Can I just say how much I appreciate your video style? You get right to the point, you don't fill up each point with useless information, you don't go on monologued about how your day was, and if you do talk about your life or experience, it's all relevant. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
For those of you who are interested in technical stuff I highly recommend visiting the Deutsches Technik Museum (German Technology Museum) which was formerly known as the Museum für Verkehr und Technik (Museum for Traffic and Technology). They have a lot of authentic historic items on display eg all kinds of locomotives, planes, automobiles but also scientific equipment, tool machines, historic electrical and electronic equipment. The presentation is quite modern and very instructive. In fact Berlin was a prominent one of several centres of industrialization in Germany.
Berlin ist meine Lieblingsstadt! I had apartments in Pankow and in Prinzlauerberg. I have walked all over the city and traveled to every district many times via U-Bahn and S-Bahn. I highly recommend a stroll along Unter den Linden, beginning at Neuewache and ending at Brandenburger Tor. There is much to see along that boulevard. I also recommend a day trip to Olympiastadion, the site of the 1936 Summer Olympic games. Also highly recommended is the Berlin Wall memorial along Bernauerstraße (go to Nord Bahnhof). Other sites of interest are Tiergarten (spend a day wandering around the park) and Bendlerblock (Stauffenbergstraße). That is where the ill-fated attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler ended on 21-July-1944).
Great list. I love Berlin. It is my personal favorite German city. I agree that you need to take a walk from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate, but I think you need to take it a few steps farther. While in Alexanderplatz, see the Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft, Weltzeituhr, Fernsehturm, Sankt Marienkirche, Neptunbrunnen, Marx-Engel Forum, a few museums on the Museumsinsel, the Berliner Dom, and finally the Brandenburg Gate. If you keep going after the Brandenburg Gate, take a quick detour to the left towards the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. One of the more moving memorials I have seen. Really powerful in the rain. Then take a walk down through Tiergarten. There are some pretty cool sculptures and memorials on your walk down. On the right you have the Soviet War Memorial and eventually you end up at the Siegessäule. Next to the Siegessäule there is a memorial to Otto von Bismarck with some Greek gods. This ends up being a really long walk especially if you stop to appreciate what you are walking past, but you can always rent a bike to speed it up or split the trip into several parts. I have only been able to do this once, but it is still one of my favorite memories of Berlin. There are so many cool things to see in Berlin it is difficult to list them all, but if you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, this is a great walk to take. If you want to make it really great, start at the Siegessäule and end in Alexanderplatz where you are sure to find some great food. There is a great curry wurst stand behind the train station at Alexanderplatz and there is also a good Döner Kebab stand in the train station. Sorry this comment is rambling on, but Berlin is one city that really gets me excited. I can't wait to go back.
I was in Berlin this week, only 3 days but loved it, Brandenburg gate, Museum island, Ku,damm, Checkpoint Charlie, got to see the wall. Loved every minute, will have to go back when its a bit warmer. Love Currywurst. In Dortmund now off to Munich Monday then Rome Thursday. :)
I just want to add to all the comments and let you know how much I enjoy your highly informative and fascinating videos. Thank you for all the effort you put into them, they're truly appreciated.
Just got back from europe 2 weeks ago. Saw Paris, Berlin and Rotterdam. Saw your videos before I left. Thanks for the tips! I walked all the way from alexanderplatz to brandenburger tor it was awesome!
Walking from checkpoint Charlie to the Brandenburg gate, you can pass by where hitlers bunker was, as well as a holocaust memorial. While there’s nothing to see of the former bunker, the memorial is a very emotional place. It’s really admirable how they’re handling their history. As you walk through the history, you can still see thousands of bullet holes and damage from shrapnel on the buildings, museums, etc. the Germans are embracing that part of their history, not because they like it, but to honor the fallen, respect those killed, and to make efforts to be sure their country never takes a turn like they did again. It’s a beautiful country and city.
Yah, we walked to the location where Hitler's bunker was. It was pretty emotional to realize you were standing in the location where WWII effectively ended. The Soviets demolished it but I'm sure it probably would have been preserved for historical significance. From what I recall it was just a simple parking lot now.
