Lost Berlin

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Travel Guide in Berlin Created by City Travel Review For more travel guides in Berlin Please visit http://www.citytravelreview.co.uk/travel-course-guides

Transcript of Lost Berlin

  • Introduction Berlin is many things: the world capital of creativity, the city of hipsters, a paradigm of bike-friendly transportation. But, above all, it is a historic city

    that has undergone deep identity shifts and still brims with vibrancy. Visiting Berlin will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

    There are many reasons to love the German capital:

    Berlin offers history. Visit the Reichstag to better understand the legislative

    history of Germany, or honour the six million Jewish Holocaust victims at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

    Berlin offers entertainment. Hire a raft and sail around the city canals, or

    dance until dawn under the basement vaults of an old railway station.

    Berlin offers romance. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on a floating restaurant, or let your heart melt with breath-taking sunset views from the Berliner Dom (Ber-

    lins Cathedral).

    Berlin offers adventure. Set aside any fear and jump off a rooftop in Alexan-derplatz, or soar up into Berlins sky on an incredible aerial tour of the city

    and the surrounding region.

    Berlin offers the great outdoors. Rent a boat in the central Tiergarten or have a picnic on the tarmacs of Templehofer Park, Berlins airport-turned park.

    Whatever it is that your heart desires, youre sure to find it here. Enjoy Berlin!

    Paloma Gonzlez Llorente

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  • History: Youll learn some fascinating and sobering facts about the citys turbulent past almost anywhere you visit. With so many museums and exhibits, just ensure to plan your time to fit in everything that you want to find out about.

    ID: Remember to bring suitable ID with you to Berlin (driving licence or passport) as most clubs are strict on this.

    Jaywalking: Unless the Am-pelmann (pedestrian crossing light) turns green, do not cross the road as you could be fined 5 for doing so.

    Kebabs: Berlin has the largest Turkish population of any city outside Turkey, and as such, kebabs and falafel are just as popular and widely available as any of Berlins other street food. See the fast food section of the guide for a break-down.

    Lakes: For a city that lacks a coastline, Berlin does boast a number of lakes where boats can be hired. Just ensure to check the weather forecast beforehand if you choose to visit one.

    Money: Paying by card is not as common as you may think here, so its best to have cash just in case cards are not accepted.

    Nightlife: Famous for its illustrious clubs and DJs, Berlin is undisputedly one of the best cities in the world for party-ing. Attempting to get into the bigger clubs involves going at strange hours, queuing for what seems like days, being grilled by intimidating bouncers, researching DJs and resist-ing speaking English in the queue. It might seem like a lot of work, but its 100% worth it.

    A - Z Survival Guide Apps: Berlin is a huge city with an extensive public trans-port system, making it easy to get lost. In order to find your bearings, download the BVG app--the citys official public transport app for smartphones. Another useful app is Cit-ymapper which tells you where to change on journeys and guides you to your destination.

    Beggars: At some point during your stay, youre likely to be approached by someone asking for money. While there are of course people genuinely in need, often this is a distraction while an accomplice tries to steal your phone or purse, so be wary.

    Clubs: Berlins clubs are famous for their notoriously strict entry policies. Whichever club you attempt to get into, make sure that you do some research first on the dress code and the DJs playing that night as the bouncers may quiz you on this.

    Drinking: The legal drinking age here is 18, and the citys attitude on drinking is undoubtedly relaxed. It is common to see Berliners walking down the street with a bottle of beer, and with the numerous Sptis, its easy to buy alcohol.

    Emergency numbers: Hopefully you wont need to use any of these during your stay. However, its a good idea to make a note of them just in case. Police: 110, Ambulance: 112, Fire:112

    Fines: Ensure that you carry your transport ticket with you whenever you use public transport. If the ticket inspectors catch you without one, youll be hit with a 40 fine.

    German Phrases: Although most people speak English here, knowing a few words of German goes a long way. Even if youre not able to hold a full conversation, Berliners will appreciate you making the effort.Please: BitteThank you: DankeBye: Tschss (hardly anyone uses auf wiedersehen)Where is the___?: Wo ist der/die/das ___?

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  • Outdoors: With a huge range of outdoor activities, parks and beer gardens, youll spend a lot of your time in the city outside. The weather here is somewhat temperamental even in the summer, so ensure to pack something with a hood along with your sun-cream.

