Berlin
Germany's largest city is a city of opportunities just waiting to be seized in all areas, like entertainment, recreation, economy, science and academic life.
Berlin has regarded itself as a city of knowledge and culture since the days of Friedrich the Great
in the 18th century. The political and cultural developments of the 19th and 20th century are visible throughout Berlin’s cityscape.
Climate
Berlin lies between oceanic and continental stamped climate.
In May the weather is usually mild. The average temperature is around 20 °C. Rain showers are possible and it is advisable to bring a raincoat with you.
Emergency numbers
Call the European Emergency Number 112 for all emergency cases or directly:
German Red Cross: +49 (30) 850055
Ambulance:+49 (30) 310031
Police: 110
Telephone
Country code: 49
Public telephone boxes can be found everywhere in the city. Telephone cards can be bought at the post office, in newsagents, BERLIN infostores and many other places.
Electricity
In Germany sockets operate with 230 V and comply with European standards. For appliances from outside Europe you should bring the necessary adapter with you.
Tip
The prices include service and tax, but it is customary to round up the bill. A 10 per cent tip is usual.
Time
Berlin is in the Central-European time-zone, which means one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Additionally, Berlin has a summer time, meaning that during spring and summer (from March to October) the clocks are put forward one hour.
Bank
As well as bureaus de change, mostly situated around train stations and airports, there are branches of all major banks across the city. The opening times are convenient with many banks open the whole day, several days a week. Outside banking hours you will find cash machines on nearly every street corner.
BERLIN’S TOP SIGHTS
Berlin Cathedral
The largest 19th-century Protestant Church. With beautiful Sauer church organ and Hohenzollern family crypt. (www.berliner-dom-de).
Brandenburg Gate
The city’s most famous landmark and the symbol of Berlin’s reunification. Crowned with the 1794 Quadriga statue.
East Side Gallery
The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall is also the world’s longest openair gallery - and shows artworks by 118 artists from 21 countries (www.eastsidegallery.com).
TV Tower
Berlin’s highest tower - a soaring 368 meters high! With viewing platform and revolving restaurant (www.berlinerfernsehturm.de).
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Built at the end of the 19th century and destroyed in 1943. From 1959-61, a modern church was built next to the ruins (www.gedaechtniskirche-berlin.de).
Reichstag Parliament Building
The dome by Sir Norman Foster offers a stunning view of Berlin and an unusual insight (literally!) into German politics! (www.bundestag.de).
Victory Column
A gilded statue of Victory decorates the top of this 69-meter-high tower (www.monument-tales.de).
A wealth of melodious sounds
Berlin's eight large symphony orchestras, including the world famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, make it a veritable paradise for classical music lovers from across the globe. Berlin is also the only city in the world to boast three large opera houses. A number of other large orchestras, houses specializing in opera and classical music, illustrious festivals and a magnificent summer open-air season all combine to create a glorious fusion of melodious sounds.
Art makes its own rules - just like Berlin!
Berlin is the city of the muses, artists and museums! Berlin has over 170 museums packed with the world's art treasures and fascinating historical exhibitions spanning the centuries! The city’s museums host stunning world cultural treasures, from the magnificent Pergamon Altar to the incredibly beautiful bust of Nefertiti, from Old Masters to iconic contemporary art.
