Life. Berlin is overflowing with it. Everywhere you turn, the air crackles with an endless supply of energy. From midnight dancing to intimate gigs, hidden shops and side-street bars, exquisite palaces and intricate graffiti, themed cafés and wide expanses of museums—there is always something happening, something to see, somewhere to go. Day and night, this city has everything you can possibly imagine and more.
From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem overwhelming—or by some small chance, underwhelming. Whatever the case, our team humbly invites you to take this guide along as you discover the vibrant streets of Berlin for yourself. Through countless hours of writing, editing, researching and great amounts of the finest beers and spirits, we have compiled the highlights of our own Berlin adventures to share with you.
Essentially, we hope to bring you inside Berlin, not only as a tourist but as a real Berliner, or “Berlinsider.”
2. full ebook: www.lulu.com/content/ebook/berlinsiders/13246200
Editorial
Lily Prasuethsut, editor-in-chief
Hera Sparnon, survive berlin
Louise Cheeseman, sights
Marj Clark, museums & memorials
Sebastiaan Berswerda, arts & culture
Adam Harris, recreation Introduction 5
Helen Frear, food & drink
Megan Lumsden, shopping History 7
Victoria Lewis, nightlife & music
Layout
Survive Berlin 11
Sally Grondowski
Sebastiaan Berswerda Sights 23
Hera Sparnon
Museums & Memorials 37
Features
Louise Cheeseman
Megan Lumsden
Arts & Culture 53
Helen Frear
Marj Clark Recreation 61
Hera Sparnon
Adam Harris Food & Drink 71
Reviews
Sebastiaan Berswerda Shopping 85
Louise Cheeseman
Marj Clark Nightlife & Music 97
Helen Frear
Sally Grondowski Contributors 110
Adam Harris
Victoria Lewis
Megan Lumsden
Lily Prasuethsut
Hera Sparnon
German Language Tips
Victoria Lewis
Special thanks to Marcus, Matt and Lutz for all
your support and expertise
3. History
From World War II to the division of east and west,
Berlin has seen some of the most turbulent times in
history. To avoid a textbook-sized account of Berlin’s
past, the following is only a snippet of this city’s
immense record; however, it should be enough as
you stand in line waiting to buy your ticket for one of
the many historical museums.
4. Survive Berlin
This city is safe, affordable and easy to navigate. If
you’re looking for transport info, weather or general
tips about Berlin, the following should help you feel
right at home.
5. Survive Berlin
Billig Berlin
remaining continuous strip of the wall, but Berlin’s Walking Tours
it boasts of over 100 artistic murals and is
the largest outdoor gallery in the world. There are a number of free walking tours
Completely free and a feast for the eyes, a that operate throughout Berlin. Companies
wander along East Side Gallery will give you such as Brewers Tours offer comprehensive,
Top tips of things to do when you’re on a budget countless photo opportunities and food for extensive walking tours covering areas from
thought on cultural diversity (page 57). museum island to Checkpoint Charlie, and
Berlin is bursting at the seams with exciting activities to lose yourself in. Of course, it can be
are completely operated on a “pay what you
difficult to decide on what to do in a city with so much to offer. Scan this handy list for some tips
of billig (cheap) things to do in Berlin when you’re feeling poor (don’t worry, you’re still sexy). Topography of Terror and think it’s worth” basis. Various companies
also offer alternative tours of the city. For
Stasi Museum example, alternative Berlin dedicates their
tours to the vibrant subculture present
Situated near Checkpoint Charlie on Frie-
in the city, and have their fingers on the
drichstraβe, these permanent exhibiti-
pulse when it comes to street art, urban
ons are the perfect opportunity to explo-
exploration and Berlin’s underground scene
re Berlin’s intense political history. While
(page 56). Although varying in content,
the Topography of Terror (page 44) gives
both kinds of city tours are in ready supply
stark and respectful insight into Germany’s
from numerous companies, and can help
political behavior during WWII, the Sta-
visitors grasp great contextual knowledge
si Museum (page 49) sheds light into the
of the city (page 26).
Soviet’s Secret Police during the Cold War
years. Both exhibitions are fresh, interac-
Sachsenhausen Concentration
16 tive and highly educational experiences.
17
Camp
Although not a pleasant side of Berlin’s
history, the former site of this WWII
concentration camp nevertheless played its
part in the city’s past. It is now open for the
public to gain a better awareness of some
of the atrocities witnessed within its walls.