    Photographs: Taking pictures inside clubs is a huge no. Do so and you may have your camera confiscated. When you go to collect it the next day, it may appear to have vanished off the face of the earth.

    Queues: From clubs to kebab stands, expect long, wind-ing queues and a degree of pushing; its fair to say Berliners arent huge fans of queuing.

    Recycling: Germans are big on recycling. The price for most soft drinks will include a Pfand, a deposit of usually 25c added onto the price of the drink. Once youre finished with it, bottles can be taken back to a supermarket and you will be reimbursed with the Pfand price. Anything that does not come with Pfand can be recycled in the designated glass, plastic and paper bins. One thing youll notice about Berlin is that it is an incredibly clean city, so remember to respect their rules on recycling.

    Smoking: Smoking is permitted in many bars, so just keep this in mind if youre a non-smoker. Make sure to check the bars policy first if you do smoke.

    Tipping: A 10% tip is the norm when dining out here. However, dont leave the tip on the table; instead, give it to your waiter or waitress when you pay. This means that you must decide how much to tip before paying so that you may tell the server how much to take for themselves. For instance, if you want to leave a 5 tip on a 25 bill, you should tell the server make it 30.

    U-Bahn: The U-Bahn is just one form of public trans-port here connecting all of Berlins best places. The Public Transport section of the guide will tell you all that you need to know.

    Validate your ticket: Before using public transport, ensure that you validate your ticket by using one of the many ma-chines dotted around stations. However, make sure that you only use the machine once for each ticket as more than one stamp will render it invalidated.

    Welcome Card: For those staying a few days in Berlin, a Welcome Card for public transport is a highly recommended purchase. A 5 day ticket costs roughly 35, incredibly good value as it is valid on all of Berlins public transport. Whats more, the Welcome Card usually comes with a book of dis-counts for many attractions and restaurants.

    X-berg: This is the colloquial name for the district of Kreuzberg (Kreuz is German for cross.) This area is a must-go for anyone who wants to truly experience Berlin. Its inhabit-ants hail from all over the globe, making it one of the citys most diverse areas. . With a plethora of restaurants, bars, shops and live music, the atmosphere in Kreuzberg is hard to match elsewhere.

    Youth: Berlin is an incredible city, especially for those in their late teens and twenties; who this guide is aimed at. This guide covers everything that this age group will find interest-ing.

    Zzz: With many clubs open all weekend, you may find that you dont sleep much during your visit, so staying at a hostel may be better value than staying at a hotel. Be sure to check the accommodation section of the guide for some of the most popular hostels.

    Abbey Fleming

    Still Surviving?

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  • TransportGetting around Berlin is extremely easy. As a traveller in this great city, you are spoilt for choice with various forms of trans-portation more than happy to bring you around this sprawling metropolis. U-bahnThis is undeniably the most important component of the Berlin public transport scene. The fulcrum, the Berghain of Ber-lins transport systemminus the dark rooms of course. The U-bahn services the majority of the city, providing efficient and high-speed travel.The major drawback while travelling on the U-bahn is, naturally, you are several metres underground. Therefore, taking in the sights of this extremely interesting city is impossible on this form of transport. The underground is also not air-condi-tioned so be warned in summer as it can become stiflingly warm. Runs until 00:30 weekdays, and all night on weekends. S-bahnThis is the U-bahns well-tanned cousin. This lucky train gets to enjoy the freedom of fresh air and display Berlins fantastic sights. The S-bahn offers a comprehensive aboveground mode of transport. Naturally its rail links are not as densely spread out throughout the city (due to the extra space it takes up) but can be easily found. A tip is to look for a bridge; there is usu-ally a station found on top of it.Well-connected through major hubs, such as Ostkreuz and Hackescher Markt, the S-bahn serves many routes throughout the city. A ring rail is also available going in opposite directions. The S41 and S42 offer a rapid, direct route to many of the citys hippest boroughs. The ring rail route is an extremely handy option, with trains travelling regularly to important trans-port links.Runs until 00:30 weekdays, and all night at weekends. TramThe tram is run by BVG (the main public transport body for Berlin) and has routes throughout Berlin. Trams like the rest of the citys public transport system, is extremely reliable and has electronic boards at each stop to inform you when the next tram is due to arrive. Unlike the other services, which all terminate at 00:30, selective trams run well into the night (e.g. M13 and M9). BusesThese are the final main option for public transport around the city. Berlin has a well-established bus network. All other modes of transport will usually suffice for the average tourist but if a bus is necessary, there are a huge number of routes

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  • Transport

    that travel all over the city. Getting on a bus you must get on at the front and show your ticket to the driver.

