We were only in Berlin for two weeks. The primary reason for going there was because it was the least expensive way to get from Montenegro to Athens! Still, we love big cities – there’s so much to see and do and we love the incredible diversity. Deborah was pretty sick for most of the time we were there so we didn’t do as much as we normally would but we certainly got around and got a good feel for the place. In short: Berlin is great. We loved our time there and would happily return given the opportunity.
We did, however, find one serious downside: Berliners do not eat ice cream (at least in the winter time). We couldn’t find any ice cream anywhere except for the supermarkets. That’s just not right!!!!
Pubic transportation in Berlin is simple to use, efficient, clean and timely. Google maps has complete information including real-time updates and it’s fun to ride the double-decker busses. Just remember that you’ll pay a different price based on how far you plan to travel.
(Christmas Time at the Sony Center)
Here’s our list of must do items for Berlin…
- See The Brandenburg Gate. It’s the last of the old city gates.
- Visit Checkpoint Charlie. It’s a tourist center now but it’s an iconic place from history.
- Check out one of the many locations where portions of the Berlin Wall are still standing.
- Tour Charlottenburg Palace. It’s Germany’s Versailles. You can see the old wing, the new wing, the new pavilion and the gardens in the winter time and there’s even more in the summer time.
- Walk down the Unter den Linden. There are many beautiful buildings to see.
- Visit the Gemäldegalerie and/or the Altes National Gallery. Two of the best art museums we’ve ever visited. There are also some great museums on Museum Island.
- Tour the Reistag Dome. It’s a wonderful experience and it’s free. You can tour the interior when the parliament is not in session. Advance reservations are required for both.
- If you love modern art don’t miss the Berggruen Museum. They have over 120 Picassos alone.
- Attend a free chamber music concert at the Philharmonie on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm or, if you love great orchestras, see the Berlin Philharmonic in concert.
- Stroll through the Großer Tiergarten. There are so many monuments to see.
- Climb the Victory Column for some great views and see the exhibits on German monuments. It costs just €3.00.
- Visit the Berlin Cathedral. It’s gorgeous inside and out. There’s also the museum, crypt and the viewing platform. Cost is €7.00 per person.
- Attend a free organ demo / performance on Thursday or Friday at 1:30 pm at Saint Mary’s. It’s different and interesting.
- Have breakfast at Steel Vintage Bikes Café & Restaurant. The food is great and you can rent a bike if you’re so inclined.
- Caf-up at Balzac Coffee. It’s the German version of Starbucks. Their Carmel Macchiato is great. The medium is made with two shots!
(Christmas Fair at Charlottenburg Palace)