A Fun Day In Berlin Needn't Be An Expensive One. Even If It Does Mean Skipping An Attraction Or Two!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for watching and leaving comments! I’m in Tenerife at the moment, but I’ll find a moment to read them :) (even the ones slagging me off for my lack of general knowledge) 😂

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

East Side Gallery is well worth a visit - it's just artwork on a long section of wall, completely free to view

[@IsabelJones69]

I've been to Tenerife twice, once when I was quite little and again in February 2023. In 2023 I went up Teide and to Loro Park and Jungle park. What made me go back was to see if the parrot show was still there and it was.

[@chubeye1187]

Been to Berlin a few times seen it change over the years never tire of it. Haven't been in the reichstag, but up the victory column in the tiergarten. The travel pass is a bargain you can use it on the S and U trains tram buses and even ferries

[@danal.5133]

Take your time and enjoy your free time! It's so important for mental health. All the best to you and Alicja!

[@thekeeper7885]

belter video ste😁

[@tomfriedrichshain]

Nice to see you in my neighborhood, Steve! ❤ In the summer of 1989, as an East Berliner, I was able to visit my aunt in West Germany and left East Germany for the first time. From Friedrichstrasse station, I took the locked train via West Berlin through the GDR to West Germany. When I left the GDR, I also passed through the Palace of Tears. I found the checks there by the Stasi in the narrow cabin so intimidating that I almost had a heart attack from excitement. It's hard to imagine that the wall fell some months later that year.

[@spidyman8853]

The only memory of Ost-Berlin is the TV Tower (Fernsehturm Berlin), Hotel Stadt Berlin, and the World clock which are still there. The rest have vanished including Palast der Republik

[@tomfriedrichshain]

@ TV tower, world clock and the hotel (different name) are still there. All of them are protected landmarks.

[@spidyman8853]

@@tomfriedrichshain They are still there, agreed. Hotel Stadt Berlin is now called Park Inn. Tschüss

[@RenateDietrich-Karger]

Hi from a German who spend 30+years in the Highlands. When I first came to Scotland I was told: You should have brought a history book, not a map. As far as Berlin is concerned I can only recommend the same. I love your videos and I loved this one but at all your stations I wanted to stop you to tell you more so that you could understand what it really meant to those who have lived through 70 years of this history. So many memories!

[@Bill_N_ATX]

Steve, we used your method to pick a place for lunch in Berlin one day. We were a little late but that meant we got time to talk to the two Oma’s that owned the place. Once they found that we were two brothers from Texas visiting Germany together and we told them of our love for German food, they had to give us samples of what they thought we had to taste. It took us two hours to get out of the place but it was worth every minute of our time. Amazing food and two very nice old ladies who just had to feed a couple of American boys their best. It was a once in a lifetime lunch and a 20 out of 10. We found the German people to be very friendly and the food awesome. Berlin is a must city to visit.

[@thany3]

I can attest to the friendiness of German people. Even back when I was a little kid in the 80's, they were super friendly everywhere, despite the hardships they were still going through. This can't be said for every country.

[@vivellasmum]

How wonderful!

[@shelaghrobertson8286]

I went to Rendsburg in Schleswig Holstein (northern Germany) in the mid '70s with an ex boyfriend's (German) parents. The family in Germany were so friendly and welcoming. Oma and Opa's house was so old it still had an outside toilet at the bottom of the garden. Oma was a great cook and had a basement full of preserved food. Wonderful memories and Steve's video brought them flooding back. As to cheesecake, I was just saying the other day, there is nothing like German cheesecake, I lived in Japan for years, there was a German Baker in Kobe, their cheesecake has spoiled me for life 🫣🤣

[@rodwallace6237]

There is an Alsatian bakery in Castro, TX, near Hondo.

[@spidyman8853]

@@thany3 Yea when I was a kid, I found Ost-Berliners friendly at the time.

[@jimscarlet]

Berlin is an amazing city, you could literally spend a week there and still only scratch the surface. Loved this video, I'm planning my next trip already.

[@michaelbushell4356]

I was very fortunate to be in Berlin in 1986 as part of a programme through my work. I went through the checkpoints at Freidrichstrasse ((scary), had lunch at the East German parliament building which no longer exists and visited a sports centre deep in a forest on the way to Poland. I’ll never forget the Soyuz spacecraft hanging from the roof of the sports centre, the smell of the two stroke Wartburgs and Trabants, the Berlin Philharmonic, KaDeWe department store, the Wall, the incredible Pergamom museum and cruising on the river past Spandau while Rudolf Hess was still inside. We were all scared because Chernobyl went up while we were there and we were a lot closer than the UK, there being no internet to find out what was happening. It was the most exciting 12 days of my life. We’re going again for our 40th wedding anniversary and I can’t wait.

[@AndreaDE-ep1iq]

Oh wow, the description of your visit takes me back to September 1986, a short one day visit to East Berlin. I vividly remember the, as you said, scary controls at the Tränenpalast. We went through the exact passage Steve showed. And we (West German and Aussie) were followed, the whole day while with relatives there. Spooky. Today's Berlin is great, but please visit in the summer, its a different city compared to winter: green, vibrant, lively, colourful outdoor life.

[@spidyman8853]

@@AndreaDE-ep1iq Yea, Berlin is beautifully green in spring / summer time

[@ParanormalFun-i1i]

Nothing better than waking up to a new Steve Marsh video!

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Just going to say the same thing

[@PamPhelps-i2b]

Love your adventures! Keep them coming!❤

[@grantelliot9803]

It's the highlight of my Saturday morning 😆

[@freddebeck5668]

Agree with!😀

[@AndyC2_]

Think that says more about you than you realise

[@macstone9719]

I was born in Berlin Schöneberg in 1962. We lived next to the famous Townhall, and my mother took me as a baby to see Kennedy say "Ich bin ein Berliner". A MUST in Berlin is the "Museumsinsel", Museum Island. Love the content here!

