A story about the german city of berlin. Berlin is the capital of Germany

Berlin - Berlin

In this article you will learn:

Berlin is the main city of Germany, which is its capital.

It is the second largest city in the European Union in terms of population.

This is a very interesting city, known for its difficult and long history. Until that time, the features of medieval buildings have been preserved in it. Squares and cathedrals, theaters and museums, including other attractions of the city are very popular among tourists.

Description

Berlin is an extremely fast-paced center, it is one of the most famous and interesting places in the European Union. It is incredibly diverse: parks and the latest buildings, parties, various eateries and expensive restaurants, a lot of young people and employees.

Today it is a metropolis with a population of approximately 3.4 million people., as well as the economic center of the European Union. At the same time, Berlin remains the most comfortable and beautiful corner Europe.

The area of ​​the capital is about 890 kilometers squared. Tegel airports, as well as Schönefeld, bus stations, including railway stations, operate in the capital. largest system transport makes it effortless to reach every corner of the city - for visiting guests, tourists, trams and buses, as well as the metro, work almost around the clock.

Story

The modern architectural state of the capital is largely determined by the difficult history of Berlin, because throughout its existence it has changed dramatically. The results of the ongoing military events, where Berlin played one of the noticeable and significant roles, were significantly imprinted on its appearance.

On the site of today's capital, there were originally Berlin and Cologne, which served as points of trade routes. Cologne was mentioned as early as 1237, and this year is taken as the time of its foundation. And after 70 years, these territories united, turning into one. Each of these territories at the same time had self-government.

By 1432, these two self-governing territories actually became one, but at the official level the final unification was carried out only in 1709.

During the years of the Thirty Years' War, which took place in 1618-1648, it was incredibly badly destroyed, the population was significantly reduced - too many died in the war.

In 1701, the Elector of Brandenburg was crowned king of Prussia, and Berlin became the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia. Friedrich II made a significant contribution to the development of the capital. As a result, in the 18th century Berlin became one of the main centers of the European Enlightenment.

1871 - Berlin became the capital of the German Empire, in 1919-1933 the capital of the Weimar Republic, and directly in 1933 - the capital of Germany.

After the World War of 1945, the capital was divided into four parts, which subsequently led to the formation of two ideologically opposite countries, the GDR and the FRG.

In 1961, the famous Berlin Wall was erected, which was demolished in 1989. Country and city reunited.

Climate

The capital is located in the temperate climate zone. Precipitation averages 582 mm. The average temperature for the year is -9 °C.

The warmest months are July and August, their average temperature is 18.6 and 17.8 °C, the coldest months are February and January with −0.4 and −0.7 °C. The largest amount of precipitation should be expected in July - about 71 mm, the least - in March (about 31 mm).

More than 40% of the city's territory is covered with various green spaces, more than 400 thousand trees have been planted along the streets. The city has a huge number of small open spaces, including vast urban park areas, which are nicknamed "islands of cold", they form a very beneficial climate for citizens and visitors.

Attractions

You can talk about Berlin for a long time, and also endlessly sing of its sights, but it is much better to see everything with your own eyes.

But if you already went to Berlin, then start your tour with - the main symbol of the city, which has for so many centuries personified the reunification of the West and the East.

Above the gate rises the famous statue of the goddess of Victory on a chariot with four horses. Imagine how the famous Napoleon liked this symbol of the city, that on his orders they were forced to demolish it and move it to Paris.

But it took a long time until this statue was able to return to its original place.

One of memorable places in the city is the Berlin Wall. It is considered the most famous building in Berlin, the memory of which continues to live from year to year.

Curious about where the famous Berlin Wall lives? But you will hardly be able to see all of it, but it is quite possible to see some fragments, and even take pictures near them.

The Reichstag is one of the organs of the central government in the medieval Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation witnessed a turbulent German history. But, no matter what history the country has preserved for us, tourists can get to this place through west gate, then the elevator remains to rise to the dome.

From the panoramic view, you will have an amazing panorama of Berlin. And from this point you can see the city and enjoy an extensive overview.

And you can walk along the Unter den Linden Boulevard. This place for a walk has become the most famous and huge street in Berlin. The whole set of the best buildings of the urban area is concentrated on it - the German state opera, the Russian Embassy, ​​the building of the former guardhouse.

Potsdamer Platz combines the whole history of Berlin. Once it was a wasteland, but after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it turned into beautiful center cities. On the square are located: casinos, hotels, shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and theaters. In 2010, its own boulevard of stars was opened there.

Among other attractions, such famous architectural buildings as the TV tower, Charlottenburg Palace and the memorial church should be noted.

Berlin is not in vain called one of the cultural capitals of the world - the city has a huge number of monuments, theaters, concert halls and museums. The city hosts the largest music festivals, for example, the jazz festival "Jazzfest".

Theaters

The most famous and popular theaters among residents and visitors include the Volksbühne, the Berliner Ensemble, and the Theater of the West.

In addition, the city has three opera houses: Comic Opera, Deutsche Oper, Opera Unter den Linden.

Festivals

In February, takes place annually, which is considered the largest public festival.

Berlin is a place where large festivals are quite often held, which are very popular among citizens and visiting tourists.

Holidays, all kinds of parades and processions that are organized in the open air, are very exciting. These are carnivals of cultures, all kinds of carnival processions, various festivals and the like.

Museums

It is very difficult to list all the sights of Berlin, because there are over 200 museums on its territory.

But among them there are champions - museums that are most often visited by tourists. And they are: Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, Egyptian Museum, Security Service Museum, M Museum of Natural History, Bauhaus Archive, Grunewald Palaceand the grandest museum of eroticism in the world. Be sure to take a look at all the beauty presented.

Bauhaus Museum-Archive

Grunewald Palace

Erotic Museum

Symbols and landmarks

Home calling card The Germans themselves call Berlin the Brandenburg Gate, which is often referred to as the Gate of Peace.

