide a company name. To contact, call
(+) 4930 - 21 75 22 17, daily from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Hugendubel bookstore
If you are looking for a particular and hard-to-get book, chances are you'll find it at Hugendubel's. The store has a wide selection of books and paperbacks on 4 floors. Lots of bargains. Bonus: a wide space where you can read or rest.
Tauentzienstrasse 13
subway: Kurfuerstendamm
open: Monay - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m
There's also a branch at Friedrichstrasse in Mitte.
Neue Nationalgalerie
The New National Gallery has something for everybody: artworks from the era of classical modernism to the present day and exciting exhibitions of famous artists. These can get very crowded. The museum also has an impressive sculpture garden, in which free concerts are sometimes held in summer. The souvenir shop is full of posters, books and postcards, with lots of bargains. Highly recommended.
subway: Potsdamer Platz, bus 129, 148, 348
open Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
admission ca DM 10
Kurfuerstendamm
The Kurfuerstendamm used to be the center of West Berlin. After the reunification, it lost its dominance to Unter den Linden. It is still worth taking a walk down the "Kudamm" - lots of designer stores, movie theatres, restaurants and department stores are located in this area. Don't miss the KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens)department store on the Wittenbergplatz. It is similar to Harrods in London, but less expensive.
Virtual sightseeing
Virtual sightseeing for Berlin travelers, students and learners of German can be found here:
http://www.BerlinOnline.de/reisen/reisefuehrer/sehenswuerdigkeiten/
Restaurant Gips-Diele
This centrally located restaurant specializes in traditional Berlin food and drinks. Go here to try "Eisbein", a pork dish, and more. Gipsstrasse 1, subway Weinmeisterstrasse. For reservations call: + (0172) 816 0367.
Crime Books in English
Visit Hammett Krimibuchhandlung at Friesenstarsse 7 in 10965 Berlin. They are open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., or look at their website: www.hammett-krimis.de
Hire a BVG bus
BVG has buses and coaches for group & club trips available. They also let you hire vehicles for conventions and conferences.
phone: + (4930) - 256 29 668
Berliner Museumsinsel
The Berliner Museumsinsel is centrally located and can be reached by bus, underground and city train (either go to Friedrichstrasse and take a walk on Unter den Linden, take bus 100, or the S-Bahn to Hakescher Markt). It consists of various museums, which offer current and special exhibits from all over the world. Check a local paper for current events. Do not miss the best of all, the Pergamon Museum with the famous Pergamon Altar. Other museums located on the island are: Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, & Bodemuseum. Plan about 1 hour for each museum. The nearby Museum fuer Deutsche Geschichte on Unter den Linden is currently closed.
Zwiwwel-Weinstuben
This is a wine bar with traditional German cuisine and wine from all over the world.
Zwiwwel-Weinstuben
Bruchsaler Str. 6
D – 10715 Berlin (Wilmersdorf)
Subway: Bundesplatz (U9)
Reservations and info: (030) 853 25 78
Olympiastadium
The stadium was built for the 1936 Olympic Games and holds up to 76,000 spectators. The German soccer association Cup Final is held here every year. Check a local paper for current events.
Olympischer Platz (Charlottenburg), subway Olympiastadium, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Museum 'Haus am Checkpoint Charlie'
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is located in Berlin's city center, Friedrichstrasse 43-44, D - 10960 Berlin.
Take the city train (S-Bahn) to Bahnhof Friedrichstrasse.
For information about current exhibitions call :
+49 (0) 30 25 37 25- 0
Zweite Hand (secondhand magazine)
Zweite Hand is a publication that lists both private and business ads and covers cultural events in Berlin. It is available twice a week at any newsagent, also online. It is a good source for cheap stuff and gives you an insight into Berlin life in general. There is an individual mag for car ads. Your German needs to be more than average to understand the ads.
