The Do's and Don'ts of Berlin Sightseeing
Berlin is a treasure trove of history, culture and contemporary arts.
With over seven hundred hotels, an abundance of museums and art
galleries and over one third of the city dedicated to parks, gardens,
forests and rivers, the German capital is one of Europe's major tourist
hotspots. With so much on offer, visitors are advised to plan ahead in
order to witness the must-see attractions and avoid others not suited to
their interests.
Things to Experience
East Side Gallery
Situated in the borough of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the East Side
Gallery is the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Whilst East
and West Germany were reunified in October 1990, the 1.3km section
remains a powerful memorial for the history of the city, with one
hundred and five paintings covering the East side. Take note of weather
forecasts- you might need an umbrella.
The Reichstag Dome
Meeting place of the modern German government, the
Bundestag, the Reichstag building is another potent marker of the
history of Berlin. Following the reunification of East and West in 1990,
the reconstruction of the building fell into the hands of British
architect Norman Foster. Today a glass dome tops the building. The
cupola has a mirror covered core and provides breath-taking views across
the city. Prepare for high security checks and note that queues are
shortest in the early morning.
Berlin Zoo
The Berlin Zoologischer Garten is Germany's oldest Zoo. It is home to
a staggering array of animals including hippos, gorillas and pandas and
features an impressive aquarium.
Brandenburg Gate
No sightseeing tour would be complete without a stop at the
Brandenburg gate. Modelled on the architecture of the Acropolis, the
gate has come in recent years to represent German unity. An impressive
landmark, it stands west of Pariser Platz in an interesting and
attractive area.
Berlin by Boat
For an alternative view of the city, try a river cruise through
Berlin. Many of the highlights of the inner city are viewable from the
water and cruises are available day or night.
Things to Avoid
Safety Issues
Which parts of Berlin should be avoided will depend on the interests
of the visitor, but for all tourists safety comes first. As with any
large city, thieves will target tourists so ensure to keep an eye on
your personal possessions. The question of crime rates is the subject of
fierce debate, with many viewing boroughs such as Neukoelln as higher
crime risk areas. The simple answer is to employ common sense; travel in
groups and avoid the dark backstreets at night time.
Outdoor Winter Pursuits
Walking and cycling are great ways to get around Berlin, but the city
can plummet to many degrees below freezing. The German capital is known
for its harsh winter months, so visitors who are contemplating riverside
walks, sightseeing and open air places such as the East Side Gallery
will need to pack plenty of thick clothing in their cases.
Paying Needlessly
If you are eager to get see a specific exhibit then buying a ticket
is understandable. Visitors should be aware however that Museums,
including Berlin state museums, are free to enter on Thursday
afternoons.
Avoiding Fines
Public transport within Berlin consists mainly of the U-Bahn, S-Bahn,
Strassenbahn. Passengers are usually not required to show proof of
ticket purchase before boarding, and some do not buy a ticket at all.
Beware of this risky strategy, as plain-clothed ticket inspectors
operate on all services. To avoid a hefty fine, buy a day or week ticket
(and scan it on the station platform before boarding).
Experiencing the Culture
When visiting Berlin, don't restrict yourself to the beaten track. It
can be tempting for some to race about taking snapshots of landmarks
without experiencing true German culture. Try dining at
German restaurants, visit tucked-away markets and take some time to
learn the language. Many visitors take German courses before travelling.
For those seeking
German courses Manchester, Birmingham, London and Leeds offer
starter courses that will enrich your travels (for more information
visit
http://www.uiclanguages.com/). Learning at least a little of the
lingo is polite, and will open up a whole new side of the city. |