[@michaelseibold9977]

Berlin is such a great place to visit. We spent a week there two years ago and it was spectacular. Museum Island, the parks, the center city. And if you have the time, go out to Potsdam to see the 19th century palaces. Great place to walk too! And we know how much Steve likes to walk!

[@spiritea5640]

And the DDR Museum was interesting.

[@deblavelle8915]

Thank you Steve for that wee trip around Berlin :) I’ll definitely be popping this city on my 2025 list of cities to visit.

[@PeteG143]

I’ve passed through some ghost stations on 1985. Don’t have to imagine it - I vividly remember the guards standing in the dark as the train passed.

[@imsbvs]

I walked over some in 1989, it was possible to hear & feel the trains underneath without knowing exactly where they are.

[@WJSshanks-e6k]

I thank you for taking me along with a trips I thought I never would see.

[@rockbutcher]

Steve, you have created such a wonderful channel. Not only do I learn new things and get entertained by your content but I also spend as much time, or more reading the comments section. There are so many people who have had wonderful experiences in the places you visit and are kind enough to share them with the rest of your viewers. Enjoy your time in Tenerife. My Mum and Dad went there before I was born...probably before YOU were born buddy and she still talks about it from time to time. I'll have to grab The Missus and get her over there sometime soon. Cheers mate from frosty Canada.

[@jeffdstockton5972]

Always enjoy and appreciate your work. Respectfully, I urge you to NOT go down the path of rating your trips, nor rating the sights. It reduces the experience to simplistic judgementalism, and subtly intimidates the opportunity for nuanced differences of perspective & opinion. Please don't join the masses of 'influencers' who are focused on their arrogant ego-driven ratings. You're outstanding at sharing your experiences, and inviting viewers to open up to places they may never get to experience first-hand. Please let your kindness & generosity be your the guide for what you offer viewers, and leave the ghastly affectation of 'ratings' behind. Thanks, again.

[@HabaneroTi]

100% agreed on not rating sights, for the reasons you gave. You don't rate the Reichstag. Rather, you recall its history, some of which is quite tragic and consequential. I wouldn't rate Culloden or Falkirk if I visited Scotland.

[@k.r.baylor8825]

I have to agree as well. I've watched your content for two years, and simply enjoy your visits to these many places and taking it all in with you. Viewers will understand if you are underwhelmed by a place, and you can simply say so in your narrative without a score. My two pence worth...

[@liverpoolk648]

Jeff...Liverpool Kev Here..wonderfully put..I totally agree and have just said same quoting you to Steve..all best...

[@spiritea5640]

Agree ! To me it reduces my enjoyment of your content. Let people decide how they feel about the place. I’ve been to Berlin and don’t agree about some of your ratings and you don’t even explain what your rating is based on.

[@richardsweeten1903]

Thank You for Sharing your Travels. Your trips are all so Awesome!! we all Love them

[@decapodbruiser]

This channel is a breath of fresh air. Awesome content. Keep up the great work.

[@mstrdiver]

Steve - your description of the S-Bahn "ghost stations" was very interesting. I recall periodic stories of US GIs falling asleep on the train and ending up in the DDR / Russian sectors of the city. It was never easy to get them released as, of course, every one of them was treated like a spy from the West trying to collect info or subvert the 'right minded' citizens of the controlled East Germany. The divided Berlin was truly sometimes difficult to transit if you weren't sure of your surroundings or inebriated. Most everyone has heard of the famous Checkpoint Charlie, the US manned sector gate into Berlin, but for families or soldiers taking vehicles to West Berlin, USGIs had to be in uniform with specific orders minutely detailing all family members, including infants, before departing Checkpoint Bravo on the Helmstadt Autobahn, to process through an East German checkpoint before transiting East Germany heading to Berlin - this was the only authorized road access from West Germany to Berlin. Another difficulty for US military members traveling to get to Berlin by rail, required travel via a special West German train, with specific orders, using military and dependent IDs with no discrepancies. US service members had to travel in uniform with the trip was always taken at night, including armed East German soldiers stationed at each end of the car. This meant was NO visiting between cars. The trip was always at night with window shades pulled down tightly, essentially sealing travelers away from East German views of any kind. Should anyone attempt to move a shade to peek, consequences could be very severe. People could be pulled from the train for any variety of reasons, so personnel along with their family members had to attend a mandatory travel briefing and explicitly warned not to give the East German soldiers reason to detain Americans for 'questioning'. Military sponsors or family members not following instructions could mean their reassignment orders to Berlin could be rescinded immediately with the service member and family considered persona non-grata and not allowed into Berlin. This also meant the military sponsor would catch all kinds of grief due to their lack of following instructions [orders] awaiting reassignment. They could end up with really crappy unanticipated assignments in West Germany, if they weren't quickly shipped back to the States. This type of international incident wasn't a good thing notation to have on the military sponsors' record following such a rejection. Apologies for the lengthy posting. Mstrdiver - US Army -- 1973 to 1995

[@Johnnyg53]

Very harsh on the Reichstag building Steve, the views are great and the tours are amazing. Berlin is an amazing city. I usually stay at Alexanderplatz. You could be there a week and still only see a fraction of the culture.