    CyclingAn alternative to public transport is the humble bike.Berlin is an extremely good city to cycle around. Cycle lanes can be found around most of the city. It is a rarity that you have to cycle on the road and if that occurs, Berlins roads tend not to be overly crowded. Berlin is also a relatively flat city, making it ideal for travelling large distances without consuming too much energy. It is very common here to see large numbers of bikes locked up outside bars and clubs as late night revelers go from nightclub to nightclub on their bikes. But be warned if you happen to stumble into a cycle lane after a cheeky tipple or two; be prepared to face the full wrath of an angry cyclist ringing their bell and cursing your ignorance. To cyclists in Berlin, cycle lanes are no-go areas for pedestrians and they waste no time in expressing this.

    Customs/TraditionsIn Berlin people are friendly, pleasant and generally quiet. Often this quietness can be misunderstood. Many happen to be part of the older generation of Berliners and their attitudes are very different to the youth. For years in the old DDR, quiet-ness and being reserved was part of their culture. These are the people who have seen it all, the wars, the Soviets, the wall and finally the hipsters (possibly you). So when a train/tram is full and you have a seat, get up off your bum and move. Like in your own country, its a nice gesture to offer your seat to an older member of society. The younger generations of Berliners are friendly open and always willing to help. They appear almost overtly friendly, per-haps trying to alter the outside image of Berliners as unfriendly. They are always on hand to help you with any questions.For you boys and girls who like a drink, you will have to wait to quench your thirst after you get off your mode of transport as alcohol is banned on all forms. PricesPrices for travelling on this mode of transport depend largely on distance and length of ticket purchased. Berlins travel network is divided into A, B and C zones, with the price of travel naturally increasing the longer you ride.Tariff AB: 2,60 (Concessions 1,60)Tariff BC: 2,60 (Concessions 2)Tariff ABC: 3,20 (Concessions 2,30)A short distance ticket is available for both S-bahn and U-bahn at 1.50 (concessions 1,20) for three stops or less. A day ticket will set you back 6,70. A group day ticket (up to five people and valid until 3:00 the next day) costs 16,20 for AB zones.A seven-day ticket will cost you 28,80. If you are in the city for a long time, a month-long ticket is available covering all modes of transport for 78,60 and is extremely handy. Rory OBrien

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  • Sights & MonumentsIntroduction

    Berlin is home to some of the most recognisable monuments in the world, which reflect its significant and turbulent his-tory. With its origins in the quiet Nicolaiviertel, Berlin grew from a small market town into an industrial powerhouse and the capital of Germany. The 18th century neo-classical Brandenburg Gate is the quintessential symbol of Berlin, but there are so many equally iconic sights, such as the East Side Gallery, the TV Tower, and the Reichstag, that signify major phases of Berlins past. Each awe-inspiring structure is bound to impress.

    Brett Balling

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

    Reichstag

    Platz der Republik 1, 11011 www.bundestag.deU-Bahn: U55 (Brandenburger Tor) / S-Bahn: S1/S2 (Brandenburger Tor)Dome: 08:00 00:00

    From the short-lived parliament of the Weimar Republic to the current government dominated by the Groe Koalition (Grand Coalition between the countrys two biggest political parties), the Reichstag has housed numerous manifesta-tions of German governance. Located a short walk from the Brandenburg gate, the Reichstag is a grand and imposing presence with its mixture of High Renaissance and classical motifs. Masterminded by architect Paul Wallot to house the government of the newly unified Germany in 1871, it has come to be the most politically and historically significant building in all of Berlin. In 1933, the Reichstag fire enabled Hitler to utilise emergency decree, paving the way for his dictatorial state. Over a decade later, Soviet soldiers hoisted their flag atop the damaged building following the penultimate capture of Berlin in 1945. When Germany split along East and West, the Reichstag fell into disuse and disrepair, and it wasnt until 1991 following reunification that the Bundestag (German parliament) moved back from Bonn to its Berlin home. Since 2003, a sleek, modern dome designed by British archi-tect Lord Norman Foster has stood in place of the original which was bombed during WWII. Following prior registration online, the domes scenic views are open for public explora-tion. With its winding ramp along the domes curvature, vis-itors can pace up and around the structure as a motion-cen-sored audio guide serves as an aid to the panoramic view. Try an early evening excursion to witness the city bathed by the setting sun, then stick around until night time to see Berlin light up.

