The city of Berlin is a city that enjoys a deep and intriguing history. However, few people realize that it has a lively nightlife. Berlin offers a multitude of clubs, bars, museums, palaces, and much more to entertain and delight any traveler. Though many parts of Berlin were badly damaged during World War II, these areas were reconstructed during the years following the war. The city now offers visitors a rewarding and fascinating visit that they will never forget.
There are three major airports serving Berlin. These include Tegel International, Schonefeld, and Tempelhof. Buses are available from all three of these airports. However, Schonefeld also offers the S-Bahn - the S9 line will take you to Berlin city center. Schonefeld also offers train services at similar cost.
Berlin is such a large city that it's critical visitors should try to understand the public transportation system before they visit. Thankfully, the Berlin transportation system is very efficient and easy to use. The U-Bahn is Berlin's subway system - it's a zoned system. Fares discounts are available through Tageskarte day cards (zones A & B), or the Berlin WelcomeCard, which offers unlimited travel in zones A and B. The S-Bahn run very often and it is one of the fastest and easiest methods to get around Berlin. For more information, call S-Bahn at (0 30) 29 74 33 33.
The underground subway system is called the U-Bahn and it is also very easy to use. All U-Bahn stations offer electronic signs that provide the time of the next train, and the direction the train is headed. The U-Bahn provides extremely efficient transportation throughout greater Berlin.
Buses are slower than the U-Bahn or the S-Bahn; however they provide access to just about every location in Berlin. There are additionally express buses that don't stop at every station - these are a faster solution to get across the city a little more quickly. Fares are reasonable and the bus networks are very easy to use and navigate. Also consider taking a ride on the 100, which leaves from Zoo Station - on this unique route, you can tour most of historic Berlin from a fun double-decker tour bus.
Finally bicycling is certainly another fantastic way to experience Berlin. The city offers a number of bicycle paths, and bicycles are a very popular method of transportation for residents. Bicycle rentals are available, and guided bike tours are offered as well.
Where to go Shopping in Berlin
Berlin offers some of the best shopping opportunities in the world, including bustling shopping districts, very posh and upscale boutiques, and intriguing and elegant shopping. For the shopper with a variety of interests and a love for bargains - this city has it all.
Some examples of the best Berlin shopping areas include Ku'Damm, which is filled with high-end specialty stores. The Tauentzienstrasse and intersecting Marburger, Ranke, and Nurnberger offer a variety of stores specializing in German fashions. This area includes the amazing Europa Center, Berlin's major indoor shopping center - complete with 75 shops, restaurants, and cafes.
And while in this area, no shopper should miss experiencing KaDeWe - the biggest department store in continental Europe.
Another great shopping area in Berlin is Uhland-Passage at Uhlandstrasse 170, which is an upscale market offering the finest boutiques and big-name stores. This area includes Bleibtreustrasse, where shoppers will browse trendy and avant-garde boutiques selling haute-couture clothing. Additionally, Kempinski Plaza features posh and exclusive boutiques.
Moving along to another great shopping area - the Berliner Zinnfiguren at 88 Knesebeckstrasse is a famous shopping place for collectors. Believe it or not, this shop offers over 10,000 pewter figurines of soldiers from the many imperial armies. It also has a large inventory of military historical collectibles and books.
For shoppers who crave the shopping mall experience, Potsdamer Platz Arcades provides visitors with over 100 stores on three levels that where shoppers enjoy a wide selection of retail shopping choices. Restaurants and cafes are available to relax at after your shopping spree, and cinemas are available as well.
Finally, Friedrichstrasse is an exclusive shopping opportunity at Quartier 206 in Berline Mitte. This street has a large assortment of quality products from international designers in an art deco environment. Quartier 207 is home to the Galeries Lafayette, a spectacular building. Quartier 205 houses a large array of stores and a great full food court with international menus to select from.
Time to Visit Berlin!
Aside from being the capital of Germany, Berlin is also the largest city in Germany. It is a city that is, today, diverse and cosmopolitan. This is a beautiful city where east meets west in a metropolis that has seen both hard times and good times. Berlin is a unique city that provides an abundance of exciting opportunities for visitors to enjoy. A trip to Berlin is absolutely certain to include entertainment, recreation and shopping experiences that will never be forgotten
Berlin is a city that has a very deep history, a beautiful architectural appeal, and a great deal to offer visitors and shoppers. The political and cultural developments of the 19th and 20th centuries have transformed this cityscape into an exciting and promising city ready to offer visitors the absolute best experience Germany has to offer.
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