New government quarter
Go to Potsdamer Platz and take a tour around the new government quarter. Start with the renovated Reichstag, which is home of the Federal Parliament. Walk to Schloss Bellevue, the residence of the Federal President. His office, the Praesidialamt, is next door. Walk down John-Foster-Dulles-Allee, pass the House of Cultures and see the new Federal Chancellor's Office (Bundespraesidialamt) behind it. Further down, you can get to the new offices of the parliamentary administrations. All located in the district of Tiergarten. - Board bus 100 or 200 from there (either back to Zoo Station or onwards to Alexanderplatz).
Kastanien-Stuebchen
Kastanien-Stuebchen is a restaurant and a beer garden. They specialize in German home cooking. Located at Alt Mariendorf 14 (subway Alt Mariendorf), open daily from noon onwards (open end). To make a reservation call: + (030) 705 55 80.
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.
Haus der Wannseekonferenz
This museum deals with the organisation, background and implementation of the "Final Solution" ( i.e. the decision to deport and murder the European Jews under the Nazi Regime). A meeting of the same name was held in this villa on January 20th, 1942. Today, the site is a museum with a permanent exhibition, guided tours in German and English, special exhibits, and a media center with a reference library, videotapes and an audiovisual collection. - It is a gruesome subject, but the museum is excellent. So are the guided tours. Highly recommended.
Gedenk und Bildungsstaette Haus der Wannseekonferenz
Am Grossen Wannsee 56 - 58, D - 14 109 Berlin
phone: + 49 (030) 80 50 10 - 0
fax: + 49 (030) 80 50 01 27
Exhibition: The Wannsee Conference and the Genocide of the European Jews
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Media Center/Library
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission is free. Guided tours by appointment only. Workshops and seminars at the Media Center by appointment.
Bus: 114
Free tourist information 2
Contact those commercial tourist offices for free information:
1) Partner fuer Berlin - Gesellschaft fuer Hauptstadt Marketing mbH
Charlottenstr. 65, D - 10117 Berlin
Germany
phone: : +49 (0)30 202 40-0
fax: +49 (0)30 202 40-166
2) Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Am Karlsbad 11, D - 10785 Berlin
Germany
phone: +49 (0)30 26 47 48 0
fax : +49 (0)30 26 47 48 99
Eis Henning
Eis Henning is a cafe specializing in ice cream in every variation. This is the good stuff, don't miss it!
Bundesalllee 186 - 187
subway: Bundesplatz
Eis Henning at "Neue Welt"
Hermannplatz
subway: Hermannplatz, bus 119, nightbus 19
Kurfuerstendamm 129 b
S-Bahn: Halensee, bus 119, 129, nightbus 19, 29
open daily 8:30 a.m. - midnight
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.
BVG Shopping Booklet
'Shopping with the Berlin BVG subway trains' (Einkaufen mit der Berliner U-Bahn) is the title of a 200 page booklet issued by the BVG. It is full of tips for shopping, eating out and sightseeing. It is grouped according to the various subway stops and subway lines and the class of services offered. It costs ca. DM 3. very neatly organized. Get it and start shopping!
Berlin von hinten
"Berlin von hinten" is a guided tour on the river Spree, which allows you to see Berlin from an entirely different perspective. Take the subway up to Moabit, walk up Stromstrasse until you reach the bridge (the river). Several different tours are offered. Try not to go on a Sunday, as it may get too crowded.
Gedenkstaette Berliner Mauer
The Berlin Wall Memorial is an open-air museum near Bernauer Strasse in the district of Wedding. It comprises remains of the Wall and can be accessed at all times.
subway Bernauer Strasse
S-Bahn Nordbahnhof
bus 328
Fleamarket at Fehrbelliner Platz
This fleamarket is full of bargains of the superior kind. Lots of books, records, Cds, clothes, postcards, cutlery, furniture, jewellry, pottery, household appliances ... I shopped at this market for years and can safely recommend it. Located right next to the subway station.
subway: Fehrbelliner Platz
open: Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hansa Library
The Hansa library is an excellent stop for the Berlin tourist. Get lots of information, check out books and newspapers, pick up free flyers and mags. Located at Altonaer Strasse 15, subway Hansaplatz (U9). open Monday - Friday 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., phone: + (030) 390 52 156.