    Jihee Junn

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  • IntroductionIn the post-war years, Berlin struggled to resurrect its once thriving cultural tradition. Museum Island was largely a bombed-out ruin, and many art works and artefacts were taken by Allied Forces or separated by the realities of the Cold War.

    Following reunification, extensive plans for restoration were initiated (Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie), whilst a vast array of new institutions emerged as a result of the collapse of the Berlin Wall (GDR Museum, Allied Museum). In modern day Berlin, the city thrives off its tourism industry, and its museums and galleriesat last resurrected, but also expand-edhave done much to facilitate it.

    In this section, we explore just a small selection of Berlins plethora of institutions for learning and enlightenment. This is a varied group that ranges from the grand old structures of colonnades and marble (Pergammon), to the more contem-porary and modern architectural establishments (Deutsches Technikmuseum). Some are strange and quirky (Museum of Things, Computerspielemuseum), while others deal with dark and harrowing subjects that have plagued Germanys past (Topography of Terror). Whether youre a history buff, artistic fiend, or just a generally inquisitive person, the museums and galleries of this growing city will undoubtedly have some-thing to suit everyones tastes.

    Jihee Junn

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

    Anne Frank Zentrum / Anne Frank Centre

    Rosenthaler Strae 39, 10178U-bahn: U8 (Weinmeisterstrae) / S-bahn: S75 (Hackscher Markt)Tues Sun: 10:00 18:00Admissions: 5 (Concessions 3)

    Anne Franks name has become almost synonymous with the Holocaust; accordingly, this centre acts not only as a tribute to her life but the lives of countless others murdered under Hitlers rule. Concealed in a courtyard off of the main street, a narrow staircase will lead you to this small yet substantial exhibit. Follow a timeline made up of happy family snapshots two smiling sisters in carnival costumes, a teenage girl posing at her writing desk. On the opposite wall, a comprehensive history of World War II is presented through posters and photo-graphs. The artefacts placed between the two displays establish their tragic correlation: a pamphlet outlining the Nuremburg laws, the last postcard Anne sent. Excerpts from her famous diary scattered throughout reveal a charismatic and deeply thoughtful character. The on-going relevance of the subjects it raiseswar and peace, discrimination, hopes and ambitionsis established through interactive videos of young, modern Ber-liners sharing their thoughts. Watch the film detailing Annes short life, and discover how a young girl became an unintended spokesperson for the millions of Jewish citizens who lost their lives. In partnership with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, this poignant exhibition ensures that her legacy is used as a positive force against prejudice in the present day. Sarah Johnson

    Museum & Galleries

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  • Alexanderplatz

    Alexanderplatz 10178U-Bahn: U2/U5/U8 (Alexanderplatz), S-Bahn: S3/S5/S75 (Alexanderplatz)

    Named in honour of the Russian Monarch, Emperor Alexan-der I, after his visit to Berlin in October 1805 back when it was just a cattle market, this large public square is located in central Mitte. Back in the 1920s Alexanderplatz offered a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars and clubs where Berliners partied the night away. Nowadays, Alexanderplatz highlights are the Alexa shopping centre and the newly

    opened Primark. The square does, however, house the iconic Fernsehturm, the tallest structure in Germany. This 368 metre TV Tower overlooks this beautiful city and can be seen from almost anywhere in Berlin, perfect as a point of reference for tourists if they get lost around the city. There is also the World Time Clocka continual rotation that shows the time throughout the globelocated on the square itself. If you are looking for somewhere exciting to venture, Alex-anderplatz is quite possibly not the place to visit. However it does offer great transport hubs with access to both the over-ground S-Bahn and underground U-Bahn stations, enabling you to escape to a more memorable destination.

    Lois Jayne Pickford

    Introduction

    When visiting a city so rich in history, you can often rush to and from its main attractions, missing the small gateways to the obscure and diverse. Berlin is littered with famous streets, from the ever so popular shopping boulevard, Kurfursten-damm - or Kudamm to the locals - to the long, tree shaded stretch of road, dating back centuries, known as Unter den Linden. This is likely Berlins most visited street due to its position near the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial To The Murdered Jews of Europe, as well as being only a stones throw away from the spot where Hitlers bunker lay, now paved over by a car park. But beyond the more well known, every street has something tucked away from the madding crowd. Some with historical importance, some house fine street food, chic new gadgets or the smallest of galleries. Keep your eyes peeled or you may well walk past, through, or over a key spot of this great city. With infinite possibilities down every place, alley or road, Berlin is a city waiting to be discovered and its these streets that lead you to your next adventure.

