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Berlin (Germany) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main sights of Berlin with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Berlin (Germany)

Getting Around the City

Berlin is a huge city. To get around, you need to use well-developed public transport: buses, trams, trains and metro. Taxi services are also slightly cheaper than in many other major cities in Central Europe.

Berlin uses a zonal system, but it is unlikely that you will have to go beyond zones A and B, except for trips to Potsdam or the airport. Public transport uses a general ticket. Standard ticket is valid 2 hours after validation. There is a cheap ticket that is valid for three U-Bahn or S-Bahn stops. Each ticket must be validated on a special device (to stamp the date and time). Trams mainly run in East Berlin.

Gastronomy

Berlin is a major gastronomic center: expensive restaurants, cozy cafes and bars, noisy and cheerful clubs, catering points. From food worth trying are pfannkuchen (doughnuts), currywurst (curry sausage), döner (bread with salad and meat). Food in Berlin is incredibly cheap compared to any other Western European capital or other cities in Germany. Cuisine from different cultures is represented here, although it is often modified to suit German tastes.

One of the main tourist areas for food is Hackescher Markt / Oranienburger Straße, Kastanienallee. It is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 5-10% of the bill.

Shopping and shopping

Berlin is one of the centers of shopping in Europe. Main shopping areas:

• Ku "Damm and Tauentzienstraße - many branded stores
• KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens) at Wittenbergplatz
• Schloss-strasse (Steglitz), Wilmersdorfer Strasse (Charlottenburg), Schönhauser Allee (Prenzlauer Berg), Carl-Schurz-Strasse (Spandau) and Karl-Marx-Strasse (Neukölln) are shopping streets.
• Friedrichstraße is a major shopping street in East Berlin.

Large shopping centers:

• Alexa (Alexanderplatz/Mitte)
• Potsdamer Platz Arkaden (Potsdamer Platz/Mitte)
• Mallof Berlin (Leipziger Platz/Mitte)
• Gesundbrunnen-Center(Gesundbrunnen Station/Wedding)
• Gropius Passagen(Britz)
• Linden Center (Hohenschönhausen, Spandau-Arkaden (Spandau)
• Schloss(Schlossstrasse/Steglitz)
• ForumSteglitz (Schlossstrasse/Steglitz)
• Ring Center (Friedrichshain)

Districts of Berlin

• Mitte is the historic center of Berlin, the core of the former East Berlin and the new city centre. Cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries and clubs abound throughout the area, as well as many attractions of cultural interest.
• West Berlin (Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, Schöneberg, Tiergarten) - restaurants, hotels, shops, palaces.
• East Berlin Center (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg) is a bustling youth area: cafes, bars, clubs. This is a district of artists and other creative intelligentsia, and a large Turkish diaspora lives here.
• North Berlin (Spandau and Reinickendorf) - interesting architecture and luxurious villas of the former leaders of the GDR.
• East Berlin (Lichtenberg, Hohenschonghausen, Marzan, Hellersdorf) - the true atmosphere of the GDR: high-rise buildings, several parks.
• South Berlin (Steglitz, Seelendorf, Tempelhof) - areas of contrasts: green and rich Seelendorf and poor Neukölln (New Cologne).

Museums

Berlin is a city of museums. There are more than fifty different museums and galleries here. Most of them are paid. If you plan to devote a lot of time to museums, we recommend buying a special three-day museum card for 24 euros. It gives you the opportunity to visit the expositions of almost all museums in Berlin for three days. Attention: museums are usually closed on Monday.

The most interesting museums in Berlin:

Museum Island is one of the largest and most famous museum complexes in Europe. The ensemble of the museum island includes:

• The Pergamon Museum is one of the largest museums in Berlin, containing extensive collections of ancient Greek, ancient oriental and Islamic art and history.
• Old Museum - Egyptian collection and old antiques.
• Old National Gallery - German painting of the 19th century.
• The Bode Museum is a rich collection of sculptures and Byzantine art.
• Neuss Museum - Egyptian collection, archaeological finds.

The Cultural Forum is another museum complex located near Postdam Square. Among its museums we recommend:

• Art gallery - thousands of paintings of the 13th-18th centuries, including masterpieces by Durer, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt.
• New National Gallery - Art of the 20th century.
• Museum of Musical Instruments.

Other museums:

• Museum Charlottenburg - palace and museum complex
• Dahlem Museum - collections of European culture, Asian art and ethnography.
• German Historical Museum.
• Jewish Museum.
• The Berlin Gallery is the city's museum of contemporary art, design and architecture.
• Memorial complex "Berlin Wall".
• Brandenburg Museum - museum of history and culture of Berlin

Sights of Berlin

Berlin is a city rich in attractions and beautiful architecture, despite the fact that there are not many old buildings and historical monuments here.

Sacred architecture: churches and temples

Berlin Cathedral is the largest and one of the most beautiful churches in Berlin. The cathedral is located near Museum Island. It was built in the 19th century and is a symbol of the greatness of the German Empire. For 7 euros you can climb the dome and enjoy a wonderful view of Berlin.

Kaiser Wilhelm Church - the ruins of a church built in the late 19th century. The remains of a high bell tower are located between two modern buildings and are a reminder of the Second World War.

Church of St. Mary's is one of the oldest churches in Berlin, located in the historic center near Alexanderplatz. The tower, 90 meters high, is the tallest among the city's religious buildings. The entrance to the church is free. The inside contains many antique pieces of art.

Church of St. Nicholas - a brick Gothic church of the 13th century, the oldest religious building in Berlin. The height of the towers is 84 meters. Interestingly, now the building is not a religious building. This is one of the branches of the Brandenburg Museum.

Cathedral of St. Jadwigi is an 18th century neoclassical Catholic church, significantly rebuilt in the 1950s after being destroyed during World War II.

The New Synagogue is a beautiful Moorish-style structure built in the 19th century. The central religious building of the Jewish community of Berlin.

In the eastern part of the historic center, you can find the ruins of a Gothic Franciscan abbey, destroyed in 1945.

Top attractions in Berlin

The Berlin TV Tower is the tallest building in Berlin and all of Germany. The height of the TV tower is 386 meters. Located in the historical center at Alexanderplatz. At an altitude of 204 meters, there is an observation deck with a stunning panorama of Berlin.

The Reichstag building (Bundestag) is the building of the German Parliament. A massive building from the late 19th century with a beautiful glass dome that offers a breathtaking view of Berlin. In 1945, our troops hoisted the Banner of Victory on it, which became one of the symbols of the feat of our people in the Great Patriotic War.

The Victory Column is a 60 meters high monument built in the second half of the 19th century. At the top there is a panoramic observation deck. To get to it you need to overcome 285 steps.

A very popular observation deck is the 100-meter Kollhoff Tower on Postdamer Platz. It has the fastest elevator in Europe.

The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Berlin and one of its main attractions. They were built at the end of the 18th century in the style of classicism. They are the only city gates of Berlin that have survived to this day. Located on Paris Square.

The Berlin Wall is one of the symbols of the Cold War. A 155-kilometer fence that divided Berlin into two parts: eastern and western. It was built in the 60s of the 20th century on the initiative of the GDR. The Berlin Wall was dismantled in 1989. A large section of the wall has been preserved in the eastern part of the city along the river Spree.

The Berlin Opera is one of the oldest and largest musical theaters in Germany, founded in the middle of the 18th century.

The Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) is a sports facility, a football stadium with a capacity of more than 70 thousand spectators, capable of also holding athletics competitions. It is the home arena of the Hertha football club.

One of the most beautiful and oldest fountains in Berlin, the Neptune Fountain, is located on Alexanderplatz. This is a large granite fountain with an interesting sculptural composition.

Nearby is the building of the Red Town Hall. This historic red brick building was built in the second half of the 19th century in an interesting mixture of Gothic and Renaissance. The height of the town hall tower is 74 meters.

The capital of Germany grew out of two fishing villages - Berlin and Cologne, united in 1307. Despite the fact that there are several versions of the origin of the name of the city, most often the word "Berlin" is identified with the German noun "Bär" ("bear").

The status of the administrative center outside the city on the Spree was fixed in 1417, after Elector Frederick I managed to seize the reins of government of the Brandenburg brand. Berlin was immediately given the title of the residence of the margrave and the capital of the principality, which allowed him to later become a fateful city for the entire Hohenzollern dynasty.

By the end of the 19th century, Berlin had become the political and cultural center of the German Empire. Well, the boundaries of the modern metropolis began to emerge only by the 20s of the XX century, after the merger of the capital with nearby cities and towns. Truly grandiose prospects for Berlin loomed after the Nazis came to power. The title of the capital of the world began to be read to him, and the architect Albert Speer even managed to sketch out a project for this wonderful city of the future. To top it all off, in 1936 the Summer Olympic Games were held here.

The National Socialists were prevented from carrying out their grand plans for Berlin by the defeat in World War II. By 1945, most of the German capital lay in ruins, and the territory of the city itself was torn into occupation zones: the western part went to Great Britain and the USA, and the eastern part went to the USSR. Moreover, Berlin remained the administrative center only for the capitalist FRG, while the government of the socialist GDR moved to Bonn. The city managed to become the unified capital of Germany only in 1991, after the demolition of the legendary Berlin Wall and the unification of both republics.

Urban districts and districts

The system of administrative division in the German capital is quite peculiar. Berlin combines 12 districts, each of which has a certain degree of independence and has its own district government. In turn, the districts are subdivided into districts (the exact number is 96). Statistical territories like Schöneberg and the Bavarian Quarter can also be considered an unofficial administrative unit, whose borders often coincide with the borders of districts.

Unlike most European cities, sights in Berlin are dispersed throughout the vast metropolis. As a result, in order to cover as many historical monuments and places of worship as possible, you will have to wind dozens of kilometers around the capital.

