What a gem! Christian the owner was extremely helpful and pleasant. The room was in a quiet street, was light, very clean and comfortable. The bathroom was spotless. Room was serviced every day. Plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby and the bus and U-Bahn were a 5 minute walk away. A fantastic introduction to a very clean and efficient city. The hotel had a lot of tourist information, Christian spoke excellent English and the breakfasts were delicious

The best guesthouse I stayed in in my 3 months in Europe. It was comfortable, clean, and had a great kitchen, and an outside garden area. The best thing about it though was the staff. They were all incredibly helpful like you would not believe. They sat down with us on our first day with a map and highlighted everything we wanted to see, answered our questions, gave plenty of advice, catered to all types of travellers with different ideas on how they wanted to spend their time in Berlin!For less than $100/night, got a very stylish flat with plenty of space, a great bathroom with tub, a kitchen (no minibar!), a dvd/stereo/tv, a washer/dryer, and the feeling like you're actually living in Berlin, not just breezing through. The place was immaculate, and felt quite secure. The guesthouse, with a dozen or so rooms and apartments, is in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood in east Berlin. It is an old working-class/industrial neighborhood going through a big revival. Gay-friendly and also lots of young families with kids in strollers. Plenty of small restaurants and cafes diffused throughout the area. The guesthouse itself is a few steps from the retail center of the neighborhood, including a movie theater and mall. My apartment faced a courtyard, and was very quiet.

I recommend "Crocodilian - Rooms in Berlin", if you are looking for a furnished room or flat in Berlin. They are really good value for money. You find all offers with photos and detailed information online - so you don't have to be afraid of ending up in some dump.

Dear All, If you're planning a trip to Berlin I suggest you get you're hands on a copy of EXBERLINER magazine. EXBERLINER is the monthly English-language paper for Berlin, it offers informative journalism and up to date listings of events in the city. Find out whats on and where in English.

Dear All, If you're looking for accommodation in Berlin I suggest you try 'room with a loo'. 'room with a loo' is Berlin's English-speaking accommodation agency. They are friendly, efficient and more than 10% cheaper than other agencies in town.

The Berlin Dining Club is a very cool way to meet other native English speakers in Berlin. It's mostly a younger crowd (20's and 30's) and all nationalities (American, British, Aussie, New Zealander, etc...). See: www.BerlinDiningClub.com for more info.

here you can type in the street of your destination, click "Finden" and the corresponding map area will appear. http://www.berlin.de/stadtplan/explorer?adr_zip=10178&adr_district=Mitte&adr_street=Karl-Liebknecht-Str.&adr_house=29&adr_info=BerlinOnline&bo_init=1

hi future berlin visitors, here are the links you need in order to know what's going on in berlin: http://www.zitty.de http://www.berlinonline.de/tip/.bin/index.php http://www.prinz.de/stadt/berlin/index.php here you can find job ads, flats, events, tickets and much more.

This Berlin hangout was one of my favourite places to go and drink very strong espresso while reading German homework. It had a ark cavelike felling and the staff was very friendly without being annoying.

For anyone interested in anti-fashist political action this is the place to meet your comrads. The outside looks like your typical squat, blanketed in graffiti with assorted counter-culture charaters hanging out in front sipping beer. The inside looks very much like the outside. There is a makeshift bar where you can buy beer and coffee, some old couches and other furniture that was probably found. I went there to see a "know your enemy" presentation on the neo-nazi scene, clothing, music ect. It was an interesting and lively discussion, but I wish my German had been a little better at the time.

ok i am going to do a bit of free press for this place because out of all the hostels i stayed at this past summer (18!!) is was far and away the best place ever and its really centrally located in rosa luxemburg platz. Very close to Alexanderplatz and Mitte. You absolutely have to stay here, its cheap and has a bar, laundry and internet. Breakfast is really cheap and they have almost anything you could want. Definitly a good way to meet other backpackers. see my pics from there at the site in my profile under berlin. or go to http://www.circus-berlin.de/