    Adam Stevenson

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

    Streets and Tours

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  • OutdoorsIntroduction

    Sometimes in Berlin youll need a bit of respite from the hectic cosmopolitan lifestyle. Although it is a bustling capital city, Berlin does not leave you feeling confined due to its array of outdoor sanctuaries. There are plenty of green spaces to choose from, so you can easily unwind outdoors and be surrounded by nature without having to travel far. After a late night, a walk through the lush lawns of Tiergarten, a casual bike ride around Templehof Park or an afternoon laughing at animal antics at the zoo can be just the antidote you need. And for the most spectacular outdoor excursions, its worth going a little further out from central Berlin to visit Sansouc-ci Park in Potsdam or the Botanical Gardens in Dahlem. Make the most of sunny summer days and discover any of the fol-lowing outdoor spaces at your own leisure. Even if youre not visiting in summer, you can still enjoy a brisk walk through the crisp autumn leaves of a public park or palace gardens and appreciate a bit of tranquillity within the buzzing city.

    Claire Harmer

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

    Sanssouci Park

    Zur Historischen Mhle 1, 14469, Potsdamwww.potsdam-park-sanssouci.de/home.htmlS-Bahn: S1 (Potsdam Hbf)Neues Palais: Tue Sun 10:00 18:00

    Frederick IIoften referred to as Frederick the Greatruled a Prussian kingdom filled with militaristic triumph and bureau-cratic reform. To escape the gruelling demands of govern-ment, the monarch would retreat to his favourite summer residence in Potsdam where he made Sanssouci Park his botanical haven. Built from 1745 to 1757 under the auspices of architect Georg Wenzeslaus, the park is commonly referred to by tourists and travellers as the German Versailles. Much like the royal French chateau, Sanssouci continues to be maintained and is now deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its pristine lawns, elaborate topiaries, and culti-vated collection of fruit and flora, traversing the parks paths instils a tranquil sensation of calm and relaxation. Even its name, derived from the French word san souci, or without a care, exudes a light, airy peacefulness. Instead of Berlins rumbling traffic, the sounds of Sanssouci are the crunching of gravel beneath your feet and the delicate trickle of fountains and streams. Located on the grounds are several buildings that were also commissioned by Frederick: the Church of Peacesituat-ed in the Marly Gardenfeatures Venetian influences that give it an idyllic and romantic atmosphere, whilst the pale yellow exterior of the Schloss Sanssouci (Sanssouci Pal-ace) sits at the top of the lush terraced vineyard. One of the most prominent palaces is the Neues Palais (New Palace)a grand Prussian structure built in Fredericks beloved Rococo style. Designed to impress visitors on Prussias newly-found greatness, its dcor features luxurious lacquer tables, velvet damask walls, and vases adorned with swirling vines, gilded leaves, and blossoming dandelions that reflect the botanical gardens that surround it. Best viewed during fine weather, the park and its palaces are a charming location that makes the thirty-minute train journey to the Brandenburg capital worthwhile. Given the sheer scale and beauty of Sanssouci, the whole day can easily be spent in this lush paradise.

    Jihee Junn

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  • Sonntagskonzerte am Bode-Museum / Sunday Concerts at The Bode-Muse-um

    Am Kupfergruben, 10117www.sonntagskonzerte.de/U-Bahn: U6 (Friedrichstrae), S-Bahn: S75/S5 (Friedrichstrae)July August, Sun: 20:30 late

    If youre spent from Saturday nights clubbing but dont want to waste a sunny Sunday evening, the Bode-Museum offers a relaxing alternative to techno-beats. For those visiting Berlin in the height of summer, stroll across the bridge on Bode-strae and treat your ears to a free open-air classical concert. A different duo, trio or soloist plays each year throughout July and August. No need to be a classical connoisseurthe enchanting sound of strings soaring across the River Spree is for all to enjoy. Listen while admiring the grand 1904 archi-tecture of the museum illuminated in violet light, and watch reflections dance over the water as the sun sinks. Seats can be obtained if you arrive early and drinks and snacks are avail-able, but at 4 for a glass of wine, its worth bringing your own bottle and a picnic blanket for a truly low-cost night. Although the open environment brings with it the occasional screeching infant and stomping pedestrian, this isnt suffi-cient to spoil the tranquillity. Expect plenty of canoodling couples: the atmosphere here is unavoidably romantic.

