Berlin Hotels

Introduction to Berlin

Whether you travel here for vacation or business, even a few days in Berlin is an education in German history and traditions. Once divided by a wall, the Berlin of today is virtually a new city. In the almost two decades since the end of the Cold War, it has reunified and rebuilt to become a leading center of culture and commerce in not just Germany, but all of Europe. Great care has been taken to recognize its past and move beyond.

In fact, Berlin’s origins date back to the 13th century and while Hitler’s Third Reich is acknowledged, the history residents would rather point out is the Prussian Era. The landscape is now a mix of sparkling glass skyscrapers and historic monuments, churches and buildings and there are over 170 museums which pay homage to everything from art to culture, technology and science. If you travel here looking for the Wall, you could be disappointed. There are only a few reminders, including The Wall Memorial in Bernauer Strasse. Because of its divided past, Berlin has no defined city center. Still, most places of interest are east of the Brandenburg Gate. You may be able to pick up a souvenir of the communist era such as army medals from the vendors who frequent the area. Within walking distance is the center of German government, the Bundestag, the Berlin Cathedral, the historic St. Mary’s Church – or The Marienkirche and of course the newest and most poignant attraction – The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The stark steel structure bears the names of the victims and even traces the spread of genocide throughout Europe.

The recent modernization has prompted multinational corporations from throughout the world to come to Berlin. Sony is the most visible, having opened a seven building center in Potsdamer Platz featuring offices, shopping, entertainment and housing. The Adlershof Research Center in the southern suburbs is world renown for its work in technology, biology, chemistry and physics.

No matter where your hotel is located, you will find easy access to the integrated transit system known as the BVG. The BVG includes buses, the underground (U-Bahn), the surface rail (S-Bahn), the tram or even small ferries to cross Berlin’s lakes. All available with one ticket. All three of Berlin’s airports are also connected to BVG, including the largest and most modern – Tegel.

Latitude: 52.51°
Longitude: 13.32°
Area: 889 sq km
Country: Germany
Population: 3.39 million

Currency: Euro
Electricity Voltage: 230V
Electricity Frequency: 50Hz
Electrical Plug Types:

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Getting your Bearings in Berlin

Berlin sits in the middle of the region known from medieval times as the Mark of Brandenburg, now the Bundesland (federal state) of Brandenburg. The city spills north and south of the Spree River, which winds through some of the magnificent parkland that comprises a third of the municipal area. In 2001, Berlin's previous 23 administrative districts were reduced to 12 in an effort to curb bureaucracy. There is little impact on visitors, however, as the old district names continue to be used. Berlin is divided into 12 administrative districts but you're likely to spend most of your time in the central ones. The historic heart is the Mitte district, which is where most of the must-see sights are located. Among them is the majestic Fernsehturm (TV Tower), a useful orientation point visible from most of central Berlin. It's right on Alexanderplatz, once the heart of socialist East Germany. West of here, Unter der Linden, the fashionable avenue of aristocratic old Berlin, extends all the way to the Brandenburg Gate. It passes by the Museumsinsel, an island in the Spree River, where you'll find most of Berlin's finest museums. The city's birthplace is just south of here, near the Nikolaiviertel, a rebuilt historical quarter. West of the Brandenburg Gate, the boulevard continues as Strasse des 17 Juni through the Tiergarten, a huge landscaped park. You may remember the Victory Column at its centre from the Wim Wender's film Wings of Desire. North of the Brandenburg Gate is the newly built federal government quarter anchored by the Reichstag, while south of the gate is Potsdamer Platz, Berlin's newest quarter and entertainment hub. There's good shopping here and also along the Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm, for short) in the district of Charlottenburg, west of the Tiergarten. The most sizzling nightlife zones are in neighbourhoods just outside the centre, most importantly bohemian Prenzlauer Berg, grungy Kreuzberg and student-oriented Friedichshain.

When to Visit Berlin

Berlin is a fascinating city year-round, although most visitors arrive between May and September when the weather is the most reliable. Things are busier in high season, but despite the crowds, summer is a lovely time to be here because much of life moves outdoors. Rain is, however, possible in any month, so come prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. Avoid major holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year and special events such as Loveparade - unless, of course, that's what brings you here in the first place.

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