November the 9th seems to be a date for significant moments in Berlin's history. On November 9th 1918 the German Republic was declared; around November 9th 1989, when Berlin's wall came down; and it was also the 9th of November 1938 when Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass, occured. Jewish homes and businesses, were stoned and set ablaze, the fire department ordered not to put them out. Today many of Berlin's tourists sights, display black and white photo's, pictures of the city in the first decade of the 20th century, a better time to remember. These days rebuilding much of Berlin's pre-war buildings, a lot of them were destroyed in the war and had been altered little until the last ten years. Roads, parks, and buildings cover what used to be the death strip of the wall, as though it was never there. One of the only indications is a dotted line painted on the asphalt and concrete, marking the spot. We had real difficulty trying to find Hitler's bunker as there are no signs, and it is partly covered by a car park. The authorities want no Neo-Nazi's making the place in to a shrine. However there are other examples of the past, one of the most poignant exhibitions is the New Synagogue in Oranienburger Strasse. Once the New Synagogue had been considered an example of the great religious tolerance of Berlin when it was founded in 1866. The pre 1933 Jewish Population of Berlin was around 174 000 000. They Synagogue was not just a religious house, it, and it's surrounding buildings, no.29 and 31, were used to promote Jewish art and culture to the wider public, and aid the Jewish community to assimilate more with German people. That all changed. On the night of Kristallnacht, the new Synagogue was attacked but wasn't burned down. These days only the front part of the building is still standing. The back half was destroyed in an air raid in 1945 (long after the Jewish community was declared 'dissolved' in 1942). Inside amongst various relics there is a collection of black and white slides that show the pre-war Jewish community. In the thirties when the first tough measures had been brought against these people, when they were barred from their homes, schools and jobs, the synagogue and it's surrounding buildings, offered what help they could. There are photos of the people, queuing to speak to the aid agency. It makes you shudder when you wondered about what happened to them. Right up until 1940 when it was closed, the street still held exhibitions and concerts. In 1985 restoration was begun on the half of the synagogue that was still standing. It is now open to the public all days except Wednesday. No 31 and 29 have again become offices,and culture centres. No. 31. was showing a Jewish photography exhibition when I was there. However there are some other unwelcome evidence of history repeating itself. Visitors and their baggage are put through metal detectors. Also I found out that police protect it twenty four hours a day.

Berlin was the most surprisingly pleasant city on my tour of europe this summer. The shopping was spectacular, each neighborhood had a different personality, food and drinks were very affordable, locals were friendly and helpful, and the nightlife was beyond compare...

Yeah, there's a really cool website with the completest list of cheap accommodations in berlin... it's called <a href=http://www.travellerguide.net>www.travellerguide.net</a> ... check it out.

There are several walking tours of Berlin, aimed towards English speaking tourists. They generally take a few hours and show you around the major sites (bits of wall, the site of Hitler's bunker, Museums etc. etc.) which you can then go back and investigate in more detail at your own pace.

I visited two German friends in Berlin for my first Berlin visit (yes, it took me 6 years of living in (southern) Germany to make it to Berlin--schlimm!) in July 1999, and they suggested we eat dinner at Die Zwölf Apostel in der Georgenstraße, one of their locations, interestingly tucked away underneath the S-Bahn arches. I had Pizza Judas (Tomate, Mozzarella, pikante Salami, Paprika, Pepperoni - scharf), one of their pizzas conveniently named after the apostles. Lovely atmospher inside, although we sat outside on a nice summer evening. I'm getting hungry just typing this!

go to to tresor at postdamer place and you will return everyday of the week. this is one of the best techno disco of berlin and one of the best in europe. evenings are ending around 7 AM in the morning after a crazy night. always cradwed and with good atmosphere. just hoping it will never change. try other places in berlin, there are worth to go to.

If you plan to go to Potsdam to visit Sanssoucis or Babelsberg Filmstudios or the Cecilienhof, DO NOT use the official parking lots. They are always full, it takes FOREVER to get in and they are expensive. Just park in the city centre. It´s only a 5 minute walk to Sanssoucis and it´s free

I just read all these amazing reviews about the new Mövenpick Restaurant (Zur Alten Mühle) in Potsdam, so i decided to go there. Well, it looks spectacular, but it´s crowded (you must reservations, and the clientele is not so nice). So we left and went into the town itself and found the cutest little cafe of the main street (Brandenburgische Strasse, i think. It´s where no cars can drive). Walk down a few blocks and it´s in one of the side streets to the left. It has little green tables outside. It´s just a coissanterie and a cafe, but it´s very nice...

In the Pariser Strasse there are a few Mexican restaurants, but the Jimmys Diner is the cheapest. I`m getting hungry just thinking about the Nacos with chicken and california dip...hmmm-they are soo good.

You cannot leave Berlin, without visting Tacheles, a very good place, with many things to see, music, food, art, culture, very nice, good prices, cool people.

If you like Dancehall- and Raggamusic you have to go to the Subround at the Pfefferberg. Every Wednesday you will find the Barney Millah Station and because of the furnishings and the music you will feel as if you where in Jamaica. I love it!

Need to party on thursday or sunday? Well go to the Far Out directly at the Kurfürstendamm. The music changes every hour from salsa to techno over rock to soul. Gorgeous party mood, many students, always crowded (after two o´clock in the morning more space at the floor) good cocktails and nice prices! Important warning - weird audience and music on fridays and saturdays!!!

I you love dancing to music of the seventies and eighties you sure should make a detour to the Hafenbar in Berlin Mitte. On fridays and saturdays they switch between different parties. The eighties year parties are the best. Loads of fun, nice people and music to dance throughout the whole night. Not suitable for every weekend but sure a place to dance and having fun.

