BERLIN

A STUDENT
SURVIVAL GUIDE.

Written by students,

for students
 Contents
Profiles Pages 3-4
Introduction Page   5
History Pages 6-7
Landmarks Pages 8-12
They pop in your mind when you hear “Berlin”, the silhouette of the Brandenburg Gate, the colours of the East-Side Gallery…
But these monuments hold many secrets that you have yet to discover. There are unknown stories waiting to be heard at the
Berlin Wall, thoughts to be had at the Holocaust Memorial and dead borders to be crossed at Checkpoint Charlie. You’ve
heard of the Reichstag, but have you thought of looking at the dome from the inside?

Squares & Streets Pages 13-15

You’ve probably heard about the famous museums and landmarks of Berlin - but what about all of the beautiful squares and
streets? Here we introduce the main areas of Berlin where you can hang out, shop and more. All of these sights have
something different to offer. In some of the squares and streets you can still see original architecture from before the second
World War despite the fact that most areas have since been repaired. The best thing about these places is that they are
entrance free!

Outdoors Pages 16-18

Whether searching for rolling hills and setting suns or on the hunt for a good swim, Berlin’s outdoors delivers in all
shapes and sizes. The city’s many flourishing parks cater to gentle walks and aid in the absorption of Vitamin D,
the clear water of the lakes, or Sees, allow for a full body swim workout, and the kite-boarding on the abandoned
Tempelhof airport runway lets adrenaline-seekers experience the skies in a way totally different from how the
planners intended.
Museums & Galleries Pages 19-27
From the Alte Nationalgalerie to the Topography of Terror, when it comes to museums and galleries you will
never be short of places to visit in Berlin. There is even a Museum Island, boasting five world-renowned
museums and several scenic walkways. As long as you present your student card, young visitors can be sure to
enter at a knock-off price anywhere. With nearly 200 museums and galleries to choose from, it's time for us to
assess some of the best...
Shopping Pages 28-32
Wanting to revamp the wardrobe with vintage gems or simply wanting to buy some souvenir for friends, family or yourself?
Well, you are in the right place. Berlin is rammed packed with different kinds of stores to meet your shopping needs and
desires. From high end boutiques to no-frills thrift shops, you will definitely find goods to fill your suitcase or backpack with.
Whether you are a lover of literature, enjoy a sweet treat or are inspired by Berliner’s original style, these pages will guide you
to Berlin’s most popular, and most underrated, shopping locations.

Food & Cafés Pages 33-41

Berlin caters for all, in life and in food. That means vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, anyone and everyone, you don’t have
to worry. There are always delicious and affordable options on the menu. Part of this comes from the diversity of the food
scene. You can stroll down Crellestraße for Turkish bakeries, pop over to a food market for a Thai dish, or if you fancy a bit
of a tradition, turn any corner and you’ll be met by currywurst stands. For those with more to spend, there are always the
more upmarket cafes and restaurants. Whatever you want, Berlin has got your back.

Berlin's most instagrammable spots Pages 42-43

Live Music Pages 44-45
Nightlife Pages 46-49
It’s often said that Berlin has the best nightlife in the world. Known as the Techno capital, the city is certainly rich in clubs
catering to lovers of Detroit’s greatest musical export. However, if dark rooms and kick drums aren’t really your thing then
don’t fret, there’s something in Berlin for everyone. From beer gardens to beach gardens, jazz bars to rooftop bars, secret
clubs to sex clubs; the list goes on. With its relatively relaxed nightlife regulation and laisez faire, do what you want cultural
approach, Berlin is truly a place where whatever your perfect night out is, you can find it.

Accommodation Pages 50-51

Getting around in Berlin Page   52
How to get by in Berlin- (How to avoid Death) Pages 53-55
 Willkommen in Berlin

Everyone has an image of Berlin. Maybe you think of the city’s older history,
seeing images of fine Prussian Palaces. Or, perhaps more likely, you think of
Berlin’s modern history, remembering the story of a city blighted by war, then
split by a wall. Maybe that’s completely wrong. Maybe, to you, Berlin only
conjures up ideas about the nightlife. What you envision is scenes of yourself
out till the early morn, rubbing shoulders with Berlin locals, soaking in the
techno at Berghaim. You can even see the outfit that got you in.

Or, maybe not. Maybe what you think of is the stunning galleries, or the
haunting memorials, or the buzzing rooftop bars and sun-soaked beer
gardens. Or what about the surreal beauty of the lakes? And what about the
diverse people, with or without the iconic green Mohawk? Or maybe, forget all
about that. Maybe it’s all about the Currywurst.

To tell the truth, Berlin is all of this. It is a graffiti adorned melting pot of history,
culture, music, art, food and drink. And even then, this description is lacking.
Berlin is a massive city, it has more nooks and crannies, more unnoticed
treasures than a travel guide can ever cover. We’ve tried though.

