Beneath Berlin Reisejournalismus by Curso/CTR
Beneath Berlin Reisejournalismus by Curso/CTR
Beneath Berlin Reisejournalismus by Curso/CTR
com/content/e-book/beneath-berlin/14026745
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Beneath Berlin.
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A Beginners Guide to the German Capital
Beneath Berlin
Designed by: Katie Griffiths, Alexander Richards and Qing Wu. Edited by: Lorcan James, Phoebe Inglis-Holmes, Dom Walker and Andrew Jackson. Written by: Stuart Blythe, Giorgia Masiello, Alicia Ramirez, Christina Powis, Rachel Nolan, Rhiannon Edwards, Katie Griffiths, Alexander Richards, Qing Wu, Lorcan James, Phoebe InglisHolmes, Dom Walker and Andrew Jackson.
Section key.
-Sights and Monuments-Art and Museums-Outdoors-Food and drink-Nightlife-Shopping-Entertainment-Accommodation-
Symbol key.
-Editors CrownThis symbol indicates that our crack teams of eaters, drinkers, party goers and art critics have chosen the crowned article as truly the best of Berlin.
Contents.
About Berlin.
Neighbourhoods > pp. 7-11 Berlin Timeline > pp. 12-15 Survival Guide > pp. 16-23 Language Tips > pp. 24-25 Beers of Berlin > pp. 26-27 Ampelmann > pp. 28-29 Getting Around > pp. 30-33
-Bargain Birdsong-
This symbol indicates when something is best for a budget without compromising on quality - it essentially appears when good things are going cheap.
Attraction Reviews.
Sights and Monuments > pp. 34-58 Art and Museums > pp. 59-83 Outdoors > pp. 84-104 Food and Drink > pp. 105-132 Nightlife > pp. 133-145 Shopping > pp. 146-155 Entertainment > pp. 156-163 Accommodation > pp. 164-171
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Welcome to Berlin.
Introduction.
Berlin is one mental metropolis that you will never want to leave. Refusing to hide from its past and always striving towards a better future, the entirely unique history (the Wars, the Nazis, the Wall, the influx of immigrants and hippies, the rise of techno and the rule of the creative industry) sets it so far apart from other European cities. All it takes is one short walk and it feels like you are travelling in a time machine. From Prussian palaces and derelict warehouses, to fascist bunkers, communist blocks and Post-modern skyscrapers; this fast-paced city is full of paradox, with a skyline that changes as fast its weather. Home of the doner kebab and currywusrt, for little money you can eat and drink like a king and still have the cash to hit up a nightclub. With over 170 museums, 600 galleries, three opera houses, scores of theatres and plenty of space to play in, it makes sense that every young aspiring artist in the world is moving here. This phenomenal cultural landscape is setting trends like New York in the 80s. Its a rainbow mash-up of diverse cultural elements, its wild and vivacious, poor but sexy. Berlin is a playground where anything goes. 6
Neighbourhoods.
It may be 10 times the size of Paris, but its key areas are pleasantly compact and the excellent public transport system makes it easy to get from A to B. The open space and multiple parks make it one of the greenest cities in the world and you can walk without fear during the night. We have divided the city into smaller, more digestible areas to make your life easier. Take a stroll through the tranquil and elegant streets of CHARLOTTENBERG. Party hard in FRIEDRICHSHAIN, or hang with the hipsters in KREUZBERG. Sightsee in MITTE and bar-hop in NEUKOLLN. Explore the art scene in PRENZLAUERBERG or shop till you drop in SCHNEBERG. Each one of these neighbourhoods has its own unique charm and atmosphere and collectively they compose the Berlin that we know and love.
-Rachel Nolan-
Neighbourhoods.
Charlottenberg
The Western district of Charlottenburg has a slightly less alternative feel than most other areas of Berlin, and attracts a distinctly older crowd. Schloss Charlottenburg is the districts main draw for tourists, with its opulent dcor and pleasant gardens that teem with visitors on warm summer afternoons. There are also many museums nearby, in addition to the well-known stadium that hosted the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The calm, leafy streets arguably retain some of Berlins pre-war grandeur and are definitely worth a visit, even if they lack some of the edginess found elsewhere in Berlin. -Christina Powis-
Friedrichshain
Kreuzberg
Occupied by the Americans after WWII, Kreuzberg is now very much about the present and less about the past. Sixty years ago, this district in southeast Berlin was derelict and largely in ruins. The rock bottom cost of living resulted in a huge influx of Turks, students and artists, and since the area has evolved to become Berlins coolest district with the best kebabs.
Friedrichshain is a dynamic district of Berlin that has been in vogue since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Swarming with hipsters and pleasure seekers making the most of the lively night scene, it has a contagious buzz that ensures this corner of Berlin is never quiet. Alluring open spaces can be found on the periphery of Friedrichshain, including the outdoor East Side Gallery (the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall) as well as the popular, BBQ-friendly Volkspark. Well connected to Berlins public transport network, take the S-Bahn, U-Bahn or a tram to Warschauer Strae, Ostkreuz, Frankfurter Allee or Frankfurter Tor. -Dom Walker-
Popular with a young, bohemian crowd, the area is home to Oranianstrae that is lined with cheap places to stay, quirky cafes, and trendy bars to visit after dark. The influence held by local artists is made clear by the abundance of street art and graffiti that often coats entire buildings. Visitors can take advantage of the areas proximity to the River Spree by visiting Badeschiff by day (meaning boat ship, an outdoor swimming pool that is moored in the river) and Club der Visionaere by night. For those less hedonistic, the Jewish Museum and the Freidrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum are exceptionally informative and easily accessible. -Dom Walker-
Neighbourhoods.
