Explore Europe

[002] Berlin

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Explore Europe: Berlin Show Notes

This very first episode of Explore Europe brought to you Used Car Guys starts in the capital city of Berlin. A fantastic city that is steeped in history, has a long association with the U.S. Military and is full of must-see sights. It's super easy to get to and very simple to get around. Simply put, Berlin is at the top of the list of places you should visit whilst based in Germany!

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Berlin episode:
  • For booking train tickets (aim for three months out for the best deals): https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
  • For finding accommodation: booking.com
  • This is the hotel where John stayed: http://www.titanic.com.tr/titanicgendarmenmarktberlin/default-de.html
  • Hop on/Hop off Bus Tours of Berlin: http://www.berlin-city-tour.de/en.html or https://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/berlin-bus-tours
  • The restaurant John recommends: http://www.hackethals.de/
  • The history of the Berlin Wall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall
  • President John F Kennedy speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GKd50lrROc
  • President Ronald Reagan speech at The Brandenburg Gate ‘Mr Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MDFX-dNtsM (11:20)
  • The Tank ‘stand_off’ at Checkpoint Charlie that Michelle mentions: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/24/berlin-crisis-standoff-checkpoint-charlie
  • Check Point Charlie Museum: http://www.mauermuseum.de/en/index.html
  • Spy Museum Berlin: http://www.spymuseumberlin.com/en/
  • Ka De We famous department store: https://www.kadewe.de
  • Rittersport: https://www.ritter-sport.de/en/Visit-RITTER-SPORT/berlin.html
  • Sustainable Travel Tip: Refuse the straw! In German when ordering a drink, say ‘Kein Strohalm bitte’. Find out more about the effect straws are having on our oceans and marine wildlife here: http://www.vancouverbc.surfrider.org/straws-suck/

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    Are you planning a trip to Berlin? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

     

    Podcast Conversation Timeline

    00:01 - Introduction to Berlin

    1:28 - The History of Berlin

    2:50 - When is the best time to visit?

    4:13 - What is the public transport system like?

    6:48 - How to book your accommodation

    7:37 - Prices of Hotels in the city

    8:22 - What is the food like?

    8:56 - The Famous Currywurst debate

    9:35 - Restaurant recommendations and tips

    11:16 - Local Currency and Visa Information

    12:13 - Is Berlin a safe city to visit?

    12:48 - But, what about the language barrier?

    13:35 - Is it family-friendly?

    14:35 - The Hotspots of Berlin

    15:24 - The infamous Brandenburg Gate and why it’s a must see when visiting Berlin

    17:13 - Checkpoint Charlie - what links does it have to the USA and why should you visit?

    18:25 - The fall of the Berlin Wall

    20:01 - What does John think about spies and how does James Bond connect to Berlin?

    20:28 - Michelle and John get cultured and discuss the wall art of Berlin

    21:02 - How Berlin is rebuilding from the war - brick by brick

    21:53 - Don’t miss these must-see places to visit in Berlin…

    22:10 - The Television Tower (Fernsehturm)

    22:50 - The shopping mall of Europe - KaDeWe

    23:42 - A whole section on German Chocolate - yum!

    25:04 - The beautiful architecture of Berlin

    25:39 - What is there to see at the Alexander Platz?

    26:40 - What’s the best mode of transport to use when getting around the city?

    28:17 - Don’t miss Michelle’s sustainable travel tip, something to make us all more mindful travellers and reduce our impact on the planet as we explore more of it.

     

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    Explore EuropeBy Michelle Purse & John Sweeney
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