This is a guide for those who want to see Berlin from every angle, the touristy
and not so touristy, the war-torn and the life affirming, the ‘poor’ and ‘sexy’.
You won’t even have to worry about cost, we’ve got your back on that too.
Carefully chosen on the following pages are cheap, or incredibly worthwhile,
places that can make your trip as unforgettable as you want it.

All you’ve got left to do is go.

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 History
18th Century
The Prussian capital: the “Soldier King” Friedrich Wilhelm I attempted to build
up a strong army, and made Berlin a garrison town geared for maintaining it.

19th Century
French occupation (1806 - 1813): The French soldiers, led by Napoleon,
marched through the Brandenburg Gate on October 27, 1806. The Quadriga on
the Brandenburg Gate was then transported to Paris.

Revolution (1848): Driven by demands for freedom and democracy, on March

18, 1848, citizens gathered outside the palace of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The
soldiers accidentally fired two shots and the demonstration became a revolution. The tricoloured
German flag that we know today was originally used as the symbol for this revolution.

Unification (1871): Otto von Bismarck led Prussia to victory in the Franco-
Prussian War, in 1871. That same year, after the southern German states agreed to join the
new German Empire, the country was at last unified. The Berlin Victory Column was built for
marking this historical moment.

20th Century
The First World War (1914 - 18): At the end of the war, there was widespread
starvation and demonstration. After cracking down on the socialist uprising of
1919, a new and peaceful republic was formed under the leadership of Karl
Liebknecht. This was known as the Weimar Republic.

The rise of the Nazis (1933 - 39): Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist
Party, was appointed Chancellor in 1933 by President Hindenburg. By 1934, he
had fused the offices of Chancellor and President, conferring on himself the title
of Führer. By 1939, his desire for expanding Germany led to the beginning of the Second World
War.

The Second World War (1939 - 45): most of Berlin's buildings and monuments
were destroyed by allied bombings. The war ended when the Red Army encircled Berlin and
approached the city centre. Hitler decided to remain in his Führerbunker, married his partner
Eva Braun, and finally committed suicide on April 30, 1945. Today, the bunker lies mostly
demolished beneath a car park at Potsdamer Platz.

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 History
Post World War 20th Century 

Cold War (1945 - 1989): after the German surrender on 9 May, 1945, Berlin was divided into
four zones. However, the western allies – the US, Britain, and France – were in confrontation
with the Soviet Union. Berlin was split in half by the two superpowers. The Berlin Blockade of
1948 further escalated tensions
between east and west.

The superior living conditions of West Berlin drove millions of East Berliners to
flee to the western sector every year. This led to the construction of the Berlin
Wall in 1961. East German soldiers were ordered to shoot at anyone illegally
crossing the border until 1989, and caused many deaths in consequence.

On 10 November, 1989, after an incorrect announcement, people began to try

and cross the border. The wall was then knocked down, and the country was
united once more. Today, you can visit sections of the wall at the East Side Gallery and the
Berlin Wall Memorial.

Today's Berlin 1990-present

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked German reunification. However, the
country still faced many economic and political problems. A lot of tourists
continue to visit Berlin. In fact, there has been a sixfold increase since the early
1990s, meaning it's Europe's third most popular city after London and Paris.