Mitte
Mitte is the central district of Berlin and houses most of the important historical sites in the city. Stretching from Alexanderplatz over Museum Island and out to the Brandenburg Gate while visiting Berlin it would be more difficult not to go into Mitte at some point. Mitte is far grander than most of the other districts of Berlin and the prices here reflect it. Although it may not be the place to stay for a low budget backpacker its prettiness and grandeur mean it really is an unmissable sector of the German Capital. -Alexander Richards-
Neuklln district
Although undeniably wild, the party central areas of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain have started to become too on the map for those who want to discover the hidden areas of Berlin. Neuklln is one of those areas. Previously a haven for the immigrants of the city, this neighbourhood is starting to spread its multicultural wings and soar spectacularly to the top of the hipster charts. Tree lined cobbled pavements in cutesy, suburban-looking streets camouflage undeniably awesome secret places. Down hidden lanes, Sudanese restaurants and shisha bars are snuggled next to chic vintage boutiques and record-stores-comeclubs. Cool-kid paradise can be found in a rooftop bar above the Arkaden. Neuklln is also bordered by Tempelhof Park an abandoned airport now transformed into the local chill-out zone. By taking the S-Bahn to Tempelhof or Neuklln, or the U-Bahn to Rathaus Neuklln or Karl Marx Strae, this is a place where getting lost is the best option to find your way. -Phoebe InglisHolmes-
Prenzlauer Berg
Located in the southern part of the borough Pankow - Prenzlauer Berg, or Prenzlberg, is a tranquil escape from its hustling, sight-filled, tourist heavy neighbour, Mitte. It luckily avoided much of the bombing of WWII, so there are plenty of picturesque churches and lovely old townhouses to be seen. Boulevards, boutiques and Berlins oldest beer garden; it has come a long way from its East German days and working class routes. It is now one of the most desirable places to live for trendy young families. Home to Berlins biggest flea market at Mauerpark, an abundance of other parks, and several weekly street markets like the organic food market in the gorgeous Kollowitzplatz, it is the perfect place to shop, stroll, caf-hop and people watch. -Rachel Nolan-
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Chancellor of Germany, leading him to create a dictatorship with his Nazi government. Jewish people were targeted by a law stating that all Jewish businesses should be boycotted in Berlin.
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1939 Germany invades Poland setting in motion World War II. 1942 The Nazis decide to rid Europe of Jews, homosexuals and gypsies, which will come to be known as the Holocaust. Six million people died in concentration camps, including ones such as Sachsenhausen near Berlin. 1945 Germany is defeated in the war; the UK, USA, France and the Soviet Union occupy Germany, including Berlin, which is split into different sections for each allied country. The city itself is left in ruin after damage from the war. Neighbourhoods are reduced to rubble and half of its buildings are destroyed.
Divided Kingdom
1949 Germany, including Berlin, is split in half, turning into the city into two separate states. The two different political parties are The Federal Republic of Germany in West Berlin and the Soviet controlled German Democratic Republic (GDR) in East Berlin. 1961 The Berlin Wall is constructed by the GDR, as relations are tense between the two states. The space in between the wall is labelled the death strip, as guard towers, land mines and soldiers are on site at all times. 200 people died when trying to escape. The USA and the Soviet Union face off at Checkpoint Charlie.
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www.brewersberlintours.com/
2: Merlin Combi-Tickets
For some of Berlins top attractions such as The Berlin Dungeon, Sea Life Berlin, Legoland Discovery Centre and Madame Tussads, combination tickets can be bought online making a saving of up to 40. www.thedungeons.com/berlin/ en/book-tickets/combi-tickets. aspx
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Contributors Profiles.
Dom Walker is a dancing machine. Hitting every club in the city, every day of the week, noone can rival his determination to disco.
Extremely hard working as a writer, determined to be a German speaker and ideal for a good chat or a great laugh on a night out, Journalism Graduate Stuart Blythe is the gay best friend youve always wanted. Dont underestimate low key Lorcan James; while he may question every rule of the German language, he is now a fully converted Berlin night owl with regular appearances at the Berghain. Appearing reserved and quiet, this Italian girl is secretly intelligent. So secret she might belong in the FBI. Beware of Giorgia when you write anything in Italian, French or German she will correct your every error. Drawn to Berlin for its history, Andrew Jackson soon found himself surrounded by Berlins street food. His writing prowess and researching ability ensured no food establishment was left without a review. With her cheerful and sunny personality and her extreme good German, you could not ask for a better travel companion to discover Berlin. Directly from Oxford, here you are Christina! Whether its with her early morning runs, her flair for journalism or her relentless partying, Phoebe Inglis-Holmes is an inexhaustible Scottish machine who you definitely want on your team. With a contagious lust for life, natural creative flair and a remarkable passion for travel, versatile Rhiannon Edwards is perfectly suited to travel journalism. Her worldly experience has given her an astute sense of judgement. Shes a friend and an inspiration to us all.
Effortlessly cool, Rachel Nolan is someone who Katie Griffiths would like to party with, and if thats not a compliment I dont know what is.
Whether Alicia Ramirez is dancing in her native desert, or doing Swing and Salsa by the River Spree, this free spirited adventurer, sure knows how to shake it. Dang it!
A vital layout member, Xander Richards and his goldie-locks can maintain a consistent tranquil balance between work and play. The amusing English major is a stickler for perfection and expects nothing less than that from his peers. With a natural creative flair and determination, theres no doubt this talented young girl is going places. Charming and assertive with an edgy alternative style, Katie Griffiths suits Berlin to a T.
Happy-go-lucky and hailing from Hong Kong Qing Wu has a spring in her step and the right attitude. The world is her oyster and she is a pearl.
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