Brandenberg Gate
On arrival at Schonefeld Airport we made our way to the S-Bahn, the German equivalent to the train. On first glance the public transport system in Berlin looks terrifyingly complicated, but once you’ve cracked it it’s easy to navigate. It consists of the S-Bahn and U-Bahn (basically an underground version of the S-Bahn) as well as the usual trams and buses. However, unlike British public transport, it is always on time, if not early.
During my stay in Berlin the efficiency and reliability of their transport system ensured I got the most out of my stay, being able to hop on and off at hundreds of different stops to see the sights. During my four day stay I paid for one train, the one from the airport when I first arrived. So not only is their transport excellent, it’s also free, and runs 24 hours a day. Honestly.
A Map is a Very Useful Thing
Before going to Berlin I bought myself a detailed map of the city and I’d advise anyone planning a trip there to do the same. The city is huge. Eight times the size of Paris to be precise. Two main parts of the city are Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz, both are definitely worth a visit.
Potsdamer Platz is home to the world famous Sony Centre, consisting of two cinemas (one German and the other English) as well as shops, bars and restaurants. Just a short walk from the Sony Centre is the equally famous Brandenburg Gate. The Brandenburg Gate was part of a series of gates from which Berlin was once entered, but is the only one still standing today. After suffering considerate damage in World War Two the landmark was restored in 2000-2002. The Gate leads onto Unter den Linden, a boulevard of Linden trees which formally led to the city palace.
Alexanderplatz boasts two big department stores, C&A and Galeria as well as the famous Berlin TV tower. At a staggering 203 metres the tower houses a viewing platform and at 207 metres a revolving restaurant, the perfect way to view this amazing city. However, due to the popularity of the tower you will be given a time slot for your trip to the top, so make sure you go early in the day to avoid hanging around.
The Berlin wall is a must see while you’re in the city. Whilst wandering the 1.3km stretch of the wall along the Spree River it’s difficult to picture the wall as the heartbreaking object it was in the not too distant past. After the wall came down in 1989 this remaining section was painted with 105 artworks by 118 different artists, and has been nicknamed the East Side Gallery.
Extraordinary Shopping
As a lover of shopping I thought I’d seen it all, from the Gateshead Metro Centre to the designer streets of Paris, but I can safely say I have never seen anything quite like KaDeWe. Located on the edge of Wittenbergplatz this seven floor department store has received the status of a monument since it was built in 1907. In the grand entrance hall you are greeted by the likes of Gucci and Tiffany and the designer labels continue to be found on every one of the five fashion floors. The top floor is dedicated to an atrium restaurant where shoppers can get a hearty breakfast before scouring the store. The food emporium on the sixth floor is enough to make anyone drool. Amongst the shelves of amazing food and drink are delicatessen counters filled with all kinds of delicious food. And once you’ve eaten as much as you can, why not head over to the Moet bar to sample the finest Champaign. An expensive experience, but well and truly worth a visit.
The German capital boasts all the metropolitan advantages of major UK cities such as Manchester and London, coupled with vast parks and Greenland. Between the fantastic contrast of historic and modern architecture, shopping and cafe culture, you’ll struggle to be bored in Berlin.
Female First- Rachael Patan