Thanks for reading my first and long post.
we (couple) are arriving at BER on 08/31 around 8 AM and here is a summary of our tentative plan for 10 days returning from AMS on 09/10.
08/31 and 09/01 - stay near Berlin central station and take a walking tour, the Reichstag(subject to availability), Pergamon, Cathedral, Alexanderplatz, the murals and a couple other places as time permits (Sachsenhausen). We will be traveling with some luggage ( not backpackers).
09/02 morning head to Cologne and stay closer to Cologne Central station: based on inputs here, Wuppertal is a definite yes, so is a planned day trip to Dusseldorf and another to Bonn- botanical parks, boat ride on the Rhine, Aachen and a couple of museums are a few things planned.
09/05 head to Brussels, stay near the city center - city tours, day trips to Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp
09/08 - head to Amsterdam - 2 days city spots, a day trip on the 9th to outside city
09/10 - early flight back from AMS
Please suggest the best and economical Rail/Bus tickets that may cover inter city and inter country travel. I did try to look up a couple and between websites for train and flix bus, yet to decide what is best for a direct and smooth travel with bags.
the Hotels in berlin seem to be a little higher( than talked about) for a private room with breakfast. are B&B any good? what is a good local source for a safe and comfortable accommodation.
Thanks and I will add if there are any additional questions. the focus is more on sightseeing than specific food and drinks.
Posted by
Berlin
2237 posts
Berlin:
+ Local public transport: https://www.bvg.de/de or BVG app; do not forget to validate tickets before journey.
+ Accomodation: parallel IFA fair; book any hotel asap. Avoid private apartments, they are partly illegally operated in Berlin.
+ Reservation of Reichtstag time slot recommended.
In Germany domestic traveling by train makes most sense. Deutsche Bahn offers most connecions: https://www.bahn.com/en.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8943 posts
Your plan looks really rushed and considering you will be there in about 2 weeks, and just now asking questions is a bit concerning. No hotel reservations yet?
For Berlin, try Motel One. Comfy budget hotel, breakfast is extra but not expensive. You want to see so many things in Berlin in 2 days, including a side trip to Sachsenhausen? Not sure how much you will see, but it will not be all those places on your list. Same thing for Cologne. In 3 days, you want to go to Aachen, Bonn, and Dusseldorf as well as museums, botanical gardens and a ship ride? When will you find the time to do all of those things?
This is not a trip I would want to do, you have no time to really see anything and have not considered it takes travel time to visit other towns.
Posted by
Berlin
2237 posts
Agree to statement #2 by Ms. Jo.
Posted by
OP
USA
4 posts
Thanks MarkK and Ms. Jo for your inputs.
Yes, a little rushed and some of the places are on a 'if we can' list.
I will get to the hotel and train booking and the needed pre book places.
Posted by
7667 posts
Great places to visit, but too much travel.
One full day in Berlin is not enough.
One day and a fraction to see AMS, again not enough. Are you booking for the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6318 posts
I third the rec for Motel One by the train station. It's a very short walk to Berlin Central Station and the hotel itself is reasonably priced and very nice. Staff was friendly and helpful, breakfast is extra but if you sign up for their rewards programs, you get at least one breakfast for free. https://www.motel-one.com/en/services/be-one-membership-programme/
Room size was decent - not overly large but I did not feel cramped; modern decor and all the basic amenities. I would definitely stay here again.
Posted by
OP
USA
4 posts
Got the Dome reservation in Berlin, but not the Parliament for now - will keep trying - I read somewhere that some tour operators combine tours with a ticket as an extra - is that legit?
No luck in AMS for Anne Frank museum - same thing if something opens up or sold through tour operators - may try.
Seems like a follow - up tour when we go to Prague or Vienna in the coming years, I may revisit the missed attractions.
Berlin Hotel is still open as I am rethinking staying near central as the per night rates are way higher than Alexanderplatz and east side.
Just to clarify, if I buy the train ticket from the Airport in Berlin to Central - can I buy that 1 day unlimited valid till next day- and said to add a just a fraction more for the 2nd passenger - with local transport covered as long as it is the same company?
Thanks everyone
Posted by
OP
USA
4 posts
Just a note if anyone is reading this and looking for tickets to the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam. Tickets are available for the next 2 weeks this morning. we were lucky to get some for our dates.