An equally significant landmark for tourists will be the TV tower in the Mitte district, which is present on postcards with views of Berlin.

Excursions

We decided to arrange a walk around Berlin, experienced guides or just people who live in the center of Germany will help you. With the help of the Tripster service, you can choose the tour you are interested in and enjoy the beauties of the city.

Berlin is one of the most "living" cities in Europe, which sunk into the soul of many tourists. This city has a very large number of clubs, many new styles, trends and subcultures. The shopping here is very good and the quality of service is buzzing all over Europe. Berlin is famous for its cultural heritage and has many galleries and museums.

Berlin has a very large number of cultural entertainment. Let's see how to save money on them.

1. When walking around Berlin, you must have a hotel map or a copy of your passport with you.
2. Concert tickets are best booked on eBay. Many people who, for some reason, cannot do this, sell them on private listings for next to nothing.
3. For frequent trips around Berlin, you need to purchase a Berlin - Potsdam Welcome Card. It will allow you to save on public transport and with it there is a discount for visiting museums and theaters. Buses run even at night, they are marked with the letter N. It is worth taking a 24-hour travel card so as not to use expensive taxi services.
4. Settling in Berlin, despite the fact that it is the capital of the country, can be cheap. To do this, you need to use the German services Airbnb, Studenten-wg.de and Wg-gesucht.de. It often happens that students rent out their housing when they are not at home. These dates usually fall on holidays. The period of their absence can even be delayed up to a month.
5. With an ISIC International Student Card, you will have many discounts on entry to most attractions, galleries and museums. On Mondays all cultural institutions are closed, best time Tours will be Tuesday and Wednesday.
6. Shops are everywhere in Berlin, you can find them everywhere as souvenir shops and fashion boutiques. Most accept payment credit card so you don't have to carry a lot of money with you. There are also many cafes with free Wi-Fi access.
7. The inhabitants of this city are very scrupulous, they will never allow themselves to be late for a meeting.
8. You can address a stranger on the street using the phrase "Herr Doctor". It is the word "doctor" in Germany that has a broad meaning and applies to many types of professions.
9. Cheap supermarket chains in Berlin are Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland, Netto. Also visiting them, you can find a lot of promotions and sales.
10. Most young Berliners own English language, so tourists should not have problems. Proven when you contact the locals on German they will be more willing to answer you.
11. When visiting cafes or bars, you should greet everyone at the entrance using the phrase “Mahlzeit”, which means “bon appetit”. In the center of Berlin, food is expensive, but you can go to eat in any supermarket.
12. All attractions in a German city are within the same radius. You can explore them on foot or rent a bike.

Where to stay in Berlin

We decided to go to the capital of Germany and do not know which hotel to choose. We will show you the best options, close to the city center.

Berlin from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Berlin.

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It is very difficult to list all the sights and entertainments of Berlin. This is one of the most fun, lively and cozy cities Europe. Young people are drawn to local clubs, where the most fashionable parties are held, new styles, movements, subcultures are born. Older people respect shopping in Berlin - the quantity and quality of local shopping centers are famous throughout the continent. And the prices, by the way, are considered very, very nice.

Representatives of sexual minorities are completely delighted with the capital of Germany - they are welcome here everywhere. During the summer, they sunbathe naked in the Tiergarten, periodically stage loud and colorful love parades, and generally feel at home. Finally, art lovers may not be able to enjoy some unique architecture cities (after all, the Second World War left an impressive legacy in the form of debris and ruins), but the collections of Berlin museums and galleries are simply beyond praise.

In early July, the Love Parade begins in Berlin: rave, beer and a crowd of half-naked and "half-natural".

How to get to Berlin

Find flights to Berlin

Districts

Berlin has 12 districts - important administrative units that can boast of their own local government and even the Burgomaster. Unlike the mass of other cities, where all the most "delicious" is located in the center, Berlin is interesting in its entirety. Which is not surprising: after the significant destruction left by the Second World War and the division of the city by a wall into two countries - the GDR and the FRG - attractions and infrastructure interesting for tourists quite naturally spread throughout a dozen regions. Read detailed guide across all parts of the German capital: districts of Berlin.

Berlin transport

Berlin transport includes the underground and overground metro, buses, trams and river ferries. The same travel tickets are used: Kurzstrecke for 1.70 EUR - the cheapest, valid for 3 metro stops or 6 bus or tram stops direct; Einzelfahrausweis (2.80 EUR) - travel card for any type of transport for two hours; Single-Tageskarte (7 EUR) - one day pass for one person, Partner-Tageskarte (19.90 EUR) - for one day for a group of up to 5 people, 7-Tage-Karte (30 EUR) - for a week, Monatskarte Standard (81 EUR) - for a month. The ticket does not need to be thrown away until the end of the trip - controllers appear often, and the fine is 40 EUR. Children under 6 years old (including strollers) use transportation free of charge, from 6 to 14 years old - at reduced rates. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

On weekends, two underground metro lines and several surface metro lines operate around the clock, at night there are special buses with the letter N in front of the number.

The "chip" of Berlin is ferries, six routes of which are also included in the general transport network. Simply put, you don’t need to buy a separate ticket for them, there is a general one, but you can take a bicycle with you on board.

Metro

Berlin has one of the most developed metro networks - both ground and underground, however, it is also considered the most expensive in Europe. Opening hours are impressive: within 20 hours a day you can get to any corner of the city, of course, often with transfers, but still. The maximum waiting period is no more than 10 minutes; during peak hours, trains run every 1-2 minutes.

The underground metro is denoted by the letter U - U-Bahn, all branches have a serial number, for example, U1, U5 and so on. Surface metro, or "MetroTrams" are designated by the letter M - M1 or M10. There is also the so-called city ​​train- S-Bahn. It runs in the immediate vicinity of Berlin and along some of the important central routes of the city.

