Parking nearby Potsdamerplatz in Germany
Nov 2nd, 2008, 07:43 AM
#1
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Parking nearby Potsdamerplatz in Germany
We're playing with the idea of renting a car during our visit in Berlin. The pros would be the convenience of going back and forth between the Marriott in Potsdamerplatz to where DH's mom's friends live, as she will be staying with them for a few days. The con is:
1.) i'm afraid of my DH driving in Berlin. Do they drive on the left side of the road? I recall in Belgium that they drive on the right side, right? 2.) is there an affordable place to park nearby the Marriott? I think I read that it's 28E for parking at the hotel.
Please help me decide!
1.) i'm afraid of my DH driving in Berlin. Do they drive on the left side of the road? I recall in Belgium that they drive on the right side, right? 2.) is there an affordable place to park nearby the Marriott? I think I read that it's 28E for parking at the hotel.
Please help me decide!
Nov 2nd, 2008, 07:56 AM
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1) The whole continent of Europe drives on the right side of the road, with the exception of the British isles (who don't consider themselves part of the continent).
Unless those friends live in a remote suburb with complicated public transport connections or unless one of the people involved has difficulties walking, the answer is no. A car in a large city is useless and a nuisance. The public transport system is excellent and will you take about everywhere with much less costs and without worrying about finding parking, paying for parking, traffic rules, rush hour, finding your way, one-way streets, pedestrian areas, petrol prices, and all the stress that comes with driving in the centre of an unknown city among dense traffic. Save yourselves the hassle and enjoy your holidays.
Unless those friends live in a remote suburb with complicated public transport connections or unless one of the people involved has difficulties walking, the answer is no. A car in a large city is useless and a nuisance. The public transport system is excellent and will you take about everywhere with much less costs and without worrying about finding parking, paying for parking, traffic rules, rush hour, finding your way, one-way streets, pedestrian areas, petrol prices, and all the stress that comes with driving in the centre of an unknown city among dense traffic. Save yourselves the hassle and enjoy your holidays.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 08:19 AM
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I used a car in European cities exactly once (out of hundreds of trips).
My experience was that by the time you find a place to park and walk from there to your destination and back, you could have got there sooner on the tram or bus at 1/20 the cost (considering the price of the rental, fuel, and parking both at your hotel and in town).
My experience was that by the time you find a place to park and walk from there to your destination and back, you could have got there sooner on the tram or bus at 1/20 the cost (considering the price of the rental, fuel, and parking both at your hotel and in town).
Nov 2nd, 2008, 10:31 AM
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ditto, I wouldn't rent a car for inside Berlin. Taxis are much more practical and a good value for 2-3 passengers. They are even cheaper for short distances (less than 2 km, I think), in which case you have to mention "kurzstrecke" to the driver to get the lesser rate. It'll come handy with your 70 year old MIL who may not like the stairs for the underground system. Many tourists use the double decker city bus number 100 as a cheap individual tour bus to see the East & West Berlin from its upper deck.