With a number of informative exhibits and
the opportunity to walk around this site,
Sachsenhausen helps visitors gather facts
about this building’s gruelling formative
Reichstag appointment online and seeing inside this years. Immensely informative, moving and
important historical center for yourself a place to reflect on some of the shocking
One of the most important historical sites (page 31). events communities have had to witness
in Berlin, this epicentre of German political through the years (page 51).
reform has seen two world wars, been
partially destroyed and finally rebuilt in East Side Gallery By Marj Clark
the 1960s to become the popular visitor
destination it is today. Its impressive dome, Situated in Friedrichshain, what was once a
currently constructed with glass, offers part of the Berlin Wall is now a site dedicated
360 degree views of Berlin. Considering to the city’s prominent street art scene.
this world class visitor destination is free An international tribute to freedom, the
to explore, it is well worth making an East Side Gallery not only hosts the largest
6. Survive Berlin
Basic German
While most Berliners seem to have a good
grasp of the English language and are more
than happy to practice their skills with visi-
ting foreigners, it’s always helpful to learn
Hello/ good day Hallo/Guten Tag
Good morning Guten Morgen
Good evening
1
1
eins
elf
00 hundert
1
2 zwei
zwölf
0 zwanzig
1
3 drie
dreizehn
0 driezig
4 5 6
the lingo when taking trips to foreign climes.
Guten Abend
Good night Gute Nacht vier fünf sechs
Locals will appreciate you making the effort,
and learning even a few phrases will enrich Goodbye Auf Wiedersehen 1 vierzehn 1 fünfzehn 1 sechszehn
your travel experience. 0 vierzig 0 fünfzig 0 sechzig
Here are a few handy words and phrases to
Bye Tschüss
7 8 9
help you on your way…
sieben acht neun
1 siebzehn 1 achtzehn 1 neunzehn
Can you 0 siebzig 0 achtszig 0 neunzig
Please/Thank you speak more slow-
0
(very much) Excuse me/ ly please? 58 = achtund- 369 = drie-
null
Bitte/Danke (schön)
Yes/No
Sorry
Entschuldigung
Könnten Sie bitte 1 zehn fünfzig hundertneun-
undsechzig
langsamer
Ja/Nein sprechen?
das Internet
20 Where is the local internet café?
21
Wo ist hier ein Internet-Café?
How are you? Wie geht es Ihnen? Is there WiFi internet access here?
Fine, and you? Mir geht es gut, und Ihnen? Mobile Phone Gibt es hier einen WLAN-Zugang?
Do you speak English? Sprechen Sie Englisch? das Handy
No, I don’t understand (you) Nein, Ich verstehe (Sie) nicht I’d like a SIM-card for your network.
Ich hätte gern ein SIM-Karte für Ihr Netz.
Yes I understand you. Ja, ich verstehe (Sie) I want to buy a phone card.
What does…..mean? Was bedeutet….? Ich möchte eine Telephonekarten kaufen.
What is your name? Wie heiβt du?
Correct/affirmative Genau Where is….? I am looking for…
I was only joking! Das war nur ein Schwerz! Wo ist? Ich suche…
How far is it…?
Wie weit ist es?
` a
“Helllo, I am Barry
Ze German” Beware Bear Tip!
links rechts
The Bear is the
“Hallo, Ich heiβe
Barry Ze German”
symbol of Berlin,
and will give
uby bus tby train pby taxi on foot
you handy tips through mit dem Bus mit dem Zug mit dem Taxi zu Fuβ
this guide.
7. Sights
As the capital of Germany, Berlin has a lot more to
offer than just eccentric nightlife and delicious meals.
Promising to be a picturesque setting for an array of
intoxicating sites, the city is jam-packed with places
that must be visited more than once.
8. Museums &
Memorials
Berlin is bursting with museums. Offering over 170
and even a whole island dedicated to museums, the
city is buzzing with exhibitions suited to everyone’s
taste. Whether you adore art or are a history buff,
there is a museum waiting around every bend. Flip
the pages and be taken on an inspirational, mind-
boggling tour full of Greeks, gruelling wars and...
currywurst.
9. Arts & Culture
After the reunification in 1990, Berlin established
itself as one of Europe’s brightest centers for arts and
culture. Famous for its elaborate and inspirational
street art scattered throughout the city, Berlin
continues to grow and thrive as a magnet for a
multitude of different kinds of artists to display their
work in various exhibitions in the city.