There are three real nice beer gardens in Berlin. The "Café am neuen See" - directly at a small lake in the inner City in Tiergarten(don´t be surprised about gnat bites you may find the next day), sometimes crowded but good atmosphere, the "Golgatha" on the Kreuzberg (close to the airport Tempelhof but don`t worry, no noise) good beer, fair prices, good music and a floor if you´d like to move and last but not least the "Loretta am Wannsee" (without a car more difficult to get there). There is another Loretta close to the Kudamm but this one is very touristic. Delicious grill specialities, cold beer and a also good atmosphere. In hot summerdays - go there.

The Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg is really nice. There are cute cafes (delicious and cheap breakfast in the Atlantic), tasty restaurants and many interesting shops - from second hand to antiques and more. Its a street with its own charakter and style and always busy.

There are two city magazins called 030 Stadtmagazin and flyer containing informations about nightlife, culture and movies. They include all the adresses of discos and the movie theatres. Its always valid for a month. They cannot be bought, but you can find the 030 at Burger King or in cafés. Its more difficult to find a flyer so get a 030!

There are three opera houses in Berlin. Most likely, the guide books will tell you to go to the Staatsoper, which is the old Opera house in the East of Berlin. It's in a beautiful building. But, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, which is in one of the ugliest buildings on earth, is by far better, and one of the top opera houses in the world. The good thing about it is that opera is very cheap in berlin. If you get a seat in the "Hochparkett" (about rows 30-40 in the orchestra), you have a perfect views, are close to the stage and it only costs around 35 DM, which is 17 US $. So it's really worth going. If you have more questions, feel free to send me an iNote.

The only remaining 1.3 km section of the Berlin Wall left standing intact, artists from all over the world are recreating their images on the Wall from 1989. A must see! Paintings are fantastic, and a reminder that freedom is not guaranteed.

On Winterfeldplatz is a falafel/schwarma/Doener Kebab joint called "Habibi". It has the best falafel and Doner you've ever eaten. And fresh juice to boot. It's a must.

It's a cliche, but you have to take the #100 bus from Zoologischer Garten to Alexander Platz. It's a cheap tour of the major sites of the city. Even better is to take the nightbus equivalent of the #100 (I don't know which that is now). It's cool to ride down Strasse des 17. Juni, past the Reichstag, under the Brandenburg Gate and down Unter den Linden in the middle of the night at the top of a double-decker bus. It's very eerie, but cool.

Brasil - in Mitte near Hackischer Markt - is a fantastic Brazilian restaurant that not only has great food, fantastic atmosphere, but also adorable waiters that kept me coming back!

It's been a while since I've been there, but there is/was a GREAT restaurant in Mitte near Oranienburger Tor called "Honigmond" (honey moon) run by a group of eastern Berliners. They served up fantastic "nouvelle" German cuisine (that's not a joke) that was always a hit.

In addition to Daniel's selections for English language films, I always loved the Babylon in Kreutzberg. It's very hip - not the most modern or comfortable in the world, but it's pretty cool and they show great films there.

Basically, taxis are kind of expensive in Berlin, but if you´re only going a short distance (i think it´s 5 minutes or 2 km), then say you want the 5 Mark Tarif. This means that it´s a fixed price of 5 marks. This is probably around 3-4 marks cheaper than paying the normal fare... Sometimes the taxi drivers get annoyed at that, but well, too bad for them...

For all those expats living in Berlin, there´s an increasing number of cinemas that show films in the original language (mostly English films, though, some french) or with subtitles. My favorite cinema is Die Kurbel in Charlottenburg (they also have sneak previews) And then there is the Odeon in Schoeneberg and I think the big movie theatre in the Potsdamer Platz is showing English speaking films too. But the atmosphere in the other ones are better.

When backpacking in Berlin, make sure you stay in a hostel that includes breakfast in it's nightly rate. They serve up massive buffets for breakfast with all types of breads, filling and fruit. You can take what you want and shove it in your day-pack for lunch so you don't have to buy it.

I don´t know if this really qualifies as an "Attraction", but the Love Parade is really something else... It´s the biggest Techno Party in the world. About 1.5 million people dance in the streets of berlin and there are lots of pre and after parties. Be careful when you go to the parade.It´s VERY crowded, and you should wear sunscreen and have lots of water with you. For more info go to www.loveparade.de (in English and german) This year it´s on July 8!

The Hackesche Hoefe is one of the more interesting and beautiful areas in Berlin (on the east side). Lots of outdoor cafes (try the Oxymoron), little shops, and so on. Perfect for a summer evening. U-Bahn/S-Bahn Hackesche Hoefe.

Every Summer, you can see movies at the Waldbuehne, a beautiful open-air arena that fits 25000 people. They generally show blockbuster films and movies like Casablanca. It's a great experience. Glockenturmstrasse in Charlottenburg.

The 90 Grad is one of the nicest clubs in Berlin, I think. It's relatively small, with excellent music, ranging from House to light Techno, to dance. There's an outside patio. Thursday's is Gay Night. In and in the summer they have foam parties, which are AMAZING. Dennewitz Strasse in Schoeneberg.