World of Music stores
World of Music stores (WOM) are your best bet if you want to get hard-to-find vinyl, an obscure CD, videos in English, books, tapes and other media. You can also buy concert tickets here and pick up free stuff (mags). Try WOM at Augsburger Strasse 36 - 42, subway Kurfuerstendamm, phone: + (0) 30 - 885 7240.
Rent a limousine
Rent a limousine at Bel Air Limousine Service. They do business tours, sightseeing and "nights on the town". Phone Bel Air at (030) 2175 LIMO or (030) 2175 5466, fax: (030) 2175 5467.
Tresor Store
The Tresor Store sells T-Shirts, vinyl, CDs and equipment for DJs. Connected to the legendary techno disco of the same name.
Muenzstrasse 23, Mitte
subway: Weinmeisterstrasse
open: Tuesday - Friday noon - 8 p.m., Saturday - 4 p.m.
Emergency dental service
If you have a dental problem, call the emergency dental service, phone: 89 00 43 33.
Made in Berlin
Made in Berlin is a trendy secondhand store located on Potsdamer Strasse. Clothes look new, and sometimes you can find exclusive items.
Potsdamer Strasse 106 (Tiergarten)
subway Kurfuerstenstrasse, bus 148, 348
open: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Spiritual Guidance
Do you need help with a pressing problem? Call the Spiritual Guidance Service:
0800 - 111 01 11
Berlin map online
Check out this Berlin city map. Comes with a search function:
http://www.BerlinOnline.de/service/stadtplan/explorer/system/BOL/D
Moon Dance Musiccenter
Choose from an interesting collection of CDs, MCs, vinyl, gimmix, imports, rarities and T-shirts. They also have a video rental. Muellerstrasse 167, subway Wedding. Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., phone: + (030) 461 3907.
Rare stamps and coins
Buy rare stamps and coins at Manfred Jahn's store. He is a buyer and seller and located at Muellerstrasse 79 b - c. Subway Afrikanische Strasse, U5. Open Tueday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m..
Railway travel information
For train schedules and travel information, call the railway travel information center, phone: 19419.
Online sightseeing information
Plan your outings in Berlin online at www.bvg.de. You can also e-mail them at bvg@bvg.de. BVG is Berlin's public transport company.
Jugendgaestehaus Nordufer
This youth hostel is centrally located and offers safe acommodation at reasonable prices for both individual tourists and youth groups. B&B from DM 38.
phone: (+) (49) (0) 30 451 99 112
fax: (+) (49) (0) 30 452 41 00
e-mail: Nordufer@t-online.de
Kiepert bookstore
Kiepert is a true university bookstore with lots of specialised departments and an incredible number of bargain books (usually outside).
Hardenbergstrasse 4 - 5
subway: Ernst-Reuter-Platz
open: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m..
Museeumsdorf Dueppel
This museum is open-air and focusses on ecology and agrarian history. Check out the ecological market, festivals, readings and special exhibitions.
Clauertstrasse 11, Zehlendorf
S-Bahn: Mexikoplatz
phone: (030) 802 66 71
open: Thursday 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Gelbe Musik
Go to Gelbe Musik for very rare records and Cds.
Schaperstrasse 11 (Wilmersdorf)
subway: Spichernstrasse
open: Tuesday - Friday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Markthallen
Get a glimpse of Berlin everyday life by going to its Markthallen (market stalls under one roof). The oldest is Arminiushalle in Bremer Strasse, Moabit (subway 9, stop Turmstrasse). The second oldest is located in Eisenbahnstrasse, Kreuzberg. Both sell food, beer and wine, clothes, books, cosmetics, household products, and sometimes real bargains. They open at 7 a.m..
