The Berlinsider's Guide

Boozin in Berlin 34

Shop, Drop & Roll 42

Table of Contents

Berlin Basics

Sights & Sites

Beds & Bunks

Cafes & Cuisines

Boozin in Berlin

Shop, Drop & Roll

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Intro

Berlin: the capital of Germany, home to over 3.5 million people from over 180 nations, a sprawling concoction of historical nostalgia, stunning woodland and lakes, and forward-thinking hipster mentality. A city recently united after the fall of the Wall,

Berlin is now known for its famous universities, galleries and museums, for hosting concerts of all genres in superb entertainment venues, for boasting one of the richest culinary scenes in Europe, and so much more. The unique look of its architecture has made it a sought-after set for many international films, including Quentin Tarantinos Inglorious Basterds. Not

only that but the sheer amount of festivals, nightlife, and arts events have made it a hub for creative, intelligent types from all around the globe.

There is so much to see and do in Berlin that you will find a handy, travel-sized guidebook to be a saving grace, especially one that aims to cover unique and sometimes obscure activities and locations.

The BerlInsiders Guide is just one such a guidebook, and within its pages you will find tips and pointers to help you get as memorable a stay in this splendid city as possible.

Berlin has had a hectic history - no other European capital has seen so many revolutions, darker days or faster flourishing. Before starting your trip to Berlin familiarise yourself with its chaotic history from the 13th up to the beyond-belief events of the 20th century. Some time in the 13th century merchants founded a trading post called Berlin and it became a profitable trading spot in the medieval trade route. 1359 Berlin became a member of the Hanseatic League, which dominated commercial activity in northern Europe. Founded by German merchant communities abroad, the main aim was to protect their mutual trading interests. 1617-48 The Thirty Years War left the capital ruined, broken; thousands of people were murdered or killed by disease.

1640-88 The road to a kingdom began. Friedrich Wilhelm managed to increase Berlins safety and built three neighborhoods (Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt & Friedrichstadt ) during his long reign.

1680-1710 Berlins population tripled to 56,000, which made it one of the largest cities in the Holy Roman Empire.

1685 Huguenots arrived from

France, built the Franzsischer Dom (French Cathedral).

1740-86 Friedrich II or Friedrich the Great had a grand architectural plan for Berlin. He never managed to complete it but he gave Berlin the Staatsoper (State Opera House), Sankt-Hedwigs-Kathedrale, the Humboldt Universitt (Humboldt University).

27 October 1806 - Friedrich the Great died and his forces were not able to beat Napoleons, which led to Napoleon marching through the Brandenburg Gate.. This marked the beginning of a three-year occupation of Berlin.

1848 The industrial revolution had started. Berlin developed into a centre of technology and the building of the German railway system began.

1914-1918 Before, during and after WWI Berlin saw numerous revolutions and seizures of power: The German republic, a socialist republic and the ending of the 500 years old royal Hohezollen rule. 1920s The immense metropolis of Berlin came into existence the population grew into 3,8 million, the government amalgamated the regions towns and villages into one administration. Nevertheless the humiliation of a war lost was in the air, unemployment was high and

History

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History continued

demonstrations were seen every day.

1936 The Olympic summer games took place, 49 nations marched into the Olympiastadion in western Charlottenburg.

1939-1941 WWII left Berlin in tatters more than half of the buildings were destroyed, 125,000 Berliners had lost their lives and one million women and children evacuated.

1945 mid-April The final Battle of Berlin, Germany had finally lost the war and Hitler shot himself in his bunker.

1945 Berlin was divided into 4 sectors, administered by the occupying powers: the United States of America, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.

1961 August 13 GDR started building the Berlin wall, dividing the city into two parts.

1963 First entry permit is signed to West Berliners to visit relatives in the eastern part. 1.2 million take advantage of this opportunity on the 5th January.

1987 Berlins 750th anniversary. All attempts to join Berlin for the celebrations failed and the two halves celebrated separately.

1989 November 4 More than half million East Berliners gather

at Alexanderplatz demanding freedom of speech and press.

1989 November 9 The Wall finally falls.

2012 Berlin celebrates its 775th anniversary

For some of you, this may be your first time in Berlin and possibly even Germany. Hopefully this guide will help you feel more comfortable with the language and the culture of the city.

Common phrases:

Can you help me? Knnen Sie mir helfen?

Cheers! Prost!

Do you speak English? Sprechen Sie Englisch?

Excuse me Entschuldigung

Goodbye Auf Wiedersehen (formal), Tschss, or Tschau (pronounced like ciao)

Good afternoon Guten Tag

Good evening Guten Abend

Good morning Guten Morgen

How much does that cost? Wieviel kostet das?