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 Landmarks
Landmarks        
Checkpoint Charlie
As one of the most popular tourist attractions in
Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie is definitely a hot spot
that you should not miss! Located right at the centre
between two busy streets on the Friedrichstraße,
this small yet historical landmark was the only path
for people to enter East Germany from the 1960s
until the end of the Cold War.
Back then, the extensive and resilient Berlin Wall
was in place, constructed by the East German
government. Its purpose? To stop people fleeing
from the Eastern to the Western half of the city. The
Americans built three separate checkpoints in
return, where Checkpoint Charlie became the most
eminent among them.
You can drop by this memorable site and take some
pictures with the smartly dressed ‘soldiers’ for a
small price. A sign indicating the beginning of the
Western sector, besides the Berlin Wall Museum
(Mauer Museum), can also be found across the road.
Some alternatives to be considered are a free
walking tour, an audio guide (€5) or a hop-on-hop-
off Berlin bus tour. All provide a more in-depth
explanation.
Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10929 Berlin. Open every
day 09:00 – 22:00. Free admission. Nearest
Stations: Kochstraße/ U Stadtmitte.
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz, or ”Alex” as the locals call it, is the
biggest square in Germany. There are only two
buildings from the time before Word War II- all of the
others were built during the DDR. It’s the centre of
East Berlin and an ideal starting point for a
sightseeing tour of the city.
There is something for everyone in Alexanderplatz. It
is a paradise for those who love shopping with several
clothing stores ranging from Primark to Kaufhoff
surrounding the square. For those who like to go for a
drink there are several options such as Alex Oase
which has a bar with deck chairs and palm trees as
well as your usual beer garden.
From Alexanderplatz you can see one of the most
iconic sights of Berlin: the television tower. You can
also admire the Word Clock and the Fountain of
International Friendship. The atmosphere is one of a
kind. A busker plays accordion and the salesmen sell
souvenirs. You can find Berliner delicacies currywurst
or döner kebab on every corner. Markets take place
throughout the year. There’s even free wifi.
The area tends to get busy so make sure to keep an
eye on your belongings.
Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin
Transport: M2, M4, M5, M6, S3, S5, S7, S9, U2, U5
Sources: visitberlin.de
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 Accomodation
Landmarks
St Christopher's Inn
Landmarks        
Beethoven-Haydn-Mozart
Brandenburger Tor
Memorial
The Brandenburg Tor is one of the most famous
Tiergarten is dotted with interesting sculptures and
monuments in Berlin. It has seen some of the most monuments. At the eastern end, overlooking a
important events in European history such as the picturesque pond, is a monument to the three principle
Napoleonic occupation of 1806, the arrival of the composers of the classical era.
Red Army towards the end of World War II, as Completed in 1904, the Beethoven-Haydn-Mozart
well as reunification after the Cold War. It is also Denkmal was commissioned by Kaiser Wilhelm
the site of Ronald Reagan's famous 1987 speech II to commemorate some of his favourite composers.
calling for the Berlin Wall to be torn down. Designed by Rudolf and Wolfgang Siemering,
it suffered major damage during World War II. But
luckily, between 2005 and 2007, it underwent
The Brandenburg Gate represents the glory of the considerable reconstruction with the aim of restoring
German emperors. It is 65.5m wide and 28m tall, the original design.
boasting six pillars and five gateways. The middle
Ringed by a fence and a circular patch of grass,
gateway is the widest, as it was exclusively for the standing nearly ten metres high, the success of the
emperor himself. The horse-drawn chariot that tops restoration is evident. The monument is topped with a
the gate is called the Quadriga, representing the golden leaf crown, supported by three
glory of German history. equally golden child statues – one for each composer.
The impressive aesthetic of this memorial
begs attention, to classicists and populists alike.
Joining the guided tour will embellish your
understanding of the history and structure of the Address: 10785 Tiergarten, Berlin
Gate, with local experts giving detailed description
for an hour. There are many local transport links
such as the tram, making arrivals easy and well
organised. Also, visitors can download the BVG
travelling app to navigate the city with ease. It is a
convenient app with detailed transport suggestions
and maps.