10. Recreation
You would expect the capital of any country to be
filled with urban concrete; however, Berlin manages
to find a nice balance between greenery and gray.
Whether you stumble into the Tiergarten hoping
to escape the city noise, wander the Royal Potsdam
Palaces or immerse yourself in a film at the Sony
Center, you are sure to find a few relaxing days
amidst the action of Berlin.
11. Food & Drink
Contrary to popular belief, there is far more to
Berlin’s culinary repertoire than wurst and beer. The
city is home to an array of weird and wonderful
eateries, ranging from quaint café’s and themed
restaurants, to Imbisses and Turkish kebap joints.
From coffee to cake, you’re guaranteed to find a little
bit of what you fancy!
12. Shopping
Berlin’s shopping scene is brimming with haute
couture and shabby-chic styles making the city one
of the fastest growing fashion meccas in Europe. With
the commercial stores and malls on Kurfürstendamm
to vintage shops and boutiques of Kreuzberg and
Prenzlauerberg, Berlin has it all. This section of the
travel guide has a wide variety of shops for you to go
out and grab the best deals off the rack.
13. Music &
Nightlife
Famed for its hedonistic club culture and constantly
evolving music scene, Berlin is a thriving creative
hub with music at its beating heart. All night techno
temples and achingly cool jazz haunts keep this city
awake catering to the most eclectic tastes. Berlin
loves to party, and in a city where beer is cheaper
than water, you know you’re in for a good time.
14. Contributors
Lily Prasuethsut, Editor-in-Chief
Our California girl and all-around top editor, Lily is a fan of all things Sally Grondowski, Layout
geek. When she’s not playing computer games or watching Star Wars Sally is, simply put, the sweetest girl in the world. Practically perfect in
you can find her dancing to her favourite bands dressed as a soya bean every way and like a true English lady, she makes the best cup of tea
drink! this side of the Channel. Not to be underestimated, this young woman
is also a pro-active creativity powerhouse.
Hera Sparnon, Layout , Survive Berlin
One of the most awesomest people on Earth, Hera’s travelled all Helen Frear, Food & Drink
over the globe and made friends wherever she goes. She’s always Helen brings a splash of fashionable sophistication to the group.
smiling and can be found at Mauerpark singing to the crowds. Hera is Good looking by day (even when she’s a tad hung over *cough*)
definitely one of the coolest people around. and by night with her hair whipping back and forth on the dance
floor. She’s down to earth and cracks a good joke, or two, as well.
Plus, you’d never guess she’s a Nottingham-er!
Louise Cheeseman, Sights
Despite her name, Louise is neither a cheese fanatic nor a man. She
can always be found armed and ready with a camera in hand and on Adam Harris, Recreation
average, takes a photo every 12.6 seconds. She is an extremely nice, Adam Harris, or rather Dr. Adam Harris, is top Lad with a capital L. Likes
quirky girl, who up to the age of 16 believed Robin Hood was an actual a tipple or two and loves his chilies. Ten ja’s out of ten!
Marj Clark, Museums & Memorials
Be warned! This Scottish wench will jabber away sharing stories
with anyone around her. In addition, she isn’t scared to show her
singing skills either. Every Sunday at Mauerpark, she has entertained Victoria Lewis, Nightlife & Music
hundreds of people with hits by Madonna, Journey and the Divinyls. TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO, a bit of head jamming and more
Marj is a good addition to any kind of gathering as she is sure to create TECHNO. Passionate music lover, she can party the night away
a smile on your face. and still manage to whip up incredible reviews…..her flower
photography is also top-notch!
Sebastiaan Berswerda, Layout, Arts & Culture Megan Lumsden, Shopping
GENAU. What would we do without the great and powerful
Megan, or better yet known as the Aberdeen Tiger, is absolutely
Sebastiaaaaaaaaaan? Do you like waffles–yes, he likes waffles! He
grrrrreat (with a Scottish accent of course). A photo without her isn’t
knows every song written, and he knows more than you, because Basti
a real photo until she’s in it striking one of her famous poses. But in all
is Fantasti. He has the body of Adonis, pulls a good duck face and also
seriousness, she’s a good friend, a kind soul, an occasional lead balloon
takes a “GREEEAT Phot-oh.” He appears out the smoke in nightclubs like
(just kidding, she never is) and a bona fide babe with her luscious red
a creepy ninja and dances like your dad. But we love him, and he gets our
locks. This Tiger is simply one a kind. Rawr.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T!