2019 April: A Day in Berlin, Germany

Itinerary

Arriving by bus from Copenhagen, we had a full day to spend in Berlin.

Transportation

It's a walkable city but you still need to get some tickets to take the buses or trains.  We are traveling in a group of 4, instead of buying individual tickets (All Day trip at 7 EUR (409 PHP, 2019)), we decided to choose the Day Ticket for Small Group of 5 at 19.90 EUR (1162 PHP or 291 PHP/each (at 4 individual members), 2019)

On the upper ground floor of Central Station, if you find it hard to buy from the machine there is a DB Information that can help to understand how to buy from the machine.  Otherwise there is a ticket office you can visit in 2/3F.

Berlin Ostbahnhof Station - serves as Central station for long distance trains, regional routes and accessibility to nearby attractions in the city.  This is a good starting point of your journey in Berlin.

Places to see

East Side Gallery - where you can get a glimpse of the art work of the famous Berlin Wall that covers more than a kilometer of walking.

In an article, the artist (Dmitri Vrubel) mentioned "In this painting, there's one German and one Russian, and the Berlin Wall is about the same thing but in reverse: here [in the painting], there's total love, while the Berlin Wall separates two worlds — it was a perfect fit." [Read more]

If you are the type who is not into holocaust stories, you can skip the following:
Checkpoint Charlie -

Holocaust Memorial

But if you are fond of the history, ensure that you visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and underground area of Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

Then, instead go to other areas like:

Brandenburg Gate - If you have a chance to get here at darker hours, the better.

Humdoldt University of Berlin - The scientist in me, yes!  If you are familiar with Karl Marx and Albert Einstein, this might bring some interest in you.  The Bebelplatz (public square) is where the Nazi book burning ceremony happened whom writings from these 2 and more physicists and scientists were affected.

Berlin Cathedral Church - Grab the opportunity to pay for only 7 euro and take 270 steps to reach the top tower and watch over the city.  Unfortunately, the cathedral dome is under construction during our visit.

I suggest to spend more time in museum island if you are into art appreciation.
Based on my research, most recommended are Pergamon Museum (19 eu), Neues Museum (12 eu) and Alte Nationalgalerie (10 eu).

Continue walking along the Hackescher Market, to enjoy your dinner in open-restaurants place.


Map

Accommodation 
a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof


Getting Hungry?

Die Bude (Snack Bar near Checkpoint Charlie)
Friedrichstraße 205, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Curry wurst is mostly fried sausage cut into bite-sized pieces and topped with curry ketchup, tomato paste, mayonnaise and/or curry powder.

Restauration 1840
German restaurant with outdoor seating in Hackescher Market
Am Zwirngraben 8-10, 10178 Berlin, Germany

A schnitzel is a thin slice of fried light meat (mostly pork), coated in breadcrumbs.  Their single serving is good for 2 persons, so do group sharing if you want to save some bucks. 

Restaurants inside Berlin Ostbahnhof Station 

You'll never get hungry in waiting for your next bus or train schedule in Central Station as there is an array of restaurants and coffee shops that you can choose from to fill your tummy.

Souvenirs from Berlin

Newer design of city mugs from Starbucks.

December or not there are many Christmas Village items that you can choose from random shops.

I stopped collecting magnets and key chains, but there are more interesting designs you can choose from.

Adding to my collection is the old design city mug from Starbucks and few postcards to share with my sister. 

Which spot is your most favorite in Berlin?

Travel Date: April 27-28, 2019