I dont speak German Ich spreche keine Deutsch

My name is Ich heisse or Meine Name ist

Sorry Es tut mir Leid

Thank you Danke, danke schn, or vielen dank

Youre welcome Bitte or bitte schn

What is your name? Wie heissen Sie?

Where is the bathroom? Wo ist die Toilette?

Survival Guide

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Survival Guide Continued

Eating out:

Do you have? Haben Sie?

Ill take Ich nehme(should be used only at an Imbiss, a snack stand)

I would like Ich mchte

I would like to have Ich htte gern

No, thank you Nein, danke

The bill/check Die Rechtung

The menu Die Speisekarte

If you want to keep it simple, simply saying the name of food/drink followed by bitte will suffice.

Since the topic of eating out has been discussed, it seems only fair to move onto restaurant etiquette in Berlin. In Germany, you are expected to find your own seat. If you do see a sign asking you to wait to be seated, you have probably picked a very expensive and exclusive restaurant. You may be given some bread or other items when the waiter comes. Sometimes these are free and other times theyre not. If youre not sure, always ask. When it comes to paying for your meal, German restaurants and cafes rarely accept credit cards (unless there is a sign somewhere listing the names of the credit cards they accept) so as a general rule of thumb: always expect to pay in cash. As for tipping: depending on the service you received tip the standard 15% (or more if youre feeling generous). But when you do tip, dont leave your tip on the table. Should something unexpected happen while on your trip to Berlin here are a few emergency numbers that you should know:

Fire brigade (for accidents and severe/life threatening emergencies)

112

Police 110

Zahnrztlicher Notdienst Vermittlung (for questions regarding dental care)

(030) 23 88 35 78

If you need to buy medication (i.e. Advil, cold medicine) youll need to go to an Apotheke. Germany isnt a self-medicating country and any over the

counter medication you need to buy needs to be done through an Apotheke. Should you need to visit a doctor or a hospital while in Berlin, youll need to bring your EHIC card, passport (or any other form of ID), as well a debit/credit card.

If you are in desperate need of Wi-Fi while in the city (to tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. about your Berlin exploits, etc.) you have a few options. You can go to an Internet caf and even some regular cafes and even a few bars, though in some cases you may need to order something or even pay to use their Wi-Fi. If you dont feel like paying you can always go to a library (Bibliothek, in German).

Basically, all it really takes to survive in Berlin is common sense. Luckily Germany is a Western country and many of its cultural norms are similar to the cultural norms of other Western nations. Act like you would in your home country and youll be fine. Dont put yourself into any dangerous situations, treat the local Berliners with respect (as well as your fellow tourists) and your stay in Germanys capital should be a fun and enjoyable one.

Survival Guide Continued

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Public Transport

Berlin is a vast city, so navigating your way through it can be tricky if you dont stay on your toes. While getting lost can sometimes lead to some interesting places, its not always ideal to find your way back.

The trams are reliable and speedy, but you will often find yourself having to catch a few connections to reach your desired destination. Its also easy enough to travel for free as the wardens only appear to check tickets every once in a blue moon. Beware though as if your caught without a ticket its an on the spot fine of 40. This also applies if you have a day ticket and fail to validate it on board. Wardens work on commission and rarely speak English so dont count on charming your way out of trouble. Over the weekend trams run all night, but during the week the service terminates at 01:00, so youll need to plot your journey home. If there are elderly people

on board be sure to give up your seat, otherwise a swift cane to the stomach may be heading your way.

If in need of assistance you can download the BVG app which tracks the cities transport lines, with data you can find departure times and local stations. Without the internet, it still provides a map of Berlins rail network. Dont invest too much faith in the app during the small hours though, as occasional glitches may leave you helpless.

The U-Bahn is deep in the earth and equivalent to the tube station in London, though far quieter and more efficient. Sometimes decorated with sick at night there is usually plenty of space to sit and calculate your next steps. You may find yourself making a few friends as every station has beer and a bottle opener at the counter. Dogs are welcome on all forms of transport so be sure and keep a watchful eye or you may end up treading on some tails.

The underground can be a touch creepy when alone at night; as it approaches it is known to emit a gasp that echoes off the tiled walls. Notably, each station has different murals on the wall. U Platz der Luftbrcke is littered

with charming variations of Despicable Mes minions. The art is always worth a look and is great entertainment when waiting on the train line, not that youll be lingering long.

The predominantly above ground S-Bahn makes for a smooth trip from A to B; the stations are well laid out making exchanges easier and travel flow seamlessly. Musicians bearing trumpets and tambourines often appear mid melody to sing between stops. The energy they express is sure to have you tapping your foot to the rhythm.

