B e r l i n s i d e r s

Introduction

History

Survive Berlin

Sights

Museums & Memorials

Arts & Culture

Recreation

Food & Drink

Shopping

Nightlife & Music

Contributors

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Editorial Lily Prasuethsut, editor-in-chiefHera Sparnon, survive berlinLouise Cheeseman, sightsMarj Clark, museums & memorialsSebastiaan Berswerda, arts & cultureAdam Harris, recreationHelen Frear, food & drinkMegan Lumsden, shoppingVictoria Lewis, nightlife & music

LayoutSally GrondowskiSebastiaan BerswerdaHera Sparnon

FeaturesLouise CheesemanMegan LumsdenHelen FrearMarj ClarkHera SparnonAdam Harris

ReviewsSebastiaan BerswerdaLouise CheesemanMarj ClarkHelen FrearSally GrondowskiAdam HarrisVictoria LewisMegan LumsdenLily PrasuethsutHera Sparnon

German Language TipsVictoria Lewis

Special thanks to Marcus, Matt and Lutz for all your support and expertise

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.

History

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.

Survive Berlin

Reichstag

One of the most important historical sites in Berlin, this epicentre of German political reform has seen two world wars, been partially destroyed and finally rebuilt in the 1960s to become the popular visitor destination it is today. Its impressive dome, currently constructed with glass, offers 360 degree views of Berlin. Considering this world class visitor destination is free to explore, it is well worth making an

appointment online and seeing inside this important historical center for yourself (page 31).

East Side Gallery

Situated in Friedrichshain, what was once a part of the Berlin Wall is now a site dedicated to the city’s prominent street art scene. An international tribute to freedom, the East Side Gallery not only hosts the largest

Survive Berlin

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remaining continuous strip of the wall, but it boasts of over 100 artistic murals and is the largest outdoor gallery in the world. Completely free and a feast for the eyes, a wander along East Side Gallery will give you countless photo opportunities and food for thought on cultural diversity (page 57).

Topography of Terror andStasi Museum

Situated near Checkpoint Charlie on Frie-drichstraβe, these permanent exhibiti-ons are the perfect opportunity to explo-re Berlin’s intense political history. While the Topography of Terror (page 44) gives stark and respectful insight into Germany’s political behavior during WWII, the Sta-si Museum (page 49) sheds light into the Soviet’s Secret Police during the Cold War years. Both exhibitions are fresh, interac-tive and highly educational experiences.

Berlin’s Walking Tours

There are a number of free walking tours that operate throughout Berlin. Companies such as Brewers Tours offer comprehensive, extensive walking tours covering areas from museum island to Checkpoint Charlie, and are completely operated on a “pay what you think it’s worth” basis. Various companies also offer alternative tours of the city. For example, alternative Berlin dedicates their tours to the vibrant subculture present in the city, and have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to street art, urban exploration and Berlin’s underground scene (page 56). Although varying in content, both kinds of city tours are in ready supply from numerous companies, and can help visitors grasp great contextual knowledge of the city (page 26).

Sachsenhausen Concentration 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 years. Immensely informative, moving and a place to reflect on some of the shocking events communities have had to witness through the years (page 51).

By Marj Clark

Billig BerlinTop tips of things to do when you’re on a budgetBerlin is bursting at the seams with exciting activities to lose yourself in. Of course, it can be 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).

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 the lingo when taking trips to foreign climes. Locals will appreciate you making the effort, and learning even a few phrases will enrich your travel experience. Here are a few handy words and phrases to help you on your way…

Hello/ good day Hallo/Guten TagGood morning Guten MorgenGood evening Guten AbendGood night Gute Nacht Goodbye Auf WiedersehenBye Tschüss

Please/Thank you (very much)

Bitte/Danke (schön) Yes/NoJa/Nein

Excuse me/Sorry

Entschuldigung

How are you? Fine, and you? Do you speak English?No, I don’t understand (you) Yes I understand you. What does…..mean? What is your name? Correct/affirmative I was only joking!