Ground transport

To the public ground transport include trams, whose lines reach 200 km, and buses. Tourists should be aware of two bus route, which are very easy to remember - No. 100 and 200. These buses pass through the most important sights - Alexanderplatz, the Zoological Garden and so on. For a very small fee, you can arrange a wonderful bus tour.

Taxi

Finding a taxi in Berlin is not a problem - you can catch it right on the street (I mean the official taxi), walk to the parking lot, they are all marked with special signs, or ask to order at the reception desk or from the waiter in the restaurant. The fare is EUR 3.40 for landing, then about EUR 1.80 for the next 7 km, and EUR 1.30 for each kilometer after these seven. In fact, this is quite a favorable rate. Luggage will cost 1 EUR per bag, credit card fee - plus 1.50 EUR to the invoice amount. Tips of 10% are common.

Tourist buses

The main attractions can be seen from the window of one of the many tourist buses. A ticket costs 18-25 EUR and is valid for the whole day, you can get off at any stop, and then take the next bus of the same company. There are many companies offering such services in the city, the most interesting, perhaps, is Zille Express. They prepared for their guests a bus stylized as the 1920s. the last century.

Bicycle rent

Renting a bike in Berlin is not a bad idea. Despite the rather harsh traffic, the city has a lot of marked paths, parking lots for cyclists and rental offices. In particular, you can find an "iron friend" for rent near the U-Bahn and S-Bahn metro stations (all of them are red and silver with the logo of the German railways DBahn). In this case, the tourist needs to call the number indicated on the frame to the CallBikes service, whose specialists speak English, and say the number of their bank card. After that, they report a special code to unlock, and you can use the bike. The counter counts every minute of use - 0.06 EUR. A deposit is not needed, the minimum amount per day is 5 EUR, even if you use it for only half an hour, but the maximum is only 15 EUR. You need to return the bike to the parking lot by pressing the Ruckgabe (“return”) key, remember the code that appears on the display and call again to report the location of the bike. At the same time, money will be debited from the card. An easier, but more expensive option is to contact one of the rental offices or a hostel, which also often offers bicycles for rent. But the cost will be many times higher, and the deposit will be at least 50 EUR.

Car rental in Berlin

Communication and Wi-Fi

Pedantic, neat and technological Berliners have opened about 100 free Wi-Fi points for their residents and guests, which can be used for half an hour. You can find the point closest to you directly on the map on the website www.publicwifi.de. More - through a cafe or restaurant, in your hotel, or for an additional fee in one of the Internet cafes.

Berlin WelcomeCard and Berlin Pass

Welcome Card - a card for those who came to Berlin for 1-2 days: within 48 hours from the moment of composting, you can use all types of transport in Berlin and Potsdam, visit museums, ride a boat, go to the theater and exhibitions with a discount up to 50% for 21.90 EUR, and a card for 72 hours costs 29.90. Such a card is designed for one adult, three children under 14 and one bicycle. If you ride only in Berlin, the price of the card is 19.90 EUR and 28.90 EUR, respectively. You can check the details and purchase the card online at the office. Berlin WelcomeCard website.

6 things to do in Berlin

1. To break oneself and still climb the dome of the Reichstag, no matter how poppy it may be, in order to see democracy "in the flesh" with one's own eyes.
2. Cast aside all shame and join a nudist rookery in one of the secluded corners of the Tiergarten in the summer.
3. See the famous bust of the equally famous Egyptian queen Nefertiti in the Pergamon Museum.
4. No hesitation to eat the most delicious shawarma in life. The German Turks already know a lot about this.
5. Find the longest surviving piece of the Berlin Wall, where graffiti with the legendary kiss of Brezhnev and Honecker flaunts today. Take a selfie with them, of course!
6. Escape for the day from noisy and cosmopolitan Berlin to Charlottenburg to wander its alleys and echoing halls, enjoying the pompous Sophia-Charlotte complex, the wife of Elector Frederick I, restored from scratch.

Treatment in Berlin

One of the advantages of Berlin is a large number of medical centers of various profiles with modern equipment and experienced specialists. At the same time, the cost of medical consultations, medical procedures and hospital stay is often comparable to Moscow. List medical institutions headed by the oldest university clinic in the city "Charite" (off. site). It unites about 50 institutes, medical institutions and diagnostic centers, which annually receive up to a million patients with various types of diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels are successfully solved at the German Cardiology Center. You can get rid of vision problems at the Center for Laser Eye Microsurgery, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis. The Red Cross Clinic performs unique operations for transplantation, stem cell transplantation and IVF.

Especially for patients from Russia and the CIS, many medical institutions are staffed with Russian-speaking specialists: specialized doctors, surgeons and nurses.

Berlin Hotels

There are several tourist areas in Berlin, where many hotels are located. And each has at least one five-star hotel and several budget ones. For example, the western districts of Charlottenburg or Kurfürstendamm, where, in addition to the Savoy Hotel, there are Kempinski and Steingenbergen. At the same time, it is quite possible to find nearby cheap hotels, hostels and B&B (Bed and Breakfast), if you turn from the main streets into the side streets.

But in the Eastern part of the city, after the fall of the Wall, multi-star giants of international hotel chains. Therefore, today in the west it is easier to find a small private hotel or a boarding house with a cozy atmosphere, while in the east of Berlin such establishments are in an acute shortage. For example, the Adlon hotels (Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein stayed here) and the Hotel de Rome are the epitome of luxury and style.