    Sarah Johnson

    EntertainmentIntroduction

    Boredom does not exist in this city. Entertainment is as di-verse as it is abundant. Do not worry if clubbing, shopping or museums are not your thing, or if youre simply looking for new things to do. If your arms ache, set down your shopping bags and catch a film at one of many cinemas, either indoors or outside. If youre feeling brave, show off your talents at the immensely-popular Bearpit Karaoke. Roaring crowds can also be found in the sports stadiums across the city; join the beer-fuelled football fans and sing to your hearts content. Or spend a day at the Olympic Stadium taking in the sights. After an elegant meal, sit back and relax at a civilised classi-cal concert or two. Alternative live music is also easy to catch, with places such as Madame Claude hosting singer-songwrit-er evenings. The more upbeat DJ nights are perfect for those with more energy to spare.

    Katherine McKenzie

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

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  • Green Door

    Winterfeldstrae 50, 10781www.greendoor.deU-Bahn: U1/U2/U3/U4 (Nollendorfplatz)Sun Thurs: 18:00 3:00, Fri Sat: 18:00 4:00 An Orangina lamp in the window and a subtle neon sign mark the entrance to this classy craft cocktail bar, whose door is, unsurprisingly, green. Ring the bell to enter, and find your-self in a retro room that David Bowie is rumored to have frequently visited. A curved white wall with a shelf for drinks and green ashtrays for indoor smoking is opposite the bar, and a leather couch sits at each end of the room. Barbie is suspended on a small cross in the corner, and a glowing plas-tic dog sits on the bar and illuminates the extensive menu. Classic cocktails go for 9-10, and their specialties can run up to 12, but if you come for happy hour from 18:00 20:00, the 7 tab is easier to swallow. It is a reasonable price for a classy concoction like the Art of Bourbon, a delicious peachy twist on a mint julep, made with Makers Mark, one of the better Kentucky Bourbons found on this side of the Atlan-tic. Non-alcoholic beverages can set you back just as much as their adult libations, so its perhaps more worthwhile to indulge behind the Green Door.

    Brett Balling

    Clubs & BarsIntroduction

    Berlin is a lively, exciting and insomniac city with an infinite night scene. Yes, literally. You can stop by for a taste of its small and popular jazz bars, or enjoy a wild night of electro music inside an old factory. Cocktail aficionados will be de-lighted with the myriad drinks on offer, from simple classics to complex, creative, original cocktails that blend all manners of liquors, gins and fresh ingredients. There is also space for salsa, merengue, R&B and Reggaeton. The great thing about Berlins nightlife is that it offers something for everyone to enjoy. Great drinks, vintage music, high-heeled crowds, modern ca-sinos Berlins current programme ranges from trendy roof-top clubs to relaxed and intimate bars. This extensive variety makes it difficult to decide the perfect after-dark destination. Dont miss the opportunity to mingle with Berliners at a canal-side nautical tavern or enjoy traditional German dishes served with great beer. Wherever you head to, Berlin will cer-tainly provide you with great entertainment. Cheers to that! Paloma Gonzlez Llorente

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

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  • Do You Read Me?!

    Auguststrae 28, 10117 www.doyoureadme.deS-Bahn: S1/S25 (Oranienburger Strae) / U-Bahn: U8 (Rosenthaler Platz)Mon Sat: 10:00 19:30

    Located on the super-trendy Auguststrae just a five min-ute walk away from Oranienburger Strae, is this equally hip contemporary magazine shop. Flying the flag for print publications in the digital age, this six-year-old store houses such an extensive collection of over 100 works that one visit is not enough to make a sizeable dent into what is on offer. The black walls and floor serve as a neutral background to the vivid magazine covers that line the shelves from floor to ceiling. The contemporary photography and design proudly displayed on these covers result in the room resembling a chic art gallery, and in some sense it is just that. The collec-tion of publications is truly international and diverse, with plenty of English language texts included. This hotspot for arty hipsters is the kind of place where New York Bike Style, a bicycle fashion photography magazine, sits comfortably next to Brick, a literary journal concerned with non-fiction. Subjects include, but are not limited to music, travel, art, architecture, business and fashion. Towards the back of the shop is an equally diverse literature collection, where texts on the philosophy of the self lie in close contact with pop music encyclopedias. Prices also vary greatly from 3 up to 50, with the average magazine setting you back around 15.