Tegel Airport
Need a flight schedule for Berlin, infos on cars, travel and other services? Contact:
Berliner Flughafen GmbH
Flughafen Tegel
Postfach 510142
D - 13361 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: + 49 (0) 30 - 4101 1
Fax: + 49 (0) 30 - 4101 2111
Trabrennbahn Mariendorf
The race track in Mariendorf is a popular meeting place for horsepeople, kids and those, who like to place bets. Take the subway to Alt Mariendorf, or go on bus 176, 178, 179. The main entrance is located at Mariendorfer Damm 122. Races start on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m., and on Sundays at 1:30 p.m.. Free admission on Wednesdays, about DM 5 on Sundays?
The Automate Supermarket
If you cannot find an open after-hours-shopping store, go to the Automate Supermarket located at Kantstrasse/Leibnitzstrasse (a short walk from Zoo trainstation). Your purchases will be delivered on a conveyor belt. Note that this kind of store is more expensive, but it is better than nothing ...
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.
English Language TV
If you have access to cable tv you can receive:
1) BBC World TV (cable 7): 24 hours news & features
2) CNN (cable 12): headline news, international reports
3) CNBC (cable 38) 2h hours of finance & entertainment, nightly news from NBC, Jay Leno & Conan O'Brian on weekends
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.
Stadtmagazin 030
Stadtmagazin 030 is a free publication for the young and the young at heart. If you are into music, fashion, sports, trends, shopping and cultural events this mag is for you. Don't know where a particular club is located? Check out the extensive collection of addresses in 030. You can pick it up in bars, at subway stops or at colleges. Check out their online version at www.berlin030.de, too.
Banks
Banks are open Mon-Fri, some also on Saturday morning. Opening hours vary. Usually, you will find an open bank from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, depending on the individual bank. The Kurfuerstendamm is a good destination for banks.
Hugo Heinemann Library
If you are in the north of Berlin, check out the Hugo Heinemann Library. Go to subway stop Voltastrasse. The library is located at Swinemuender Strasse 80. Open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Berlin Carre
Berlin Carre is a new shopping center with over 50 shops, boutiques and lots of restaurants. It is located at Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 13 (subway Alexanderplatz, bus 100) and open from 11 a.m. onwards.
Buying BVG tickets at subway U1/U15
You can get BVG travel tickets on the following stations of subway U1/15: Krumme Lanke, Fehrbelliner Platz, Wittenbergplatz, Kottbusser Tor and Schlesisches Tor.
Tipinfo computer
The BVG Tipinfo computer provides you with the best public transport connections to your destination(s). Your info can be printed. Located at the following subway stops: Wittenbergplatz, Alexanderplatz & Zoologischer Garten, also at Tegel airport and the Zentral Bus Station (ZOB).
Radio stations
Berlin has 26 radio stations, among them:
1) Jazz Radio Berlin FM 101,9: swinging jazz
2) Klassik Radio FM 101,3: comfortable classics
3) Kiss FM 98,8: DJ station, hip hop
4) RS FM 94,2: music mix 70s - today
5) Multi-Kulti FM 106,8: world music & talk in 20 languages.
St. Hedwig's Cathedral
St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the city's first catholic episcopal cathedral, was fully destroyed in World War II and rebuilt between 1952 and 1962. On Unter den Linden, bus 100 or 200.
BVG City Tours
BVG offers various city and sightseeing tours, plus special vehicles for special occasions (e.g. the wedding bus, party bus and tram, open-top bus, or Zille bus).
phone: + (4930) 256 24 740
Free information
If you are already in Berlin, try to pick up the two free publications "Flyer" and "030", which are available at many venues (e.g. the universities, subway stops, cafes). Both are in German.
Nikolaiviertel
The Nikolai Quarter is one of Berlin's oldest city quarters and was restored in the mid 80's. It is located around Berlin's oldest church, the Nikolaikirche. Note: you will find plenty of gift stores and restaurants in the area, but they are not inexpensive. Subway & S-Bahn Alexanderplatz, subway Klosterstrasse, or bus 100 & 200.
Yellow Walking Tour Company
Walk through Berlin with insiders - tours are in English. Bike tours also possible. Admission: ca 10 DM.