The most generous district for attractions and at the same time the historical center of Berlin is Mitte (“middle”). Of course, this is far from the reckless and reckless Mitte that met tourists in the 30s of the last century (during the war, the area was almost completely destroyed), and, nevertheless, there are still enough interesting places in it. By the way, the main symbols of the German capital - the Reichstag building, the Brandenburg Gate and the TV tower - are located on the territory of this area.

A bohemian abode, the location of the most pretentious restaurants and hotels, as well as the center of attraction for all shopaholics in Germany - the Charlottenburg-Wimmelsdorf district. People come here to visit the Berlin Opera, as well as to appreciate the non-trivial exterior of the Wilhelm Kaiser Church. The administrative district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is completely occupied by Berlin informals, so young people will definitely like it here. Rebellious spirit, soft drugs, nightclubs and cheap lodging - these and other simple riches the area has in sufficient measure. Travelers with children should look into the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, firstly, because the famous Berlin Zoo is located on its territory, and secondly, because of the calm, peaceful atmosphere that reigns in the local streets. The only "wormhole" of the area is that for some reason it is especially adored by representatives of the gay community.

Treptow-Köpenick is a paradise for lovers of outdoor recreation: the entire district is literally buried in green groves interspersed with natural and artificial reservoirs. And, of course, do not forget about the famous Treptow Park with its monument to the warrior-liberator and the Köpenick Palace, which can be found in this part of the city. An alternative to Treptow-Köpenick is the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district, which is inhabited by those whose lives are successful. In addition to being the best place to display financial snobbery, Steglitz-Zehlendorf boasts the Strandbad beach, which is unconditionally considered the most beautiful beach in Berlin.

A visit to the Spandau district, once an independent city, is worth it for those who are interested in the monuments of the past. The area has still preserved the walls of the ancient citadel, as well as part of the historical center, where the skillfully restored Kolk street and the 13th-century church of St. Nicholas are located. But in Neukölln and Lichtenberg it is better not to linger for a long time. Among respectable burghers, the districts enjoy an ambiguous reputation, partly because of the emigrants from the CIS and the countries of the East who inhabit them. However, if you plan to visit the above-mentioned Berlin quarters solely for the purpose of sightseeing, it is unlikely that the locals will put obstacles in your way.

Attractions and entertainment

The face of modern Berlin at first glance is somewhat stern and ascetic. There is not the abundance of historical monuments that you expect to find in a city with almost 800 years of history, although the capital of Germany itself is not at all to blame for this: all the most spectacular and truly ancient buildings were swept away by the whirlwind of World War II. Of course, the skilful hands of German builders reconstructed part of the lost cultural heritage, but, alas, in glossy remodels, that notorious epochal spirit that their ancient predecessors literally exuded is no longer felt.

And yet, Berlin is beautiful! It is beautiful with its wonderful museums, where you can find everything your heart desires: from ancient Greek statues to creepy exhibits from the Holocaust; green boulevards and cozy cafes, at the tables of which Remarque, Brecht and Zweig once sat; delightful park areas, planned with true German accuracy, and recognizable architectural symbols. Finally, it's great to just enjoy life in Berlin: breakfast in tiny coffee shops in the morning, shopping raids on the capital's stores during the day and pumping up exotic cocktails in numerous clubs at night.

But the first thing, of course, is a run around places of worship and spontaneous photography of everyone and everything. Brandenburg Gate, the legendary Reichstag with its panoramic dome, any of the sections of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, the TV tower, the Red Town Hall and the Church of Mary - all this is a mandatory minimum cultural plan, without which it is simply a shame to leave Berlin. The boulevards Unter den Linden and Kurfürstendamm may not even be mentioned, since only a person who has completely lost interest in the small pleasures of life can bypass these two highways.

Another outstanding attraction of the German capital is the Berlin Cathedral. An exquisite massive building with turquoise domes, surrounded by the Lustgarten park, is located on the Museum Island. By the way, about the island itself: it is worth taking the longest time to visit it, since it is this piece of land in the middle of the Spree River that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and houses the country's best museums - Pergamon, the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, the Old and the New museums.

In other parts of Berlin, there are also a lot of museums of various kinds. Fans of technology will be welcome at the Luftwaffe Museum. Fans of eerie historical displays are sure to find something for themselves at the Jewish Museum and the Stasi Prison Museum. For interesting facts from the life of great gays, you should look into the museum of homosexuality, and to evaluate the style and technique of painting by German expressionists of the 20th century, it is best to visit the New National Gallery. In the museum center Berlin-Dahlem, you can get acquainted with the masterpieces of Asian art, and at the same time wander among the funny houses, stylized as the dwellings of different peoples of the world.

If you want a real fairy tale, try to arrange a tour of the Berlin palaces. Stroll through the artsy halls of Charlottenburg, appreciate the discreet charm of Bisdorf, sigh enviously over the Köpenick porcelain collection and, for a snack, enjoy the magnificent landscape that spreads out in front of the Tegel palace and park ensemble.

A great way to cheer yourself up and dispel the myth about the hopeless existence of our smaller brothers in captivity is a trip to the Berlin Zoo. By the way, this institution is still among the world leaders among its own kind in terms of keeping conditions and species diversity of animals. For relaxation, unusual souvenirs and controversial impressions, it is better to go to the Tiergarten area, whose crowning feature is unusual, and sometimes frankly ambiguous, sculptures. Patriots are strongly advised to drop by Treptow Park to stand at the legendary monument to the unknown soldier and walk along the alley of sarcophagi. Well, travelers who dare to come to Berlin with children will be helped out by the local water park Tropical Island. The gigantic entertainment complex is divided into several thematic zones and strikes the imagination with its crazy rides.

All sights of Berlin

Night Berlin

For whom Berlin is a real expanse, it is for fans of club life. Within the city, there are several hundred institutions of various profiles: from unpretentious disco bars to swinger and gay clubs. No matter how unusual your addictions may be, in the German capital you will always find a cozy place and a company of interest. The main thing is not to forget that each club has its own contingent, its own rules, and often its own dress code. For example, only glamorous kitties and pretentious hipsters hang out in 40 Seconds, so you won’t be able to break through here in Chinese sneakers. Lovers of Latin American rhythms usually pull up to Hawanna, while adherents of pop and house directions light up in Puro Sky Lounge.

You can get your portion of "spicy" pleasures in KitKatClub (tourists with strong morals are better to pass by, because mostly gays and swingers hang out here). A mainstay of Berlin's nightlife, Berghain enjoys a well-deserved reputation as the most private establishment. Not a single scandalous story will ever seep through the doors of this club, so you will have to try very hard to get into it (there are rumors that even some Hollywood celebrities have not passed the face control in Berghain). The most delicious cocktails - according to Berliners - are served at the seemingly inconspicuous Prinzipal Kreuzberg, while the best DJs perform at the Watergate club, famous for its exclusive terrace built right on the water.

Transport

You can get around Berlin by bus, tram, ferry or metro. The latter here has two lines: the ground S-Bahn and the underground U-Bahn. During peak hours, the trains run at intervals of 1.5-3 minutes, while the standard train waiting time is no more than 10 minutes.

An alternative to the metro is MetroTram trams, identified by the letter "M" on the cars. The classic routes of such trams are areas of the city that the Berlin metro did not reach. As for buses, the most useful, from a tourist point of view, are routes No. 100 and No. 200, bypassing Alexanderplatz and the zoo. In addition, at night, night buses drive around the streets of the metropolis.

Water modes of transport also have their adherents. Berlin is dotted with a network of canals, and the Spree River is within easy reach. River trams run in 6 directions. The most popular route is the central part of the capital, although some companies offer boat trips along the lakes in the eastern and western parts of the city. In addition, there are several ferry crossings in Berlin that are not part of the general transport network. The main "feature" of such floating platforms is that in addition to passengers, they also carry vehicles.

It may come in handy: you can understand all the intricacies of the Berlin transport system, as well as lay the necessary route in virtual space, on the official website bvg.de.

Berlin has a developed system of single travel tickets. True, they operate in the vast majority only in specific zones (combined options also take place). There are three such zones:

• A - areas bounded by the S-Bahn ring railway;
• B - areas outside the ring railway line;
• C - a suburban area that includes airports, Oranienburg and Potsdam.

The cheapest travel card "Kurzstreck" costs 1.3 euros and is valid for 6 bus or tram stops (transfers are not provided), or for three metro stops (transfers are allowed). A two-hour Einzelfarausweiss ticket for any type of transport will cost 2.8 euros. A 1-day single-tagescarte ticket costs 7 euros. The same type of ticket, but designed for a group of up to 5 people (“partner-tageskarte”), will already cost 16.9 euros. Exactly 29.5 euros will have to be paid for a weekly pass (“Sieben-Tage-Karte”), and about 72.5 euros for a monthly option (“Monatcarte Standard”). By the way, it is highly discouraged to show miracles of ingenuity and ride around the city as a hare, since the fines in Berlin are impressive.

Taxis in Berlin can be caught on the street, called by phone, or taken directly to the parking lot. The prices here, by European standards, are quite democratic: landing - 3.4 euros; the first 7 km of the path - 1.8 euros; then 1.3 euros for each subsequent kilometer. By the way, it is better to pay in cash, as when paying by credit card, you will be charged an additional 1.5 euros. And do not forget about the tip - the standard 10% of the cost of the trip.

Due to heavy traffic, Berlin is not the most suitable city for cyclists. But if you want to find special tracks for bikes in it, it’s not so difficult. The cheapest way to rent a bike is to take it to one of the stations next to the metro. To unlock the vehicle, simply call the CallBikes call center (the number is indicated on the frame of the bike) and tell them your bank card number in exchange for a code from the lock. The time of using the "two-wheeled friend" is fixed by the meter and costs 0.06 euros / min. You should return the bike to the same parking lot: just press the “Ruckgabe” button on the steering wheel and remember the code that will appear on the electronic scoreboard. After that, it remains only to call the hotline of the rental point and report the location of the bike. You can also get a bike for temporary use at rental offices and hostels. True, in this case, you will have to put up with higher rates and a mandatory deposit of 50 euros.

