We will be in Berlin in October. What are some of the major attractions that we should not miss (besides the wall)??? Also, is a car necessary to get around? Thanks!

A car would be an impediment. Public transportation is excellent and low in cost. If you are a "museum" person, the Pergamon Museum in central Berlin is unmatched for its collection of Greek and Babylonian art. Simply stunning. I am sorry to be the bringer of bad news to you, but "The Wall" has practically disappeared. A very small segment has been preserved for posterity, but that's about all. Although we did not go there, we understand there is an art collection in Dahlem worth seeing. A day trip to Postdam and the Sans Souci Palace of Frederick the Great is excellent. Also see the nearby villa where the 1945 Potsdam Conference was held.

hi, <BR> <BR>DO NOT miss Haus am Checkpoint Charlie. It is a museum which attempts to show the horrors of the Wall and the many escape attempts. Very interesting, and poignant too. How far we have come... <BR> <BR>I saw a small little bit of the Wall near there, and if I had to guess - this is the small bit saved for posterity, mentioned in the last post. <BR> <BR>also, if you have time - go to KadaWe (Kah Day Vay) - Kaufhaus des Westens. HUGE department store. You can find just about anything there. Their food court (a whole floor) was a real treat. <BR> <BR>have fun...

sorry, I meant to say KaDeWe. duh. can't type this early. <BR> <BR>also, there are many many relics from WWII. check 'em out while you can. I understand that city is changing rapidly... I bet I wouldn't even recognize it now (it has been quite a few years since I was last there...)

Marisa, <BR> <BR>I just got back from Berlin. Don't miss the center of the city: the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the Tiergarten. My personal favorite is the big antique and flea market on the Strasse des 17. Juli (Sat. and Sun.) <BR> <BR>There is a lot of wonderful architecture from the 1890s-1910s that has been restored. Schloss Charlottenburg is a great palace that has several good museums in or near it, including the Egyptian Museum and the Brohan (Art Nouveau/Deco). <BR> <BR>Don't get a car--there's no place to park. You can get a 3- or 7-day pass for the S-Bahn/U-Bahn system. The 7-day pass costs about $21 and is well worth it. A single-day pass is about $4. <BR>Bring an umbrella and a warm coat. <BR>Have fun!