DK Travel : Berlin : Central Berlin: Unter den Linden

Most visitors to Berlin regard the magnificent boulevard of Unter den Linden as the heart of the small historic Mitte district. Many of Berlin’s sights are concentrated along the grand avenue and around Bebelplatz, creating an impressive picture of Prussian and German history from the early 18th century until the present day. South of Unter den Linden is Gendarmenmarkt, one of Europe’s most attractive squares. In recent years, many varied and elegant restaurants and cafés have appeared around the Neo-Classical square. Not far away, chic Friedrichstraße is lined with luxury shops and department stores as well as modern offices and apartments.

A Day of Culture

Morning

Start your stroll on Unter den Linden, at the corner of Friedrichstraße. Once this spot was one of Berlin’s liveliest street junctions, and there is still plenty to see today. For breakfast or refreshments, pop into Café Einstein . Afterwards continue eastwards along the boulevard; you will pass numerous fascinating buildings, for example, on the right, the Deutsche Bank with the Kunstmuseum in Deutsche Guggenheim . From here you can already see the equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, which marks the centre of Forum Fridericianum . This area as well as Bebelplatz are right in the centre of Old Berlin, with Staatsoper, St Hedwigskathedrale, Altes Palais and Humboldt-Universität. You could have lunch in one of the restaurants based in the Opernpalais .

Afternoon

In the afternoon continue your stroll along Unter den Linden and, if you like, make a detour to the north to Museumsinsel . Afterwards, if you still feel energetic enough, you could visit Berliner Dom . Opposite the cathedral you will see Schlossplatz ; its architectural future is still being hotly debated. You could round off your day of sightseeing in Mitte with a delicious evening meal at Dressler Unter den Linden . To get there, just retrace your steps and return along Unter den Linden in a westerly direction.

For more on Unter den Linden (see Unter den Linden) Konzerthaus in Gendarmenmarkt: www.konzerthaus.de Museum für Kommunikation Berlin: www.museumsstiftung.de/berlin/d211_rundgang.asp

bob - boxoffberlin

Only 100 meters from Checkpoint Charlie you will find a small but very interesting shopping place, the boxoffberlin, or just bob. It's a shop, Café and gallery in one. The shop offers extraordinary souvenirs and cool gifts made by local designers (T-shirts, comics, music, films, games, post cards, toys, books...). The Café has coffee specialties based on organically grown and fair traded Espresso and an individual selection of soft drinks (e.g. Fritz Kola, Bionade) and beer (e.g. Berliner Weisse, Palast-Bier) and the gallery shows changing exhibitions of contemporary art, films and more from Berlin artists.
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.