Car rent

Any driver between the ages of 21 and 75 can rent a car in Berlin, provided that his driving experience is at least a year. On average, car rental costs 27 euros. For additional "gadgets" in the form of a child seat, navigator, delivery of the car to the right place or driver services, you are supposed to pay separately. Initially, the car is delivered fully fueled, so it must be returned to the agency with a full tank as well.

Gasoline prices in the German capital fluctuate between 1.3-1.4 euros / liter. A pleasant fact: you don’t have to pay for the operation of the road surface in Berlin and its suburbs. But if you want to get into the city center, it makes sense to invest in a special sticker worth about 15 euros, informing others that the exhaust level of your car meets acceptable standards.

Connection

You can go to Berlin with a SIM card of any of the "big three" operators, having previously activated advantageous services for international roaming. Beeline has the “Most profitable roaming” option, MTS has the “Zabugorishche” tariff, which is also available as an option. Megafon offers to travel with the "Worldwide" option, as well as prepaid packages of free minutes ("25 minutes Europe and the CIS", "50 minutes Europe and the CIS). If you didn’t have a domestic SIM card with you, you can pick up something suitable from local cellular companies: Vodafone, T-Mobil, O2 and E-Plus.

Internet addicts in Berlin are waiting for more than 100 points of free Wi-Fi. True, you can join the benefits of civilization without harming your own budget only for half an hour - the generosity of the burghers also has its limits. You can find the nearest access point to the World Wide Web on the publicwifi.de map.

How to save money in Berlin

Berlin is not a cheap city, but savings can be found here. Try to get a Berlin WelcomeCard or CityTourCard as soon as you arrive. Both the first and second options are focused on a short visit to the capital and provide serious discounts for visiting the most significant sights.

So, for 21.9 euros, the owner of the Berlin WelcomeCard has the right to ride any type of public transport for 48 hours, as well as go to museums and theaters in Berlin and Potsdam for almost half the price. The listed privileges also apply to children whom an adult can take with him (up to three people under the age of 14). The same set of pleasures, but extended over three days, will cost 29.9 euros. You can buy the Berlin WelcomeCard on the official website berlin-welcomecard.de.

The CityTourCard is more focused on leisure activities than sightseeing tours, and it also includes free rides on public transport. The hottest offers of this type of “pass” are a 30% discount on admission to the Berlin Madame Tussauds Museum, the Legoland Center, and the heartbreaking Underground Prison attraction. The cost of a 48-hour CityTourCard is 16.7 euros. It is better to clarify the rates and the list of places that are subject to discounts on citytourcard.com.

Restaurants and cafes

In the German capital, there are 19 restaurants marked by the Michelin guide, however, for the Berliners themselves, this criterion is not decisive. All local catering points are divided into noteworthy establishments "for the Germans" and uninteresting "tourist eateries". It is clear that in order to dine properly, it is worth breaking into a restaurant from the first category. Marjellchen has a good reputation and generous portions, but the establishment's halls are almost always packed, so it's better to book a table a couple of weeks in advance. The Michelin-starred Facil is usually visited because of the stylish interiors and creative menu, while the Rausch Schokoladenhaus is chosen by those with a sweet tooth.

In taverns of a lower rank, the spirit of Asia and the East is already clearly felt (immigrants are trying with might and main). As for traditional street food, the East is already completely in charge here: kebab and falafel restaurants in Berlin at every turn. No less popular are pizzerias and Thai restaurants. If you still want to get acquainted with classic German cuisine, try ordering soup-stew in a clay pot - eintopf, or the stereotypical, but still incredibly tasty icebein, which is a pork knuckle baked with cabbage. You can also indulge in beer. The burghers themselves especially praise its low-alcohol local variety: Berliner Weiße.

Prices for all this yummy are different. In elite establishments, you can leave from 70 euros or more, a check in a mediocre cafe usually fits into 25-40 euros. Well, a snack in a street tent will cost 3-5 euros. It is better to resolve the tip issue before the meal starts: in some cafes, this type of gratitude is included in the bill and amounts to 10% of the order value. Meanwhile, there are not so few establishments where tips are left at the discretion of the client in Berlin.

Where to stay

Hotels in the east and west parts of Berlin are somewhat different. In the first case, chain giants with the maximum number of stars and corresponding prices will prevail, while in the western part of the capital you can find both fashionable "five" and nice mini-hotels with the owner behind the counter. The highest concentration of "Hiltons", "Sheratons" and "Marriotts" falls on the historical center - Mitte, but by and large, in each of the districts of the city, at least one luxury establishment will be found. At the same time, not only the oligarch can afford to stay in Mitte: in this part of Berlin, there are enough more democratic housing options. As a rule, these are hotels with two stars, guest houses or boarding houses, prices in which range from 60 to 80 euros per room. Adherents of austerity will appreciate local hostels. If you take care of the reservation in advance, then there is an opportunity to get a quite decent room for some 36 euros (of course, not in the tourist season).

Holidays and events

Holidays in Berlin are celebrated on a grand scale, sometimes smoothly flowing into a real orgy. The exception is Catholic Christmas, which is usually celebrated in a quiet family circle. On New Year's Eve, the more or less standing population of the capital flocks to Alexanderplatz to take a sip of spicy mulled wine and squeal to the salutes. At the end of May, the city streets are filled with all kinds of creative teams and crowds of idle spectators who came to the opening of the Carnival of Cultures.

If traditional festivities and performances by amateur ensembles are pretty fed up, you should look at the Berlin gay parade: this is where they really masterfully tear patterns and break stereotypes. Desperate moviegoers are advised to come to the capital at the time of the Berlinale festival, but fans of Oktoberfest-style events should wait for the start of the Beer Mile, an annual beer marathon that starts in mid-August.

Shopping in Berlin

In Berlin, shopaholics with overstuffed wallets set out to wool the elite boutiques of the Kurfürstendamm (3.5 kilometers of solid showrooms), while supporters of more democratic prices storm Alexanderplatz, or rather, the Galeria Kaufthaus located on it. The first place in the top 5 most advertised shopping centers in the city still belongs to the department store Ka De We (Tauentzienstrasse). Here you can not only get a stylish outfit from world couturiers, but also stock up on all kinds of products: on the sixth floor of the shopping center there are food stalls and food courts. Berliners also have their own Galeries Lafayette (Friedrichstrasse), where wealthy burghers drop in to test a new Amouage fragrance or try on a Tissot watch. There is a culinary department at the mall, where you can try plenty of elite varieties of cheese and bakery products.

If you are interested in budget brands, check out the Peek & Cloppenburg brand store on Tauentzihenstrasse: both solid buyers and fans of budget shopping are welcome here. And by the way, don't think that Berlin is only giant malls stuffed with luxury brands from all over Europe. In some areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, entire blocks are occupied by tiny shops and galleries run by local designers. They also sell amusing gizmos, designed for a narrow circle of connoisseurs.

And of course, what is a German city without flea markets! Hallentroedelmarkt Treptow, Berliner Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt, Troedel- und Kunstmarkt, Flohmarkt am Arkona Platz - at each of these flea markets you can dig up real rare treasures, or, well, ordinary penny trinkets, diligently passed off as this very rarity.

Twice a year, on the first Monday in July and the last Monday in January, the shopping centers of Berlin are stormed by thousands of excited Germans. This can mean only one thing: respectable townsfolk, finally, have seized upon the seasonal sales. Usually, local merchants save the most tempting offers for the end of the season, so in the last days of sales, you can watch such an attraction of unprecedented generosity as discounts up to 70%.

What to bring from Berlin

• a nice natural fur coat or a shocking outfit from an unknown local designer, bought for a symbolic price;
• real swiss watch. If the famous Carrera hurts your pocket, you can limit yourself to a model of a lesser-known brand, which will pull on some 100-300 euros, but will work no less;
• car (well, where else to buy German cars, if not in their homeland);
• glazed Lebkuchen hearts, sausages, a bottle of schnapps or a couple of local beers.

tax free

Berlin stores support the Tax free system, so if you have purchased more than 25 euros, urgently look for a counter in the hall with the inscription "Tax free Shopping" and demand your legal receipt. You can return VAT in the amount of 10-15% of the amount of purchases right before departure at the airport.

Berlin is the capital of modern Germany, one of the largest cities in Europe. This is a modern city - a constantly updated, fashionable European center.
Berlin is located in the heart of Brandenburg, on the banks of the Havel and Spree rivers. The main language is German, English is widely spoken.
It is a city with an unusual and complex history. Acquired city rights in 1244, was the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, after - the capital of the German Empire. Survived the division into two parts - the GDR and the FRG, was united in 1990.
Today it is a densely populated, important cultural, industrial and scientific center. Berlin has preserved many historical monuments and sights.
Holidays in Berlin are perfect for lovers of historically important places, young people and couples.

Climate and weather

The temperate climate zone gives Berlin cool summers and moderately cool winters. Spring and autumn have a bright seasonal expression. The average daily temperature in winter is + 2 °C, which is 2-3 °C higher than in the nearest cities. During the hottest summer months, July and August, the average daily temperature is around +19°C.
The most comfortable time for a trip to Berlin starts from the end of April and lasts until the beginning of October.

Nature

The historical part of the city is located in the floodplain of the Spree River, in a lowland, between hills. The modern part is located on the hills.
The city is decorated with many flowers, trees and shrubs. Often you can meet squirrels, hares, hedgehogs, sometimes you may be lucky enough to see a pheasant or a fox.

Attractions

The undoubted and main attraction of Berlin is the Berlin Wall. For almost 30 years, this gloomy building separated the communist east of Berlin from the capitalist west of Berlin. The wall was demolished in 1989. Now the remains of it are a reminder of those years, as well as a place that attracts many tourists. The East Side Gallery has preserved 1200 meters of wall paintings by artists from all over the world. On Bernauerstrasse, fragments of the Berlin Wall with small holes are kept, which were cut through on the night of November 10, 1989.
The history of the city will be told to you in the Documentation Center, which houses hundreds of documents, video archives and photographs about Berlin.