Avoid the buses as best you can as they tend to be packed, and you may find yourself too close for comfort with some sweaty tourists. As with the trams its easy enough to steal a ride but you may end

up missing your stop anyway due to the density of the bodies. In the evening they quiet down and become bearable, but if unsure dont expect directions from the driver.

Bikes are available to rent by the day starting at 10, but at flea markets you can purchase one for as little as 30. If you plan on staying for a while its well worth investing; cycling in the city is a convenient way to see the sights and burn off Currywurst. The most efficient way to cycle is on the road; faster cycle lanes lead you in the right direction and ensure you dont run over any pedestrians. Be sure and stay sober if this is your intention as the standard rules of drink driving translate to biking. Generally people dont bother with helmets so be extra careful not to crash as this may lead to

dire consequences. Alternatively, Berlin has an abundance of quirky modes of transport including a chauffeured bed, which is a saviour if youre particularly hungover. If youre feeling classy, a horse and carriage that hosts 4 people for 52 is a luxurious way to see the city under cover of darkness.

Public Transport continued

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Top Five Districts

Berlin is a huge city- in fact, it is nine times the size of Paris- and can be difficult to navigate. Moreover it has no real centre, partly due to the historical East/West divide. However, the city is not a unified urban behemoth where one street looks like the next. To the contrary, Berlin is divided into 12 distinct boroughs, each with its own character. This article introduces the five most important and popular districts. Mitte This district is the closest Berlin has to a centre, its name meaning Middle. Home to countless important sights, like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Museum Island, it is the ideal starting point for your visit to the city. Mitte also contains the oldest part of the city, the Nikolaivertel. Charlottenburg The centre of West Berlin, this district offers elegant residential areas, pricey shops and five star hotels and restaurants. The famous Kudamm street runs through it, and the magnificent Charlottenburg palace can be found to the north. Kreuzberg Also known as Xberg, this district is not only a hub for hipsters and artists but also the home of large segments of

Berlins Turkish population. Nowadays, many complain that the large influx of tourists has dampened Kreuzbergs alternative vibe. However, the Kreuzklln area around Reuterstrae seems to promise a recovery. Either way, this district has plenty to offer those looking for unique bars, eateries, Dner kebab kiosks and quirky clubs. Prenzlauer Berg After Germanys reunification, this district was the first to see an influx of young creatives; it also the first to be gentrified. Nowadays, Prenzlberg is home to many eateries, bars and shops catering to an educated and creative, but also rather affluent, crowd. Oderbergstrae, Kollwitzplatz, Schnhauser Allee, Prenzlauer Alee and Kastianienalle form its heart. Make sure to visit Dicker Hermann, Fat Hermann, the first water tower in the city. Friedrichshain Located to the north of Kreuzberg, this old workers district is now the preferred hunting ground and home for many of the citys students and hipsters. It also has the best nightlife in the world, hosting many nightclubs including the legendary Berghain. Laura Bird

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Grlitzer Str. 38, 10997 Kruezberg | Reception Open 8:00 00:00 | www.jetpakberlin.com/alternative | U-bahn Schlesisches Tor

In a sprawling city like Berlin with over sixty-five hostels, the options of places to stay are practically endless. Visitors can camp out near former airfield Tempelhof at Scube Parks, stay in a Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy-themed hostel in Mitte, sleep within walking distance of Berlins most famous clubs at Jetpak Alternative, and many more. Hostel prices in Berlin tend to start at 18 to 25 depending on the time of year. If you still crave a budget accommodation without

the hostel dormitory experience, perhaps couch surfing, an apartment or a bread and breakfast is more your style. Couchsurfing.com and Airbnb.com both provide user-rated hosts and accommodation options. Couch surfing offers the opportunity to be shown around town by a Berlin native, while Air BnB affords guests a more private housing option. No matter where you choose to sleep in Berlin, your stay is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Located on a residential street across from the infamous Grlitzer Park, Jetpak Alternative is a small, 42-bed hostel in Kreuzberg. Rather than offer easy access to the main tourist sites in Mitte, Jetpak put guests within walking distance of the East Side Gallery and the Soviet War Memorial, as well as many of Berlins famous clubs such as Watergate and the Berghain.

Unique among hostels in Berlin, Jetpak caters to single travellers and small groups. They wont allow groups of more than four and have strict policies again hen and stag parties. Jetpak encourages a pleasant social atmosphere among guests and hostel staff. A single table dominates the common room, which houses a

fridge stocked with beer, soft drinks, and water all sold for 1. Espresso drinks are also available for 1 throughout the day, and one comes standard with the hostels free breakfast.