I love watching things about my country and my city. I was really happy to see Potsdam on that list because even tho I was born in Berlin I have lived almost all my life here. It is such an amazing city with so much history. It took some time for me as a local to realise that but especially after spending a year in the US and outside of my city I finally saw the beauty Potsdam has. It is definitely a place worth checking out especially when you want to see stuff without the crowds you will have in Berlin.
Correction: The Ka De We is not on the Ku Damm (Kurfuerstendamm). It is on Tauentzienstr. near Wittenbergplatz subway station. The Ku Damm starts at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church which is a short walk from the Ka De We.
Berlin is an amazing city, I've been living here since last year, and I can't found out all the city yet! These are very nice tips, but I'd put in this list Potsdamer Platz, it's a nice place with a lot of things to do even at night is awesome with very good restaurants, theaters and nice people around...
Great video! Personally, I would include the "East Side Gallery" in a top ten list. It's more than a mile of the Berlin wall along the river spree, by far the biggest part of the wall still standing, and it has dozens of paintings on it. There is no admission or anything and it ends near the Oberbaumbrücke, which is nice to see too.
One thing I would recommend is bring good shoes for walking. Many great sites are within walking distance e.g. from Brandenburger Tor you can walk to Potsdamer Platz or through the Tiergarten and to the zoo or you can walk through the Regierungsviertel and along the Spree.
...The only city I Have not seen in Deutschland...Berlin...But My Dad was there in 1975...And I had a Piece of the Wall sent to me by my relatives..!. I would love to See Berlin......Though I did see and Visit the Hohenzollern Castle back in 1988...! And I was able to see the Coffin of Frederick the Great.!
Mark, really glad I found your channel. Thanks for providing the insight on the cities/places you've been. It comes in handy for us as we've started traveling in Europe after traveling extensively in the US.
Glad to hear I can help. The 5 love and hates videos I have will give you some of the background of what to look for and watch out for and then the top 10s give you my favorite places in the towns or countries. Glad to have a new follower! All the best on your Euro travels!
just got back from Berlin and you're video was so helpful thank you so much the only thing id advice tourists to do is if you're traveling by train when you get your ticket validate it before you get on as there is a €60 fine but it could be a scam so just be careful.
they are cool. I probably forgot about it because we were there in the winter and I only went on them in the summers, but they are super cool you are right
I was hoping you'd mention Potsdam. Sans Souci is just gorgeous! The last time I went to Berlin, I visited Sachsenhausen, Hohenschönhausen prison, and the Stasi HQ museum. Difficult places to visit, but interesting nonetheless.
At our last two visits my brother and I visited the AG Tiergarten (court which banned many movies) and the old Metropol (now Goya, building where Lamberto Bava's horror film Demoni was shot). But we are movie buffs and have been to Berlin a lot of times in the last years.
Last time I was in Berlin was in 1990 just after the wall came down. Actually took a hammer and chisel with me and hacked some pieces out of the wall which I still have. I'm defo going back soon to see what it's like now.
#3 Checkpoint Charlie was in October 1961 the place were US tanks face soviet tanks. Part of the chicken game between Kennedy and Khrushchev in cold war.
Man. Thanks for recomending me Potsdam, I'm living in Cottbus since last Thursday, and it is close to me, I really enjoyed it. Park Sanssouci is amazing!!!!!
Wolter, I remember when I was last in Berlin, I read in the papers that a driver, at 4 am in the morning hit one of the pillar of Brandenburg Gate claiming "I did not see the Gate". Also, Yes I have been to one of the fancy store at Alexanderplatz but a simple shirt cost like 115 €. Where I lived, at a hostel for 4,5 € a night, I found a store that sold a simple blue shirt with an ugly yellow tie for 6 €. That blue shirt is my favorite shirt to this day. The tie, not so much. Great video. I miss the town but my passport has expired and it is a pain to renew.
Off to Berlin at the end of this month, can't wait, I have always wanted to visit Berlin (and Germany as a whole) I will definitely take your advice Wolter!