Of particular note is the Chapel of Reconciliation, which was erected in honor of the 200 dead people who died while trying to escape through the Berlin Wall. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is dedicated to the same events and the wall itself.
It is worth visiting Alexander I Square (Alexanderplatz). It houses the center of East Berlin, the Kaufhof department store and the Stadt Berlin hotel. Not far from it rises 368 meters of the television tower - the tallest building in Berlin. An observation deck is open at an altitude of 203 meters above the ground, and even higher there is a revolving restaurant.

Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of the city is the Reichstag. The windows of the Reichstag offer a picturesque view of the city. In our time, meetings of Parliament are again held here.
The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Berlin. The gate is decorated with a sculptural group, where the goddess of victory Victoria is at the head. This is where the construction of the Berlin Wall began.
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most visited museums in Berlin. It contains ancient works of the Egyptians, sarcophagi, papyrus and even mummies found as a result of excavations. The most famous exhibit of the exhibition is the bust of Nefertiti, which is about 3,000 years old.

Food

Oddly enough, finding a restaurant in Berlin where national dishes are prepared is very difficult. As a rule, national cuisine is served in bars and pubs. In them you can drink the famous German beer and taste excellent meat dishes. Tourists are advised to order Klops meatballs and a special Kotelett chop. Potato salad is popular as a side dish.

Among women, white beer is in demand, to which fruit syrup is added. For national dishes, be sure to try deep-fried chicken and Eintopf soup, which is more like a stew than a first course.
For gourmets - snack Hackepeter. This is a mixture of raw minced meat with hot spices, filled with a raw egg.

For dessert, try Berlin pancakes with marmalade.
There are many gastronomic establishments in Berlin, where everyone will find a dish to their liking. Among the most popular establishments is the Maxwell restaurant, where the menu consists of national dishes. Beautiful interior and prime location in a historical building of the 19th century makes Maxwell an ideal place for both business negotiations and celebrations.

Continental cuisine is served at Alt Luxembourg Restaurant. This is a fascinating place where the atmosphere of antiquity and grace reigns.
European cuisine and a modern interior will be offered by the Marjellchen restaurant, which is extremely popular among tourists and the local population.

Accommodation

In total, there are about 850 hotels and hotels in Berlin, therefore, as a rule, there are no problems with housing.

The modernist two-star hotel H2 Berlin-Alexanderplatz offers good rooms, buffet breakfast for 45 € per day.
Three-star hotels include Apartments am Brandenburger Tor and Hotel Gat Point Charlie. The cost of rooms is from 50 to 340 € per day.
The four-star hotels Adina Berlin Hackescher Markt and H10 Berlin Ku'damm are known for their excellent level of service, reasonable prices and a wide range of services. Room prices from 73 to 700 €.
The 5-star Eurostars Berlin offers high-quality service and comfortable rooms starting at €85.

Entertainment and recreation

Berlin is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts. If you like thrills, be sure to visit the fear room. In the Berlin Panic Room, in addition to brownies and ghosts, there is a museum that reflects all the horrors of World War II.
An exclusive ride around the city will be a cycle rickshaw ride. Parking cycle rickshaws are located on the Gendarmenmarkt and at the Brandenburg Gate.

Zoo Aquarium Berlin is open every day for you - a stunning aquarium presented by the variety.

The Botanical Garden "Gardens of the World" will show you plants from all known botanical gardens in the world.
The Jacks Fun World complex is open for recreation with children: fun rides, exciting games for the little ones and funny photos with fairy-tale characters will captivate your children and give wonderful memories.

For a holistic experience, visit the Adlon Day Spa. This is the most prestigious institution in Berlin in this area. Therapeutic baths, massages and a huge swimming pool will help you to truly relax and unwind.
Fans of club life will find an institution for every taste in Berlin. The club "90˚" is very popular. Every evening the club hosts various themed evenings, and visitors must be dressed in the style appropriate to the musical direction.
A romantic evening can be spent on Friday at the Knaack Club. On Mondays, fans of rock music gather there.

Purchases

In Berlin, shoppers will feel extremely comfortable. Fashion boutiques, shopping centers, shops with exclusive clothes, outlets - a huge variety of goods and affordable prices can even turn your head.
The main shopping streets of the city are Kurfrstendamm and Friedrichstrasse.

Kurfürstendamm (Kurfrstendamm) starts from the Memorial Church, and ends at Lake Helensi. This shopping street is filled with world brand stores, antique shops, and one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, Kaufhaus des Westens, is also located here. The most exclusive things will be waiting for you right here.

Friedrichstrasse is located in the eastern part of Berlin. There are car dealerships, expensive boutiques, and shops with exclusive goods.
Inexpensive and high-quality clothing is sold on Wilmersdorferstrasse or Alexander Platz.

In the shopping towns, which are called outlets, they sell designer items of famous brands from past collections, because the prices for them are extremely low.
If you want to save even more, you need to arrive in Berlin by the last Monday in July or January. From now on, there are big sales going on for two weeks. Designer items are sold with discounts up to 80%.
Shops are open from 9.00 or 10.00 to 18.00. On Thursdays, the working day of supermarkets has been extended until 20.00. Saturday is always a day of reduced working hours until 16.00.

Transport

Public transport in Berlin is represented by buses, trolleybuses, metro and, in the eastern part of the city, trams. The metro covers the main areas of Berlin.

Working hours of the metro from 4.00 to 2.00, bus and tram from 5.30 to 01.00. At night, separate night routes of buses and trolleybuses run.

The city is divided into zones, according to which the fare is determined. AB is the entire territory of Berlin. In this zone, the cheapest travel option is a single ticket for 3.70 €. If you intend to use public transport frequently, you should buy a ticket for the day. The price for one person is 5.5 € for a large area, for all areas - 8.15 €. A ticket for a group of 5 people will cost 7€ for the large area and 10€ for the general area. Three-day tickets are sold only for a large area, their cost is 12 €. The Berlin-Potsdam Welcome Card will provide you with reduced transport fares, which also entitles you to a 50% discount on museums and excursions.

A ticket for the bus can be purchased from the driver, and for the train - in orange vending machines.

Connection

The city has a city communication line, postal service, pay phones, mobile communications, and the Internet.
There will be no problems with Internet access, since there are many Internet cafes throughout the city. Cafes, restaurants and large bars provide free Wi-Fi access. Potsdamer Platz has the largest free Wi-Fi zone.

Safety

For a walk, it is better to take a hotel card or a copy of your passport with you. The presence of a document proving your identity is mandatory in any unforeseen situation.

It is undesirable to carry large amounts of cash with you. To pay for purchases in large stores, restaurants, cafes accept credit cards.

The fine for ticketless travel on public transport throughout Germany is 40 €.
Talking on a mobile phone without a headset while driving can cost you a fine of 40 €.

Business climate

Berlin is the economic and financial center of Germany and the EU. The main branches of development are mechanical engineering, the radio-electronic industry, and transport construction. Berlin is also an annual center for international exhibitions and trade fairs.
Here are the headquarters of companies such as Siemens AG, Deutsche Bahn AG and many other companies of the same level.

Real estate

The average cost of real estate ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 € per m2.
Housing prices in Berlin start from 20,000 €, which is much cheaper compared to other cities not only in Germany, but also in Europe.
A two-room apartment in a remote area will cost 30,000 €. Apartment in the city center with an area of ​​90 m2 - 122,000 €. 54 m2 can be bought for 60,000 €.

The best days to visit museums and galleries are Tuesday and Wednesday. These days, cultural institutions are open until late. Monday is usually a day off.

For appealing to local residents, the turnover “Herr Doctor” is convenient. Such an appeal is appropriate for people of any profession.
A sign of good manners is the obligatory greeting with the expression "Mahlzeit" at the entrance to the restaurant. It translates as "Bon appetit!".

You can cash out on the most favorable terms at Geldautomat ATMs. They charge a minimum commission, and they are located near every major shopping center and government office.

Berlin is the capital of Germany, its largest city both in terms of area and population. The city lies on the rivers Spree and Havel. In Berlin, like in no other city, the past, present and future collide with such force: in architecture, in worldview and in the way of thinking. After the reunification of Germany, Berlin is experiencing a new birth. There is a coalescence of the eastern and western parts of the city.

General information

Berlin is the federal capital and seat of the German government. As a city-state, Berlin is an independent state and forms the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area. Berlin is the most populous and largest city in Germany, as well as the second most populous and fifth largest city in the European Union.

During its history, Berlin has repeatedly been the capital of German states, such as the Margraviate (Electorship) of Brandenburg, the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Empire and the GDR (only the eastern part of the city). Since reunification in 1990, Berlin has been the capital of all of Germany.

Berlin is one of the largest political, informational, cultural and scientific centers in Europe. The capital is an important transportation hub and one of the most visited cities on the continent. Large institutions such as universities, research institutes and museums enjoy international recognition. The city is a center of attraction for cultural and art figures from all over the world. The historical heritage, nightlife and diverse architecture of Berlin are known far beyond the borders of the country.

The greatest length of the urban area in the direction from east to west is about 45 km, in the direction from north to south - about 38 km. The area of ​​the city is 893 km 2 . Berlin is completely surrounded by the state of Brandenburg and is located in the east of Germany, about 70 km west of the border with Poland. The Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area is one of the German metropolitan areas.

The city is located on the river Spree, flowing in the direction from east to west. The northeastern part of Berlin is located on the Barnim upland, and almost half of the territory of the southwestern part of the city is located on the Teltow upland.

The westernmost district, Spandau, is located both in the Berlin Valley and on the Nauener Plateau, most of which lies to the west of Berlin. The landscape of Berlin was formed during the ice age during the most recent phase of glaciation - the Vistula. Approximately 20 thousand years ago, the territory of Berlin was still covered by a powerful Scandinavian ice sheet, reaching 100 meters in thickness. About 18 thousand years ago, in the process of melting glaciers, the Berlin Valley was formed.