Best of all, Jetpak is a hostel that does sweat the small things: bunk beds are made of solid wood, dorms are roomy and

never feel cramped, lockers are big enough to hold most backpacks, and there are power points and clean toilets to spare. It is not uncommon to hear guests at Jetpak call it one of their favorite hostels.

Lauren Lamson

COUCH SURFING OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SHOWN AROUND TOWN

BY A BERLIN NATIVE

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Weinbergsweg 1a, 10119 Mitte | Reception open 24 hours | www.circus-berlin.de/hostel | Rosenthaler Platz U8

Johannisstrae 11, 10117 Mitte| Reception open 24-hours | www.heartofgold-hostel.de | S-bahn Oranienburger Strae

The tagline of this Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy -themed hostel in the heart of Mitte is dont panic, which is friendly advice for all travellers but particularly poignant in the case of this hostel. Guests are greeted by an unfriendly elderly German man, the proprietor of the establishment, and are left to their own devices to navigate the maze of hallways and dormitories. The Hitchikers references are few and far between: Dont Panic signs are littered around the establishment, a mega-dorm houses exactly forty-two beds, and sperm whale mural overlooks a living room-like space in the common room. Towels, however, are not provided, and somewhat unusually among hostels, Heart of Gold does not provide laundry services.

The bathrooms, meanwhile, seem too few for the number of guests. The cleanliness of the facilities is not up to the standard of most hostels, and the showers require one to press a button every fifteen seconds to keep the water running. Though Heart of Golds location close to Berlins city center and main tourist attractions may be a draw, along with the cheap rates (rooms start at 8.90 for the mega dorm), look elsewhere in Berlin for quality accommodation.

Lauren Lamson This upscale hostel in Berlin Mitte offers over 200 beds situated in eight-, five-, three-bed or private dorms starting at 23. Catering mainly to people travelling in groups, this hostel has no restrictions when it comes to group sizes or to stag and hen parties. Despite having both a caf and a bar, the social atmosphere is lacking that unique blend of qualities which facilitates easily meeting and befriending fellow guests.

This corporate-owned hostel has the best in facilities, including modern design, clean bathrooms, quality bedding, and key-card entry points. Yet the hostel includes many quirky details, such as a David Hasselhoff painting complete with fake

chest hair, that feel shoehorned in and inauthentic. Although the comfortable beds help to facilitate a good nights sleep, the noise constantly streaming in from the street throughout the night does not.

Circus Hostel is conveniently located close to Berlins city center and the majority of tourist attractions such as Museum Island, the TV Tower, and Brandenburg Gate. Guests are provided with a map immediately upon check in and are invited to check out the hostel-provided walking tour that departs daily at 10:30 and costs 12. Guests can eat breakfast on-site for 5, which includes a coffee or orange juice and an all-you-can eat buffet of breads, meats, spreads, fruits, and cheeses.

Lauren Lamson

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The richness and diversity of Berlins history has gifted the city with an abundance of magnificent churches, symbolic monuments and emotive memorials. Meanwhile hundreds of museums are dedicated to exploring different facets of the citys past. Today, Berlin has a vibrant cultural scene, with cutting-

edge contemporary art galleries and alternative live music venues. Immerse yourself in the urban landscape by exploring the citys most famous streets and squares. If city life becomes a bit too much, escape to one of the central parks or venture further afield to the surrounding lakes and forests.

Sights & Sites | Main Sites & Memorials | 19

The Brandenburg Gate is the undisputed symbol of Berlin. Youll find it on the front of almost every travel guide, as well as being littered on an unhealthy amount of souvenirs. In 1791 the landmark was erected as a sign of peace. Its iconic quadriga featuring a horse-drawn chariot and Eirene, goddess of peace, was added in 1794. Both gate and quadriga have however had a turbulent history. Eirene was stolen by Napoleon in 1806, but was eventually reclaimed from Paris in 1814, renamed Victoria, goddess of victory. The slightly redesigned goddess features the Prussian eagle and iron cross you see today, symbolising the power of Germany.

The Brandenburg Gate was originally the main entrance into the city, leading to what is now the glorious Pariser Platz, and the start of Unter den Linden, Berlins most famous street. Over the years the landmark has

been the site of numerous marches and political speeches, becoming synonymous with Berlin. US President Ronald Reagan delivered his famous tear down this wall speech at the gate in 1987. A lack of inside access or a tour means that prior historical knowledge is the only way to add to the immaculate sight of the gate. Regardless of this, the gates brilliant illumination at night is justification in itself for making the trip.

Shaun Forster

Pariser Platz, 10117 Mitte | www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/brandenburg-gate | Brandenburger Tor U55, S1, S2, S25

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