    Katherine McKenzie

    ShoppingIntroduction

    Berlins shopping options are as diverse as its nightlife. Whether you are a vintage fanatic or prefer designer goods, you can be sure to find something that catches your eye. You wont be stuck for places to shop in Berlin. As well as having a number of large department stores stocking familiar brands, The city also has an abundance of vintage emporiums stock-ing everything from old band t-shirts to 40-year old shoes. And if you dont find something you fancy here, head to one of the flea markets and scavage round the various stalls. If you want to find an original bargain, head to Mauerpark flea market on Sunday, or if you want to treat yourself to some-thing special, the designer boutiques in KaDeWe shopping centre are where you need to go. Berlins shopping scene isnt just limited to fashion, there are also lots of places to pick up souvenirs, street art prints and intriguing literature. No mat-ter what your style or budget, youre definitely going to find something to take home.

    Megan MacDougall

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

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  • Vanille and Marille

    Hagelberger Strae 1, 10965www.vanille-marille.de/U-Bahn: U6 (Mehringdamm)Daily: 11:00 23:00

    Featuring a constant queue winding its way from the street, this small ice cream shop is coated in a pop of vibrant pink paint: the same shade as their raspberry sorbet. The shop lends a burst of colour and a buzz to its street. Although the queue may be long, you can spend your time waiting making your mind up from the extensive list of daily-changing fla-vours displayed on the board outside. Stepping into the tiny shop itself, a cabinet of the days selection of 20 colourful ice creams and sorbets stands in front of you; a vibrant array ranging from dark Belgian chocolate to pastel pink strawber-ry to buttercup yellow mango sorbet. Each scoop is a mere 1,30 and is generously heaped into a waffle cone or a tub, so a single scoop may be enough for some. However, ice cream connoisseurs should pick two flavours to enjoy together: the Belgian chocolate paired with Madagascan vanilla with chewy brownie chunks is a perfect combination for chocolate lovers, while a tub of two colourful sorbets makes for a refreshing treat. Vanille and Marille offer dairy free options amongst their wide range of frozen desserts and coffee is also availa-ble.

    Abbey Fleming

    Introduction

    Theres much more to Berlin than bratwurst: whatever your budget, the countless cafes and restaurants here are as varied and vibrant as the city itself. Traditional German cuisine is sure to satisfy a comfort-food craving, with homey restau-rants offering juicy pork ribs, pan-fried potatoes, and, of course, a range of sausages from knackwurst to bockwurst. Watching your waistline? No problemtheres no shortage of veggie and vegan options, and you can detox from last nights clubbing at one of the trendy bio cafes offering local, organic ingredients. An influx of immigration has brought a world of taste sensations to the countrys capital: the vast Turkish community has turned the doner kebab into a Berlin classic, and with East Asian eateries on almost every corner, youre never far from a sushi stop-off. The sweet-toothed can enjoy fresh and flavoursome treats at one of the many ice-cream parlours, cake shops and coffee houses, and the renowned street food (see page 21) will quickly placate a rumbling stomach. Even the fussiest of eaters are guaranteed to find a favourite in this diverse wonderland of culinary choices; pick one from the following pages, and tuck in.

    Sarah Johnson

    Follow the area key throughout the guide to find out the best places to go in each area so you dont miss anything while youre there:

    Charlottenburg FriedrichshainKreuzbergMitteNeukllnPrezlauer BergSchnebergOther

    Cafes and Restaurants

    65

  • Abbey Fleming,

    Gracing the group with her warm smile and Scottish charm, Abbey has expertly settled into the citys cul-ture and nightlife, and now calls Berlin her home away from home. Currently in the midst of her studies at the University of Glasgow, she aspires to one day ply her trade in the gritty world of journalism.

