Berlin

Berlin is Germany’s capital and largest city. It has one of the most turbulent recent histories of any European city but has emerged vibrant and one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. There is a lot of history and art in this city and it’s hard to dislike it. Berlin very popular with students and young folks who move here because of the cheap prices. There is also a growing tech start up scene here. I dislike the “industrial” look of the city (I like pretty old buildings!) but the art, history and night life (some of the best in Europe) can’t be beat. Berlin is an old city with young heart.

Typical Costs

• Hostel Prices: Dorm rooms from $13-20 USD per night and private double rooms from $60 USD per night.
• Budget Hotel Prices:You can find cheap budget hotels starting at $50 per night for a double room with a bathroom and breakfast. Nicer, brand name hotels will begin around $93 USD. (But stick the family own
• Average Cost of Food: Sit down restaurant meals can easily around $25 USD for food and drink. You can buy a week of groceries for between $30-50 USD depending on how much you eat and what food you purchase. There are a lot of little sharwma and sausage stalls that offer cheap food for around $4 USD. Fast food (i.e. McDonalds) usually costs around $8 USD for a value meal.
• Transportation Costs: A standard single journey ticket in zones AB costs $3 USD, a four-trip ticket in zones AB is $11 USD and a short distance ticket is $2 USD. A day pass is better value if you are making three or more trips in a day. A day ticket for zones AB costs $8 USD. A seven day ticket for zones AB is $35 USD. You can use the same ticket on trains, buses, and trams. Bike rentals cost $15 per day and are one of the best ways to get around this expansive city.

Top Things to Do

• Alexanderplatz and Fernsehturm TV tower – Germany’s most famous city square also has the 368 meter high Fernsehturm TV tower. You can visit the tower’s observation deck for brilliant views of the city. You can see the tower from everywhere in the city. It makes for a good landmark.
• Brandenberg Gate - Berlin’s remaining city gate is one of Berlin’s most well known landmarks. During the period when Berlin was a divided city, the Brandenberg Gate was located in no man’s land behind the Berlin Wall and it was made famous when it was reopened on 22 December 1989, after the fall of the Wall. It is a sandstone construction dating from 1791 and supported by 12 Doric columns and it is now the centerpiece of Pariser Platz.
• Visit East Side Gallery - This open air art gallery features graffiti artwork. During Berlin’s days as a divided city the western side of the wall sported most of its famous graffiti, however this section of graffiti is now featured on the Wall’s eastern side.
• Checkpoint Charlie - Divided Berlin’s most well known border crossing was Checkpoint Charlie. The original border post on Friedrichstrabe between former East and West Berlin remains complete with a soldier’s post and border crossing sign and the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie has exhibits on the history of the Berlin Wall along with displays about people who had attempted to escape to the West.
• Hang out in Potsdamer Platz - In the 1920s, Potsdamer Platz was the busiest square in Europe, but destroyed in World War II and divided by the Berlin Wall. After German reunification it became the largest building site in Europe as it has been transformed into a showpiece of the new Berlin with modern architecture including offices, hotels, cinemas, shopping centers and the massive Sony Center.
• See the famous Reichstag – The seat of the German Parliament is one of Berlins most historical landmarks. It has now has a new dome and draws one of the biggest crowds in Berlin. It has a rich history and reflects the stories of Germany since the 19th century.
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial – The memorial is made up of 2,711 large rectangular stones. It is a tribute to the Jews that died before World War II as part of Hitler’s plan to exterminate them. Below the stones, is a very touching museums with focuses on the lives of individual families. Even the hardest person will cry.
• Deutsches Historisches Museum – The German historical museum covers everything from pre-history right up to the present day. There are a lot of exhibits and the signs provide a wealth of information and good background. This museum takes about two to three hours to see. It’s one of my favorite history museums.
• Grunewald – If you are looking to escape from the vast city, the grand expanse of Berlin’s largest forest is the perfect destination. You’ll want to check the weather first, but there is plenty to do. Consider hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, or biking. There are even guided tours available.
• Zoologischer Garten & Aquarium – First opened in 1841, this is now Germany’s oldest zoo and Europe’s most popular zoo. Along with the classic animals, there are several rare and endangered species to see—there are over 14,000 to see, overall. The gardenscape here is exceptional, as well, and the aquarium is equally impressive.
• Deutche Kinemathek – More commonly referred to as the Film Museum, this is one of the most interesting museums in Berlin. Every June, the Berlin Jewish Film Festival is held here. During the rest of the year, there are exhibits which showcase the history of German movies—as well as, German actors and actresses. There is even a section on Nazi propaganda films.
• Britzer Garten – It’s always nice to know of a fresh, green area to escape too, amidst the construction landscape of most cities. This is a beautiful garden, no matter what time of the year it is. The Rose Garden is a particularly stunning feature here. There is a water playground, a petting zoo, and even a miniature train to ride here.
• Treptower Park – Located in the eastern part of Berlin, this park is near an old abandoned amusement park (which you can also visit).  This park is a popular place to bike around, and there are a number of beer gardens and a small island nearby where they have a weekend flea market. Moreover, you can rent boats and canoes and cruise the adjoining river.
• Relax in Templehof Park – Located in the southern part of the city, this park is actually the site of the old airport used during the Berlin Airlift after World War II when the Soviets tried to blockade Berlin.  Now, it’s a big park with a lot of plaques and information about the old airport. It’s not the best park in Berlin, but it’s cool to be able to walk around a piece of history.
• Enjoy the music – Berlin is one of the musical centers of Europe and features some of the best DJs, musicians, singers, and bands in Europe. There is a big music scene in this city and no matter what your musical tastes are, you’ll find something here. Don’t miss out.

Budget Tips

• Use your student card - If you have a student card you can purchase meals, drinks, accommodation, and visit museums at a discount.
• Take the Alternative Berlin Tour – The Alternative Berlin tour is excellent and free. It showcases the arty side of Berlin.  They meet at Starbucks in Alexanderplatz at 11 a.m. each morning.
• Take a free walking tour – New Europe Tours runs a long and informative walking tour that begins at the Brandenburg Gate and lasts 3.5 hours. It takes you through the center of the city, shows you all the highlights, gives you some history, and will help you orientate yourself. They also run tours around various historic themes (communism, Nazism, Jewish history, etc).
• Eat the cheap lunch specials – There are lunchtime specials during the week in Oranienburgerstr. For example, you can get a starter and main course in very nice restaurants for around $8 USD. It’s a great deal.
• Eat cheap – You can judge a city on how cheap it is by the food, and the food in Berlin is incredibly cheap. And not just street food (you can find Currywurst everywhere!), kebabs, and quick pizzas, either – even the restaurants here are a bargain. You can find a lot of meals for fewer than $7 USD. I would highly recommend eating at Mustafas. They have the best kebabs in Berlin.

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