Exploring Berlin

Do you plan to visit Potsdam?

Please be careful with your belongings. I almost got robbed three times in the past two Berlin visits.

For food, the Prater Biergarten, more for the experience, but good sausage and beer, and the opportunity to hang out with local families.

It is in the midst of Prenzlauer Berg, a neighborhood full of character that is rewarding to explore on foot - I believe there is a walking tour in the RS guidebook. The museum at the Kulturbrauerei, showing everyday life in the GDR, offers a compact view of life under Soviet rule - and it's free.

And near Konnopke's for currywurst.

There are many activities geared for children easily found by an internet search.

The river cruise is a nice way to relax and unwind. In general, more time on the streets and parks and less time in museums should result in a more rewarding visit.

The ages of the children could affect people's advice about sights like Sachsenhausen.

I think your kids would enjoy visiting the DDR Museum. There are a lot of things there that children would enjoy seeing. And when you’re done, you can catch a river cruise right outside on the river Spree.

Also, the TV tower is pretty cool and definitely take them to SammyS Berliner Donuts. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life.

My daughter (in her 40’s) and I enjoyed the Berlin Zoo. It’s not on your list, but since you’re traveling with children, I thought I’d suggest it.

I don't know the age of your children, but I like the Neues Museum-especially if they are into Ancient Egypt.

Most German websites say kids younger than 12 shouldn't go to concentration camps. After going to Dachau, I agree.

You might want to take the S-Bahn to Potsdam if you want to see a castle. Potsdam has lots to do, and love garden-if your kids need to burn off energy and a nice break away from the city. You can see the palaces of Fredrick the Great and his decent or just walk or rent a bike.

If you want to see a rather upscale neighborhood, Charlottesburg is where a lot of the rich people live. Lovely area.

Berlin has the best Natural History Museum I’ve ever been to. It blew me away! It’s so much more approachable than standard museums for young people too. And if they start whining for hamburgers, take them to Burgermeister Schlesisleis Tor near the Eastside Gallery.

Great feedback.

@Barkinpark Thanks for the headsup on keeping our personal belonging safe. Yes, we will spend a day in Potsdam.
@markcw - great suggestions. Will probably end up doing those! Will checkout the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood.
Given our younger one is not yet a teenager, we have decided against Sachsenhausen.
@Mardee DDR museum and donuts sound great!
@heather - thank you for the Charlottesburg neighborhood suggestion.
@Vanessa R - Berlin Zoo has been added to the plan and I think the kids will enjoy it.
@thenosbigs Natural History Museum would be great and I had eyed the Burger place before so now it's back in the plan :)

Where are you staying in Berlin?

We are staying in the Potsdamer Platz area. Lots of hotels there.

It's worth noting that there are 2 museums in Berlin focused on the DDR:

The one near Museum Island (DDR Museum) is a private, bright, interactive museum that is more nostalgic. It definitely is the more entertaining of the two and is very well done. It even has an apartment set up like an old DDR apartment. While it does not ignore the negative sides of life in the DDR, it understandably focuses less on them because as a private enterprise, it (1) wants you to enjoy your experience and return some day and (2) wants you to be motivated to buy plastic DDR egg holders and toy Trabants in the gift shop.

The other DDR-related museum is The Museum in the Kulturbrauerei. The permanent exhibit ("Everyday life in the DDR") consists of two parts: an encyclopedic detailing of work life and oppression in the DDR and a lighter, less dense exhibit about social life in the DDR. This museum is much more academic than the one near Museum Island, and you definitely will not exit the exhibits thinking about cute plastic egg holders. The retail area in the museum reflects its content -- it is better described as a tiny bookstore than as a gift shop.

I think kids would find the first museum much more interesting. One caution that may or may not be of concern to you: there is a small display on FKK culture (nude beaches) that includes video.