[@RayMillsMedia]

When you were showing the view from the top of the Berliner Dom at 25:36 I could see the Rotes Rathaus to the right of the TV Tower. It was on that street in front of the Rathaus where my mother and her sister were with their mother walking back to their home from shopping when the air raid sirens blew and they had to go down into an Ubahn station to take cover from the bombs the Allies started dropping on Berlin. Their Apartment building was not far, but a bomb fell into it and did not explode. Because of that, their apartment building was condemned and they had to move to their garden plot outside of the city. Thanks for giving us this quick tour around Berlin and thanks for reminding me of my beautiful German mother who I lost a few years ago. I❤🇩🇪

[@Bearleena]

Hi from Berlin, Steve. I love your vids normally, but you did walk straight past an awful lot of really interesting history here, which is generally accessible free of charge. Next time you come I’d be happy to show you round and fill in some details. I‘ll add my own notes below: You missed one of the most interesting features of the Reichstag roof: the corner closest to the Tiergarten is where one of the most iconic WW2 photos was shot, of a Russian soldier planting a flag in May 1945 (although the famous photo is actually a reconstruction). From memory there‘s an information display about the photo in that corner. You already worked out that the view through the dome is terrible at times, but as a PP mentioned, it‘s designed so you can see down into the Bundestag chamber and witness democracy in action. Walking away from the Reichstag you walked straight past a (different) memorial to people killed trying to cross the wall. There‘s also a memorial to the 96 members of the Reichstag killed from 1933 to 1945. Continuing the memorial theme, the Holocaust Memorial is across from the Brandenburg Gate, along with a very sobering documentation centre. On a way more trivial note, the Berlin Adlon hotel is where Michael Jackson once dangled his baby son from the balcony. The hotel is perfectly nice inside, but as expensive for afternoon tea as you‘d expect. That church you walked past near Alex is St Marienkirche, the oldest church still in use in Berlin. The Gendarmenmarkt Xmas market is indeed lovely, mainly because the artisanal stands are of such high quality. But it‘s packed full on Sundays like all the rest these days, sadly. The market outside Charlottenburg palace is also good, as is the arty Xmas market on the first three advent Sundays at Mexikoplatz. Nordb ahnhof: if you look on the ground in the pedestrianised zone near the station you see various train tracks, which follow the actual routes trains used to take northwards in the old station. I still love them musty smell of those ghost stations, even now it‘s so distinctive. Remains of the Wall at Gartenstrasse: there‘s also a really good DDR/Wall museum on the corner (way better than the private propagandistic Checkpoint Charlie museum), and a modern chapel called the Chapel of Reconciliation which is open most days, both free to go in. Damn cold in winter though. The best graveyard in that part of Mitte/Berlin is the one on Chausseestrasse, (Dorotheenstädtischer und Französischer Friedhof) - lots of famous German names buried there, obviously free to go in. The house next door is where Brecht lived, there‘s a really lovely old bar in the basement. As you say, in a day you can only scratch the surface. Even after 30 years I keep on finding new things. It‘s an astonishing place.

[@Claudia.222]

Yay, Steve Marsh in Berlin! ❤ I’m originally from former West Berlin, you toured mostly former East. Thank you for showing the Traenenpalast; as a child, my ‘wee’ brother, mum and me would meet up with our family under the clock (Alexander Platz) ~ “meeting point” to spend the day together in East Berlin. And yes, many tears were cried by my mum and her brother when we had to say goodbye-bye 😭 Of course, there’s a long story to go with their separation, but not in this comment section 😂! I go once per year, this year (2025) it’ll probably be in June. I would love to show you and Alicjia around if you two are around or in the neighboring country, Poland visiting Alicjia family! 😄; you never know, just throwing that out there to the Universe! ❤🎉

[@grahambignell8500]

I had the pleasure in visiting Berlin in 1987 and 2018. The contrast was staggering - from austere Ost Berlin with stone washed jeans aplenty and the excess of the Ku-damm showing off the glitter of the West. Then to visit after all those years later and see how a city embraces its past whilst retaining a unique atmosphere. A must visit destination!

[@andrewrobinson2565]

+1 Absolutely agree 👍💯. My visits were in 1982 and 2017.

[@marshallbowen8693]

My son was interrogated in the “Palace of Tears” as an exchange student in West Germany in spring 1989 . They were taken to Berlin for a few days with one being in East Berlin. He took photos from the east side of the Brandenburg Gate which was in East Berlin at that time. I noticed that all of your one day excursion was in East Berlin. My wife and I visited Berlin in 2013 and especially enjoyed the museums and the river cruise.

[@johnfenn3188]

@@marshallbowen8693 the museum and record office at Bernauer Straße is in what was formerly the west.

[@MartinBrenner]

It is kind of ironic how "West Berlin" lost some attractiveness but it is a fact that the center of Berlin "Stadtmitte" was in East Berlin and a walk between the Brandenburg gate and Alexanderplatz is rewarding. The Reichstag and the other buildings of the government quarter are in former West Berlin and he crossed the former wall several times. The palace of tears is at Friedrichstrasse station which was the only station in the former East where S-Bahn trains from West Berlin would stop so you could cross the border there.

[@leesimpson1677]

Your climb up to the view point in the Berlin Cathedral reminded me of the first time I visited the leaning tower of Pisa. Two of the guests in my party were unhappy that there wasn't a lift to take them to the top, instead of 269 steps. I was 37 when the wall came down and I can recall like it was yesterday watching in amazement as it all unfolded on TV. Berlin is like a lot of large European cities, with the historic centre containing most of the places of interest and easily walkable in a single day. I enjoyed your quick trip around it.👍

[@Mlgraham22]

What memories this episode provided! 30yrs ago I visited my uncle in Berlin. He worked for the US State Dept and was stationed in Berlin to help ready the embassy for when the unified Capital would return to Berlin (the West German capital was still Bonn at the time). His wife is a Berliner who speaks perfect English so she was the best tour guide, as you can imagine! We saw many of the sites you hit,plus many more including Potsdam where the victors carved up post-war Europe. My lasting memory, however, was the stark contrast between East and West Berlin. This was only a couple years after the Wall fell so it was so different going from the hustle and bustle and liveliness of West Berlin to the drab, quiet, and frankly, dirty East Berlin. Many buildings still bore the scars of war. I imagine all that has changed but it was and is a fascinating city with history around every corner.