Office: Boppstr. 3, Berlin-Kreuzberg
hours: 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
subway stop: Schoenleinstrasse
Museum fuer Voelkerkunde
The Museum of Ethnology holds over 500,000 objects from all parts of the world. It also has a large collection of photographs & films, an ethnomusical archive and special exhibitions. Highly recommended, also for kids. Great museum store.
address: Berlin-Dahlem, Lansstrasse
(subway 1, Dahlem-Dorf, Bus x11, x83, 110, 183)
opening hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
guided tours,
booking for groups: +49 (0)30 20 90 55 66
info: +49 (0)30 8301 438
http://www.smb.spk-berlin.de
md@smb.spk-berlin.de
BVG webpage
Before you go to Berlin, go to the homepage of the BVG (Berlin's public transport company) for detailed information on the town and its transport system. Page is available in both German and English. Check their online store for nice souvenirs.
Address: http://www.bvg.de/
Zitty Magazine
Zitty magazine is similiar to Tip magazine (which has its own 'tip' on this page), it is just not as glossy. It provides the same kind of information (ie.e news, culture, events, addresses, ads, tv guide, radio program, phone numbers), but caters to a more 'alternative' clientele. Mostly read by students. Not expensive. Recommended.
Brueder-Grimm-Library
This is a great library for both kids and adults. They provide internet access, books, Cds and tapes, magazines and newspapers and cartoons. Staff is friendly and helpful. Open Monday & Friday 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tueday, Wednesday and Thursday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.. It is only a short walk from subway stop Turmstrasse (U9). For details call: (030) 3905 2361.
S-Bahn sightseeing
On weekends, go sightseeing in the new glass-roofed panoramic S-Bahn. Armchairs, air conditioning and a bar! Trains leave at Ostbahnhof, platform 10, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:58 a.m., 12:28 p.m. and 2:08 p.m.. The trip lasts an hour and costs DM 29 (kids 4 - 13: DM 16). Buy your tickets at the S-Bahn shop at Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse or Zoo stations.
Scenario & New Noise
Scenario & New Noise is a trendy fashion and record/CD store worth checking out. Schoenleinstrasse, 31, Kreuzberg, subway Schoenleinstrasse, or: Potsdamer Strasse 106, Tiergarten, bus 148. Open: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m..
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.
Boating in Wannsee and Tegel
If you want to see Berlin from the water, go an a tour on the Berlin lakes and rivers. Wannsee and Tegel are good starting points. Note: "Moby Dick" is a boat which looks like the white whale, a nice photo opportunity.
Contact Address: Reedereiverband Berlin
(Berlin Shipping Association)
Ticket Office Wannsee
Gierkezeile 26
Berlin-Tiergarten
Tuerkischer Imbiss
Almost every district in Berlin has at least one Turkish foodstore and/or stall that sells Turkish snacks, bread, "Doener Kebab", cookies and beer. These places are popular with Berliners, as they provide cheap and healthy food. Some are open on Sundays. Try the Turkish salad or the Turkish pizza, too.
Vending machines for public transport travel tickets
You find these machines at most subway stations. Information is available in English. You can put in both coins and bills. Be careful with the bills. Some machines repeatedly spit them out again. The machines do refund your money. It is best to buy either a twenty-four-hour ticket, which lets you use any BVG (Berlin public transport company) vehicle as often as you want. There are also tickets for 5 rides, family tickets, tourist tickets and monthly tickets. The latter are expensive (ca. DM 100).
Buddhistisches Haus
This is Europe's biggest and oldest Buddhist institution, with a temple and a library. Located at Edelhofdamm 54 (Reinickendorf), S-Bahn stop Friedenau, phone: (030) 401 5580. I've been there, it's really worth visiting.
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche (Memorial Church) was built at the end of the 19th century and destroyed in World War II. The ruined tower remains. The new church building beside the old church is open daily 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Breitscheidtplatz, subway Zoologischer Garten, bus 19, 29.
