Berlin, 4 nights upcoming 2/05. Activity options?
Oct 20, 2004, 7:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: san jose, CA
Posts: 2,997
Berlin, 4 nights upcoming 2/05. Activity options?
I'll be in Berlin four nights February 2005 (staying in the center of town), haven't been there since before the Berlin wall came down and am curious to see the change. I have a few ideas RE what I want to do/see there but would like input on other suggestions (including tasty dining recommendations that do not require getting dressed in fancy clothing).
As the weather will likely be miserable, unless I get lucky I'll have to focus on mostly indoor activities, e.g., museums. I'm very interested in 20th century history, especially the history of the Soviet/communist occupation, and will therefore seek out anything related to this. 20th century and modern art and innovative photography is also an interest. I have no interest in nightclubs (which I understand Berlin is well-known for). I speak fluent German, in case this is an issue (e.g., some museums in other parts of Germany only label descriptions of items on display in German). Am also interested in checking out the new Russian immigrant areas (and perhaps the food there).
Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions!
As the weather will likely be miserable, unless I get lucky I'll have to focus on mostly indoor activities, e.g., museums. I'm very interested in 20th century history, especially the history of the Soviet/communist occupation, and will therefore seek out anything related to this. 20th century and modern art and innovative photography is also an interest. I have no interest in nightclubs (which I understand Berlin is well-known for). I speak fluent German, in case this is an issue (e.g., some museums in other parts of Germany only label descriptions of items on display in German). Am also interested in checking out the new Russian immigrant areas (and perhaps the food there).
Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions!
Oct 20, 2004, 8:19 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
Something not to miss would be the gigantic Soviet memorial monument in Treptower Park. It was made with marble from Hitler's destroyed chancellery, and it is pretty impressive - it is outdoors in the middle of the park, though, so prepare.
Oct 20, 2004, 9:02 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 44,553
Nightclubs is what Berlin is about! 
Seriously, I love Berlin, though I haven't been back in a while. If I were to go, I would probably do nothing more than eat, as I love German food. (I know that's heresy to say that...)
The museums are a good idea, as others have mentioned. As you probably know (since you've been there before), there are some good, casual restaurants around the Savignyplatz metro station. Also, take a walk around the Friedrichstrasse area of the old East Berlin. It's apparently kind of a chic, new area.
Have fun!
Oct 20, 2004, 10:23 am
#8
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I'll second Libeskind's wonderful Jewish Museum: it's an excellent, moving place.
Otherwise, yes, the bars and clubs are what Berlin does especially well. I particularly enjoyed the Oranienburgerstrae and Prenzlauer Berg areas of the old East. The Time Out travel guide (as opposed to the magazine) was very good for locating the best spots...
Otherwise, yes, the bars and clubs are what Berlin does especially well. I particularly enjoyed the Oranienburgerstrae and Prenzlauer Berg areas of the old East. The Time Out travel guide (as opposed to the magazine) was very good for locating the best spots...