Took the train from Frankfurt as had a great deal from DB, 20 euro each way on the ICE. Got into Berlin in 4 hours, was met by a friend for lunch, then checked into Motel One by Bellevue. Nice place and I will used them again. Bought a 48 hour Welcome Card for 16.80 and took off to the Jewish Museum. Entrance was 3.50 and I spent about 3 hours there. Took the train to the Brandenburg Gate and took lots of photos of the place all lit up for the Festival of Lights. Walked around the Reichstag, which had the dome area sadly closed for cleaning. Took some nice photos of the Hbf and the river and boats going down, all nicely lit for the Festival. Next day, took off early for the Dom, walking to the top of the dome. Great views and I think this would be perfect for families with kids. Spent about 1.5 hours there, then went to the Käthe Kollwitz War Victims sculpture. This was very moving and beautiful. Next up was the Deutsches History Museum where I spent 6 hours. This is where the new hitler exhibition is. Had to wait in line for about 15 min. to get into that part. This might be a good one to use the audio guides. There was also a temporary exhibit about early castles that I enjoyed, but it ends on the 24th. Dinner with friends, then a drive around town to see the lights, the many embassys, etc. Next morning, up early, checked out of hotel and trained to Brandenburg gate to see the Jewish Holocaust Memorial. I had seen this before, but wanted to see it again. I also found the Homosexual Memorial. Have to say, I like the one in Frankfurt better.
Posted by
OP
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
(cont'd)
Then walked over to the Sony Center. Wish I would have done this at night time. Great place! Also looked good for families with kids. Lots of restaurants and cafes. Then walked to the "Topography of Terror" which just opened in May and is free. It runs along part of the wall that they have left in place. Spent a couple of hours there, then trained to Unter der Linden and shopped for a bit before catching my train home. There is still so much to see in Berlin. Hope to visit the Museum Island next time. This is my 3rd visit to Berlin, and I am really glad that my 1st time, we did a good overview walking tour to get us oriented. 2nd time we did walking tours in Potsdam and to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, both were very worthwhile. We used Insider Tours all 3 tours. Would have liked to have gone on their 3rd Reich tour and their Cold War tour, but time just didn't allow for it. Hope you enjoy and like Berlin as much as I did.
Posted by
Seattle, Wa, USA
449 posts
Jo:
Thanks for the report. Looks like you covered a lot of ground during those few days. I haven't been to Berlin since 1995 and am keeping track of the sites that have opened since then such as the Reichstag dome to see on my next trip (my birth town).
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
You DID cover a lot of ground in three days. Your report confirms that there is lots to see in Berlin and that's without going to all of the museums on Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, and KaDeWe. Berlin is a really great city! I enjoyed reading your report.
Posted by
OP
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
There is so much to see in Berlin, that it was hard for me to decide what. So, I made lists. We went past Checkpoint Charlie on a walking tour I did here. What a travesty! Germans dressed up like American soldiers, looking sloppy and asking for money to take their photo. I am glad I didn't waste any time going in the museum, as have heard it is a dusty mess and not really worth your time.
As to KaDeWe, sorry, it is just a big dept. store with food. If I go to Karstadt in Frankfurt, it is almost the same. Not really very high on my list of things to do when visiting a city like Berlin. So many museums, so little time.
The next time, would also like to add a trip to the Spree Wald near-by and ride a boat through it, or the day-trip to Dresden offered by Insider Tours.