The area around Alexanderplatz is one of the oldest parts of the city; it was here that the twin towns of Cölln and Berlin merged to become one town in the 13th century. Berlin’s oldest coherent quarter, the 18th-century Nikolaiviertel and its medieval Nikolaikirche, the city’s oldest church, lie in the shadow of the TV tower, the pride of the “capital” of former East Germany. On the occasion of Berlin’s 750th anniversary, in 1987, the East German government had the Nikolaiviertel restored. Very few of the original buildings are preserved, however; most houses were rebuilt from scratch. Only a few paces away from the alleyways of Nikolaiviertel extends Alexanderplatz, referred to by locals simply as “Alex”. Before World War II, Alex defined the heartbeat of the city; after the ravages of war, it seemed vast and a little forlorn. Although the giant square is now livelier again, especially in summer, a chilly easterly wind still blows between the houses. The vibrancy of the square, as described by Alfred Döblin in his novel Berlin Alexanderplatz, is only slowly returning to the area. Much building and reconstruction work is planned for Alex in the coming years.
A Day around Alexanderplatz
Morning
Start your day by going to Alexanderplatz where you can watch the crowds in the square and perhaps do a spot of shopping before strolling to Marienkirche . Not far from here you can chill out at Neptune Fountain and then admire the statues of Marx and Engels in the Marx-Engels-Forum . From there it is only a few steps to the Berliner Rathaus . The basement restaurant, or Ratskeller, is an excellent place for an early lunch, or you could stroll to the nearby historic Nikolaiviertel, and enjoy a meal, for example at Reinhard’s , which serves rustic fare.
Afternoon
Experience the historic ambience of the Nikolaiviertel by exploring on foot, if possible, its narrow alleyways. Nikolaikirche and the Knoblauchhaus are especially worth a visit. From here walk back to Alexanderplatz and - if the weather is nice - take the lift up to the viewing café in the Berliner Fernsehturm . After refreshments you can continue on foot or take the U-Bahn from Alex to Strausberger Platz to admire the products of Socialist architecture in Frankfurter Allee . On Grunerstraße you will reach the opposite bank of the Spree River, where you can immerse yourself In Berlin’s municipal history at the Märkisches Museum just around the corner. In the evening, go for a posh meal at Ermelerhaus .
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Visitors to Berlin may now disover the city on a 2 hour Berlin tour in the evening. The tour starts after 8:00 pm and covers all major sights in East and West Berlin.
The Berlin tour in the evening has a special ambiance, participants see all hightlights of Berlin. It´s interesting for businessmen and participants of conferences who did not find the time for Berlin sightseeing during the day.
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A true Berlin experience! This bar is a previous squat turned into cafe bar. Try the strawberry beer - it's definitely an aquired taste! The outside area is full of jugglers and entertainers and live bands. Beer is served from a caravan and latino singers often frequent the stage inside. Venture up to the top floor to see the art gallery. The entrance is free so well worth a visit if you're in the area!
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Lovely hostel, in central Berlin looking onto the tv tower in Alexanderplatz, and close to the train station. Nice new dorm rooms, with lift to all floors. There are also double bedrooms. Quite cheap, and bar downstairs with large courtyard with hammacks and chairs to sit out in the sun with.
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Berlin's hippest house and techno club located on the 13th floor of a Soviet block on Alexanderplatz. Definitely one of the best venues in Berlin.
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