How to Time Your Trip to Berlin

Berlin was demolished in 1945, and was then rebuilt as the divided city on the frontline of the superpower conflict. Berliners persevered, and isolated West Berlin preserved old German culture while developing in its own ultramodern and avant-guard way. After ten years of German reunification, Berlin is once again one of the great capitals of Europe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clothes
• Foreign Language Phrase Books
• Local Guidebooks To Germany
• Maps
• Airline Tickets
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Maps
• Cameras

General Considerations

1. Visit between May and October and avoid winter, which is quite cold and rainy, with frequent snow. The average January low is 27 degrees F and the average July high is 74 degrees F.

2. Check out what festivals, expositions and live performances are happening (see below).

3. Book your flight, transportation and accommodations (see Related eHows).

4. Check the weather forecast for Berlin shortly before leaving, and pack accordingly.

Attractions and Seasonal Events

5. Join the who's who of the film industry at Berlin's International Film Festival. It lasts for one week in mid-February; call (30) 2548-9254. (Don't forget to first dial the international access code, 011.)

6. Listen to the sounds of high culture during the Berliner Festwochen (Festival Weeks). For five weeks ending in early October, talented musicians from around the world congregate in Berlin to perform classic symphony and opera. Check with the Berlin Tourist Information at (30) 250-025.

7. Don't miss the Berlin Jazz Festival, featuring jazz in all its diversity. It usually takes place early in November; check with the Berlin Tourist Information at (30) 250-025.

8. Missed the Berliner Festwochen? Take heart: The world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic performs almost year-round in the highly unconventional Philharmonie building. Call (30) 254-880 for info, although tickets can't be purchased by phone. Alternatively, the Deutsche Oper Berlin has mastered a huge range of operas (including all of Wagner's), which are performed in an exquisite opera house in beautiful Charlottenburg. Call (30) 343-8401.

9. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, a powerful symbol of German reunification. You'll find some remains of the Berlin Wall just south of the gate.

10. Wander into the 18th century, along the footsteps of the Prussian royal family. The Charlottenburg Palace, gardens, mausoleum and museums are so extensive you'll want a day to see it all.

11. Go alternative! Although Berlin is known internationally for its high culture, it is actually Germany's center for less highbrow art forms. Getting info will be more difficult, but worth the effort.

Tips & Warnings

• Many street and building names in former East Berlin have changed since unification. Buy an up-to-date map, such as the Falk map of Berlin.