To explore the sights of Berlin, it is best to stay in the Mitte district. This is the most touristy part of the city, especially considering how many hotels there are with relatively low prices (60-80 EUR per night).

shopping

Berlin - perfect place for mods. Shops there are clustered in flocks by district. On one street - up to 15 showrooms or shops of young designers with very worthy and original collections, and most importantly, at decent prices. Where to look: in the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. Another place where you can buy unique souvenirs is a "flea" in the Tiergarten. The local market, where fans of antiques, vintage postcards, second-hand and all sorts of absurdities flock, is considered one of the largest in Europe. But it is better to buy leather shoes near the Hackescher Markt station. There are many shops with the most unusual models, often hand-sewn, from leather of all colors and shades.

Guides in Berlin

Entertainment and attractions

It's a shame, but a fact: very few truly historical sights have been preserved in Berlin. For the most part, these are carefully and very carefully restored residences, cathedrals, entire blocks. However, first-class museum collections and an abundance of monuments atypical for the rest of Europe somehow smooth out this fact for curious tourists. It’s worth starting, of course, from the “heart” of the city, where the one who never sleeps pulsates.

Having paid tribute to the main symbols of the city, it is worth surveying it from the height of the flight in order to understand where to go next. The best viewing platforms are from the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, from the dome of the Reichstag, from the Victory Monument in the Tiergarten park and from the ultra-modern panoramic platform with the Panoramapunkt high-speed elevator located on Postdamer Square.

Finally, before finally getting lost in Berlin's museums, it's worth taking a look at the city's religious architecture. The main temple is the Berliner Dom, or the Cathedral, located near the Museum Island. The former Franciscan abbey, which has remained in ruins since 1945, attracts attention. Today it is an open-air museum, reminiscent of the terrible pages of history for the edification of posterity. The highest church in Berlin - the Marienkirche - is a special pride page of the German capital. You should start with the famous Luftwaffe Museum or the Meilenwerk collection of rare cars), as well as historical museums, which are worth mentioning separately. The theme of the Second World War and its consequences was hard experienced by the whole nation, because there are so many meetings in Berlin dedicated to these terrible events of the 20th century. In particular, the GDR Museum, the Stasi Hohenschoenhausen remand prison and the Stasi Museum, dedicated to one of the most powerful special services of the time World War II, the Jewish Museum, as well as the Topography of Terror center (including, rightfully, the Soviet one). The ethnographic and exceptionally pleasant collections of Dahlemdorf stand apart.

Berlin for children

The main attraction for all children in Berlin is the zoo, which ranks first in the world in terms of the number of animal species. Needless to say, that even half a day in its tangled corridors is not the limit? Another “most-most” status was snatched off by the Berlin Museum of Natural History, where the 23-meter-high dinosaur skeleton is located. If the children have not yet grown up to wander around the museum halls, it is worth taking them to the large themed playground "Labyrinth" (in fact, this is also a museum). Here are 10 different theme rooms that talk about reading, writing, mathematics - but not boring, but in the form of games, fun and crafts. Take socks or a change of clothes with you, category - from 3 to 12 years.

Another experimental site-museum is called MACHmit!, which roughly translates as "Do with us!". Despite the German explanations, everything here is intuitive and very interesting. You can finish with the exhibition theme at the Museum of Technology - that's really where true paradise for fans of planes, trains and all kinds of moving vehicles. The most interesting thing is that all the exhibits can be touched, climbed, controlled, and even assembled and disassembled with a screwdriver.

But there must be a place for a real adrenaline "fan" - the Tropical Island water park, the Legoland amusement park, the Babelsberg movie park (with Edgar Allan Poe's pseudo-grave), the impromptu town of the Wild West Eldorado, and the entertainment center Jacks Fun World are responsible for this in Berlin. Will it be too little? Then hurry on a clear day to the city center and rather lift your head. There floats the real balloon with the inscription Die Welt June

July

August

September

October

november

December

The best time to travel to Berlin is from April to September, sometimes it gets hot in summer. But from November to February, the weather is not particularly indulgent: the temperature rarely drops below zero, but a piercing wind constantly blows.

The capital of Germany grew out of two fishing villages - Berlin and Cologne, united in 1307. Despite the fact that there are several versions of the origin of the name of the city, most often the word "Berlin" is identified with the German noun "Bär" ("bear").

The status of the administrative center outside the city on the Spree was fixed in 1417, after Elector Frederick I managed to seize the reins of government of the Brandenburg brand. Berlin was immediately given the title of the residence of the margrave and the capital of the principality, which allowed him to later become a fateful city for the entire Hohenzollern dynasty.

By the end of the 19th century, Berlin had become a political and Cultural Center German Empire. Well, the boundaries modern metropolis began to emerge only by the 20s of the XX century, after the merger of the capital with nearby cities and settlements. Truly grandiose prospects for Berlin loomed after the Nazis came to power. The title of the capital of the world began to be read to him, and the architect Albert Speer even managed to sketch out a project for this wonderful city of the future. To top it all off, in 1936 the Summer Olympic Games were held here.

The National Socialists were prevented from carrying out their grand plans for Berlin by the defeat in World War II. By 1945 most of the German capital lay in ruins, and the territory of the city itself was torn into occupation zones: the western part went to Great Britain and the USA, and the eastern part went to the USSR. Moreover, Berlin remained the administrative center only for the capitalist FRG, while the government of the socialist GDR moved to Bonn. The city managed to become the unified capital of Germany only in 1991, after the demolition of the legendary Berlin Wall and the unification of both republics.

Urban districts and districts

The system of administrative division in the German capital is quite peculiar. Berlin combines 12 districts, each of which has a certain degree of independence and has its own district government. In turn, the districts are subdivided into districts (the exact number is 96). Statistical territories like Schöneberg and the Bavarian Quarter can also be considered an unofficial administrative unit, whose borders often coincide with the borders of districts.

Unlike most European cities, in Berlin, sights are dispersed throughout the vast metropolis. As a result, in order to cover as many historical monuments and places of worship as possible, you will have to wind dozens of kilometers around the capital.