Kunstmarkt
Berlin's best address for souvenirs are its fleamarkets. The Kunstmarkt (art market) on Strasse des 17. Juni is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Try to go early, as it gets very crowded around noon. Expect to find lots of original art, designer clothes, books, records, CDs, old postcards & stamps, tableware, furniture and the like. Watch your purse. Bring plenty of small change. Take the city train to S-Bahnhof Tiergarten.
Restaurant Berliner Fernsehturm - Telecafe
The restaurant is located on top of the Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz. It is 207 meters high and you'll have a great view of the inner city. Located at Panoramastrasse 1 A, subway Alexanderplatz. For information call: + (030) 242 33 33.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
The Deutsche Oper Berlin is one out of three opera houses competing for audiences in this city. They put on classical and modern opera, concerts, ballets and special performances. Bismarckstr. 35 (Charlottenburg), subway Deutsche Oper, phone: + (0)(30) 343 8401.
Info on exhibits at the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie
For information on current exhibits, call the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie Museum. The Haus has four permanent exhibitions, of which ‘The Wall – from August 13, 1961, until today' attracts the most visitors. Call + (49) (0) (30) 251 1031 for details. The phone line is open daily between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m..
Deeroy's Dub Store
This record store specializes in dub and reggae. Good selection & worth checking out.
Brunnenstrasse 6 (Mitte), subway: Rosenthaler Platz, open Tuesday - Friday noon - 8 p.m..
Market on Winterfeldtplatz
Visit this market on Saturday mornings and check out global delicacies, bargains and 'scene' streetlife. After your visit you may want to have coffee or breakfast in one of the surrounding pubs or cafes.
Winterfeldtplatz
subway Nollendorfplatz
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wall Special
Interested in the history of the Berlin Wall? Go to this interesting Berlin page at
www.timeout.com/berlin/index.html
You will find sightseeing tips, accommodation tips and a great Wall special for the month of November.
Bruecke Museum
The Bruecke Museum is an insider's tip, as it is located far away from Berlin's other museums and never too cowded. It specializes in expressionist paintings by artists such as Emil Nolde and members of the 'Bruecke-group'. Located near Grunewald (green forest), it is a good starting point for a trip around the Grunewald lake and forest. Expect to spend 1 hour in the exhibition.
Address: Bussardsteig 9, 14195 Berlin-Dahlem
(open daily 11 a.m. through 5 p.m., closed on Tuesdays)
Gaststaette Hoecke
Hoecke is a restaurant and a Kneipe (pub). They serve traditional German food and drinks. Centrally located at Wilmersdorfer Strasse 149 (subway Wilmersdorferstrasse), open Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight.
Potsdamer Platz
Building work is still going on at Potsdamer Platz, but the area is already full of life. There are various movie theaters, skyscrapers, a theater and the fastest lift in Europe. Bus 200.
Domaene Dahlem
Domaene Dahlem used to be a fully functioning farm up to the 1950's. Now it is one of Berlin's favorite recreation areas. It features an open-air museum with farm exhibits, animals, lakes, public footpaths, endangered species (birds, frogs, rodents) and rare vegetation. Once you are done, have lunch at the Dahlemer Krug, which is located opposite the street. They specialize in German dishes. On weekends, you will have to make a reservation.
Address: Koenigin-Louise-Strasse / Pacelliallee
(subway 1, stop Dahlem-Dorf)
Mr. Dead and Mrs. Free
This is one of Berlin's oldest record shops for alternative music. Good selection.
Buelowstrasse 5 (Schoeneberg)
subway: Nollendorfplatz
open: Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Berlin city map
A Berlin city map with a search function:
http://www.berlinonline.de/service/stadtplan/explorer/system/BOL/D
Poison emergency calls
In case of accidental poisoning, call the poison emergency center immediately, phone: 192 40. You might also want to call 112 (fire brigade) and have them rush you to a hospital.
Humboldt University
Many famous names are linked to this university. Hegel, the Grimm brothers, Planck, Einstein, Koch and Sauerbruch all taught here. Check out the bookstalls in front of the building. Unter den Linden, bus 100 or 200.