    Writer (Features)

    Zahabia Zohair Chitalwala,

    Zahabia comes all the way from the exotic land of Abu Dhabi... she may be shy at first but shes an interest-ing, chatty character once you get to know her. Stud-ying Marketing & Manage-ment at university, shes forever finding new inter-ests but her true passions are dancing (shes an awe-some belly dancer!), paint-ing and photography. Youll often turn around and find shes not there as shes stopped to take a photo! Getting lost in Berlin is one of her favourite ways to ex-plore the city

    Writer, Layout & Design

    Megan Macdougall,

    This stylish gal from Belfast is a public rela-tions student in Edin-burgh, but she fits right in here in Berlin with her tough biker jacket and chic pixie cut. By night, Megan can be found tearing up the tanz floor in the cool-est bars and clubs in town, and by day, shell be found anywhere oth-er than a museum.

    Writer & Editor

  • Lois Jayne Pickford,

    This bubbly bookworm and journalism graduate from Preston spends her time in Berlin browsing through flea markets for versions of Alice in Wonderland that she doesnt already own (not an easy feat), attempt-ing to use chopsticks in Thai restaurants and trying to translate what her Scot-tish flatmates are saying. Intelligent and fun-loving, Lois spends the afternoon pouring through the pages of a book and has impres-sively gained entry into the elusive Berghain.

    Writer & Editor

    Sarah Johnson,

    This fun-loving perfection-ist from Buckinghamshire is a great team player. Even when under the weather, she is always pitching in with ideas and editing her socks off. Sarah is an Eng-lish Literature graduate with a knack for writing, whether the topic be com-puter games or chocolate shops. Hidden talents in-clude playing piano and cheesecake expertise.

    Writer & Editor

    Jihee Junn,

    In this world we all work at our own pace. To remind us that life must include those simple coffee breaks and relaxing naps on the tram, we must look to Jihee. Com-ing to Berlin to experience European lifestyles and cul-ture, shes a determined yet easy going character from New Zealand.

    Writer & Editor

  • Rory OBrien, Our outgoing Irish fella has made the most of his time in Berlin. Party-loving and dedicated in equal measure, hes definitely the guy to ask for tips on how to live an unforgettable experience in Berlin. His fluent German, his trusty bike and his determination to become a real Berliner make him the perfect guide for young tourists. Grand!

    Writer (Features)

    Brett Balling,This small, chilled-out Detroiter is as cool a woman as youll find on your travels. Hip to the current scenes and clubs as well as a read-er of classic literature, she is a re-minder of what Cool really is, as if she has stepped out of a rare piece of Andy Warhol art. Bright, witty and cultured, this nose-pierced, John Lennon sunglasses-wear-ing girl loves a bite; a huge foody, she often enjoys food more than people. She walks around in the haze left behind by Bowie and Lou Reed. Shes a cat, a fire cracker and an infamous cocktail connoisseur.

    Writer (Features)

  • Christopher Philip Ward,

    This big friendly giant is a star. Chris degree in fine art and experi-ence of Berlins murky corners make him the ideal person to be giving his views on one of the worlds most exciting cities. Chris is an ex-tremely talented writ-er with a skilful, poetic style that many writers can only dream of ob-taining. He is also a man who loves to social-ise and has a contagious fetish for dancing that has spread right across the group.A true gent.

    Writer, Graphic Designer & Layout

    Paloma Gonzlez Llorente,

    This Spanish seorita loves travelling the world, es-pecially to her favourite hot spot in New York. Ed-ucated in Spain with a law degree, Paloma has now left her lawyer days behind her, working as an EN-ES translator and interpreter after studying for her Mas-ters in England. Always dressed in an impeccable style, Paloma has a way with words being nothing but an asset to the CTR team.

    Writer (Featurews)

    Adam Steveson,

    Adam is an outgoing, young Scottish lad who has made the most of his time in Ber-lin. Not only is he a film buff but also has a unique eye for photography. A fa-natic of horror movies and the legendary Martin Scors-ese films. But thats not it, he also enjoys baking.

    Writerdic (Feat

  • Katherine McKenzie,

    As the teams much-needed or-ganiser, Katherine tries hard to limit her posts in the Facebook group to only three a day. Much more of an acoustic-enthusiast than techno junkie, when shes not hunting out new folk sounds shell be feeding her addiction to 1 noodles. This literature grad is incredibly friendly and easy going...just as long as you dont miss a meeting!

    Writer, Editor & Project Manager

    Claire Harmer,

    This lovely Londoner has a soft spot for sweet treats, fluffy dogs and printed trousers. Her perfec-tionist streak makes her the per-fect asset to a team. She may be small in height but her personal-ity is anything but, Claires giggly charm is guaranteed to cheer an-yone up.

    Writer, Layout & Design