DK Travel : Berlin

Berlin is Germany’s liveliest city and one of the most fascinating capitals in the world. You’ll find no other place where art and culture, museums and theatres, entertainment and nightlife are more diverse and exciting than on the banks of the Spree River. Once reunited, Berlin quickly developed into a cosmopolitan city, and today there is an air of energy and vibrancy about it.

Multi-lingual tourist information: www.berlin.de or: www.btm.de

British Embassy

Excerpt from the British Embassy in Berlin web site:

In 1991 the Bundestag voted to move the seat of Government from Bonn to Berlin. Following this historic decision, the British Government decided to return its embassyto its pre-War site on Wilhelmstraße, next door to the Hotel Adlon and close to the Brandenburg Gate.

In 1994/95 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office held a competition to choose an architect for the new building, which was won by Michael Wilford and Partners, London, a leading British firm with a strong presence in Germany. The new British Embassy has 6 floors and a total of 9000 sqm office space. Approximately 150 diplomats and local staff carry out the full range of Embassy functions including commercial, consular, political and press work. The new building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 18 July 2000. It was the first time that a British monarch attended the opening ceremony of a new diplomatic mission

An important feature of the new Embassy is the accessibility for members of the public. The public areas are used for various events, e.g. receptions, podium discussions, conferences, book launches, exhibitions and concerts. The architect's use of glass and light gives visitors an impression of the representational and day-to-day functions of the entire building. The design includes a courtyard and wintergarden, which allow daylight and afternoon sun into the heart of the building and give natural ventilation to all offices.

At the ground-breaking ceremony on 29 June 1998, Derek Fatchett MP, Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office described the new Embassy as "...a building in the heart of Germany's new seat of Government that will serve its purpose both as a modern working environment and as a showcase for Britain." The foundation-stone-laying ceremony took place on 22 September 1998.
Britzer Schloss and Park

The Palace in Britz, dating from 1706, has been furnished with historical furniture from the Gründerzeit (after 1871). It is situated in a lovely park that invites visitors for a rest.
Bröhan-Museum

A unique collection of Art-Nouveau and Art-Deco objects from around Europe is on display at this small museum. Also an exhibition of paintings by Berlin artists.
Bücherbogen

Berlin’s leading arts and photography bookseller is tucked away within three arches under the S-Bahn viaduct.
Budapester Schuhe

Small branch of a chain, selling quality men’s shoes.
Bundeskanzleramt

Berliners are not too fond of the Chancellor’s new offices, although this is the only new government building to have been designed by a Berlin architect. Axel Schultes developed a vast, elongated office complex, which extends north of the Reichstag, in a bend of the Spree, even stretching across the river. In the centre of the hyper-modern building stands a gleaming white cube with round windows, which Berliners quickly nicknamed “washing machine”. Critics describe the design as pompous, while civil servants dislike their small offices. The interior of the building is decorated with valuable modern paintings. The Chancellor’s office on the 7th floor has a view of the Reichstag.
Butter Lindner

This traditional Berlin store specializes in fresh, home-made foods and delicatessen. Of its numerous branches the most attractive one is in Charlottenburg.
Café Adler

Time seems to have stood still at this pub–café, next to the former border crossing at Checkpoint Charlie.
Café Aedes

This modern café, based in an S-Bahn arch, forms part of an architectural gallery.
Café am Neuen See

The only Berlin Kneipe that is also a café. The “Italian breakfast” is opulent and delicious. In summer, crowds gather in the vast beer garden. Customers bring their own food to grill and sit at the long tables, chatting over a local beer.