berlinchristmas markets- any advice?

[laurawaterford]

Am planning to go to the christmas markets in berlin.

Does anyone have any tips, or where to stay?

Thanks very much

Went for New Year in 2001, also 2 Berlin marathons! (2002/2004)Loved the Palace Hotel near Europa Centre/zoo/blue church. Expensive (4 or 5 star) but wonderful breakfast buffet and nice spa. Got reasonable deal booking online. New year was FREEZING! Sorry no help on where markets are but is/was very central.

There are a few MNs living in Berlin, I'm sure they'll pop up soon.

Stayed at the Intercontinental (next to Zoo)on a good weekend rate. Had the best hotel buffet breakfast I've ever had. Oh and it has a nice pool.

bump

Lots of markets all over the city - my favourite is in the Gendarmenmarkt, there is also one next to the Opera House in Unter den Linden and another at Potsdamer Platz (this is not the most scenic, but does have the advantage of having a ski slope (with real snow) which you can slide down in a tyre and also a curling rink across the road in the Sony Centre). Spandau also has a nice market (easy to get to on the S-bahn) and I'm told Potsdam also has a good one, although I've never been there. It will almost certainly be freezing, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Berlin is GORGEOUS at Christmas - I'm looking forward to it already. Can't really advise on accommodation, but did once stay in the Aparthotel Residenz in Reinhardstrasse and thought it was good (we had a 3 year old and an 18 month old at the time and couldn't face hotels of any kind).

thanks liliangish

I have just booked courtyard marriott in Kopenick. Do you recommend area? Bit late to ask now as I've booked it, but hotel appears to be nicely located on the river (not sure rhine or dunube...?). Hopefully there are markets in Kopenick. Do you know of any??

Must confess I don't know that area at all - we live on the other side of the city in the old French sector. I'm sure it will be fine - especially if it's on the river (probably the Spree!). Public transport of all kinds is fab in Berlin (and also very cheap!) I would bet there will be markets nearby, but otherwise a short hop on the u-bahn or s-bahn and you are right in the middle of the city. Don't know if you have small children, but the transport system is a dream for pushchairs. Would reinforce the need for warm clothing though - Berlin can be unbelievably cold. As my mother famously remarked on an icy trip round a Christmas market "It's like being in Eastern Europe . . . Oh, I've just remembered I am in Eastern Europe." Have a great trip.