Berlin, Germany — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Berlin
Berlin is teeming with history and its key attractions bare testimony to that. But there is something to interest just about anyone of any age in this intriguing city. The sobering Checkpoint Charlie and Jewish Museum are two just examples of the many sights that serve as a stark reminder of Germany's turbulent past and history buffs will enjoy exploring all the museums and memorials this great city has to offer.
Younger visitors will enjoy a visit to the Legoland Discovery Center where the children and the young at heart can marvel at the wonder that is Lego. The remains of the infamous Berlin Wall are now the Eastside Gallery, the largest open-air gallery in the world displaying graffiti from over 118 artists from around the world. It has become a major landmark in the city and a wonderful tourist attraction not to be missed.
The historic Hamburger Bahnhof, one of the most popular art galleries, is a must for culture lovers while the Postdamer Platz is a wonderful place to explore. The square, boasting a fantastic mix of restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, a casino, theaters and cinemas, draws both Berliners and tourists seeking good food and recreation. The Kollhoff building located in the square features a panorama platform, which can be reached by Europe's fastest express elevator, and offers breathtaking views of the city.
The Berlin Welcome Card offers discounts on most of Berlin's major attractions, as well as free travel on public transport within the city for one adult and up to three children aged 6-13. It ranges from EUR16.90 for 48 hours to EUR29.90 for five days. Culture vultures are also advised to buy the SchauLUST Museen Berlin ticket, which costs EUR19 (EUR9.50 with a student ID), is valid for three consecutive days and allows free entry to over 50 museums. Both cards can be bought from railway stations and tourist information centers.
Shopping in Berlin
Berlin may not be known as a shopper's paradise, but don't be fooled; it can give even the most seasoned of power-shoppers a run for their money. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping sprees, ranging from the overly expensive to the humble wares of the city's flea markets, antique markets, cheap bargain stores and everything in between.
Luxury designer boutiques can be found lining the streets at the west end of Kurfürstendamm and in Friedrichstrasse. All the different shopping precincts have their own distinctive style and the best boutiques are often tucked away in backstreets or quiet courtyards.
The main shopping districts are the Kurfürstendamm, Breitscheidplatz and for some bargains, a quick stroll in the Budapestststrasse and Tauenzienstrasse could prove worthwhile. One of the trendiest shopping streets is the Schönhauser Allee with countless independent shops dotted along its thoroughfare offering the latest fashion and young independent designer labels which can be snatched up for a song.
A sales tax (VAT) of 16% is levied on most goods and services in Germany. Most major stores are open from 9.30am to 8pm daily and between 9am and 4pm on Saturdays. All stores are closed on Sundays, except for small stores in the main train stations.
Berlin Nightlife
Famed for its nightlife and close on Amsterdam's heels for the title of Europe's most liberal city, Berlin offers visitors just about everything from avant-garde and trendy to seriously sexy underground clubs, hip local hangouts and theater and everything in between!
The Mitte district is a hip and happening spot and boasts some of Berlin's top clubs and bars, but it can be quite touristy. New clubs are springing up in Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain, while Kreuzberg is fast becoming a popular hangout with locals and immigrants alike and is distinguished by its edgy atmosphere. Schoneburg offers some superb cafes, clubs and saunas and is quite popular with Berlin's gay community, as is Nollendorfplatz and its 'pink village'.
Berlin offers plenty of Kneipes,which is the equivalent of a Briton's local pub, where the local brews and old favorites can be sampled. Cabaret is a popular pastime in Berlin and there are many cabaret clubs dotted around this vibrant city offering satirical shows that make fun of the political and social scene.
Live music clubs dominate a lot of the city where well-known and amateur acts are showcased in just about every type of atmosphere, from small and intimate clubs to downright dirty and grungy music halls. Or for a quieter option take a night stroll around the city and enjoy the romance of Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg, stopping in at one of the local pubs for a glass of wine.
Public transport is cheap and easily accessible making a night out on the town a pleasure to navigate. With all this and so much more on offer, visitors in Berlin will have a tough time narrowing down how and where to spend their evenings.
Attractions for Kids
Possibly one of the finest cities in Europe for children to explore, Berlin offers children on vacation a multitude of activities and attractions to explore, from the world's largest inner-city park to LEGOLAND and everything else in between. Active families will enjoy heading out to Grosse Muggelsee for a spot of swimming, boating or hiking, while places like Wannsee is another great place to escape to the great outdoors. Animal lovers and children will go wild for the Berlin Zoo-Aquarium as well as the Berlin Botanical Gardens, which offers plenty of space for children to run around. When the weather turns bad and kids activities out of doors are few and far between, head to one of Berlin's indoor playgrounds or one of the many museums the city has to offer, such as the Museum fuer Naturkunde (Nature Museum), it'll take up most of the day exploring the hundreds of exhibitions, but children will be beside themselves with the amount there is to see.