Leydicke
Leydicke used to be a spirit factory around the turn of the century. Nowadays it is a distillery and "Kneipe" (bar) selling excellent fruit wines and liqueurs. Note: this stuff is dangerous, but the atmosphere in the place is great. You also will get an idea of what Berlin bars looked like in 1900. Highly recommended.
Mannsteinstrasse 4, subway Yorkstrasse
open daily from 6 p.m., open end
Cheap sightseeing on bus 100
For the price of a single fare busticket, you can see a lot of Berlin's sights without having to go on a guided tour. Take Bus 100 (Zoo Station), go on the upper deck, enjoy. The bus takes you into the eastern part of the city as well.
Car Rental at Tegel Airport
Here's a list of car rentals at Tegel airport:
Avis phone: + (030) - 410 13 148
Sixt phone: + (030) - 410 28 86
fax: + (030) - 412 47 57
Hertz phone: + (030) - 417 046 74
fax: + (030) - 413 44 88
Europcar phone: + (030) - 417 85 20
fax: + (030) - 417 852 66
Restaurant Austria
At restaurant Austria, you can get huge helpings of genuine Wiener Schnitzel. It is located near Marheinekeplatz, at Bergmannstrasse 30. Subway Gneisenaustrasse. Open daily from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. in summer, from 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. in winter.
Shop like a Berliner
Most Berliners dislike going shopping by car, as parking is limited. Two big shopping districts can be reached using the public transport system: Wilmersdorfer Strasse (subway 7) and Walter-Schreiber-Platz (subway 9). You'll find major department stores, boutiques, bookstores, gift stores, restaurants and various discount stores. Note: Avoid shopping on Saturdays, it is always very crowded.
Real British Fish and Chips
Get Fish and Chips at the restaurant of the same name at Yorkstrasse 15, D - 10965 Berlin, subway Mehringdamm or Moeckernbruecke, bus 119, 129. Phone: (030) 217 55 440.
Subway map & newsletter
The Berliner Verkehrsgesellschaft (BVG) publishes a free subway map, which is available at any subway station (ask the guy in the booth). You may also get the BVG's monthly newsletter for free. The newsletter can be obtained on most busses. You can also get free information at the BVG Pavillion at Hardenbergplatz, opposite Zoo train station.
Aspects of the Third Reich
The city has four memorial sites commemorating different aspects of the Third reich:
- the Memorial Center of German Resistance
- 'Topography of Terror'
- the Ploetzensee Memorial Site
- Museum House of the Wannsee Conference
Check a local paper for current exhibits, addresses and contact info. Guided tours are offered, material can be obtained, and much can be learned. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at each location.
Reederei Ridel GmbH
This shipping company arranges interesting boat trips through the city center. Planufer 78 (Kreuzberg), subway stop Prinzenstrasse.
Botanischer Garten
Berlin's botanical garden is located in the district of Steglitz near Rathaus Steglitz subway stop. Go on bus 148 (takes about 5 minutes). The tour around the botanical garden takes about 1-2 hours. Don't miss the greenhouses with tropical plants, goldfish and a waterfall. Note: on summer evenings, there are often free concerts worth attending. There is a restaurant located near the entrance.
Ideas for sightseeing
Not sure what to do during your trip to the capital? Here are some ideas for trips:
http://www.BerlinOnline.de/reisen/reisefuehrer/touren/
Holst am Zoo
Holst am Zoo is a German soccer restaurant and Kneipe (pub). They also serve traditional German food and there is a Jazz brunch every Sunday. Located at Joachimsthaler Strasse 1, subway Zoo. Phone: + (030) 882 1992.
Currywurstbude
"Currywurstbuden", i.e. stalls that sell curried sausage, French fries, potato salad, meatballs ("Bouletten" - a Berlin speciality) and more comfort food are scattered all over the city. They are great for a snack and not expensive. You will also get an insight into Berlin's everyday life. A lot of people eat their lunch there.
Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish Cemetery in Berlin is the biggest Jewish cemetery in all of Europe. It is a reminder and a monument to Berlin's Jewish past. Open: Sunday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.. Michelangelosstrasse, bus 200.