The most generous district for attractions and at the same time the historical center of Berlin is Mitte (“middle”). Of course, this is far from the reckless and reckless Mitte that met tourists in the 30s of the last century (during the war, the area was almost completely destroyed), and, nevertheless, there are still enough interesting places in it. By the way, the main symbols of the German capital - the Reichstag building, the Brandenburg Gate and the TV tower - are located on the territory of this area.

A bohemian abode, the location of the most pretentious restaurants and hotels, as well as the center of attraction for all shopaholics in Germany - the Charlottenburg-Wimmelsdorf district. People come here to visit the Berlin Opera, as well as to appreciate the non-trivial exterior of the Wilhelm Kaiser Church. The administrative district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is completely occupied by Berlin informals, so young people will definitely like it here. Rebellious spirit, soft drugs, nightclubs and cheap lodging - these and other simple riches the area has in sufficient measure. Travelers with children should look into the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, firstly, because the famous Berlin Zoo is located on its territory, and secondly, because of the calm, peaceful atmosphere that reigns in the local streets. The only "wormhole" of the area is that for some reason it is especially adored by representatives of the gay community.

Treptow-Köpenick is a paradise for lovers of outdoor recreation: the entire district is literally immersed in green groves interspersed with natural and artificial reservoirs. And, of course, do not forget about the famous Treptow Park with its monument to the warrior-liberator and the Köpenick Palace, which can be found in this part of the city. An alternative to Treptow-Köpenick is the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district, which is inhabited by those whose lives are successful. Beyond the rank best place to demonstrate financial snobbery, Steglitz-Zehlendorf boasts the Strandbad beach, considered by far the most beautiful beach in Berlin.

A visit to the Spandau district, once an independent city, is worth it for those who are interested in the monuments of the past. The area has still preserved the walls of the ancient citadel, as well as part of the historical center, where the skillfully restored Kolk street and the 13th-century church of St. Nicholas are located. But in Neukölln and Lichtenberg it is better not to linger for a long time. Among respectable burghers, the districts enjoy an ambiguous reputation, partly because of the emigrants from the CIS and the countries of the East who inhabit them. However, if you plan to visit the above-mentioned Berlin quarters solely for the purpose of sightseeing, it is unlikely locals will obstruct you.

Attractions and entertainment

The face of modern Berlin at first glance is somewhat stern and ascetic. There is not the abundance of historical monuments that you expect to find in a city with almost 800 years of history, although the capital of Germany itself is not at all to blame for this: all the most spectacular and truly ancient buildings were swept away by the whirlwind of World War II. Of course, the skilful hands of German builders reconstructed part of the lost cultural heritage, but, alas, in glossy remodels, that notorious epochal spirit that their ancient predecessors literally exuded is no longer felt.

And yet, Berlin is beautiful! It is beautiful with its wonderful museums, where you can find everything your heart desires: from ancient Greek statues to creepy exhibits from the Holocaust; green boulevards and cozy cafes, at the tables of which Remarque, Brecht and Zweig once sat; delightful park areas, planned with true German accuracy, and recognizable architectural symbols. Finally, it's great to just enjoy life in Berlin: breakfast in tiny coffee shops in the morning, shopping raids on the capital's stores during the day and pumping up exotic cocktails in numerous clubs at night.

But the first thing, of course, is a run around places of worship and spontaneous photography of everyone and everything. Brandenburg Gate, the legendary Reichstag with its panoramic dome, any of the sections of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, the TV tower, the Red Town Hall and the Church of Mary - all this is a mandatory minimum cultural plan, without which it is simply a shame to leave Berlin. The boulevards Unter den Linden and Kurfürstendamm may not even be mentioned, since only a person who has completely lost interest in the small pleasures of life can bypass these two highways.

Another outstanding attraction of the German capital is the Berlin Cathedral. An exquisite massive building with turquoise domes, surrounded by the Lustgarten park, is located on the Museum Island. By the way, about the island itself: it is worth taking the most long term, since it is this piece of land in the middle of the Spree River that is listed world heritage UNESCO and contains best museums countries - Pergamon, the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, the Old and New Museums.

In other parts of Berlin, there are also a lot of museums of various kinds. Fans of technology will be welcome at the Luftwaffe Museum. Fans of eerie historical displays are sure to find something for themselves at the Jewish Museum and the Stasi Prison Museum. For interesting facts from the life of great gays, you should look into the museum of homosexuality, and to evaluate the style and technique of painting by German expressionists of the 20th century, it is best to visit the New National Gallery. In the museum center Berlin-Dahlem, you can get acquainted with the masterpieces of Asian art, and at the same time wander among the funny houses, stylized as the dwellings of different peoples of the world.

If you want a real fairy tale, try to arrange a tour of the Berlin palaces. Stroll through the artsy halls of Charlottenburg, appreciate Bisdorf's discreet charm, sigh enviously over the Köpenick porcelain collection and enjoy for a snack magnificent scenery spread out before palace and park ensemble Tegel.

A great way to cheer yourself up and dispel the myth about the hopeless existence of our smaller brothers in captivity is a trip to the Berlin Zoo. By the way, this institution is still among the world leaders among its own kind in terms of keeping conditions and species diversity of animals. For relaxation, unusual souvenirs and controversial impressions, it is better to go to the Tiergarten area, whose crowning feature is unusual, and sometimes frankly ambiguous, sculptures. Patriots are strongly advised to drop by Treptow Park to stand at the legendary monument to the unknown soldier and walk along the alley of sarcophagi. Well, travelers who dare to come to Berlin with children will be helped out by the local water park Tropical Island. Gigantic entertainment center divided into several thematic zones and strikes the imagination with its crazy rides.