I was in Berlin last September by myself and had a pretty good time. Giving being 26 I went the route of touring as an old dude; so no clubs and just a few bars. My visit took me to eight of the ten locations, due to getting lost quite often taking all my time. On my second trip things will be different when using the U-Bahn. Check out my Berlin pictures, www.flickr.com/photos/lesoltmann/sets/72157639633574086/
I remember your tip about the walk from Alexanderplatz (which is where my hotel was) to the Brandenburg Gate. I DID THE WALK!! FANTASTIC!! More beautiful than I imagined but as fascinating as you described! Thank you! I lived in West Berlin during the Cold War. I returned for the first time in over thirty years this past April. So good to be back! So good in fact, I'm looking to move there early next year! Thanks for all the tips!
Hey, I'm Steven and I'm 17 years old. This summer I will be going to Berlin for a month, for a language and culture programs. I was wondering if you could tell me some of your best-hidden gems in Berlin or places people don't really think to visit. Thank you!
mark, you are very helpful and i am a subscriber. i wish you would add one thing to your videos, a map, so when you say brandenberg gate, show it where it is, and charolette , where is that vis a vee the other sites, so we can get a feeling on how to plan the day. there is no website that does that, and if you do that, you will be upgraded to the best thanks once again
You mostly count places that every tourist guide tells you. They are OVERCROWDED! Berlin has so much more to offer. I live in Berlin for 5 years now and I see regulary new stuff. (Kudamm is one of the most boring shopping streets, haha.)
Mark, we very much appreciate your honest and informative videos. We have a bit of a travel challenge and are looking for some advice. Our adult son is interested in WWII history and would like to visit multiple cities in Germany. He is traveling with us because he is mobility challenged but is able to walk. We know about uneven surfaces, stairs, etc. and he can navigate these, but we will try to reduce whenever possible. Having shared all of this, we are looking for recommendation for a budget hotel in Berlin that is close to some type of transportation and possibly close to at least one attraction, like the 5 museums. Any thoughts you or others may have would be much appreciated. (First trip to Germany and planning for fall of 2024). Thanks!
it would be nice to have the places listed in the description of the video. I like how you describe the places, but then when I want to add them to my map I have to go and stop the video while you talk XD this is being slow and losing day light hahahahahahaha i’m not really a prepared traveler :P
Took your advice and did pretty much what you suggested, and more. What a great city. I love it! I think I enjoyed going to Sansoucci the most. It was awesome to stand in places where the likes of Voltaire and Bach once stood when they were guests of King Frederick. The huge garden is worth seeing as well and free to go in. One place you missed out that I would suggest to your viewers is the Stasi Museum, which is set in the old secret police HQ. It shows the extraordinary lengths the East German dictatorship took to spy on its own people.
I'll be in Berlin in October. I'm really looking forward to it but I'll be there for 3 days only. How would you compare it to a Paris or NY? It's not boring is it? What do you absolutely recommend for a 3 day stay?
Is there a good resource to learn some basic German ? I have been to Germany twice and intend to go again. The couple of times I have been there I got by using English. But I was probably looked upon as an arrogant American that expects everyone to speak American English. I would like to make an effort the next time I visit.
I have a few learning German videos on my site (or you can find the playlist here on youtube) but I don't have a lot of subtitles but it will give you some ideas and I just went through the things that new beginners need. otherwise get a decent grammar book and there are some other decent channels on youtube to help you learn. Viel Glueck! (good luck)
well as long as u r in berlin its ok to only speak english - but in some rural places (where mostly old people live) its better to know some german // BUT its fantastic to know german so that you can read all german literature like Goethe's - "Prometheus" (my favorite)
Hi great video, I am going to berlin over new year and was wondering if you could recommend any places that can be reached from berlin by bus of train that are interesting and sort of old school, thank you.
Mark. have you ever eaten at Route 66 or The Bücher berlin. I was looking at places and hotels near where I grew up. just wondering. they look very cozy?
