Berlin
With our friends we decided to organise another International Friends Trip (IFT) and this time we selected Berlin. We heard plenty of good things about the city and although I visited Berlin in 2018 for a conference, I didn’t manage to see anything of the city. An extra reason to go back and have some good time.
Airport shuttle: Trabi XXL
In previous trips we have learned that a special transfer from the airport to the hotel sets the tone for a great weekend (Budapest and Prague). With Trabi XXL we found something new, a streched Trabant and a VW T3 Bus Limousine. We were picked up by 2 very enthusiastic drivers, who drove us safely to our hotel. Underway we stopped a 2 or 3 high lights and could take some pictures. In the limousines we got party music and some drinks. We can really recommend this organisation and for sure it will be a great addition to your trip.
Segway tour: Robot City Berlin
After checking in into our hotel we took the metro towards Hackesher Markt as their office is only 600 meter away. We booked a 2 hour private tour to see some famous points in the city. The tour started with a quick introduction and tryout as some did it for the first time. Others already did it during our trip to Prague. We were lucky with the weather and passed several tourist spots. The length was more than long enough and next time I even think we might select 1 hour or 1.5 hour tour. Nevertheless it’s a great way to get a first impression of the city and decide which parts you want to visit on later moments during your trip.
Restaurants
An Italian restaurant on walking distance from our Hotel Park Plaza. The food, all kinds of Italian food except pizza, was tasteful. The service was ok, but a particular waiter was quite pushy to sell certain starter dish. One which was quite expensive to our experience. We had a pleasant evening, great dinner and all by all affordable. Only our bill experience was less good. The waiter forced the tip on the payment terminal himself. This is not something which is acceptible and we are sensitive for it. I think we should be left the choice to push which amount or percentage of tip we want to give.
A place that leans very hard on their cocktails with dry ice. It’s has a big wauw factor when you get your cocktail and smoke comes out of it. It was also what attracted us to book this place for dinner on Friday evening. The food was acceptible but nothing special. It’s came in about 5 minutes after ordering, which mostly isn’t a good sign. It’s a more a kind of fancy fast food. The food came so quickly that the first plates were served before the last people received their cocktail. Although we asked to leave some time to enjoy our cocktails. It’s a place where you come 1 time and which would benefit to be more customer centric. But for a fancy picture or video, you are at the right place.
Berlin wall
World famous and I’m glad we finally got the opportunity to visit this monument. It’s impressive and this East side gallery is a must visit when you are in Berlin. The art works span over 1 kilometer and some paintings are really impressive and touching to observe. Half we we halted to have a drink in Alex where we got assigned a cosy corner. It’s a huge place and plenty of people were taking the breakfast buffet. After our drinks we continued our journey through Berlin.
This Jewish museum is the largest Jewish museum in Europe, which spans over 3500 square meters of floor space. The museum opened it’s door in 2001. Upon entrance you will need to pass through a metal detector. The entrace of the museum is for free and the building is really peculiar.
Varia
During our city walked we stopped for lunch at the Markthall Neun. A great location to grab food from several food trucks. Plenty of choice for great food, the only downside is that it was quite crowded and we didn’t manage to find a table to sit down. So we had to eat standing.
We passed the Oberbaum Bridge which is imposant and you can observe the Molecule Man from a distance. We ended our day at the Reichstag building. The entrace is fee, but you need to make a reservation upfront. The building is protected heavily and you will need to pass through metal detectors like you would in the airport.
