Explore some of the finest and most interesting streets in Ber lin with your own walking tour. Start your adventure at Al exanderplatz in the city cen tre, where you can climb to the observation deck in the TV Tower for a 360 de gree view of the city, or cool off in Neptune’s Fountain. Cross over the Spree via Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse until it morphs into Unter den Linden.
Welcome to Berlin’s Champs-Élysées. The number of iconic sights along this street –Hum boldt University, Bebelplatz, Berlin’s version of Madame Tus saud’s and Brandenburg Gate – arguably makes this one of the busiest tourist areas in the city. Take a break at one of the many cafes, stock up on your souvenirs or even take a peek at some of the luxury car show rooms located on the street.
A left turn into Friedrichstrasse from Unter den Linden takes you into shopping heaven. From H&M to Hugo Boss and Armani, there’s something to suit everybody’s taste and budget. Continue along Frie drichstrasse to visit Checkpoint Charlie and stop at Charlie’s beach bar on the way for some currywurst or a refreshing drink.
A right turn into Friedrich strasse from Unter den Linden takes you to Oranienburger Strasse. Sample some delicious treats from Bandy Brooks’ ice-cream and homemade choco lates store on the way, or ex plore the various cafes and bars situated on the waterfront as you cross the River Spree.
Although Oranienburger Strasse is quieter during the day, the abundance of bars, restaurants and cocktail bars makes it an excellent location to head to at night. If you do pass through during the day, check out Galerie Tacheles, a veritable art’s playground and squatter’s paradise that morphs into a bar at night, or the Ramones Museum (lo cated just off Oranienburger Strasse on Krasunickstrasse).
Head back to Alexanderplatz via Sophienstrasse – a quiet, charming little street lined with boutiques. Explore the assortment of shops and ca fes in Die Hackeschen Höfe, where you can discover hidden treasures around every corner.
Jasmin Weatherly
CTR summer 2010
UND WAS NUN?