Sorry, but you have missed a goody. If you love food, especially German sausage/deli and exotic/gourmet canned and bottled foods from all around the world, your destination is the KaDeVe department store's food hall. An entire floor of this landmark store is devoted to every food imaginable. Their are also numerous restaurants of many types. Like oysters and Champagne ? hhave a seat at the oyster bar or there's a french bistro, coffee bar, etc. Enjoy! There is a deli section that will blow your mind. Stall after stall of sausages, pates and cheeses, etc. from everywhere. Grab a bag full and head to the bakery area for bread and rolls for a picnic lunch in a park or back at the hotel. Don't forget the wine. Be advised if you have kids, the sweets, desert and ice cream area may cause a family civil (or not) war. Yes, you can even get Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Then take the escalator to the home and kitchen floor. If you are looking for that special knife, pot or gadget, all of the finest quality, this is the place to buy a gift. Every top brand in the world is there. If you, a friend or a loved one love to cook, this is kitchen heaven. Clothing, furniture, cosmetics and more. I head there at lunch time and spend the whole afternoon. Take public transport, buses or subway.
Hi Im going to travel to berlin in about a day and i was wandering if i should book a tour on the Reichstag in advance or do i just go in P.s you're guide was very helpful great job!!!
Thank you so much for your advices! I will be in Berlin this december and your video is gonna help me. I did not know about Potsdam, so I saw some photos and it is amazing! Do you think it will be amazing to visit it in winter? and one more question.. It is so cold in Berlin in december? Thank you again!
Yes! I have been also so excited about those Christmas markets! I just saw your video about it and everything looks so beautiful! I am sure I am gonna love as you say. Thank you so much for your videos, sir. I am sure they are gonna help me!
Holy crap! I'll be in Berlin in November and December! Potsdam is located in zone C, so you'll need to get the zone BC or ABC ticket. Christmas market will be so cool! I hope it snows by then! It's around 34 to 30 degree fahrenheit or about -1 to 2 degree celsius in December.
Seems like you havent been to Leipzig yet. Its a remarkable city. Nowadays they are still rebuilding after the communist officials of the GDR left the city rotting for 50 years. It was however one of the richest trade cities in germany. They have the biggest train station in Europe with a 3-floor-shopping mall inside of it, a beautiful church seemingly made out of glass as a main part of their university and countless houses in a very rich 1800s merchant style (Jugendstil in german). Since the city's buildings were falling appart at the beginning of the 90s, most eastern germans from leipzig left after the borders opened towards west germany. having hundreds of thousands of people less in the city didn't help with maintaining it either. but nowadays the city is rebuilt beautifully almost in every aspect. when i lived there in 2013, they still had a few houses torn down, some historical fronts of buildings standing around with no house behind them, merely hold up by steel beams. People are coming back today, its very cheap, very student friendly, very alternative, very green and has a lot of different faces. from the artsy sides of the museums and atteliers to the industrial sides with old abandoned factories and fancy new high tech produciton. Its a great city and you should go there ;)
very nice Video but what is with our beautifull zoo in no zoo like this you can see so much animals every animal what do you want to see you can find it (the zoo stands in lichtenberg ) p.s. i'm a real berliner
The reconstruction of the city palace is highly controversial in Berlin. I myself am appalled by such retro architecture. The argument that the Palace of the Republic should have been demolished because of asbestos pollution turns out to be highly questionable if at the same time it is possible to obtain the asbestos-contaminated ICC. Why did not "Egons Lampenladen" make a museum about German history? After all, there was not only an event hall, but also the DDR Volkskammer resided in the building. A place where not only a fake parliament met for years, but also made the historic decision to reunite, and thus symbolized the transition to democracy. The fact that the cost of the fake castle is now exploding, a building whose actual use is only rudimentary ideas, is added. In my opinion this is the "winning mentality", and I say that as a citizen who grew up in the West. For me, such, artificial replicas, as they are also found in Frankfurt, or Heidelberg, better fit into Disneyland.
Just a quick hint for the 'no-go/go-but.hey-you've-really-been-warned/get-a-nice-experience-but-you-might-regret-it' kind of places:Kottbusser Tor, locally known as 'Kotti' is, especially in the dark, not really the place to be, unless you do want to watch your step, take good care of your valuables (absoulutely no backpacks, unless you really want to get rid of somthing ;-), in which case: leave the zip open and hope for the best ^^ ).But hey, just in case you are looking for something fitting in the 'well-maybe-somehow-it's-not-that-legal'-category, well then, my lawyer's quote would be 'don't go there' ;-) and I don't have anything to append :-]However, to cut this short: It's not the place to be at dark, unless for a really good reason.Enjoy your stay :-D