All sights of Berlin

Night Berlin

For whom Berlin is a real expanse, it is for fans of club life. Within the city, there are several hundred institutions of various profiles: from unpretentious disco bars to swinger and gay clubs. No matter how unusual your addictions may be, in the German capital you will always find a cozy place and a company of interest. The main thing is not to forget that each club has its own contingent, its own rules, and often its own dress code. For example, only glamorous kitties and pretentious hipsters hang out in 40 Seconds, so you won’t be able to break through here in Chinese sneakers. Lovers of Latin American rhythms usually pull up to Hawanna, while adherents of pop and house directions light up in Puro Sky Lounge.

You can get your portion of "spicy" pleasures in KitKatClub (tourists with strong morals are better to pass by, because mostly gays and swingers hang out here). A mainstay of Berlin's nightlife, Berghain enjoys a well-deserved reputation as the most private establishment. Not a single scandalous story will ever seep through the doors of this club, so you will have to try very hard to get into it (there are rumors that even some Hollywood celebrities have not passed the face control in Berghain). The most delicious cocktails - according to Berliners - are served at the seemingly inconspicuous Prinzipal Kreuzberg, while the best DJs perform at the Watergate club, famous for its exclusive terrace built right on the water.

Transport

You can get around Berlin by bus, tram, ferry or metro. The latter here has two lines: the ground S-Bahn and the underground U-Bahn. During peak hours, the trains run at intervals of 1.5-3 minutes, while the standard train waiting time is no more than 10 minutes.

An alternative to the metro is MetroTram trams, identified by the letter "M" on the cars. The classic routes of such trams are areas of the city that the Berlin metro did not reach. As for buses, the most useful, from a tourist point of view, are routes No. 100 and No. 200, bypassing Alexanderplatz and the zoo. In addition, at night, night buses drive around the streets of the metropolis.

Water modes of transport also have their adherents. Berlin is dotted with a network of canals, and the Spree River is within easy reach. River trams run in 6 directions. The most popular route is the central part of the capital, although some companies offer boat trips on lakes in the eastern and western parts cities. In addition, there are several ferry crossings in Berlin that are not part of the general transport network. The main "feature" of such floating platforms is that in addition to passengers, they also carry vehicles.

It may come in handy: to understand all the intricacies of the Berlin transport system, as well as lay required route in the virtual space on the official website bvg.de.

Berlin has a developed system of unified travel tickets. True, they operate in the vast majority only in specific zones (combined options also take place). There are three such zones:

• A - areas bounded by the S-Bahn ring railway;
• B - areas outside the ring railway line;
• C - a suburban area that includes airports, Oranienburg and Potsdam.

The cheapest travel card "Kurzstreck" costs 1.3 euros and is valid for 6 bus or tram stops (transfers are not provided), or for three metro stops (transfers are allowed). A two-hour Einzelfarausweiss ticket for any type of transport will cost 2.8 euros. A 1-day single-tagescarte ticket costs 7 euros. The same type of ticket, but designed for a group of up to 5 people (“partner-tageskarte”), will already cost 16.9 euros. Exactly 29.5 euros will have to be paid for a weekly pass (“Sieben-Tage-Karte”), and about 72.5 euros for a monthly option (“Monatcarte Standard”). By the way, it is highly discouraged to show miracles of ingenuity and ride around the city as a hare, since the fines in Berlin are impressive.

Taxis in Berlin can be caught on the street, called by phone, or taken directly to the parking lot. The prices here, by European standards, are quite democratic: landing - 3.4 euros; the first 7 km of the path - 1.8 euros; then 1.3 euros for each subsequent kilometer. By the way, it is better to pay in cash, as when paying by credit card, you will be charged an additional 1.5 euros. And do not forget about the tip - the standard 10% of the cost of the trip.

Due to heavy traffic, Berlin is not the most suitable city for cyclists. But if you want to find special tracks for bikes in it, it’s not so difficult. The cheapest way to rent a bike is to take it to one of the stations next to the metro. To unlock the vehicle, simply call the CallBikes call center (the number is indicated on the frame of the bike) and tell them your bank card number in exchange for a code from the lock. The time of using the "two-wheeled friend" is fixed by the meter and costs 0.06 euros / min. You should return the bike to the same parking lot: just press the “Ruckgabe” button on the steering wheel and remember the code that will appear on the electronic scoreboard. After that, it remains only to call the hotline of the rental point and report the location of the bike. You can also get a bike for temporary use at rental offices and hostels. True, in this case, you will have to put up with higher rates and a mandatory deposit of 50 euros.

Car rent

Any driver between the ages of 21 and 75 can rent a car in Berlin, provided that his driving experience is at least a year. On average, car rental costs 27 euros. For additional "gadgets" in the form of a child seat, navigator, delivery of the car to the right place or driver services, you are supposed to pay separately. Initially, the car is delivered fully fueled, so it must be returned to the agency with a full tank as well.

Gasoline prices in the German capital fluctuate between 1.3-1.4 euros / liter. A pleasant fact: you don’t have to pay for the operation of the road surface in Berlin and its suburbs. But if you want to get into the city center, it makes sense to invest in a special sticker worth about 15 euros, informing others that the exhaust level of your car meets acceptable standards.

Connection

You can go to Berlin with a SIM card of any of the "big three" operators, having previously activated advantageous services for international roaming. Beeline has the “Most profitable roaming” option, MTS has the “Zabugorishche” tariff, which is also available as an option. Megafon offers to travel with the "Worldwide" option, as well as prepaid packages of free minutes ("25 minutes Europe and the CIS", "50 minutes Europe and the CIS). If you didn’t have a domestic SIM card with you, you can pick up something suitable from local cellular companies: Vodafone, T-Mobil, O2 and E-Plus.

Internet addicts in Berlin are waiting for more than 100 points of free Wi-Fi. True, you can join the benefits of civilization without harming your own budget only for half an hour - the generosity of the burghers also has its limits. You can find the nearest access point to the World Wide Web on the publicwifi.de map.

