Every trip you do, whether it entails travelling across the world, across the border or across the country, should be an enjoyable one. For this to be done, you need to have a general understanding of the history, culture and customs of where you are going and this is why we have compiled a list of 5 things you should know before going to Berlin.

1. History

We all know that the history of Berlin is somewhat precarious, what with 40 years of being torn into two, divided by a wall and literally being bombed into ruins, but after almost three decades of reconstruction, revolution and modernization, Berlin can finally put its hands up when being asked if it compares with other cosmopolitan cities. And although the city can now claim to be one of Europe’s modern metropolises, its potent history ensures a cultural trip in every sense of the way.

2. Transport

To get to Berlin, the possibilities are endless. With 3 already existing airports serving the city; Tegel, Sch?nefeld and Tempelhof, and the enormous Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport said to be ready in 2011, flying into the capital will never be an issue. These airports have regular connections with major English airports, with no less than 8 major airlines connecting the two. The city also has its major train station, Berlin Haubtbahnhof, which serves as a main stop to many long-distance and over night trains. For inter-city travelling, Berlin is served by a punctual and trustworthy network of trains, trams, buses and ferries and although they aren’t incredibly cheap, they’re punctual, reliable and regular. Another option is the taxi service: easy to find, numerous and quite reasonably priced - a good option if you don’t want to brave the public transport. Most of these transports are suitable for any disability and the city has a comprehensive network of night transport.

3. Sightseeing

Obviously the main reason people come to the city, it’s quite important to know what’s worth your preciously spent time. For history, visit the Berlin Wall, the Topographie des Terrors concentration camp and Checkpoint Charlie. For modern architecture and design, visit the Olympiastadion, Deutches Historiches Museum, the Sand-Hedwigs-Kathedrale Cathedral and the Alte Nationalgalerie (the Old National Gallery). The TV tower or the ‘Fernsehturm’ and Alexanderplatz are also musts for general tourist behaviour. There are dozens and dozens of other places to visit in the city, all of which are important both historically and culturally.

evil bong dvd download
4. Areas

These are the most widely known areas which have the main attractions of the city:

Mitte – the most central area
Prenzlauer Berg – the trendiest, most up and coming area. Also a residential area very popular with young families (north east of Mitte)
Kreuzberg – a very historical area and the centre of Turkish Berlin (south of Mitte)
Sch?neberg – large and wealthy area, well known for its gay scene (south west of Mitte)
Tiergarten – home to Berlin’s giant parkland (west of Mitte)
Charlottenburg – quite cultural and commercial area (west of Tiergarten)

5. General knowledge

Just one or two phrases to help you along the way,

Hello – gusten tag
Goodbye – auf Widersehen
Yes – ja
No – nein
Please – bitte
Thank you – danke
Sorry – verzeihung
Excuse me – entschuldisen Sie mir bitte
How much is….? – wievel koset…..?
Where is….? – wo ist….?

Make sure too book your Berlin accommodation (apartamentos en Berlín) in advance. I recommend an apartment (alojamiento en Berlín) in Prenzlauer Berg or a hotel (hoteles en Berlín)in Mitte. Have a wonderful time.