Pariser Platz 1, 10117 Berlin. Tourists can arrive at

the Brandenburger Tor station via bus, tram or U- 9
Bahn.
 Accomodation
Landmarks
Landmarks        
The Reichstag Dome
A symbol of unification that stands proud against the
Berlin skyline, the Reichstag dome ticks
every box for a must-see city attraction. Historical
significance? Check. Beautiful architecture?
Check. Stunning 360 views of the city? Check. Plus,
unless you want to pay for a tour or dine at
the roof garden restaurant, a visit is completely free.
All you need to do is book ahead and remember your ID
on the day of your visit. You can either
book online anytime or at the service centre two days to
two hours in advance. Any time of the day
is good but try to book a slot at sunset in order to
experience a view of the city drenched in golden
light.
A free audio guide provides an overview of the
Reichstag building’s history - its destruction and
reconstruction - and current operation as the seat of the
German parliament. The guide also flags
up city landmarks visible in the vast skyline.
A walkway climbs both sides of the dome, entwining in a
helix, until visitors reach the upmost
viewing point. As well as surveying the whole city, you’ll
be able to look down on the debating
chamber of the Bundestag and appreciate architect
Foster’s use of symbolism: here the people
truly are above the government.
Open daily 8am-12am. Last admission is at 9.45pm;
admissions are every 15 minutes. Register online at:
https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag/dom
e/registration/245686
Address: Platz der Republik 1, Tiergarten, 10557 Berlin,
Germany. Closest bus station:
Reichstag/Bundestag. Closest S-bahn station: Berlin
Friedrichstraße station
Memorial to the Murdered
Jews of Europe
Completed in 2005 by American architect Peter
Eisenman, this memorial spreads across almost five
acres and, through its style, provides a modern take on
the horrors of the Holocaust. The Memorial to the
Murdered Jews of Europe consists of 2711 stones in a
regular grid pattern, reminiscent of a cemetery.
Every stone is unique, each one differing slightly from
the other by its size or inclination. Walking into the
memorial, the visitor will find that the stones get
progressively higher, as in a labyrinth. This creates the
impression that you are lost, without sight of an
entrance or exit, as the highest stones block the
sunlight. This creates a feeling of having lost one's
humanity and contact with nature.
What makes this memorial particularly interesting is that
its meaning was deliberately left to interpretation. This
is why visiting it as part of a group, or on one of the
guided tours, can enrich the experience. It leads to
engaging conversations once people share their
different feelings, impressions and ideas. These
reflections may be continued by visiting the
nearby Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted under
Nazism.
The underground information centre contains a list of 3
million names of murdered Jews.
Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117. Always accessible,
information centre open Apr-Sept: Tue-
Sun, 10-20; Oct-Mar: Tue-Sun, 10-19. Tel +49 (0)30 26
39 43 0. Free admission. Website:
www.stiftung-denkmal.de/en. S+U Brandenburger Tor,
S1, S2, S25, S26. Free tours Sat at 15
(English); Sun at 15 (German).
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 Landmarks
Accomodation
Landmarks 
East Side Gallery       Memorial to Homosexuals
Persecuted under Nazism 
What is a city to do with a 1.3 kilometre-long
stretch of the wall that used to divide it? In
order to ensure that its history would not be
forgotten, Berlin invited over 100 artists from
around the world to the giant canvas that had
become a symbol of war and terror.
A year after the fall of the Wall, this stretch
had gone from grey and threatening to lively
and colourful, and is now a major tourist
attraction. Street performers and vendors
characterise the prevailing joyful mood.
The most famous painting of the gallery is
“My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly
Love” by Dmitri Vrubel. It is known as the
“Fraternal Kiss”, and shows Brezhnev and
Honecker kissing. It accurately represents the
local atmosphere of peace and love.
For some of the strangest and most amusing
artwork, the East-Side Gallery is the place to
go. And if you are looking to reflect deeply on
the division of Germany during the Cold War,
the East-Side Gallery is the perfect site upon
which to do so.
Mühlenstraße- 10243. Always open. Free
Admission. Bus 248, East-Side Gallery.
As you are walking in the lovely Berlin Tiergarten,
you might find a mysterious dark block. After closer
inspection you discover a little window. Through it,
inside the cube, you can see a video of homosexual
couples kissing, over a background of
demonstrations for gay rights.
Completed in 2008 by artists Michael
Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, this memorial follows
the late recognition of homosexual people’s status
as a victim group of the Nazis, which only
happened in the 1980s.
It has caused controversy in the past due to its
central position and proximity to the Memorial to the
Murdered Jews of Europe. Some have suggested
that it implied that the suffering of homosexuals
was just as great as that of Jewish people. This
memorial is definitely worth visiting and re-visiting,
as there is a new video every two years. Only one
person can be looking through the window at once,
so you might have to wait your turn to avoid
sharing an uncomfortably close moment with a
stranger.
Berlin Tiergarten, Straße des 17. Juni- 10557. Always
accessible. Free admission. S Tiergarten, S5, S7, S9,
S3, S75.
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 Landmarks
Accomodation
Landmarks        
Berlin Victory Column
Pick a day with good weather, start from the
Brandenburg Gate and walk west along
the main road with green areas on both sides,
and you will notice the Berlin Victory Column
is right in front of you. The pleasant
environment makes you forget how far is it to
walk from the Brandenburg Gate. During
festivals the road is free to walk on, and
people ride their bikes or skate here as well.
The gold statue on top of the column is of
Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. The
victory column was erected to memorise the
unification of all the German states for the
first time in 1871. Pay €3 to walk up the steps
to the top of the column and take in the
surrounding views of the Großer Tiergarden.
Next to it there is a statue of Otto von
Bismarck. He was the Prussian chancellor in
1862 and led several battles mainly against
Austria and France. After winning these
battles the country was unified, and the
statue was built to commemorate Bismarck as
a hero.
At the bottom of the column there is a mosaic
on the wall, depicting the Prussian soldiers
fighting against the Austrians at the Battle of
Königgrätz (1866), which was the main victory
that unified the country.
Großer Stern 1, 10557 Berlin. Nearest S-Bahn
station: S2 to Brandenburg Gate.
Emperor William
Memorial
Surrounded by modern shopping centres, hotels
and bars, the Kaizer- Wilhem Gedächtnis-Kirche is
far older than its neighbours. The allied bombings
ruined most of the buildings in Berlin, and the
memorial is one of the few that survived. It was
then renovated after the war, delivering the
message that brutal dictatorship leads to
destruction.
The church depicts the lives of the German
emperors. There are sculptures of some of
the German emperors on both sides of the interior.
On the ceiling, there are paintings showing the
luxurious lives of the royal families.
Historically, the church also served as a clock
tower. Today, the clock is no longer working due to
damage sustained in the war, but the bell is still
functioning. The ruined rooftop is primary evidence
of wartime destruction. Visitors can join a guided
tour if they book in advance.
Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
Nearest U-Bahn Station: Kurfürstendamm
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