How to save money in Berlin

Berlin is not a cheap city, but savings can be found here. Try to get a Berlin WelcomeCard or CityTourCard as soon as you arrive. Both the first and second options are focused on a short visit to the capital and provide serious discounts for visiting the most significant sights.

So, for 21.9 euros, the owner of the Berlin WelcomeCard has the right to ride any kind of sport for 48 hours. public transport, as well as walking around the museums and theaters of Berlin and Potsdam for almost half the price. The listed privileges also apply to children whom an adult can take with him (up to three people under the age of 14). The same set of pleasures, but extended over three days, will cost 29.9 euros. You can buy the Berlin WelcomeCard on the official website berlin-welcomecard.de.

The CityTourCard is more focused on leisure activities than sightseeing tours, and it also includes free rides on public transport. The hottest offers of this type of “pass” are a 30% discount on admission to the Berlin Madame Tussauds Museum, the Legoland Center, and the heartbreaking Underground Prison attraction. The cost of a 48-hour CityTourCard is 16.7 euros. It is better to clarify the rates and the list of places that are subject to discounts on citytourcard.com.

Restaurants and cafes

In the German capital, there are 19 restaurants marked by the Michelin guide, however, for the Berliners themselves, this criterion is not decisive. All local catering points are divided into noteworthy establishments "for the Germans" and uninteresting "tourist eateries". It is clear that in order to dine properly, it is worth breaking into a restaurant from the first category. Marjellchen has a good reputation and generous portions, but the establishment's halls are almost always packed, so it's better to book a table a couple of weeks in advance. The Michelin-starred Facil is usually visited because of the stylish interiors and creative menu, while the Rausch Schokoladenhaus is chosen by those with a sweet tooth.

In taverns of a lower rank, the spirit of Asia and the East is already clearly felt (immigrants are trying with might and main). As for traditional street food, the East is already completely in charge here: kebab and falafel restaurants in Berlin at every turn. No less popular are pizzerias and Thai restaurants. If you still want to get acquainted with classic German cuisine, try ordering soup-stew in a clay pot - eintopf, or the stereotypical, but still incredibly tasty icebein, which is a pork knuckle baked with cabbage. You can also indulge in beer. The burghers themselves especially praise its low-alcohol local variety: Berliner Weiße.

Prices for all this yummy are different. In elite establishments, you can leave from 70 euros or more, a check in a mediocre cafe usually fits into 25-40 euros. Well, a snack in a street tent will cost 3-5 euros. It is better to resolve the tip issue before the meal starts: in some cafes, this type of gratitude is included in the bill and amounts to 10% of the order value. Meanwhile, there are not so few establishments where tips are left at the discretion of the client in Berlin.

Where to stay

Hotels in the east and west parts of Berlin are somewhat different. In the first case, network giants with the maximum number stars and corresponding prices, while in the western part of the capital you can find both fashionable "five" and nice mini-hotels with the owner behind the counter. The highest concentration of "Hiltons", "Sheratons" and "Marriotts" falls on the historical center - Mitte, but by and large, in each of the districts of the city, at least one luxury establishment will be found. At the same time, not only the oligarch can afford to stay in Mitte: in this part of Berlin, there are enough more democratic housing options. As a rule, these are hotels with two stars, guest houses or boarding houses, prices in which range from 60 to 80 euros per room. Adherents of austerity will appreciate local hostels. If you take care of the reservation in advance, then there is an opportunity to get a quite decent room for some 36 euros (of course, not in the tourist season).

Holidays and events

Holidays in Berlin are celebrated on a grand scale, sometimes smoothly flowing into a real orgy. Exception - Catholic Christmas, which is customary to celebrate in a quiet family circle. On New Year's Eve, the more or less standing population of the capital flocks to Alexanderplatz to take a sip of spicy mulled wine and squeal to the salutes. At the end of May, the city streets are filled with all kinds of creative teams and crowds of idle spectators who came to the opening of the Carnival of Cultures.

If traditional festivities and performances by amateur ensembles are pretty fed up, you should look at the Berlin gay parade: this is where they really masterfully tear patterns and break stereotypes. Desperate moviegoers are advised to come to the capital at the time of the Berlinale festival, but fans of Oktoberfest-style events should wait for the start of the Beer Mile, an annual beer marathon that starts in mid-August.

Shopping in Berlin

In Berlin, shopaholics with overstuffed wallets set out to wool the elite boutiques of the Kurfürstendamm (3.5 kilometers of solid showrooms), while supporters of more democratic prices storm Alexanderplatz, or rather, the Galeria Kaufthaus located on it. The first place in the top 5 most advertised shopping centers in the city still belongs to the department store Ka De We (Tauentzienstrasse). Here you can not only get a stylish outfit from world couturiers, but also stock up on all kinds of products: on the sixth floor of the shopping center there are food stalls and food courts. Berliners also have their own Galeries Lafayette (Friedrichstrasse), where wealthy burghers drop in to test a new Amouage fragrance or try on a Tissot watch. There is a culinary department at the mall, where you can try plenty of elite varieties of cheese and bakery products.

If you are interested in budget brands, check out the Peek & Cloppenburg brand store on Tauentzihenstrasse: both solid buyers and fans of budget shopping are welcome here. And by the way, don't think that Berlin is only giant malls stuffed with luxury brands from all over Europe. In some areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, entire blocks are occupied by tiny shops and galleries run by local designers. They also sell amusing gizmos, designed for a narrow circle of connoisseurs.

And of course, what is a German city without flea markets! Hallentroedelmarkt Treptow, Berliner Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt, Troedel- und Kunstmarkt, Flohmarkt am Arkona Platz - at each of these flea markets you can dig up real rare treasures, or, well, ordinary penny trinkets, diligently passed off as this very rarity.

