Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Germany : Berlin - June 2008

Country Code: Dial for Germany

Berlin’s streets come alive in summer as the residents try to enjoy the sun while it lasts. The cafés are packed until long after dark and the city’s many parks are perfect for picnicking. As ever, there’s no shortage of fun stuff to do. Rene Blixer gives us a few pointers

Getting around

Tempelhof Airport is located in the southcentral borough of Tempelhof- Schöneberg.

Train: The airport is connected to the city centre by U-Bahn line 6, which can be picked up from Platz der Luftbrücke station. The journey takes 10 to 15 minutes and tickets cost €2,10.
Taxi: The trip into the city centre takes around 15 minutes and costs about €12.
Tourist information: There are offices at the Brandenburg Gate and the main railway station (0025, visitberlin.de).

SCHÖNEBERG

The long-standing hub of Berlin’s gay community, this vibrant inner-city district is an excellent base from which to explore the city.

Sleep soundly – Housed in a charming art nouveau building, the Hotel Schöneberg is conveniently located in the heart of Schöneberg and has comfortable rooms.

Culture vultures – The Jugendmuseum houses an interactive children’s exhibition that includes the intriguingly named Room of Miracles.

Must eat – Try authentic Korean dishes like chajangmyun (homemade noodles in black bean sauce with pork) at Rotari. This tiny, relaxed restaurant is hugely popular with Berlin’s Korean community – always a good sign.

Dance the night away – Cosy little club Trompete hosts live acts most nights. Later, there’s usually dancing and the bar has great cocktails.

Shop til you drop – Winterfeldplatz market (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays) sells pretty much everything, from fruit and vegetables to natural cosmetics. If you’re looking to splurge a bit more lavishly, head for Europe’s largest department store KaDeWe.

MITTE

This former eastern district is the historic centre of Berlin and home to museums, art galleries, shopping and restaurants and bars for every taste.

Sleep soundly – The Arcotel Velvet Hotel (rooms from €98) is located on one of the liveliest streets in Berlin, within walking distance of all the main sights.

Culture vultures – Berlin’s leading exhibition space, C/O Berlin, is housed in what was the city’s ornate central post office. It hosts works by renowned international artists.

Must eat – Schwarzwaldstuben serves up traditional southern German food in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s got good beers on tap, too.

Must drink – Keyser Soze is the district’s best spot for people-watching.

Dance the night away – For live music, head straight to Bang Bang Club, an intimate basement venue near Hackescher Markt. Local acts strut their stuff almost nightly here.

Shop til you drop – The Adidas Originals Berlin concept store stocks a vast selection of modish re-issued models – think retro trainers, T-shirts and tracksuits.

KREUZBERG

Berlin’s most diverse area, Kreuzberg is home to workers, immigrants and artists. It’s also arguably the city’s most fashionable district.

Sleep soundly – The baxpax Kreuzberg Hostel (rooms from €31) has affordable, individually designed rooms and is situated right near Kreuzberg’s main strip, Oranienstraße.

Culture vultures – Documenting hundreds of years of German-Jewish history, the Jewish Museum is a Berlin must-see. Take time to admire the architecture before rushing inside – it’s spectacular.

Must eat – On Sunday, the light-filled Café Morgenland does one of the best all-you-can-eat brunches in the city. The focus is firmly on Mediterranean cuisine.

Dance the night away – At Spindler & Klatt, a warehouse club with an outdoor area right on the river, tuck into elegant fusion food alongside well-heeled Berliners before hitting the dancefloor.

Shop til you drop – Felt fetishists can get their fill at Lucifer, where nearly everything is made of the stuff, from stylish bags to unique dresses. For skatewear, trainers and street art, head to Overkill (195a Köpenickerstraße).

Compiled by Nadja Vancauwenberghe