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sailor · 12-06-2005, 10:48 AM

Most of German Christmas celebrations are on the 24th, and you are more likely to have problems finding a restaurant open then than on the 25th. However, given how international and always-running Berlin is, I doubt youll have too much of a problem--but make sure to get reservations for the 24th and 25th anyways, as lots of places won't open unless they have reservations.

During the days, Berlin has tons and tons of incredible architecture and museums to see. Many parts of it rival Paris or Rome. Make sure to check out the Pergamon museum if you get the time. As a quick tip, if you plan to do lots of museums, there is a 3-day card for about €14 that is valid at almost every museum in Berlin (it has a list, over 50 places) for three days. Not a bad deal, especially if you are a student with an ISIC card, in which case you get it for half price. As for other sights to see, make sure to wander around a Christmas market. The one in the Gendarmenmarkt, if its still running, could be cool, mainly because the Gendermenmarkt is probably the prettiest square in Berlin. Unfortunately, this market is one of the few that charges to get in, a euro or two. Not sure itll still be running though, as most of them close down on the 23rd.

Other things to see include the Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Make sure to walk through it, its a powerful experience. Also, when walking, keep a look out to the sidewalk, you may see some brass plaques marking places where Jews were dragged out of their houses and shipped off to the camps. Also, the Reichstag is very worth a look. You might not be able to get in and climb the dome thanks to a long line, but the building itself is huge and massive. And the Brandenburg Gate is right next to it, so don't forget that. As for the wall, there isn't much of it left, though there are double cobbles running along it's former location--keep your eye out for that line of cobblestones running in a seemingly random fashion through streets, sidewalks, parks, etc. Also, the monument to the book burnings on the square right by Humbolt College on Unter den Linden is very cool. There's an ice skating rink there right now too, so that could be fun, though I don't know if it will still be open at that time.

Keep in mind that almost all of the sights are in the former East Berlin, and that more than likely, you'll never leave East Berlin, except to see the Reichstag which is right over the border. Most of the old East Berlin has been torn down and rebuilt or renovated, so there are only a few instances of the monolithic, rundown Soviet architecture around.

Nights? There are tons of weekly magazines that publish all the parties and such. Any bar should be able to point you in the right direction. And don't worry, almost everyone speaks perfect english.

12-06-2005, 10:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	Most of German Christmas celebrations are on the 24th, and you are more likely to have problems finding a restaurant open then than on the 25th. However, given how international and always-running Berlin is, I doubt youll have too much of a problem--but make sure to get reservations for the 24th and 25th anyways, as lots of places won't open unless they have reservations. During the days, Berlin has tons and tons of incredible architecture and museums to see. Many parts of it rival Paris or Rome. Make sure to check out the Pergamon museum if you get the time. As a quick tip, if you plan to do lots of museums, there is a 3-day card for about €14 that is valid at almost every museum in Berlin (it has a list, over 50 places) for three days. Not a bad deal, especially if you are a student with an ISIC card, in which case you get it for half price. As for other sights to see, make sure to wander around a Christmas market. The one in the Gendarmenmarkt, if its still running, could be cool, mainly because the Gendermenmarkt is probably the prettiest square in Berlin. Unfortunately, this market is one of the few that charges to get in, a euro or two. Not sure itll still be running though, as most of them close down on the 23rd. Other things to see include the Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Make sure to walk through it, its a powerful experience. Also, when walking, keep a look out to the sidewalk, you may see some brass plaques marking places where Jews were dragged out of their houses and shipped off to the camps. Also, the Reichstag is very worth a look. You might not be able to get in and climb the dome thanks to a long line, but the building itself is huge and massive. And the Brandenburg Gate is right next to it, so don't forget that. As for the wall, there isn't much of it left, though there are double cobbles running along it's former location--keep your eye out for that line of cobblestones running in a seemingly random fashion through streets, sidewalks, parks, etc. Also, the monument to the book burnings on the square right by Humbolt College on Unter den Linden is very cool. There's an ice skating rink there right now too, so that could be fun, though I don't know if it will still be open at that time. Keep in mind that almost all of the sights are in the former East Berlin, and that more than likely, you'll never leave East Berlin, except to see the Reichstag which is right over the border. Most of the old East Berlin has been torn down and rebuilt or renovated, so there are only a few instances of the monolithic, rundown Soviet architecture around. Nights? There are tons of weekly magazines that publish all the parties and such. Any bar should be able to point you in the right direction. And don't worry, almost everyone speaks perfect english. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato Last edited by sailor; 12-06-2005 at 10:51 AM..