[@stevebarnett29]

If you’re there for a few days, get a VBB pass and you can use trains, underground, trams and buses to get around, including your airport transfers. And definitely go to Potsdam for at least half a day, it’s stunning

[@michaelscott2789]

I loved Berlin, it's such an important city to Europe and why we are Europe. That's my feeling anyway. We walked something like 70 Kms in our 4 days. I found it a very walkable city.. Good and cheap food which makes even better. Even in our 4 days we only scratched the surface. So much to see and everything to do with the wall is free which I think is really good. They aren't trying to make money on a difficult time for Berlin. Yeah I'll be back.....just have to convince the wife!!!! My favourite city trip so far.

[@jonathancampbell5231]

The Reichstag building is historically important mainly because it burned down within days of Hitler becoming Chancellor of Germany, with a Communist arsonist as the main culprit (and yes, he probably did it, despite conspiracy theories that the Nazi's did it themselves). Hitler used this incident to convince the German parliament to give him emergency powers to protect Germany from Communism and other threats, which of course he never gave up and just used to establish his permanent dictatorship

[@okeesmokee6658]

Came to say the same thing. The new dome is very important to the Germans - not for the view out, but for the view down - into the chambers so that they can literally keep an eye on their lawmakers - never again will their lawmakers put them into a world war. A very significant place for old Germany as well as the new Germany.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Interesting that the AfD is now saying Hitler was a Communist 😮😂.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

@@okeesmokee6658 Looks like someone needs to watch The Greatest Story Never Told👀

[@r1oaktree461]

Marinus van der Lubbe was the dutch communist who bunt down th reichstag. A bricklayer from Leiden.

[@vengermanu9375]

Anyone born after 1990 probably won't get your little "take my breath away" joke. I'm off to watch Top Gun now 😉

[@nonamerooster5413]

I’m born in 1990 and I knew what that was about

[@joaobuzato8376]

I visited Berlin several times while doing PhD in St Andrews. All visits were just after the wall era. I found Berlin so alive. You went several locations I visited...Nice memories.

[@PaulMcGinnes1992]

Steve. Thank you for this video and sharing your adventures in Berlin with us. Your channel is a breath of fresh air and from a fellow Scot... you're an absolute legend, mate.

[@andrewcoogans471]

I think some others have made this comment, but the real purpose of the Reichstag's Dome is to represent transparency of the reunified German Parliament.....the point is really to look inside the Dome at the politicians doing their work rather than out at the city. I believe there is an amazing view from the top floor bars of the Park Inn in Alexanderplatz, and again you get a good view of the TV Tower from there. I will need to check it out sometime! Glad you enjoyed Berlin.

[@cag19549]

It's too bad he didn't do more research before going.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

I'd rather visit the Fuehrer-Bunker. Based.😃/

[@motr1912]

​@@cag19549it's definitely an interesting building and when I visited it couple of years ago, spent time reading all the history information displays, taking in the views which were glorious in the fading September light. Walking to the top of the dome is just a small part of it.

[@rowaystarco]

Yeah, the symoblism of the dome is pretty cool. It's also cool that this dome places the people above the politicians.

[@rain_down_]

Probably just me, but I simply don't understand how something like the Berlin Wall can be marked out of ten. It's a very powerful thing to visit and I believe such things transcend cheap ratings like this.

[@cbangm]

Hi Steve. My first time in Berlin was in spring 1988, I had just turned 18 and was there with my Danish high school. Had I been a bit older, I might have “appreciated” the visit more, but it still left a lasting impression. I have been back since then a few times; it’s my favourite big city to visit. I always end up in the tallest available structure in cities I visit, so also the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz. That includes 1988 and one more time in 2000. It has a revolving restaurant, that I used both times and enjoyed it. Obviously, the weather determines the visibility, I was twice lucky. The food was not remarkable, but the experience is, at least for me. I have only recently discovered your channel but have actively watched my way through many of your videos. You and Alicja are such a joy to follow. Even if I don’t spend my travels the same way, I love your positive attitude and ability to find the joys and wonders wherever you go. I look forward to any new video you post.

[@pogofish1]

Berlin..! One of my favourite cities, since I spent nearly a year there when I was at college. Been back several times since and always loved the place and had great times there. German bakeries are indeed the way to go for budget breakfasts/lunches/coffees - so much choice and quality, plus you can spend days exploring the different and truly character-laden district/neighbourhood centres and the squares off of them, without feeling the need to see the big tourist spots. I’ve also been through the Palace of Tears in the late DDR days and got searched/given a hard time because I didn’t look exactly like my passport photo to them. That was an experience..! But personally, I’d go to Munich for the best Currywurst!

[@RuthPettit-vy7pq]

There’s really something special about European cities in winter light . You seem to feel the history more . Thanks Steve That was a great video that has made me want to visit Berlin .. it took my breath away ! 😂

[@k.r.baylor8825]

It all looks unbelievably cold...

[@Nook747]

Thank you Steve, another cracking video, as always. Love all of them........Enjoy your holiday both of you 🏜🏖 :)

[@tramcrazy]

I did the Reichstag Dome in the middle of summer 2023 on holiday to Berlin - as it was summer the glass wasn’t steamed up and the views were really good over Berlin - would definitely recommend the non-steamed-up version! And it’s free! (Also, taking pictures of family members across the dome made some really cool photos) We also really enjoyed the Berlin Wall Memorial that you went to and Nordbahnhof… it’s a shame you didn’t go up the free viewing tower across at the end of the memorial though, you can see into a fully preserved/rebuilt section of the wall, inaccessible at ground level, but complete with watchtowers and all the layers of fencing and walls. Looks like you had a great trip though, and what a fantastic video! 😊

[@DavidMcAndrew-i6g]

If you liked Berlin but prefer somewhere a bit more compact, I'd recommend Hanover. They have a red line threaded throughout the city that takes you past 30-40 points of interest, including the reconstructed Tudor quarter and the Rathaus. It's free to do, so it should suit your budget 😁. The only outlay you'd have to make is getting the lift up to the top of the dome in the Rathaus, which was 1 Euro back when I was there in 2003. The lift at the top runs on a curve in between the staggered brickwork that forms the structure of the dome and the external decorative structure over the top of it. It only carries two people but has a viewing window so you can see how the inside of the dome is constructed. Views are decent when you get to the top. Strongly recommended, Steve.

