Trip to Berlin... need basic information.
 

Hi there!
I am preparing for a business trip to Berlin.
My corporate card is American Express. Is it widely accepted by stores and restaurants?
Do cabs take credit cards?
Any tips on selecting cabs in Berlin?
Is it generally a safe place?
I am staying at The Mandala Suites at Friedrichstrasse 185 190.
Is there anything interesting nearby? I am sure there are many points of interest... what is something I should not miss.
I will only have free time in the evening, after work.
Any information is appreciated!
Is there anyone on this forum that lives in Berlin?
Laura

AMEX is not widely accepted.
There is so much to see near your hotel that you will go dizzy. Look at the DK Eyewitness Guidebook for starters, or the Fodors and Frommers Berlin destination online.
Berlin is generally a safe place.
I can't help with credit cards, but I would pay cash.
There are many excellent Berlin trip reports on this forum - do a search for them and that will give you guidance.

When I was in Berlin two years ago (November), I used my Amex very frequently without a problem (in restaurants, hotels, shops). Never used a CC in a taxi though. I found Berlin to be no less safe than, say, NYC (and NYC is *very* safe). Common sense is all you'll need. I did a trip report on Berlin -- click on my name to find...

If I remember correctly, Friedrichstrasse is about half a mile from the Pergamum Museum. The museum has two main exhibits, a temple frieze from a Greek city in Turkey, and the Ishtar gate from ancient Babylonia. Both are outstanding.

Does anyone have anything specific that I can do AFTER work?
I will not be able to explore until 5pm (or so) each day.
Is there daylight savings time in Germany? What time does it get dark in Berlin?

>Does anyone have anything specific that I can do AFTER work?
>I will not be able to explore until 5pm (or so) each day.

Many museums are open until 19:00 - 20:00. Berlin itself is up and running 24/7

>Is there daylight savings time in Germany?

Yes.

>What time does it get dark in Berlin?

When are you there?

Here's a link to my trip report in case it helps - http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34614269

On my first trip I stayed on Friedrichstrasse, on my second trip I stayed just off it and I think it's a perfect location for sightseeing, restaurants, bars, etc.

How old are you? Berlin is attracting a 20 to 30 crowd and they are having a great time in the evening. Check for opera, ballet and concerts. Singles are usually available as well as 'returns'. All Berlin is interesting. Simple - window shopping. Camera...evening is a best time to take pictures.

You should not leave Berlin without touring the Reichstag and its Dome, and you should be able to do that after work.

If you are going in mild weather, you can also take an evening or sunset cruise along the Spree.

Berlin is a safe place, but if you drink, take taxis home. Cabs are cheap, so you don't need a lot of cash on you.

There are famous concert halls and theaters in your neighborhood (Berliner Ensemble, the Berlin opera) and you will find cafe life along the Unter den Linden and all around the Frederichstrasse. Some of Berlin's historic sights -- like the Brandenburg Tor -- can bes seen at night.

But get a good guide book -- like TIme Out.

I was recently checking their website to visit the Reichstag and it says it is open until 10 pm many nights.

It's all in my trip report, but there are 3 opera houses. The Staatsoper & Komische Oper are both very close to Friedstrasse; the Deutsche Oper is 5km away but has its own underground station.

I'd also recommend seeing the Brandenburg at night, it is awe inspiring. You could also visit the East Side Gallery, that is always open.

I went to the East Side Gallery on my last visit (not yet in my original trip report) & was very disappointed. It's also quite a long way from Friedrichstrasse.

Visiting the Reichstag rooftop restaurant for dinner is a thought - if you have a restaurant reservation you bypass any queue & go in the disabled entrance.