Twice a year, on the first Monday in July and the last Monday in January, the shopping centers of Berlin are stormed by thousands of excited Germans. This can mean only one thing: respectable townsfolk, finally, have seized upon the seasonal sales. Usually the most tempting offers are saved by local traders for the end of the season, so in last days sales you can watch such an attraction unprecedented generosity like discounts up to 70%.

What to bring from Berlin

• a nice natural fur coat or a shocking outfit from an unknown local designer, bought for a symbolic price;
• real swiss watch. If the famous Carrera hurts your pocket, you can limit yourself to a model of a lesser-known brand, which will pull on some 100-300 euros, but will work no less;
• car (well, where else to buy German cars, if not in their homeland);
• glazed Lebkuchen hearts, sausages, a bottle of schnapps or a couple of local beers.

tax free

Berlin stores support the Tax free system, so if you have purchased more than 25 euros, urgently look for a counter in the hall with the inscription "Tax free Shopping" and demand your legal receipt. You can return VAT in the amount of 10-15% of the amount of purchases right before departure at the airport.

Surprisingly fast and dynamic Berlin can deservedly be considered one of the most interesting places on the tourist map of Europe. Today, the capital of Germany is a large metropolis, approaching 3.5 million people in terms of the number of inhabitants, the most important economic and cultural center of the European Union. At the same time, Berlin does not cease to be one of the most friendly and comfortable corners of Europe.

The city of Berlin is located at the confluence of the rivers Spree and Havel, in the eastern part of Germany. total area it is approximately 892 square kilometers - it is the fifth largest city in the European Union. Berlin is one of the 16 federal states of Germany with the same name.

The city has two modern airport(Schönefeld and Tegel), several railway stations and bus stations. A developed public transport system allows you to easily get to any corner of the city - almost around the clock to the services of residents and guests of the city, metro, bus and tram routes.

A little history of Berlin

The appearance of modern Berlin is largely determined by its difficult fate; throughout its history, the city has constantly changed. In no city in the world are the consequences of the two world wars, in which Berlin played a significant role, not so noticeable.

Initially on the territory modern capital In Germany, there were two settlements - Cologne and Berlin, which served as strongholds for trade routes. The first mention of Cologne refers to 1237, this year is considered to be the year of the founding of Berlin. The settlements developed and after 70 years they united into one city with a common management system. A little later, the city became the capital of Prussia, and then the German Empire.

After the end of World War II, the city was divided between the victorious countries into 4 sectors of occupation. Three of them subsequently merged into West Berlin, and during cold war were separated from the rest of the country by the famous Berlin Wall. Only in 1989, the wall, which had divided the city into two camps for almost 30 years, was destroyed, and parts of the city were reunited.

In subsequent years, Berlin turned into a huge construction site, the capital of Germany healed its wounds, recovering from a difficult historical period. Today, ultra-modern business centers rise on the site of the legendary Berlin Wall, and the city is successfully flourishing and developing. The Berlin Wall itself has become one of the sights of this amazing city.

Of the most famous sights that are definitely worth seeing in Berlin, one can note the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin TV Tower, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Charlottenburg Palace. And just walking around the city can be very pleasant - many streets are planted with trees, so Berlin is considered a very "green" city. The largest and most famous of the city's parks is the Tiergarten park.

Berlin is not in vain considered one of the world capitals of culture - the city has a large number of museums, architectural monuments, concert halls, theaters. Traditionally, the capital of Germany hosts major music festivals, such as the jazz festival "Jazzfest".

Berlin is the capital of Germany, the largest city in the country. From all cities European Union, Berlin Germany is second only to London in terms of population. It is the fifth largest city in the European Union in terms of area. This is a modern, dynamically developing metropolis, which is one of the cultural and economic centers of the European Union. In Europe Berlin known as a city of students, avant-garde art and freedom. The city of Berlin was previously divided into Western and Eastern parts by a 160-kilometer wall, which was destroyed in 1989, after which Berlin Germany became a single city.

City of Berlin (Germany): a few interesting facts:

The population of Berlin is almost 3.5 million inhabitants.
Berlin is a multinational city - people of 184 nationalities live in it. Interestingly, more Turks live in Berlin than in any other city (with the exception of Turkey itself);

In total, there are 118 settlements in the world bearing the name "Berlin";
There are 2 versions of the origin of the name of the German capital. According to the first of them, the name of the city comes from the German "Bär", which sounds like "bear" in translation. There is even an image of this animal on the coat of arms of Berlin. According to the second version, Berlin owes its name to the Slavic word "berl" ("swamp").
In 1924, the first traffic light was installed in the German capital.
It was also in Berlin in 1878 that the first public toilets appeared, originally intended exclusively for men. Since 1895, they have become available to women.

Berliners are the signature delicacy of the German capital - round donuts without a hole, sprinkled with powdered sugar, stuffed with confiture inside. According to legend, the Berliners were baked by a local baker who was not hired by the artillery for health reasons. Then he came up with donuts, shaped like cannonballs.
Berlin is home to the largest chocolate house in the world.

Berlin capital of Germany - city of bridges

City of Berlin, like Venice, is famous for its bridges. At the same time, the number of Berlin bridges significantly exceeds the number of bridges located in Venice. Two rivers flow through the German capital at once (Havel and Spree), which explains the huge number and scale of Berlin bridges, of which there are a total of 1,700 pieces. Many of them are unique architectural structures and serve as local attractions.

Touristic Berlin

The city of Berlin attracts foreign tourists with its rich cultural heritage. There are more than one hundred and seventy museums in the German capital. Arriving travelers should be aware that there is no traditional numbering of apartments and private houses in the city. Instead of a number, private property is assigned the name of its owner, which is subsequently used as identification information. The city of Berlin is green enough locality- the total area of ​​its squares and parks is 5.5 thousand hectares, which, together with city canals, rivers and lakes, is about 30% of its territory.