Berlin in March

[lastminutehoneymooning]

We're planning a budget honeymoon very last minute which is looking like it will be a short break (4-5 nights) in Berlin. I suspect the cheapest option is going to be a self-catering studio/1 bed flat through Air BnB (though I'm open to suggestions for any other source of cheapish non-hostel accommodation).

I was wondering if the Mumsnet hive mind could offer any advice on which areas would be a good base for general touristy activity and if there's anywhere we should avoid?

We're happy to do a lot of walking but somewhere with good public transport options would be ideal, and while we're not particularly fearful people we'd also quite like to avoid being mugged.

Also, any suggestions of things to see and places to eat which we won't see in a guidebook?

BUmping for you as I am going to Berlin too! I want to see the Brandenburg gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

I'm going next month. Planning a trip to Reichstag, museum of East German life and a concentration camp. Also there's the topography of terror museum. Can't wait to go

Meant to add we're staying in Alexanderplatz which I believe is central. Got a really good deal with last minute.com

Have just got back from a long weekend so really had to plan to make the most of it.

Plenty of choice on air BnB although I read somewhere the authorities were clamping down on it. Unfortunately I couldn't recommend where we stayed as the owner smoked and none of us do.

We did a hop on hop off bus to give us a general overview. We got off at the Brandenburg Gate and had a lovely afternoon tea at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski with the piano playing in the background.

Visited Topograohy of Terrors, well worth a visit, and free too. You will need to plan ahead and book the Reichstag tour especially if you are going over a weekend. This goes for the TV tower too which is the tallest building in Germany and revolves whilst you are eating but I missed out as hadn't thought to book at least 3 weeks in advance.
Checkpoint Charlie is literally just a hut in the middle of a street, not really worth making a specific visit to. ( in my opinion anyway) but ok if you're passing.

I wanted to eat a typical German meal and wasn't disappointed by Marjellchen. Felt like we had stepped back in time but a lovely experience. Can also recommend Benedicts for breakfast. Very busy and popular with a great atmosphere. You can't book but can have a glass of prosecco whilst you wait for your table. Loved this as you have a limitless bread basket with the bread made on site.

Anyway they are my suggestions. Have a great time.

I want to go here, it is not far out of Berlin on the train. Realise not exactly touristy but if it is cold and wet, it could be the thing Tropical Islands

Thanks (belatedly!) for the suggestions - given me lots to think about.