[@dsr8223]

I'm making a note of your suggestion. Thanks.

[@johnfenn3188]

@@DavidMcAndrew-i6g … and the view from the balcony of the Rathaus is amazing!

[@DavidMcAndrew-i6g]

​@johnfenn3188, you're right. It was a bit overcast when I visited, but I have some great photos from the top balcony, looking out in all directions.

[@aedanjmcghie]

Tom Scott did a video on the lift. The large pre and post war models of the town are impressive too. There is an unreconstructed church with bells set a few minutes late.

[@DavidMcAndrew-i6g]

​@aedanjmcghie just watched the Tom Scott video. It's pretty much as I remember it, but the mesh barrier at the top balcony wasn't there when I visited.

[@DennosManCave]

The Reichstag building is stunning, along with the history of the city and the building itself...of course with a redesign by Norman Foster and Associates. Has to be a 9/10

[@Nedankinde93]

Easy 9/10, but Steve thinks it was built for tourism! Just whoosh! :)

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

The four towers represent the four countries making up Germany back when it was built: Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Württemberg. Or Preussen, Bayern, Sachsen and Württemberg

[@shazzer1976]

Love the Reichstag building. So significant to the history of Germany. He missed the Soviet graffiti. A good place for a view is the TV tower if you want to splash out.

[@hjones451]

We did the Reichstag, the B Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, The Cathderal and The Olympic Stadium - you missed the Holocaust Memorial (by BG) and the Potzdamer Platz area which was so modern, especially The Sony Centre (a new name now I believe even though we last went august 2024) with the high kite-like roof. I have lots of images if you need any, Steve!

[@nicolad8822]

I think his thing has always been more about the transportation, travelling on a budget and first impressions rather than history and food, but agreed he should be demonstrating some prior research if wants to build his channel. The rating was a bit cringe.

[@simonbaker6962]

I was in Berlin in 1983 sitting on the grass near the Reichstag with my parents when a man flew in a hang - glider over the wall and landed right in front of us. Great place. It was even more interesting when it was divided into quarters.

[@golds66]

I was once stationed in Berlin. While you were in The Palace of Tears you passed through a representation of a checkpoint desk and asked if they’d stamp your passport. The white phone was a direct line to either a KGB official or a STASI official ( STASI were the East German secret police). They would add a tail to you, arrest you , interrogate you or leave you alone. You never knew. Being a soldier we had a special id card when going into East Berlin.

[@thany3]

I wonder what people from back then would think of the situation today, I mean with Germany being reunified, but also being part of the EU, NATO, and just having a positive relationship with their neighbours. It really seems like a world of difference, doesn't it, but only over a few decades.

[@jmolofsson]

​@@thany3it had changed so many times. Through the centuries, actually, but changes from 1871 and on were well remembered. I lived in Berlin (West) in the 1980s, and with my non-NATO passport I was roaming East-Berlin almost freely. Old folks could still refer to the poverty after 1918, and the much worse conditions 1945-1950. People born after 1940, on the other hand, were expecting the Cold War to continue for foreseeable time. The alternative they saw was another war and Berlin destroyed like Hiroshima. Strangely enough, the view was the same on both sides of The Berlin Wall. So they are today probably relieved that Berlin is not yet nuked.

[@mariahamilton5305]

Do you remember the Sex Pistols did a joke song about holidaying in East Berlin? I'm absolutely old enough to remember a time when, if you said you were going to East Germany, Vietnam, Cambodia on holiday, you'd've got very funny looks.

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

I still remember living next door to my aunt & her family, who actually had a West German exchange student staying with them in country Queensland (Gympie) at the time of the Wall coming down. When events started we all went over to give support to her, although we didn't fully understand the situation at the time, it was very surreal knowing somewhat we're seeing history unfold right before our eyes!

[@Tobi-ln9xr]

Americans don’t know what the Stasi was? That’s embarrassing. It’s like not knowing the MI6 or Mossad.

[@daviddymock4686]

Hi Steve & Alijca enjoy your holiday in Tenerife you both deserve a break!! I for one really appreciate how much you both put in to your videos so that we can enjoy tagging along on your journeys 👍

[@damienfenton3880]

Other cities have great landmarks or charming old towns. But Berlin has a certain vibe that is difficult for me to describe, but I always enjoy visiting it.

[@pulchralutetia]

I think it has a very disturbing vibe!

[@jarmoluotonen]

Sad thing is, there was actually large portion of the old town that survived the war - east from the todays rebuilt City Palace (Humboldtforum). However, it was on east side and GDR officials had the area torn down and replaced it with high rise buildings.

[@davidshepherd6104]

I was in Berlin in 1980 with the RAF Auxiliary. We were taken through Checkpoint Charlie on a bus. We had to wear “Best Blue” uniform. On the west side of the wall, there were observation points which you climbed up and could see over to the east side. On the west side you could get close and touch the wall. On the east side the closest you could get was 200 to 300 meters. The space was filled with metal spikes and barbed wire.

