Trip To Berlin in May

[d2031k]

I will be visiting Berlin (part of my quest to visit every European capital in my lifetime) in May and wondered if those who live there, nearby or have been have any tips on where to visit?

I've got a couple of guide books and read plenty so I know the main attractions to visit, but wondered if anyone knew of any other essential things to see that the guide books might not mention.  We'll be staying near Alexanderplatz and if it helps, the daytime will be dedicated to the history of the city and the nighttime will be sampling a fair few local ales and pubs/bars methinks

[Jona L.]

I will be visiting Berlin (part of my quest to visit every European capital in my lifetime) in May and wondered if those who live there, nearby or have been have any tips on where to visit?

I've got a couple of guide books and read plenty so I know the main attractions to visit, but wondered if anyone knew of any other essential things to see that the guide books might not mention.  We'll be staying near Alexanderplatz and if it helps, the daytime will be dedicated to the history of the city and the nighttime will be sampling a fair few local ales and pubs/bars methinks

If you are interested in the darker history of Germany you can visit the Concentration Camp Sachsenhausen WIKI, I think there is some bus service going from Berlin as well (35Km is a bit pricy in a taxi). I have been there myself twice to commemorate my grand-grand dad who died there, and this camp is very well restored and explaint through signs (also in English). As a German myself I consider this harder stuff to also belong to the things you must have seen when traveling to Germany.

Otherwise your night program should cover German beers and food. And don't dare to forget the original Berliner Currywurst!! I haven't yet heard of any German ale to be produced, as most Germans consider an ale as poison .

As I am not in BER everyday, though at least once a year, I'd say that I leave the main sightseeing stuff to the Berliners around here.

cheers,
Jona L.

[exchlbg]

I´m living in Berlin and might have some tips if you could name some interests you specially care about.
I don´t know how old your guide books are,  a special tip for aviation ethusiasts might be the old Tempelhof Airport area, which is now accessible, for strolling along the old runways.And whatever airport you will be actually arriving at, keep in mind you will see it in the last days of service since it will be closed in June for the opening of the new airport.

Cheers
Christian

[knutm1980]

Find the techno viking and post pics, I will be eternally grateful.

[d2031k]

Thanks for the replies guys. 

We'll be sticking to central Berlin really and may pop out to Potsdam to see Sanssouci, but the chance to see things relating to the world wars and the communist era are high on the list.

Currywurst is definitely on the list of things to try too - thanks Jona.  In terms of drink I meant ales purely as a colloquial term for beer as I know bitters aren't widely available in mainland Europe.

I´m living in Berlin and might have some tips if you could name some interests you specially care about.
I don´t know how old your guide books are,  a special tip for aviation ethusiasts might be the old Tempelhof Airport area, which is now accessible, for strolling along the old runways.And whatever airport you will be actually arriving at, keep in mind you will see it in the last days of service since it will be closed in June for the opening of the new airport.

Cheers
Christian

Tempelhof is definitely something I'd like to see.  Is there a tour or can you just turn up and have a look around?  I've also read for sightseeing buses, it's actually better to get the number 100 or 200 bus rather than the more expensive guided ones.

[exchlbg]

Tempelhof is a free public park, there are no official tours I know of, except maybe for bird watchers. The building is not accessible.
The 100 and 200 bus lines can be used with normal tickets, if you buy day or multiple day tickets for public transport, you can hop on and off as desired.They´re normally serviced by doubledeckers.
Sure there are no explanations on bord and some places of interest are not covered by them, but if  you already helped yourself with explanations in advance you may rely on public transport anyway.
Most of the beer in Germany is served as "Pils(e)(ner)", which is a bit more bitter than lager. Other than anywhere else, a "flower" of firm foam is a sign for quality-tapped beer, which should last a few minutes to prepare.
A refreshing special Berlin kind of beer is "Weiße" (white beer), which has a sour taste and therfore is served with red ("rot"/raspberry) or green ("grün"/woodruff) syrup, ladies like it.
Currywurst is one fast food invented in Berlin, the other one is "Döner" (Kebab), created by a turkish Berliner.Especially in May restaurants serve white asparagus ("Spargel") dishes.Germans are mad about this vegetable.

One thing for Sanssouci: public transport in Berlin is ticketed by 3 zones. Within Berlin borders you travel with AB tickets. Since Potsdam is outside, you need either an ABC ticket or a "C-" enhancement for AB-tickets, available on machines in advance, one for each direction.Same counts for Schönefeld (SXF) airport.
The whole Sanssouci complex is a vast park, be prepared to need a whole day.

Hope to be of help
Christian