Me and a mate are due to go to Berlin at the start of May (providing Coronavirus hasnt wiped out europe by then) and was wondering if anyone has been and had any recommendations on things to do, places to go eat etc. We will only be going for a long weekend, and one of the evenings we will spend watching Hertha Berlin vs Leverkusen.
Been once. Like yourself only for a long weekend. I went to see Union Berlin. Visited the Olympic Stadium. I was staying only 5 minutes walk from Checkpoint Charlie. Loads of bars and restaurants to visit and it all really depends on your interests. A wee bit of research would not go amiss but whatever you do and visit you won’t be disappointed. And I found the locals very friendly and helpful. I cannot fault Berlin.
Go loads of times.....always stay around Alexanderplatz and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around that area. The Hofbrau is a must visit for a touristy pint or 4....some good bars around the Freidrich Strasse station. Loads of craft ale bars opened over the last few years....can recommend a few if you want. Get day tickets for the transport to make it easier to visit more.....your match ticket will cover transport to and from the game. Easier to give recommendations on where you will be staying as it's a big city !
Went on bike tour ( fat tire bike co.) from Alexanderplatz. Great way to see the place with a guide. Amazingly safe and quiet for bikes in the centre of a capital city. Walked out east to the old Stasi HQ. Phenomenal size indicative of the control the Stash had. Unfortunately English guided tour didnt coincide with my times. Wish to return to Berlin solely to do the tour.
It’s an incredible City. I would say the Holocaust museum, reichstag and the wall museum....but might be a bit depressing! I would stay well away from Checkpoint Charlie though. Full on tourist trap. Even the walking tours stay away from it
I'd also recommend the Story of Berlin museum. I think you also get access to the bunker when you pay in. In terms of food and drinks, Kreuzberg is probably the best, most "Berlin" place, or Mitte which is a bit more upmarket I'd say. If you like American style food (burgers, wings etc.) there is The Bird (think there are a few in the city). Berlin is great if the weather is good. You might need a coat but there are a load of beer gardens that are open. There's Schleusenkrug which is in Tiergarten, with a great surrounding area, very close the Zoo and Ku'damm. You can walk in the park, go for food and drinks, go shopping (I wouldn't!). Another beer garden near Hauptbahnhof (central station) is called Zollpackhof. It's on the River Spree, opposite the government building, near to the Reichstag etc. You can walk by the Spree all the way to Brandenburg gate and then a little bit further to Potsdamer Platz etc. It all depends where you're staying and which areas you plan on going to. I live in Berlin, so If you have any questions, just ask.
If you want German/Austrian food like Schnitzel, Leberkäse, Schweinshaxe etc. There are a few places near Friedrichstraße station, also by the river. There is an Irish Bar just as you turn off the main street, near the bridge, called Murphy's (don't eat there). There are loads of german restaurants and bars just further along, you'll see them.