Berlin

[Ric]

I'm off to Berlin this summer for my 40th. Anyone been before and got any recommendations on things to do, places to visit etc? We're taking the kids with us, so looking more at family things rather than the nightlife side of it (sadly!).

 

[uweuweuwe]

The zoo is a nice place to visit
There is a kinder museum called labyrinth
Spy museum
Museum island is a great area has 4 or 5 different museums and is a UNESCO site.

We did the usual tour bus thing which saves on the legs if you have young ones.

 

[somapop]

Berlin is a great city Ric - especially with kids.
I can't wait to head back. You can even get a tram/train to a beach (on a lake) in the summer and get your bit on the sand.
Find the original Einstein cafe in Kurfürstenstraße (http://www.cafeeinstein.com/en/) for an absolutely tremendous coffee (leagues beyond many).
Prenzlauer Berg is a great district to wander around/grab breakfast (a bit of a Chorlton/Didsbury vibe).
The public transport will make you cry it's so efficient.
We stayed right in the centre of Potsdamer Platz - worth checking out the holocaust memorial. The huge Sony Centre (and a shopping mall) is there too.
We had these ridiculously huge breakfasts in streets covered in graffiti (noticeable everywhere btw) and generally looking pretty worn...you know, pretty trendy/hip however.
I'll find the name of that lake area with the beach...about 20-30 mins out on the train (there's a play area for kids)...and a nude beach nearby if you fancy that!
Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Charlottenburg too.

 

[somapop]

Link to the lake beach:

http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/strandbad-wannsee

Also worth checking out the Einstein museum (and the area around that...one huge, European Street) and the Jewish Museum (designed by Daniel Libeskind who created our OWMN at the Quays): http://libeskind.com/work/jewish-museum-berlin/

The people are ultra friendly (bus queue etiquette is entirely different to ours btw...). Lots of beer.
Typing all this wants me to go back already.
I'd grab an up to date Time Out guide btw.

 

[Damocles]

All I know is that the huge central tank that was in Finding Dory was based on a tank in the Berlin Sea Life centre. Maybe have a look into that?

 

[stonerblue]

Hit the beach
http://www.visitberlin.de/en/experience/summer/beach-bars

 

[bluemc1]

Just been stuck there for 2 days trying to get to Monaco
Was with Mrs so just had few meals out, one at top of TV tower which would be something to do with the kids
I love my war history and there is plenty to see on that side of things, unfortunately I didn't get to see it as all that stuff bores her :(

 

[RadcliffeRick]

Is it too soon for granddad visiting for 20 minutes jokes??

 

[bluekat]

Hire bikes, its easily the best way to get around the city. You will be able to get a seat/pull along thing I assume for the kids if needed.

 

[manctheknife]

Last one in the Reichstag's a sissy....

 

[jimharri]

 

[inbetween]

Lovely place although it is still recovering from the wall days and as such looks a bit knackered in places... Olympic stadium is a nice visit along with the usual tourist places like Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg gate, the big tower etc..

If you want to go into the Bundestag (Reichstag) and to the roof beware you need to prebook beforehand although it is free. There is a nice restaurant/cafe up there with views of the whole city.

 

[Ruhr]

as a local i may ask, what are you looking for? So many different options....

 

[johnmc]

Takes my breath away

 

[Ric]

Thanks for the advice so far, much appreciated.

 

[Ric]

as a local i may ask, what are you looking for? So many different options....

Just sent you a PM mate.

 

[tomMCFC29]

The topography of terror museum was amazing, so powerful. The DDR was really good too especially for kids. We stayed in Neukoln, an area with quite a lot of the Turkish community so amazing kebabs but also lovely bars and restaurants too.

 

[Ell-ano]

Lots of great things there, just wander around the centre and there's plenty, I went last November, the best thing was the Olympiastadion, watched Hertha beat Gladbach, outstanding stadium, great atmosphere, drinks in the stands, no police, no trouble, cheap tickets etc. plus you can go up to the Olympic memorial apparently before the game (the bit where the stands split) defo worth a visit if you can.

 

[BlueHammer85]

I'm off to Berlin this summer for my 40th. Anyone been before and got any recommendations on things to do, places to visit etc? We're taking the kids with us, so looking more at family things rather than the nightlife side of it (sadly!).

Your only 39 ?! ... thought you was the morpheus of the forum and been around forever.

 

[asgoodasitgets]

Watch 'The Lives of Others' then go to the old East German Police HQ.
It's a quick bus journey away and is well worth the effort.