Tourist introduction to Berlin with contemporary photo selection

Written by Aidan O'Rourke
2004-06-04

The new German capital offers a remarkable variety of attractions from museums of ancient history to the latest fashion trends. Berlin, still scarred by war damage and four decades of Communism is rebuilding and reinventing itself.

But don't expect to be wowed by the beauty of the place on arrival. Unlike Prague or Munich, much of Berlin, especially the east, is grey and run-down with a look of Communist uniformity. But once you begin to discover the beauty of Berlin, it gets better and better.

As well as the famous tourist attractions such as the Kurfürstendamm and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in West Berlin or the Alexanderplatz and TV tower in the east, there are many vibrant districts each with its own unique character.

Perhaps the most interesting and exciting is in East Berlin around the Oranienburger Strasse, accessed via the S-Bahn (city railway) station Hackesche Höfe. Here you'll find a sophisticated and bohemian quarter with trendy shops, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, beauty salons, bookstores and more, many accommodated in attractively refurbished courtyards leading off from the main streets.

But this district is just one of many waiting to be discovered, all accessible via the frequent and punctual trains, trams and buses of Berlin's excellent municipal transport system. A day ticket costs just 5.60 EUR available for purchase from any ticket machine.

More info about Berlin from http://www.berlin-tourist-information.com

Tourist information centres are located at:

Europa-Center,
Entrance Budapester Straße
10787 Berlin - Charlottenburg

Brandenburger Tor
south wing
Nov 1 – March 31
daily 10am - 6pm
(April 1 – Oct. 31 extended opening hours)

Tourist Info Café
Fernsehturm
near Alexanderplatz
Nov 1 – March 31
daily 10am - 6pm

Text by Aidan O'Rourke 250 words February 2004

Are you visiting Berlin soon? Any questions about Berlin? Recommendations for places to visit? Other information you're searching for but finding difficult to track down? Please contact and I'll get back to you.

2004-06-04