In the district of Spandau, the Spree flows into the Havel, which flows through the western part of Berlin in a north-south direction. The bed of the river Havel, actually a glacial hollow, often resembles a lake area; its largest bends form Lake Tegel (Tegeler See) and the Great Wannsee (Große Wannsee).

Berlin's highest elevations include:

Große Müggelberg hill (115.4 m above sea level) in the district of Treptow-Köpenick;

An artificial Teufelsberg hill (114.7 m) poured from the debris of buildings destroyed during the Second World War in the district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf);

Ahrensfelder Berge (112.1 m) in the Wuhletal landscape park in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district.

The lowest area of ​​Berlin is the Havel Lakes in the southwest. They are located 32 meters below sea level.

Tourism

Berlin is one of the most visited centers of domestic and international tourism. Since 2001, the number of new hotels has been growing at an above-average rate. In 2007, 7.5 million visitors made approximately 17.3 million overnight stays in Berlin hotels. After London and Paris, the city is the most popular tourist destination in Europe. Guests from abroad make up approximately 40% of the total number of visitors.

Tourists are attracted by architecture, historical sites, museums, festivals, shopping, nightlife, as well as public events that are visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. In addition, Berlin is the second largest congress organizer in the world. ICC, which is the largest conference center in Europe, together with the exhibition center "Messe Berlin" (Messe Berlin) contributes to the development of business tourism.

How to get there

By plane

Berlin has two airports:

Construction of a new airportBerlin Brandenburg International started in Schönefeld and is scheduled to open in autumn 2011, after which Tegel airport will be closed.

There is a direct air connection between Berlin and major German and European cities. For historical reasons, direct intercontinental flights to Berlin have been limited. The German carrier Lufthansa flies mainly to Frankfurt and Munich airports and offers flights to Berlin hourly.

By train

Deutsche Bahn (DB) national German trains connect Berlin with many major German and European cities. If you arrive in Berlin by national train, you are entitled to use your ticket for local travel within the city (zone A).

Several overnight trains operate daily trips to Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich and Vienna. The cost of a one-way ticket is about 29 €.

Long-distance trains to cities in Eastern Europe mainly use the Ostbahnhof station in East Berlin. Some private companies such as Veolia offer flights to smaller cities in East Germany.

Stations

During the division of Berlin, there were two main railway stations: Zoologischer Garten in West Berlin and Ostbahnhof in the East. The new station "Hauptbahnhof" (maybe called "Lehrter Bahnhof" on old maps) is located between the Friedrichstraße and Bellevue S-Bahn stations. The new building for the Hauptbahnhof central station was opened in May 2006 and, together with the Südkreuz (Southern Cross) and the Ostbahnhof (Eastern station) and the Gesundbrunnen in Spandau in the north and northwest, are linked into a single system: they are all connected either by S-Bahn, or U-Bahn. All trains pass through the central station. Trains in the regional area (Berlin and Brandenburg) mostly use this station. Regional trains stop at several stations in Berlin.

By bus

Berlin serves over 350 destinations in Europe. Long-distance buses arrive at the Central Bus Station (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) in Charlottenburg.

By car

All major roads and motorways join the Berliner Ring (A10) from which you can reach the city center. In the city, motorways tend to be very crowded during rush hours.

As of January 1, 2008, the Berlin government requires all vehicles to have a "Low Emissions" sticker in order to enter the city center ("Umweltzone").

Climate

The city is located in the temperate climate zone at the transition between maritime and continental climates. The average annual temperature in Berlin is 8.9 °C and the average annual rainfall is 581 mm. The warmest months are July and August with average temperatures of 18.5 and 17.7°C respectively, while the coldest months are January and February with −0.6 and −0.3°C. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in July (average 70 mm), the least - in March (average 31 mm).

More than 40% of the urban area is covered with green spaces, and over 400,000 trees have been planted along the streets. Many small open areas, and in particular the vast urban areas of green space such as the Greater Tiergarten (Große Tiergarten), Grunewald (Grunewald) and the former airport Tempelhof (Tempelhof), together with Hasenheide (Hasenheide), which climatologists call "islands of cold", create , at least in its surroundings, a very favorable climate.

Districts

Administrative division

Berlin consists of 12 districts, which in turn are subdivided in total into 95 districts. Districts are not important for the administrative division, but they play a big role in everyday speech, since, unlike districts, they represent historically developed parts of the city.

What to watch

Theatres, orchestras, cinema, festivals

Berlin is known for its numerous theaters and variety venues. The most famous include the Berliner Ensemble (Berliner Ensemble), Volksbühne on Rosa Luxemburg Square (Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz), Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz, Theater of the West (Theater des Westens), Renaissance-Theater, Deutsche Theater Berlin, Maxim Gorky Theater (Maxim-Gorki-Theater), Grips-Theater and Friedrichstadtpalast . In addition, there are three opera houses in Berlin: the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the German Opera (Deutsche Oper) and the Comic Opera (Komische Oper).

Along with this, there are several orchestras and choirs in Berlin. In addition to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Berliner Philharmoniker) conducted by Simon Rattle (Simon Rattle), the Staatskapelle Berlin (Staatskapelle Berlin) conducted by Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Konzerthausorchester Berlin) there are several orchestras and choirs of the Rundfunk Orchester and Chore GmbH.

These are the German Symphony Orchestra of Berlin (Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin), conducted by Kent Nagano, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin), conducted by Marek Janowski, the Berlin Radio Choir (Rundfunkchor Berlin), conducted by Simon Halsey and the RIAS Radio Chamber Choir (RIAS Kammerchor), conducted by Hans-Christoph Rademann. These orchestras and choirs often perform together at the Berlin Konzerthaus, the Berlin Philharmonic (Berliner Philharmonie) and other halls in Germany, and also tour around the world. The Berlin Choir Association (Chorverband Berlin) unites 236 amateur choirs with over 10,000 members. Since 1791, the Berlin School of Vocal Art (Sing-Akademie zu Berlin) has been the cradle of Berlin's urban music education.

An international film festival takes place every February in Berlin. This category A festival, also known as the Berlinale, is considered the largest public festival in the world and, along with the international film festivals of Cannes and Venice, one of the most important international film festivals, awarding awards in numerous categories. The competition ends with the presentation of gold and silver bears.

For several years, Berlin has been the venue for major international festivals, including the literary festival (Literaturfestival), the jazz festival "Jazzfest", the theater festival "Theatertreffen", the theater festival "European Seasons" (Spielzeiteuropa), the dance festival "Tanzfest", the youth festival classical music "Young Euro Classics" and the Berlin Biennale (Berlin Biennale). Processions, parades and outdoor celebrations are also firmly established in the city's calendar of events. The most famous include the Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen), the Berlin Gay Pride (CSD Berlin), the Berlin Carnival Procession (Berliner Karnevalsumzug) and the Berlin "Myfest".

Museums

Berlin has a large number of museums. As early as 1841, a “region devoted to art and archeology” was allocated by royal order on the Museum Island washed by the Spree and Kupfergraben (Kupfergraben). Subsequently, various museums appeared there, such as the Old Museum in Lustgarten (Alte Museum am Lustgarten), the New Museum (Neue Museum), the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), the current Bode Museum (Bode-Museum) and the Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum). These museums present mainly exhibits from antiquity. In 1999 Museum Island was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Outside the Museum Island there are museums of the most diverse subjects. With a collection of over 30 million items and the world's largest dinosaur skeleton, the Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum) is one of the most famous natural history museums in the world. In the German Technical Museum in Berlin (Deutschen Technikmuseum Berlin, DTMB) on an area of ​​​​25 thousand square meters. exhibits and experiments on near-technical topics are presented. The Art Gallery (Gemäldegalerie) and the New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie) are museums of fine arts, the Bauhaus-Archiv (Bauhaus-Archiv) is a museum of architecture. The German Historical Museum (Deutsche Historische Museum) in Zeughaus (Zeughaus) on Unter den Linden visually presents German history for 2000 years. The same period of Jewish-German history is covered by the permanent exhibition of the Jewish Museum.

The Grunewald hunting palace (Jagdschloss Grunewald) houses an exquisite collection of paintings from the 15th-19th centuries. The Dahlem Museum Center houses numerous ethnological museums. In Lichtenberg (Lichtenberg), on the territory of the former Ministry of State Security of the GDR, the Stasi Museum (Stasi-Museum) is equipped. Museum "Checkpoint Charlie" (Museum am Checkpoint Charlie), also known as the Museum of the Berlin Wall (Mauermuseum), highlights some of the history of the division of the country. Not far from Potsdamer Platz is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (“Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas”), opened in 2005, designed by Peter Eisenman.

The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz), co-financed by the federal government and all federal states, is headquartered in Berlin. It also houses important divisions of the Prussian Palaces and Parks Foundation of Berlin and Brandenburg (Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg). The internationally renowned institutions of these foundations manage, protect, preserve and replenish the cultural heritage of the former states of Prussia. The Berlin City Museum Foundation (Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin) brings together museums rich in tradition in Berlin. Founded on June 23, 1995, the foundation is Germany's largest museum of urban history.

The Museum of Culture and History of the Land of Berlin, in fact, was created by combining the Brandenburg Museum (Märkischem Museum) founded in 1874 and the Berlin Museum (Berlin Museum) founded in 1962. A wide range of diverse collections, some of which were founded in the 19th century, illuminate in all their diversity all aspects of the development of Berlin, from the first traces of human settlements in the Stone Age to the present day.

Architecture

Built in 1788-1791.Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) - the symbol of Berlin. They are reproduced propylaea from the Acropolis of Athens, crowned with a quadriga with the goddess of victory, Victoria. Until the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, there was a border between the two parts of the city. The gate is the western end of the Unter den Linden boulevard, which stretches to the Museum Island on the Spree and the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom).

