The Eastside Gallery is a MUST STOP when visiting the Hauptstadt Berlin…read more If only to come see the mural "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" by Dmitri Vrubel. Recently, Berlin foodie stop Curry 61 did a funny parody, see photos. This section of the former Berlin Wall, has over a hundred mural on this lone remaining section on Mühlenstraße along the Spree River.

East Side Gallery is not really what is commonly thought of as an, "Art Gallery." What it is, is a…read morelong section of wall where various artist exhibit their work by creating one of their pieces on the wall. Yes, it is a little bit strange. East Side Gallery is a really a very long wall. There are a lot of artists that have their work showing on this wall. Just like beauty in in the eye of the beholder, so is art. Some of the work along this wall is very good. Others, not so much. All this being said, it is an interesting concept. And, it is something that you should see if you are in Berlin. Just don't get your hopes up to experience something truly revolutionary or cutting edge. Remember, it's just a wall with a bunch of paintings on it.

We thought long and hard about visiting this site…read more But for all the self agonizing, it was all for naught. Since today, it's just a gravel parking lot, for some local apartments. There are some signs you can read, which discuss the events of April 30th,1945. They have also put up some architectural drawings, of what Dear Leader's bunker looked like down below. So feel free to come here and as one Yelper puts it, walk all over his grave. But if may suggest, afterwards... please walk down to the Jewish Memorial (about 50 meters) and offer up a prayer of remembrance for all those who lost their lives. Nie wieder!

The fuhrer bunker is a must see when in Berlin but little to no effort has been put into telling…read morethe story. Many tourists stop here, some in organized groups, but there is really just a simple sign detailing what occurred here. This is all potential and should be improved, however I am mindful that, as a matter of public policy, the government does not wish to appear to be glorifying the issue.

I visited during January so it was a little bit cooler than I liked, but Still had a great time…read moreseeing all the history As a European and being well traveled, I was aware of the pickpocket issue. It's simple don't bring anything flashy keep your phone in your front pocket. I don't even carry a purse when I travel We stayed at Adlon Hotel so the walk was short I am looking forward to a visit in the warmer months.

The Brandenburg gate is a must see when visiting Berlin. Lots of history, and it's an icon of the…read morecity. Look for hidden gems near the gate, such as the plaque to Ronald Reagan speech and the Caller sculpture, calling out to the east German side. Even in the off-season and the dead of winter beware of scammers near the Brandenburg gate. The scammers will ask for a signature and pretend to be collecting donations for a charitable cause. These are not bona fide charities, these are scammers working the tourists.

The Berlin Central train station is a big European city train station. It has everything you might…read moreneed for your train travels. There are many food and dining options, various retail stores, everything imaginable. It's fairly easy to navigate. Free Wi-Fi available. If you're from the United States and you're catching an Uber, be prepared to move fast to get your Uber. Don't order an Uber assuming there will be a typical delay of two or three minutes like in the United States. We had to pay our Uber driver a small waiting fee because of the time it took us to get from the door of the train station to the Uber.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Berlin Central Station is a vast Train Station. But, more than simply a…read moretrain station, it is a Shopping Mall, as well. Meaning, there are a lot of businesses that line the walls of this station. This is a multi-level train station. They have escalators and elevators to take you to the various levels. So, getting around is not too difficult. As this is the main station of Berlin, as can be expected, you may encounter a lot of people here. The moment you begin to walk towards the station you can expect to encounter a lot of people puling their suitcases and carrying their bags. Plus, a lot of people running late, jamming their way through the crowds. My suggestion is to plan to get there a little early if you have a train to catch. As mentioned, there is also a lot of businesses that line the walls of this station. These are mostly food stands and convenience markets, but there is a few other places where you can grab some clothing and stuff the like. More than just a train station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof is a gathering spot. They have a music venue and a outdoor food stand area on the back side of this station, over by the river. So, this is not only a place to grab that train, to get whereever it is you are going to, but a place to sit back and enjoy the Berlin Outdoor life, as well.

Beautiful mall! Lots of stores and even a whole slide that…read moregoes from top to bottom! Want lego? Got it! Want food? Go get it! Want souveniers? Perfect!

I came to Berlin for the first time this month, and the Mall of Berlin was a quick walk from my…read morehotel. I stopped at Zara and purchased five items using the self-checkout. I placed my items on the scanner, entered my phone number, tapped my card, signed, and completed the transaction. Since my cell service has been spotty while traveling, my e-receipt didn't come through immediately. As I walked out, the security detectors went off and an incredibly aggressive security guard approached me. I tried explaining that I had paid and was simply waiting for the receipt to come through, but he would barely let me speak and repeatedly insisted that I had not purchased the items. He then threatened to call the police. What bothered me most was that a female Zara employee tried telling him that she had SEEN me pay, and he responded by telling her, "I'm not talking to you. Stop talking and allow me to do my job." He then brought over a male employee, who confirmed the exact same thing: I HAD PAID. Thankfully, my e-receipt finally came through and proved the purchase. The security guard didn't apologize or show even the slightest acknowledgment that he had handled the situation poorly. I wasn't expecting some grand apology, but basic professionalism and a little humility would have gone a long way. The male employee, on the other hand, was extremely understanding and even gave me some advice about shopping while in Germany, which I appreciated. My advice to other travelers: if you opt in for an e-receipt, make sure it has actually arrived before leaving the store, especially if your cell service is unreliable. And Zara/Mall of Berlin: security is one thing, but treating a paying customer like a criminal while store employees are actively telling security that they watched the customer pay is completely unnecessary. I hope the security guard has a terrible day.

The service could vastly improve! All that they have going for them is their view! Our server…read morecouldn't wait to be off her shift and sit in front of us laughing and smiling her cigarette's!

Bikini Berlin was described to me as a mall for hipsters. I walked around for a bit, but didn't…read morefind anything. Apparently, there is a roof terrace, the Bikini Berlin Shopping Garden, which offers views into the neighbouring zoo. I'm sorry I missed out on that.