[@fraeris68]

Berlin is such a wonderful city with a whole bunch of historic places. Thank you for a very nice and interesting video Steve 👍 Have a nice weekend

[@Priorw8]

Love your trips.each week you take us somewhere new. And interesting.each week I go to the pub and have a good conversation with others about places you go to thank you. I hope your holiday goes well.

[@ilonamollema6467]

Hi Steve, Berlin is amazing! I was there in august 2009, and it took my breath away! I've also been on the tv tower, even had dinner there. Back then, the food was horrible, even my companions had that same thought. But the view was stunning! But I didn't pay €30. Can't remember how much it was. It must have been cheap, because I was with a couple of friends and we did Berlin the "cheap way". We hired bicycles at Alexander platz, and that was a great way of transportation. You see a lot of the city, can stop at any time to look at something that interest you. I recommend visiting the WW2 memorial. But go with a guide. Otherwise, you don't have a clue what the memorial means. We also went to Potsdam and visited the Palace Sans Souci. It was nice, the park and gardens were beautiful. But Sans Souci itself didn't impress me that much. Just an antique wee castle in pastel tints. We loved the Berlin Dom, went to a Sunday service, climbed to the viewing point and went down into the crypt. We loved the field outside the Dom with the fountain and people picnic everywhere. It was such a nice atmosphere. Needless to say, I loved my few days in Berlin. Would love to go back some day, but my health is way to poorly. So, until then I'm travelling with you! To Berlin and all the other places you go to. And I know it takes a lot of time, energy and money to create these videos. So, I want to thank you for that! It's highly appreciated!❤ I hope your little holiday break with Alicja was amazing. Sending you love from the Netherlands. ❤️ 🇳🇱

[@frankbarr1101]

The Berlin Wall used to be right beside the Reichstag. It was not the de-facto seat of Parliament before the wall came down. I had the surreal experience of having lunch there in July 1981 on the 2nd floor, and looking out the window, I noticed an armed East German border guard on the other side of the wall staring up at me. It was strange! The building was so close to the wall that the Speakers House was about 50-100ft away on the other side of the wall - pretty much in No-mans land.At that time the dome was not there as it was only added after re-unification. Berlin was an interesting if somewhat scary place when divided. I did travel through the ghost stations too - very spooky and yes you did miss out by not going up TV tower - excellent views of the city. You are making me want to revisit this amazing city.

[@BobWalker-m6b]

Hi Steve, that was an interesting taster. Berlin seems massive but is approx half the size of London, almost 900km2 vs 1500km2 +. It’s on my list to visit, a chap I knew did his National Service there, a mummy’s boy, he spent his time cleaning toilets or peeling spuds as he was always in trouble. He did find a wife though, and still lives there.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Before the wall came down, the capital of West Germany was the town of Bonn, on the Rhine. 👍

[@motr1912]

​@@andrewrobinson2565indeed and iirc, isn't Cologne's airport still Koln/Bonn or has it changed?

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@motr1912 Indeed. Might have.

[@Mach_One_Photos]

we did the guided tour of the Bundestag Building that ended with dome access in the Reichstag Building and that tour was amazing. in the parliament building you even got to visit Angela Merkels office and the history and access we got to the inner workings of the German parliament was amazing

[@janettesinclair6279]

"Palace of Tears" - having lived through these times and remember the fall of the wall, this exhibition gave me goose bumps, and made me shiver a bit. Wonderful shots of the TV tower against the blue sky. What a fascinating city, and you showed us so many of the important sights - enjoyed the view from the cathedral. Thanks, Steve. Enjoy your holiday...

[@paulconnors2078]

Steve: During the Cold War and while the DDR still existed, the current US Embassy would have been in East Berlin. The current US Embassy was previously in Bonn until a unified Germany moved its capital back to Berlin.

[@TravelInTheKnow]

Today’s US Embassy in Berlin is indeed an impressive modern construction. In GDR times the US Embassy was in Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse quite close to Friedrichstrasse.

[@Laura-f2s9w]

Good morning Steve, I love history and Berlin is very sad however being able to see the exact places is awesome. Thank you for the tour 🤗

[@bfs007a]

You actually missed the most interesting aspect of the parlament thingy, you can look down into the parlament there. And also yes, it is obviously much nicer when it is not foggy.

[@rowaystarco]

I think they did a really nice thing adding that glass dome, a real nice way to make the parliament "open" for people, to make the parliament building do "work for regular people" (by giving you a nice view of the city) and as you say allowing people to look right into the parliament assembly. Not sure if it was intended, but it's kinda cool that regular people are "above" parliament and it's politicians with this feature. Unlucky with the view of course, when we visited it was a really clear nice day.

[@amyvisciglia5943]

Loved the VW museum I have a 2002 EuroVan and I used to have a 1973 Bug❤️! The cathedral and the wall memorial were awesome! I'm sure I'll never go so thanks for the tour Steve!

[@Perriax]

Berlin is a cool place to visit for sure. Germany in general is interesting, with beautiful nature too.

[@berliner965]

The TV tower is more worth it at night. You can still see the difference between East and West Berlin as the two sides used different coloured street lights. I have been up during day time and night time, and night was definitely more worthwhile, so you made a good choice. I highly recommend the Trabi safari, it is the best way to see Berlin. You get a Trabi driving lesson and then follow your guide, who talks to you through the radio while you pass sights. I have done both tours and it's such a unique experience. You definitely need to try it. Driving those Trabants is such fun! I am not from Berlin, or even Germany, but as you can maybe see from my username the city is very special to me. I have been at least 6 times and see something new on every visit! I would happily recommend places for you to visit on any future trips you take there.

[@johnfenn3188]

You should have gone into the Neue Wache. It’s an 18th century building with only a wonderful statue of a mother holding and grieving for her soldier son. And that's the national war memorial. No triumph, just sorrow! It is wonderful. The statue is by Käthe Kollwitz!