Built in 1743 in the Rococo style, theGerman State Opera (Deutsche Staatsoper), built in 1774-1780. State Library (Staatsbibliothek), built in 1695-1706. designed by Andreas Schlüter in the Baroque style, the former Zeughaus and built in 1747-1773. St. Hedwig's Cathedral (Hedwigs-Kathedrale) is the main church of the Catholic Bishopric of Berlin.french cathedral (Französische Dom) on Gendarmenmarkt Square in the 17th century was the center of the French Quarter. The University of Berlin (Berliner Universität), founded during the "Prussian reforms" by Wilhelm von Humboldt and opened in 1809, produced 27 Nobel laureates.

Potsdamer Platz (Potsdamer Platz) is a road junction in the center of Berlin, from which several large streets depart. It was built by order of Friedrich Wilhelm I, King of Prussia. In 1923, the history of radio broadcasting in Germany began in the nearby Fox-Haus. Until 1940, Potsdamer Platz was the busiest square in Europe. After heavy Allied bombing during World War II, it lay in ruins. In 1961 the area was divided by the Berlin Wall and the surrounding area fell into disrepair. After the reunification, the line of the former Berlin Wall was marked with paving stones built into the pavement. Thanks to new buildings, including a large number of shops and restaurants, Potsdamer Platz has become a link between the previously divided parts of the city.

Not far from the Brandenburg Gate is built in 1884-1894.Reichstag building. On February 27, 1933, it was badly damaged by fire and was badly damaged again during World War II. Since 1999, the building has been the seat of the German Bundestag. Every year, two million people visit its glass dome. Currently, the Reichstag is the second largest tourist center of the republic after Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), far ahead of Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein). It is also worth visiting built in 1785Bellevue Palace (Schloss Bellevue), once the summer residence of Prince August Ferdinand, brother of Frederick the Great, and currently the official residence of the Federal President.

Kurfürstendamm boulevard (Kurfürstendamm) with its many hotels, shops and restaurants is a favorite place for shopping in Berlin. Memorial destroyed during World War IIKaiser Wilhelm Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) was built in 1891-1895. It marks the eastern end of the boulevard. The ruins of its tower are preserved as a warning monument to posterity. Next to her, designed by Egon Eiermann in 1959-1961. a new octagonal church with a free-standing hexagonal tower was erected.

The eastern extension of the Kurfürstendamm boulevard forms the Tauentzienstraße street, where the KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) department store, the largest on the European continent, is located and built in 1963-1965. "Europe-Center" (Europa-Center). The 22-story building houses many shops, restaurants, offices, and an observation deck. The part of the city around Tauentzienstraße and Kurfürstendamm is called the "New West" (Neuer Westen). To the northeast extends the largest park in Berlin, the Tiergarten (Tiergarten), with a length of more than 3 km.

To the east of the Spree arms surrounding the Spree, there is a squareAlexanderplatz (Alexanderplatz) with its many shops and restaurants. Nearby are the 368-metre-high TV tower (Germany's tallest building), the Gothic St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) and the Red Town Hall (Rote Rathaus). Two statues, male and female, overlooking the entrance to the town hall, are intended to remind of the elimination of large-scale destruction after the end of World War II. In the eastern center of Berlin, the old city quarter of Prenzlauer Berg and the shopping streets Schönhauser Allee and Kastanienallee are noteworthy. During the period from 2006 to December 2008, the Palace of the Republic (Palast der Republik) was demolished. By 2015, in its place behind the reconstructed facades of the Berlin City Palace (Berliner Stadtschloss) should appear "Humboldt-Forum" (Humboldt-Forum).

During World War II, Oranienburger Strasse was the center of the Jewish quarter. In the course of its restoration, among other things, the restoration of the building built in 1866 was carried out.New Synagogue (Neuen Synagoge). During the bombing during the Second World War, she was seriously damaged. The synagogue was reopened in 1995 and currently serves as a center for the study and preservation of Jewish culture. To the north is the city's oldest Jewish cemetery. A much more famous Jewish cemetery is the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe in the Berlin-Weißensee area.

Charlottenburg is home to the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, as well as the 150 m high Funkturm radio tower, built in 1924-1926. on the occasion of the third German radio exhibition and very quickly turned into one of the symbols of Berlin. Other sights of the city are the Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg, construction started in 1695), the baroque residence of the Hohenzollerns with a large collection of paintings, the Spandau citadel (Zitadelle Spandau), as well as the Glienicke Palace (Schloss Glienicke) located at the Glienicke Bridge (Glienicker Brücke) across the Havel . In addition, the Tegel Palace (Schloss Tegel), rebuilt in the classical style by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, now houses the Humboldt Palace (Humboldt-Schloss), in which the brothers Alexander and Wilhelm Humboldt grew up.

Following the devastation of World War II, ambitious building projects were carried out in divided Berlin. In the eastern part of the city appeared the modern Karl-Marx-Allee (Karl-Marx-Allee) (formerly Stalinallee (Stalinallee)) in the monumental style of socialist classicism. It runs from Alexanderplatz through Strausberger Platz to the Frankfurt Gate (Frankfurter Tor). The twin towers were built by the German architect Hermann Henselmann on the model of the twin domed towers of the Gendarmenmarkt. On the occasion of the celebration of the 750th anniversary of the city of Berlin, the ruined Nikolaiviertel quarter was restored in accordance with its historical appearance. The Church of St. Nicholas (Nikolaikirche) in its center is the oldest church in Berlin.

In the western part of the city, preference was given to modern architecture. In 1957, at the Interbau international building exhibition, famous architects such as Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer presented their concepts of the "city of the future". A construction project was implemented in the Hansaviertel quarter, replacing the ruined quarter of the Gründerstvo era with modern residential quarters and high-rise buildings. The Kongresshalle, with a cantilever roof structure, was built in 1957 as a US contribution to the Interbau and donated to Berlin.

One of the features of Berlin is also the gas lamps of street lighting that have survived to this day in many parts of the city. In total, more than 44,000 gas lamps are still in operation in Berlin, more than in any other city in the world. Not far from the Tiergarten is the Outdoor Gas Lantern Museum (Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum).

There is a Shaolin temple at 215 Bundesallee. It is the only official branch of the world famous Shaolin monasteries from the Chinese province of Henan. The Shaolin Temple in Germany was founded in 2001 on behalf of the rector of the mother temple in China, Shi Yongxin, and personally consecrated by him.

Parks and zoological gardens

In addition to the vast forest areas in the west and southeast of the city area (Berlin Woodland (Berliner Forsten)), Berlin has many large parks. In addition to this, trees are planted along almost all the streets, so Berlin is considered a very green city.

In total, there are 425,000 street trees in Berlin, including 153,000 lindens, 82,000 maples, 32,000 oaks, 25,000 plane trees and 21,000 chestnuts. More than 2.5 thousand public green areas, recreation areas and parks with a total area of ​​​​more than 5.5 thousand hectares provide a wide variety of opportunities for leisure and recreation.

The Große Tiergarten is located in the center of the city. This 210-hectare park is the oldest, as well as the largest and most famous park in Berlin. It has been in the making for over 500 years. Originally a vast forested area outside the city limits, which was used by the Prussian nobility as hunting grounds and territory for horseback riding, was gradually surrounded by a growing city. Currently, the park extends from the Zoological Garden (Bahnhof Zoo) station to the Brandenburg Gate and is located in close proximity to the parliamentary and government quarters. Several large streets pass through the Tiergarten, including 17 June Street (Straße des 17. Juni), which is part of the East-West axis. It crosses the Big Star Square (Großer Stern), in the center of which the Victory Column (Siegessäule) has stood since 1939. The appearance of the Greater Tiergarten is close to the natural landscape. Its characteristic features are vast lawns crossed by small streams and overgrown with groups of trees, as well as lakes with small islands and numerous bridges and alleys. Plant arrangements such as the English garden, the Luiseinsel island and the rose garden bring an accent of ornamental gardening to some places.

Along with the Tiergarten, Treptower Park in southeast Berlin is one of the most famous parks in the city. It was founded in 1876-1882. Gustav Meyer, the first director of gardening in Berlin, became the venue for the Great Berlin Craft Exhibition (Großen Berliner Gewerbeausstellung) in 1896. The garden landscape, which stretches for a long distance along the Spree, is the most favorite place for walking Berliners, not least due to the building built back in 1821-1822. Carl Ferdinand Langhans as a hotel on the Spree (Gasthaus an der Spree) to the modern restaurant "Zenner".

The most unusual among the parks is the Berlin Botanical Garden (Botanische Garten Berlin). It is located in the southwest of the city and, in addition to its scientific purpose (it belongs to the Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin)) is also used as a recreation park. Since 1697, on the territory of the modern park named after Heinrich von Kleist (Heinrich-von-Kleist-Park) in Schöneberg, there was its predecessor. In 1897, construction began on a new park in the Dahlem area. With an area of ​​more than 43 hectares, with a collection of approximately 22,000 different plant species, the garden is the third largest botanical garden in the world. The Great Greenhouse (Große Tropenhaus), 25 meters high, 30 meters wide and 60 meters long, is the tallest greenhouse in the world.

In addition, Berlin has several animal institutions: the Berlin Zoological Garden (Zoologischen Garten Berlin) together with the Berlin Aquarium (Aquarium Berlin) and the Berlin Tierpark (Tierpark Berlin). The Zoological Garden, opened in Charlottenburg in 1844, is the oldest zoo in Germany and at the same time has the richest collection of species in the world (about 14 thousand animals of 1.5 thousand species). The much younger Tierpark owes its appearance to the partition of Germany after the Second World War. Since the zoo was located in the British sector of the city, the capital of the GDR lacked its own zoo. Therefore, Tierpark was founded in 1954 in the Friedrichsfelde area. This 160 hectare zoo is the largest landscape zoo in Europe.

