Questions about Berlin Itinerary
 

My mom, daughter and I (13) are going to be in Berlin June 26-July 6. We have come up with a rough itinerary for our time there. I should note we have all been to Berlin a couple of times, so there are some things we have already seen. So we're not focusing on the wall related sights as much this trip. I have a couple of questions on the specifics and welcome any comments/suggestions on the plan in general. Thanks!!

Specific Questions:

I'm a little confused about the need to book a time at the Pergamon and Neues Museum. My research seems to conflict. Is it wise/necessary to book a time ahead?

On the day we go to Schwerin we will have a car. The apartment we're staying at is in the 'Green Zone', which as far as I understand requires a special sticker to drive in the area. Can the car rental co provide this or will we need to purchase it? I've seen that you purchase one at a gas station. It is not a huge deal, but I'd like to pick up the car early and pick the family up at the apartment, and I don't want to get a huge fine.

General Plan:
June 27 Arrive morning, settle in apartment in Prenzlauer Berg, Philharmonic at night

June 28 Peacock Island and Wannsee (weather permitting!)

June 29 Reichstag booked for 10am, Jewish memorial, afternoon in Nikolaiviertel (we have a private tour guide booked for this area with a guide who specializes in family history as our family came from this area)

June 30 Museum Island

July 1 German History Museum, afternoon at the zoo

July 2 Potsdam

July 3 Day trip to Schwerin

Can't help with the museum questions but cars you rent in Germany always have the sticker to drive in the "environmental zones".
So you don't have to worry about that.

I've been to the Pergammon Museum twice but don't think I booked ahead either time. It is one of the world's great museums and a "must see".

If you like Picasso, please be certain to see the Bergruen Collection. Take the acoustic guide tour. I never learned so much about Picasso. The narrator is the man who collected the paintings. Wonderful experience! I found the collection to be much better explained than the one at the Picasso Museum in Paris. Of course, the Paris museum has undergone a huge renovation and the story may be different now with that museum. I haven't been to Paris in over 10 years, so lots has changed. I am due for another home exchange there, no? I've been busy exploring other places.

We simply showed up at the Pergamon and got into line. Fortunately we had arrived early in the day before the several group buses arrived. However, sometimes those groups get their tickets from their guide and roll right in.

Cowboy1968 thanks for the info that's one less thing to worry about!

lauren - I'll definitely put it on the list, it sounds great!

Dukey1 thanks for the info. We're planning on being there right at opening time, so it sounds like it shouldn't be an issue.

I just checked the Pergamon's website.
You get a €1 discount when you book in advance. Plus you go past the queue (if there is one) straight inside.
So if you already know for sure that you want to be there at 10am on June 30th, there is little reason not to get a ticket in advance online.

Cowboy thanks so much for that info! I had been checking the Pergamon website but it kept saying it was under construction when I would navigate away from the main page. I will definitely reserve online.