[@stuartlong6217]

The Kollwitz Museum/gallery (U1 Uhlandstrasse) is also well worth a visit. Only small, but very atmospheric with many austere sculptures, giving a woman's/mother's perspective on war and aggression in general.

[@johnfenn3188]

@ it is indeed. When we visited it was in Fasanenstraße, but I believe it has moved?

[@TheWolverine-ff2rs]

I was in Berlin in May 1997 with a group. We took a city tour on our travel bus. We were staying right downtown and had the afternoon off to explore and go back and see anyplace we found of interest on the morning tour. We had stopped at Brandenberg Gate and the square with the tower, also a section of the standing wall. Afternoon shopping we found a Harley-Davidson store for a shirt for my nephew and a meal at a beergarden that evening - A huge plate of spaghetti was consumed [that was a short walk from our hotel]. don't remember anything but definitely did not use the public transportation [except for a taxi from our shopping trip] - we were running late and didn't have time to walk back. 😃

[@susanashcroft2674]

Always something new to learn from your videos Steve. Cheers

[@AllanAdsett]

The cathedral bought back wonderful memories of our visit to Notre Dame in Paris in late 2018.

[@ILuvRum]

Have a good holiday. Thanks for the video.

[@robz22]

I live near Stuttgart and the one and only time I have ever been to Berlin was in October 1989 just a few weeks before the fall of the Berlin wall. Thank you Steve for refreshing my memories. Please come an visit Stuttgart where you can check out the Porsche and Mercedes Benz museums as also the tv tower.

[@runarandersen878]

I also recommend the East Side Gallery with the wall and cool paintings/grafitti. And The Rittersport shop if you like chocolate.

[@stevebarnett29]

Nice cafe there too!

[@maryanne9560]

I was in Berlin before the wall came down in 1987. I was a high school exchange student. We took the train through East Germany (I was staying in Bremen-another great city IMO). It all was so cool for a 17 year old kid from the US. Weirdly enough, it also solidified my love of train travel. Very different experience, but I even loved it then… but I fall in love with pretty much every city I visit. Love seeing it today through your eyes and getting to see how it has changed is a true joy. Thank you

[@AndrewSmith-el5fs]

Great video, hard to do Berlin justice in one day. Can't agree on the 4/10 for the Reichstag, you were unlucky with the dome visibility but there's so much more to that building's story that makes it very special, not least that a British architect created the modern building.

[@okeesmokee6658]

And that the view INTO Parliament is the purpose of the new, transparent dome.

[@clasudaso]

I agree with you. I would give the Reichstag a 9/10. We did a free 90 Minute guided tour which gave a great inside of the history of the building. I am not sure why Steve didn't go for that option. As we booked it quite late, the only option left was on a Friday evening at 8pm which was actually great including great views. If anyone is planning to visit Berlin, I highly recommend to book that free guided tour of the Reichstag.

[@AndrewSmith-el5fs]

​@@clasudasoDefinitely 9/10 !

[@Alan.92n]

Hope enjoying Tenerife and thanks for your Berlin vlog. Looks a great city, probably need to spend a few days to appreciate fully. 😊 👍.

[@Leynization]

Yes, my favorite city! For your next Berlin trip you should consider going to the former Stasi headquarters (Stasi-Museum) or the old Stasi prison at Hohenschönhausen. I think you'd like it. Also, for a nice view over the Alexanderplatz area and the Fernsehturm/tv-tower, you can go to the Park Inn Hotel at Alexanderplatz and go to their Panorama Terrace at the 40th(?) floor. (Not free, they do charge an entrance fee of about 6 euros, if I remember correctly)

[@ericdugdale6292]

I love Berlin as I do Germany in general. I first went shortly after the wall coming down in 1990 and have returned on several occasions and will continue to do so. One of the contributing factors is the friendliness and warmth of the people. Especially around Christmas there's not been a time whilst travelling solo that I've not been invited to join groups of friends out for the evening or even by restaurant staff/ proprietors to join them for a drink after my meal.

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you for the tour! Only Steve Marsh has kind words for the subway mouse.

[@gercole1651]

I like Berlin and have been a couple of times. The cathedral is a very good spot to visit, and I managed to go to it just before a service was starting. If you time it to catch a service you will get to here the huge organ playing which is absolutely amazing.

[@isaiah4216]

I was just laying down for sleep when this popped up. Toothpicks on the eyelids. I'm watching this!😫

[@ZipJoy]

Love Berlin, amazing city with so much history and contrasting events in time

[@perolden]

I kind of liked Berlin with the wall in operation, I visited Berlin in 1975, 1981 and 2002, and I liked the thing of crossing into East, and then changing money with blackmarketeers, and then spending a whole day in the East, and included food, museums, taxi and everything, you had spent something around £ 5 for all of that, and even West Berlin was not expensive , but it was sure more expensive than East Berlin, but you had to make sure that you used up your eastmarks before you crossed into West-Berlin again. In 2002 I bought a car in the (former) East Berlin, had to wait three days to get plates on the thing, went to Köpenick, and spent a day on the waters in the passenger boats on the lakes and river.

[@genegreen9613]

I lived in Germany a total of seven years over three tours with the US Army. I never made it to Berlin but back then it was a bit more complicated than now. Thanks for the tour.

[@MartinBrez]

I've visited Berlin on 8 different occasions, and I've barely scratched the surface myself. For example, I've never been inside the cathedral or visited any of the major museums like the Pergamon Museum. Ideas for a future visit: Olympic Stadium East Side Gallery DDR Museum (Right by the cathedral) Stasi Museum Templehof Airport

[@brycehermon5939]

Another excellent and very entertaining video thanks Steve. Gosh, Berlin is certainly a very large and interesting city. I can appreciate your desire to explore the area and take the time to reflect on its past.