The green image of Berlin is also shaped by many other parks: in addition to the palace parks in Charlottenburg, Glienicke and Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel) (the last two are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site), there are the historic park Lustgarten, Victoria Park (Viktoriapark ), Rudolph-Wilde-Park and Schillerpark, as well as numerous large public parks. In addition, in the south of the city there is the Britzer Garten, on the territory of which the federal garden exhibition was held in 1985. Its eastern counterpart is the 20-hectare Marzahn Leisure Park, which was opened in 1987 as the Berlin Garden Exhibition (Berliner Gartenschau). Newly established parks include the Mauerpark on the former "death strip" of the Berlin Wall, the Natur-Park Südgelände, the Görlitzer Park and the Spreebogenpark near the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and the government quarter.

Things to do

Leisure and recreation

About 18% of the territory of Berlin is covered with forest. The Berlin City Forest Office manages the largest urban forest area in Germany with an area of ​​approximately 29,000 hectares. The largest forests include the Grunewald forest (Grunewald), through which the Grunewald chain of lakes (Grunewaldseenkette) stretches, bounded in the west by the Havel, as well as Spandauer Forst on the northwestern outskirts of the city. Lake Wannsee (Wannsee) with an area of ​​273 hectares is a bend in the Havel. Thanks to him, the Zehlendorf district has one of the most visited recreation areas, which is known primarily for the Wannsee beach.

In southeast Berlin, the Müggelsee lake, the Müggelbergen hills and the Rahnsdorf beach form an extensive recreational area. The Müggelsee is Berlin's largest lake. It has an area of ​​more than 7.4 square meters. km (maximum length - 4.3 km; width - 2.6 km), and its depth reaches 8 m. The Müggelberge hills, 114.7 m above sea level, are the largest Berlin upland. On the western slope of the hill Small Müggelberg in 1959-1961. A new Müggelturm tower was built after the old one burned down in May 1958. It offers a magnificent view of the surrounding lakes and forests, as well as the city skyline of Berlin. In the urbanized areas of the city, there are numerous beach bars open on the banks of the Spree and Havel.

Sport

Every year Berlin hosts the world-famous Berlin Marathon, the annual final of the FFG Cup (DFB-Pokal), as well as the international ISTAF athletics competition. In preparation for the competition to host the 2000 Summer Olympics, which the city lost to Sydney, Australia, many sports venues were built and renovated in and around Berlin, such as the Max-Schmeling-Halle. On July 9, 2006, the final of the World Cup took place in Berlin. For this, the Olympic Stadium was completely reconstructed. In 2009, the World Championships in Athletics were held there.

Purchases

Many small shops in Berlin are open until 8 pm. Most supermarkets are open until 9 or 10 pm. Most small shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, although some supermarkets located at railway stations (Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstraße, Innsbrucker Platz and Ostbahnhof) are open on Sundays. Many bakeries and small food shops (so-called Spätkauf) are open late in the evening and on Sundays.

Main shopping areas

Ku'Damm and its extension to Tauentzienstraße remain the main shopping streets. KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens) on Wittenbergplatz is the largest department store in continental Europe spread over six floors.

Friedrichstraße is an upscale shopping street in the former East Berlin for wealthy shoppers. The refurbished Galeria Kaufhof stores on Alexanderplatz are also worth a look. The main shopping areas are concentrated in the north of the Hackescher Markt, especially around the Hackesche Höfe.

More affordable but very trendy shops are Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, with lots of young designer collections, many music shops and design shops.

Souvenirs can be bought right in front of Kaiser Wilhelm (Gedächtniskirche). This store sells almost the same as the others, but they are cheaper. Not all employees in the store speak English. Stamp collectors will appreciate Goethe's Straße 2 (Ernst Reuther Platz, U2), where you can find a philatelic post office from Deutsche Post. Sales people usually speak English. Alternative souvenirs can be purchased at Ausberlin near Alexanderplatz.

Flea markets

In Berlin, you can find dozens of flea markets with different themes (mostly on weekends).

The largest and most interesting are listed below:

Mauerpark, on Sundays, next to the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Sportpark in Prenzlauer Berg (U-Bahn: Eberswalder Straße).

Arkonaplatz, on Sundays, is located near the Mauerpark.

Food and drink

Berlin cuisine is distinguished by its solidity and calorie content. At the same time, in German cuisine you rarely find complex dishes. Various vegetables, pork, poultry, game, veal, beef and fish are used for cooking. They consume a lot of vegetables, especially boiled, as side dishes - cauliflower, green beans, carrots, red cabbage. Also popular among the Germans are sandwiches with butter, cheese, sausage, fish and other ingredients.

Vegetable salads, ham, sausages, sprats, sardines, herring dishes with various sauces, meat and fish salads dressed with mayonnaise, and so on are popular in German cuisine. From the first courses, various broths are widespread: with eggs, dumplings, rice and tomatoes; noodle soup, cream soup of peas, cauliflower, chicken and game. In winter, thick meat soups "eintopfs" are especially good. The widespread use of sausages, frankfurters, sausages is a characteristic feature of German cuisine. Branded fried sausages with stewed sauerkraut are known all over the world.

For the preparation of second courses, the use of natural meat is widely used. For example, cutlets, schnitzels, chops, fillets in Hamburg, sorted, Schmorbraten, Schnelklops, steak in Hamburg, etc. Minced meat is used less. Fish is served most often in boiled and stewed form.

From sweet dishes, fruit salads made from finely chopped fruits are popular, which are sprinkled with powdered sugar and poured over with fruit sauces or syrups (served very chilled); compotes, kissels, jelly, mousses, all kinds of casseroles with fruit sauces, ice cream, fruits and, of course, natural coffee with milk.

Restaurants, cafes, bars in Berlin are very cheap compared to any other Western European capital or other cities in Germany. In Berlin, you can taste not only the local cuisine, but also the cuisine of many other countries, but it is often modified in accordance with the peculiarities of the German taste. Vegetarian options can be found on the menus of German restaurants, although there are no separate menus. Many restaurants have a good selection of roasted vegetables and salads on the menu.

All prices are required by law to include VAT. Not all restaurants in Germany accept bank cards. Therefore, if you decide to pay in a restaurant with a bank card, then first ask if they accept them. Usually Visa and Mastercard are accepted for payment.

Berlin is famous for its great variety of beers, below are the main types

Pilsner (German: Pils or Pilsener) - bottom-fermented beer. It is more or less bitter and contains between 4 and 4.8% alcohol. It is sold throughout the country, but especially in Northern Germany. For the first time this type of beer was brewed in Bohemia in the city of Pilsen on October 5, 1842.

Wheat beer (Weizen, Weissbier; German Weizen, Weissbier) - fermented top-fermented wheat beer with an alcohol content of 5 to 5.4%. It has a fruity spicy taste, especially common in southern Germany. This is usually a cloudy (unfiltered) beer. Varieties: dark wheat beer (Dunkelweizen, German Dunkelweizen), filtered wheat beer (Kristallweizen, German Kristallweizen).

Altbier (German: Altbier or Alt for short) got its name from the Latin word altus (on top). During fermentation, the yeast remains at the top. So it's a top fermented beer. Has a hop flavor. Like Pilsner, Alt contains about 4.8% alcohol. His "homeland" is Düsseldorf and the lower reaches of the Rhine.

Kölsch (German: Kölsch) - the name of a special beer brewed in the city of Cologne. This top-fermented beer has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of hops. Alcohol content 4.8%.

Black beer (Schwarzbier; German Schwarzbier) named for color. Today you can cook it in a light version. Bottom-fermented beer has 4.8 to 5% alcohol. Produced mainly in East Germany.

Berliner Weisse (German: Berliner Weiße) has a slightly sour taste. The alcohol content is 2.8%, which is very low for a beer. Top fermented beer produced in Berlin.

Export (German Export)

Light beer (Helles) (German: Helles)

Bock-beer, Bock (German Bock, Bockbier) - strong beer with an alcohol content of about 6-10%. Varieties: doppel-bock (German Doppelbock), May-bock (German Maibock), Weizen-bock (German Weizenbock), ice-bock (German Eisbock).

Zwickelbier or Kellerbier (German: Zwickelbier or Zwickl, Kellerbier) hazy unfiltered and unpasteurized natural beer, usually a lager type. Due to the absence of filtration and purification, it contains more yeast and has a higher nutritional value than other beers. Such beer is often not bottled, but served fresh in beer gardens.

Rauchbier (German: Rauchbier) - dark beer with "smoked" taste.

Rye beer (Roggenbier; German Roggenbier)

March Beer (Märzen; German Märzen)

Dark beer (Dunkel; German Dunkel)

Festbier (German: Festbier) - a beer brewed in autumn especially for folk festivals such as Oktoberfest.

Berlin is a modern metropolis, the economic and cultural center of the EU, a city of contrasts. It is dynamic and versatile. The collections of galleries and museums of the city are beyond praise. Berlin clubs organize the most fashionable parties, where new movements, styles, subcultures are born. And shopping in Berlin is excellent, all goods are of high quality at reasonable prices.

Berlin (Berlin), photo Tobias Nordhausen

Berlin (Berlin) is the capital of the medieval Margraviate of Brandenburg, the Kingdom of Prussia, the powerful German Empire, the socialist GDR and modern united Germany. The second metropolis of the European Union in terms of the number of inhabitants, a multinational city that marks the victory of mankind over fascism. Berlin is the heart of the Brandenburg land; historical, cultural, scientific, industrial and economic center of world importance. It is called the "City of Bridges". More of them were built here than in Venice - about 1700 large and small engineering structures.

5 things to do in Berlin

1. Take the Reichstag and look at Berlin from its dome.
2. Take a selfie against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall with the legendary kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker.
3. Eat the most delicious doner kebab (shawarma) for lunch and drink beer.
4. See the bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in the Pergamon Museum.
5. Stay up all night and dance in the club.

When is the best time to go to Berlin

Berlin is located in the eastern part of the country - where the Spree and Havel flows merge. Modern areas are built on the moraine heights of Teltow and Barnim, the historical center is located in a lowland between two hills.

