Berlin? Anyone been?

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

Going to be (gulp) 40 in November and DH wants to take me away somewhere for a long weekend. He quite fancies Berlin. I don't know anything about Berlin, so not sure what I think! Anyone any insights/ experiences? Thanks!

going to be cheeky and bump! c'mon- tell me about Berlin, Goddammit

I am also off to Berlin in November.

This was also DPs suggestion.

I'm not 40 though.

Would love to see what people say.

Love love love Berlin. We've been three times in the last 6 years and I would happily go back again and again. Fab food, friendly people, interesting beautiful city and Tegel is a great airport! If you get a chance, try the restaurant Jules Verne near Savignyplatz station, gorgeous wiener schnitzel! The Jewish Museum is amazing although harrowing and the architecture around the Riechstag is great.

Can you tell I'm a fan??

Yay- thanks guys! worriesome- I'm encouraged by your post! I was a bit worried it might be a bit...depressing? I like to do a lot of "guide book" stuff when I visit a new city, so it sounds like there is a fair bit to see/ do. And it's somewhere I've never been, so I'm quite keen to explore.

Jambalaya- - maybe see you there! and at you not being 40 yet!!

Berlin is fantastic - definitely stay in the "old" East part - west Berlin is just like here but people speak German. The East is ugly but in a nice way, fabulous nightlife/cafe culture and obviously all the history too. It is definitely NOT a depressing place, it is actually very vibrant and there is much more going on in the eastern part. Mitte (central) area is a good bet foe staying - you are close to everything then!

I never like to visit somewhere I have been again, but have returned to Berlin and would do so again! Do a city tour once you get there, they are great for getting your bearings and then you can wander around easily. Transport system is very good (always on time).

Have a great time!

I loved it, not depressing overall though obviously, due to its history there are some sad bits.
Aim to stay in the Mitte district.
Go on line (just google bundestag) to book a free tour on the NormanFoster Bundestag tower, it was ace!

Loved Berlin... its s great city. Very vibrant and amazing. Don't worry about depressing, I've been to a few German cities and Berlin is the only place where they acknowledge their history in a raw and honest way, and then go party.

I second a bus tour, especially if you are only there for a few days, gives you a bearing and its such a diverse city you need the overview.

There is a huge department store, can't remember the name, but you'll see it/hear about it. Well worth popping in for a look around. Think Harrods but more so, had an interesting afternoon 'tasting' copious amounts of cava... Yum yum!

Dept store is KaDeWe- the foodhall is amazing.
I love Berlin - have been 4 times and am looking forward to going back next time dh is working there.
I always go to the Häckische Höfe as they are really interesting to wander through- they are the old interlinked courtyard houses - the shops in them now are lovely if a bit pricey for me.

Berlin is fab, vibrant, very green, clean, transports are a doddle and there is so much to see.
Wonderful galleries, beautiful shops even Check Point Charlie, a real tourist trap, was in fact really good and, Berliners seem so unstressed it's contagious.
We stayed near SavignyPlatz, it was lovely. Mitte is more 'happening' but wanted to make sure I could sleep.
Do mind the cyclists though, their lanes run on the pavement and they have, and take priority.
Great destination, I would go back like a shot. Go for it.

Berlin is fantastic. There is so much to see and do - it's an incredibly varied and vibrant city. My main tip would be to head out for Sunday brunch. Many of the cafes put on huge and excellent buffets. For a set price (12? when I went a couple of years ago) you can have a big plate of cold meat, smoked fish, cheeses, breads, fruit, coffee and juice. Perfect after a night of Berlin killer cocktails!

We are going yo Berlin for ten days in august with the kids! Can't wait!

You guys have got me really enthusaistic about it now- can't wait to book! Thanks for all your input- when you are only going somewhere for a long weekend, it's important to know where to go, i think! Will let you all know how we get on

I went to Berlin last year and loved it. Fascinating place. If you fancy a bit of history, this walking tour is AMAZING.

You can also have afternoon tea in the restaurant on top of the Reichstag (think you might have to book in advance though).

One thing to point out though, is that shops are closed on Sundays, so if you want to do any shopping, do it on a Saturday...

If you can It is well worth going to Potsdam and seeing the palaces there, they were truly amazing.