1 zehn0null

1 elf 1eins

00 hundert1 zwölf 2zwei

0 zwanzig1 dreizehn 3drie

0 driezig

1 vierzehn 4vier

0 vierzig

1 siebzehn 7sieben

0 siebzig1 achtzehn 8acht

0 achtszig1 neunzehn 9neun

0 neunzig

1 fünfzehn 5fünf

0 fünfzig1 sechszehn 6sechs

0 sechzig

Can you speak more slow-

ly please?Könnten Sie bitte

langsamer sprechen?

Wo ist hier ein Internet-Café?

Gibt es hier einen WLAN-Zugang? Is there WiFi internet access here?

Where is the local internet café?

das Internet

369 = drie-hundertneun-undsechzig

58 = achtund-fünfzig

Wie geht es Ihnen?Mir geht es gut, und Ihnen?

Sprechen Sie Englisch? Nein, Ich verstehe (Sie) nicht

Ja, ich verstehe (Sie) Was bedeutet….?

Wie heiβt du?Genau

Das war nur ein Schwerz!

Mobile Phone

das HandyI’d like a SIM-card for your network.

Ich hätte gern ein SIM-Karte für Ihr Netz. I want to buy a phone card.

Ich möchte eine Telephonekarten kaufen.

Survive Berlin

uby bus

mit dem Bus tby train

mit dem Zug

pby taxi

mit dem Taxi

on foot

zu Fuβ

`links arechts

Where is….? I am looking for…

Wo ist? Ich suche… How far is it…?

Wie weit ist es?

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Beware Bear Tip!

The Bear is the symbol of Berlin,and will give you handy tips through this guide.

“Helllo, I am Barry Ze German”

“Hallo, Ich heiβe Barry Ze German”

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.

Sights

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.

Museums &Memorials

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.

Arts & Culture

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.

Recreation

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!

Food & Drink

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.

Shopping

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.

Music & Nightlife

Megan Lumsden, ShoppingMegan, or better yet known as the Aberdeen Tiger, is absolutely grrrrreat (with a Scottish accent of course). A photo without her isn’t a real photo until she’s in it striking one of her famous poses. But in all seriousness, she’s a good friend, a kind soul, an occasional lead balloon (just kidding, she never is) and a bona fide babe with her luscious red locks. This Tiger is simply one a kind. Rawr.

Hera Sparnon, Layout , Survive Berlin One of the most awesomest people on Earth, Hera’s travelled all over the globe and made friends wherever she goes. She’s always smiling and can be found at Mauerpark singing to the crowds. Hera is definitely one of the coolest people around.

Contributors

Lily Prasuethsut, Editor-in-ChiefOur California girl and all-around top editor, Lily is a fan of all things geek. When she’s not playing computer games or watching Star Wars you can find her dancing to her favourite bands dressed as a soya bean drink!

Sally Grondowski, LayoutSally is, simply put, the sweetest girl in the world. Practically perfect in every way and like a true English lady, she makes the best cup of tea this side of the Channel. Not to be underestimated, this young woman is also a pro-active creativity powerhouse.

Adam Harris, RecreationAdam Harris, or rather Dr. Adam Harris, is top Lad with a capital L. Likes a tipple or two and loves his chilies. Ten ja’s out of ten!

Helen Frear, Food & DrinkHelen brings a splash of fashionable sophistication to the group. Good looking by day (even when she’s a tad hung over *cough*) 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!

Victoria Lewis, Nightlife & MusicTECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO, a bit of head jamming and more TECHNO. Passionate music lover, she can party the night away and still manage to whip up incredible reviews…..her flower photography is also top-notch!

Louise Cheeseman, SightsDespite 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 average, takes a photo every 12.6 seconds. She is an extremely nice, quirky girl, who up to the age of 16 believed Robin Hood was an actual

Marj Clark, Museums & MemorialsBe 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 hundreds of people with hits by Madonna, Journey and the Divinyls. Marj is a good addition to any kind of gathering as she is sure to create a smile on your face.

Sebastiaan Berswerda, Layout, Arts & CultureGENAU. What would we do without the great and powerful Sebastiaaaaaaaaaan? Do you like waffles–yes, he likes waffles! He knows every song written, and he knows more than you, because Basti is Fantasti. He has the body of Adonis, pulls a good duck face and also takes a “GREEEAT Phot-oh.” He appears out the smoke in nightclubs like a creepy ninja and dances like your dad. But we love him, and he gets our R.E.S.P.E.C.T!