The climate here is moderate: between maritime and continental. Summers are warm, around +20°C. Winter is moderately cold, on average +1– +2°C, but frosts down to -25°C also occur. The rainiest months are June-July, the driest month is March.

Berlin guide

Sights of Berlin

chocolate house

Fassbender&Rausch chocolate house, photo A_and_K

A unique, largest chocolate house in the world, the Schokoladenhaus Fassbender&Rausch store, has been opened in Berlin. The center of attraction for all lovers of sweets is located in the French Quarter near Gendarmerie Square (Gendarmenmarkt).

Address: Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 20:00; Sun 11:00 – 20:00.
Website: www.rausch.de

Here we have listed only the smallest part of the sights of Berlin. But if you are visiting the German capital for the first time, then they will be your top travel destinations.

Palaces and castles

Museums, exhibitions and galleries

Architecture and monuments

Squares and streets

Gardens and parks

Theaters and entertainment

Temples and cathedrals

A bit of history

In the XII century, on the territory of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, on the banks of the Spree and the island of Spreeinsel, the settlements of Altberlin and Cologne appeared. In 1237–44 they became independent cities. In 1307, the two cities actually merged, but the official unification took place only in 1709.

In 1417, Berlin was declared the capital of the Margraviate/Electorate of Brandenburg. From the beginning of the 18th century until the second half of the 19th century, it was the capital of Prussia. After the Great Unification into the German Empire, Berlin was its capital until 1918; until 1933 - the capital of the Weimar Republic, until 1945 - Nazi Germany (Third Reich).

After the defeat of the Nazi army in World War II, Berlin was divided into four occupation sectors, which were under the control of the victorious countries. In 1949, 2 German states appeared: the FRG in the western zone and the GDR in the east. Berlin was also divided into 2 parts. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city, the country and many families for a long time, was erected in 1961 and demolished in 1989. The eastern and western territories of Berlin were reunited, external control was abolished, and a new period began in the life and history of the city.

Entertainment

Walking through the city at night, photo by Theodor Sirbuletu

The city is transformed every night, its splendor can be appreciated if you go for a walk around the city at night, and in warm weather along the Spree by boat to see the magnificent Berlin buildings and bridges from the water, from a new angle.

Night clubs

In a nightclub in Berlin, photo puroberlin

The night lights are on. The doors of numerous clubs in Berlin are opening.

The respectable establishment 40 Seconds at Potsdamer Straße, 58 has several halls, two dance floors on terraces with views of the city.

The techno club Berghain hosts incendiary non-stop parties from Friday to Monday, and the Panorama Bar is open on the second floor. Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof.

Puro Sky Lounge is located on the 20th floor of the Europacenter building - from there, from a dizzying height, a magnificent circular panorama of the night capital opens. This club has luxurious conceptual interiors, various music, theme parties. Address: Tauentzienstraße 9-12.

The glamorous Mio is located in the basement of the Berlin TV tower. It has stylish interiors and a huge terrace overlooking the historic center. Address: Panoramastraße 1A.

Casino lovers can visit the gambling house Spielbank Berlin on Potsdamer Platz. The entertainment complex has four halls with modern slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and classic card games. Address: Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1.

Holidays

Christmas in Berlin, photo bz_foto

New Year's holidays in Berlin are noisy, with home feasts, street festivities, fireworks.

On the first of May, Berliners celebrate the Maifeiertag. An old pagan tradition has now become an official holiday. The main symbol of the holiday is the May tree decorated in a special way. On the eve of the evening, street events “Dance in May” begin, they turn into Walpurgis Night - noisy fun reigns on the streets of the capital. In the morning the trade union association DGB organizes a May Day demonstration.

The third Sunday in October is the harvest festival, Kirmes. A straw effigy with an indispensable bottle of schnapps is considered a symbol of autumn folk festivals - it is burned in the square.

Berliners' favorite holiday is Christmas. It was from Germany that the custom of decorating a Christmas tree came. Celebrations last a week, until the New Year.

Events

Festival of Light, photo by Frank

In February, the Berlinale opens - the famous Berlin film festival dedicated to intellectual cinema, with the main prize "Golden Bear".

At the end of May, a colorful Carnival of Cultures takes place with costume processions and scenic outdoor venues.

Museum Night falls on the last Sunday in August. Almost all museums and galleries of the city offer cultural and entertainment programs. This international project is now taking place all over the world, and it started in Berlin in 1997.

In October, the enchanting Festival of Light is held in the capital of Germany. All the main attractions are illuminated, spectacular light shows are projected onto the walls of buildings. The holiday lasts two weeks, ends with the night mass marathon City Light Run.

shopping

Shops in Berlin can turn even the most pragmatic people into shopaholics.

Shop opening hours

Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. On Sunday they rest, except for some, for example, at railway stations.

Sales

Traditionally, the winter sale (Winterschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of January, and the summer sale (Sommerschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of July. They last approximately 2 weeks. But many shops in the winter begin to reduce prices before Christmas. Discounts in Berlin shopping centers are announced by Reduziert, Sale or % signs.

The shops

KaDeWe department store, photo by Markus Ammann

The capital's shopping routes run along Kurfuerstendamm (Ku'damm for short) and Friedrichstrasse. Ku'damm is the abode of luxury: Gucci, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Max Mara, Jil Sander. On Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden you will find expensive Escada, Herm'es, Hugo Boss and Herend porcelain boutiques.

Friedrichstrasse is interesting shopping centers Quartier 205, Quartier 206 and Quartier 207, which houses the Gallery Lafayette (Galleries Lafayette). Departmentstore Quartier 206 on the second floor features the latest collections from top brands Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Manolo Bahnik, Miu Miu, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Etro . With the arrival of a new collection, discounted items go to the Last Season store below.

On Tauentzienstrasse, this is a continuation of Ku'damm, there are shops of democratic brands (Zara, H&M). There are also large department stores here: Peek & Cloppenburg (Tauentzienstraße, 19), Europa Center (Tauentzienstraße, 9-12), Wertheim (Kurfürstendamm, 231).

Near the metro station Wittenbergplatz, there is a department store Kaufhaus des Westens, abbreviated Ka-De-We (Tauentzienstraße, 21-24). The 8-storey KaDeWe is the second largest department store in Europe.

Inexpensive clothes can be found on Wilmersdorferstrasse. Most of the range is discounted.

Two hundred branded retailers are gathered under the roof of the Alexa shopping center at Grunerstraße 20. Here you can find quite democratic brands.

The Arkada shopping center on Potsdamer Platz (Potsdamer Platz Arkaden) sells fashion, cosmetics and other beauty products, electronics, and gadgets. Address: Alte Potsdamer Strasse, 7.

European clothing is presented in the die mitte shopping center on Alexanderplatz.

Trade brands in Galeria Kaufhaus on Alexanderplatz are focused on the average income. Here you can buy high-quality shoes and clothes, bijouterie and jewelry, leather goods and various accessories.

The impressive range of Ritter Sport chocolates in the 1,000 m² Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt at Französische Straße 24 is also worth checking out.

outlets

Inexpensive shopping is offered by capital outlets:
Marc Cain Factory (Oudenarder Straße, 16),
PrivaFashion-Club Outlet Berlin (Altonaer Straße, 59),
Zalando Outlet Store Berlin (Köpenicker Straße, 20),
Designer Outlet Berlin (Alter Spandauer Weg 1, 14641 Wustermark).

Flea markets

There are several flea markets in Berlin. Here are a few.

The largest Hallentroedelmarkt Treptow is located on the site of a former factory. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Eichenstraße 4.

Berliner Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt is located next to Friedrichstrasse. There are many tourists here, so the prices are too high. Opening hours: on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00.

Kunst-und Trödelmarkt is the oldest flea market in Berlin, located in the Tiergarten park. Among other things, there are decent breakups with records and CDs. At Trödelmarkt you can find a real treasure for next to nothing. Collectors usually go here. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. Address: Straße des 17. Juni (at the end of the street).

Locals go to Trödelmarkt on Arkonaplatz. It's not crowded and the prices are lower. They sell household items, inexpensive vintage clothes and vinyl records. Opening hours: Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Arkonaplatz 1.

Flohmarkt am Mauerpark is still a young market, so there are few tourists here. Opening hours: Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Address: Bernauerstrasse 63-64.

Food and restaurants

In a Berlin restaurant, photo by Constanze Hallensleben

The Alpenstück Restaurant & Bakery at Gartenstrasse 9 serves national dishes, real sausages, fresh pastries, excellent beer, German and Austrian wines.

Schneeweiß at Simplonstrasse 16 is considered inexpensive. Schnitzels and lamb meat, entrecote with vegetables, pork with dumplings are served here.

Reinhard's offers European and Russian cuisine and is famous for its fast service. Addresses: Poststraße, 28; Kurfurstendamm, 27; Koenigsallee, 56; Am Hamburger Bahnhof, 4.

Authentic German food can be ordered at the Maxwell restaurant (address: Gleimstraße 23). The restaurant's menu is divided into meat, fish and vegetarian sections.

Traditional German schnitzels or goulash with dumplings, Sacher cake and classic apple strudel will be served at the concept café Einstein on Pod lindens street (address: Unter den Linden 42).

Local beer bars prepare klops chops and Kotelett chops with German potato salad, an exotic hakepeter appetizer made from raw minced meat on bread; served white beer with fruit syrup. Be sure to try Icebein pork knuckle – here it is prepared in a special way, boiled in beer. Try the Berlin Eintopf, a thick vegetable soup with assorted smoked meats. Berliner donuts with powdered sugar and fruit marmalade filling are considered a cult metropolitan dessert.

Berlin tram, photo by bashirRANA

Getting around Berlin is quite convenient by public transport. The city has a subway that was built before the war. Ground transportation will take you anywhere in Berlin. You need to think about tickets in advance. For tourists, a 24-hour ticket is most suitable. It will allow you to travel around the city during the day for any distance. …