[@Nellforce]

Been to Berlin severel times and would love to see more videos from you from there, Steve!

[@liverpoolk648]

Hi Steve....Liverpool Kev here again...I always enjoy your videos as you know...I hope you don't mind if I agree with your viewer...JeffDStockton who aske you politely not to go down the typical influencer / rating route....I agree Steve...I can't travel as much as I did after cancer...I just love the long standing style of your videos...without being presumptious....you and Alicija are like friends and it's as if we are having a drink in the pub...and I sit down and say...Hi Steve..How did you get on in Berlin?....exactly as you would with a mate....That is what makes your videos charming and fun...Like Mark in Lets make atrip...a similar friendly style..You are much loved for that style Steve...Alicija too...All the best as ever......Liverpool Kev

[@WendyShort-jp3gl]

Another great video. Some great sites and buildings. Well done all that walking and train riding too.

[@markiangooley]

Christmas STARTS on December 25th and goes on for 12 days. Before Christmas it’s Advent. Yes, yes, nowadays that’s not how people think of it. As a boy in Illinois in the 1960s, I saw people taking their Christmas trees to the curb for disposal as early as December 26th, so it was usual in the USA even by then.

[@chuckpenfold4748]

"This must be a government building or something..." Hilarious! 😂😂😂

[@hallvard74]

Thats what a foreigner would say when they see the Houses of Parliament in London.

[@alzyerpal-TV]

I did laugh at that bit. The one place in Berlin history that needed just a tiny bit of research. Defo got a very interesting and dark history.

[@richardkaberry8790]

As I student I was in Berlin in 1978. The Brandenburg Gate marked the division between east and west and was effectively part of the wall. So great to see that you can walk through it now. Great video Steve thanks.

[@mathiasthelander7834]

Berlin is such a fantastic city!

[@purlyqueen]

Super helpful. Thank you. I'm going to Berlin next month with my son. We have limited time in the city, and your video is great for getting our bearings.

[@DrClumber]

One of my favourite European cities. I too found it affordable and extremely interesting. So much to see and do.

[@ktadesse]

Big smile: you are on my daily way to work ... nice outsider views ... You were so lucky with this sunny, clear sky in a November!

[@philwebb6464]

I love Berlin, you are right about the vibe it’s a good one but hard to describe

[@joannejohnson]

Have a lovely time in Tenerife and enjoy warm weather it is so cold in Southeast London but no Snow. Thank-you for your video of Berlin we enjoyed it . From Joanne and Chris.

[@Fan652w]

Thank you Steve for an excellent video. But I am amazed that you had not realised that the Reichstag was the German Parliament!

[@rain_down_]

Exactly, it's one of the most iconic buildings in Europe.

[@Roadent1241]

Considering I only knew Reichstag from the first episode of Max Steel, I hadn't even realised it was a real place XD Dunno why I'd know it was a govt building. (And yes I'm Brit.)

[@scottycat6822]

Thanks for this video found it very interesting and informative. Good to Know about all the free places of interest to visit. Looks a beautiful clean city. Enjoy your break in sunny Tenerife .

[@rain_down_]

Always nice seeing Berlin, a totally unique city with a shocking history but a really relaxed and good vibe these days. A bit of an odd opening, not knowing you were visiting one of the most iconic buildings in Europe - the German parliament and a building that was hugely symbolic during the war. Daft to give it a rating imho.

[@martinputt6421]

Fantastic video Steve, Berlin looks a wonderful place to visit. I'd especially love to visit the car museum and the checkpoint museum.

[@joanne26]

This video takes me back to those days Reagan and Gorbachev OH MY But I had forgotten about DAVID HASSELHOFF Performing that night in 89 I wonder if he has? Great video of Berlin I’ve never been I’ve spent holiday in the Black Forest Baden-Baden, Cologne and similar The palace of tears I’d get in there and would not be able to hold back any tears 😭😭😭😭😭😔😔😢😢 ❤️❤️☝️☝️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@MattsPlanet]

Great video - I did a Christmas markets trip to Berlin years ago and saw some of the sites but this is inspiring me to go back... And to see the new Berlin airport now it's finally open!

[@susannaemmerich1166]

Never been. Thank you!!!🙃🙏👌

[@TheLifeOfSteve24]

23:52 - I never knew the sound of a drill making a haunting tune could be so chilling! 😂 Amazing

[@danal.5133]

So cool watching you walking around in "my" area. Knowing most of your ways... It's really nice to combine one of my favourite cities and my favourite KZbinr. 😊 Edit: the next time I would recommend the "Holocaust Mahnmal". When you are lucky not to have a school-class running through, it is a place that reaches your heart deeply, if you let the place in. The TV-Tower is not worth the 30 Euro. I got there a few times when it was cheaper. It's nice having the view from the top - but not for SO much money. You did right!

[@larkfield2000]

Had a great trip to Berlin in May 24. Steve is right there are so many amazing places to visit and I’m pleased to say we managed a few from the video as well as lots of other spots. Obvs stay for as long as you can but 3 or 4 days would suit many people I’m sure.

[@paul0gb]

my first visit to Berlin was as a child in the summer of 1990. It was crazy as we saw soviet soldiers moving out and parts of old east Berlin as it was. I returned in 2019 and it has changed so much. I find it a fascinating city.

[@Tatia146]

I first visited Berlin in the 70s. Everything was very structured and timed. No free time anywhere. Then we went as a family a few years after the wall came down. New roads, new petrol stations but everything else was still old. People in the East were really nice and had lots of questions about life in the west. We had tea in an old tea room where the baker and his wife were delighted that our children loved all the cakes! Last time was in 2023 for a “girls” weekend. I just love Berlin! So much to do. The interesting thing is that Berlin has changed so much after the wall came down. In the East side you can still see some of the Soviet time apartment blocks but thats about it. Well worth a visit!