We (family of 4, 2 teen girls- husband and I) will fly into Berlin next summer and spend 1 night before taking the train (4 hours) to visit my extended family in Upper Franconia (followed by visits to family in Erlangen, Munich, and Vienna). We are flying into Berlin due to the inexpensive flights, but instead of taking the train to family the day we arrive, we thought it best to stay the night and see a few things in Berlin. I have been once to Berlin and I think our children would be interested in: Checkpoint Charlie, the Mauermuseum, Brandenburg Gate. Is this possible to do these things in an afternoon/ evening? Our flight will arrive early in the morning. Also, where should we stay? I am thinking we can take a ride share to our hotel from the airport, drop our bags if possible, then head out to see Checkpoint Charlie/ Mauermuseum/ Brandenburg gate/ eat something and then sleep at the hotel and we can take a Rideshare to the Hauptbahnhof for our morning train the next day. Thank you for any advice!
Posted by
West Coast
348 posts
(How old are your teens?) Ever since my visit a year ago, if someone asks for suggestions on the RS Forum, I offer this!
http://m.trabi-museum.com/en
It looks so kitschy but was a real highlight of a week in Berlin. The guide was really fun but provided a ton of interesting facts along the way. For your purposes, the loop takes you past some of the iconic sites (like Brandenburg Gate) which would work well for just a quick glimpse, with your limited time and likely being tired. It's located quite close to Checkpoint Charlie.
They will probably enjoy the reactions of those they pass by (I had quite a few photos taken at stop lights)!
As you drive through the Eastern area on the loop back it feels like time travel. A really unique experience with a lot of good photo opps!
They may enjoy the Eastside gallery murals, depending on interest. Not sure if you would have the time or energy or interest in a street art tour, but I really liked that, too.
What a memorable trip this will be for all of you!
Posted by
Schwerin
4031 posts
"Rideshare": just take taxis, chauffeur service or public transport, e. g. https://sbahn.berlin/en/.
Reason: what you might know from other places that private people drive you around for small money is prohibited by law in Germany.
I would replace the Mauermuseum by a HoHo bus tour which includes the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Age of teens is a valid question.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2193 posts
You can take the Ubahn direct to the Brandenburg Tor. Checkpoint Charlie isn't worth the effort. I can't speak as to the Mauermuseum. But when i was there a couple weeks back of the best things I found was the rooftop flea market in Gesundbrunnen, just across from the train station. I went for the food trucks, but the view was great, the crowd was fun, and I had a good time.
You might also consider one of the underground tours. The one I took, of the Flak Tower, was very popular with the teenagers in the group.
As noted previously, ride share isn't a thing. Take a cab or the Ubahn.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
974 posts
There are a range of hotels close to the Hbf. Thus convenient for both your first day arrival and next day train travel out of the city.
I suggest you all take a pre-trip look at Rick's Audio Europe walking tour of Berlin. If this walk (which is great for day of arrival jetlag) is of interest it will be a good overview of Berlin.
If your teens are into history and politics or unique architecture they may enjoy a tour of the Reichstag. Short walk from the Hbf and then on to the Brandenburg Gate. You need to register for a timed-entry Reichstag tour in advance via their website.