What’s your name and where do you work at MEININGER?
My name is Suse, I am 26 years old, and I have worked at the reception at the MEININGER Hotel at Berlin main railway station for the past 1½ years.
What is guests’ most frequently asked question?
They have questions about internet access, sightseeing, clubs and bars.
What is typical of Berlin?
Over the years, Berlin has developed a very international profile, and the city and character have been shaped by influences from the world over. It is for this reason that I think that besides Currywurst, Döner and the little Ampelmännchen traffic light men, the city’s many different subcultures are most typical of Berlin and what really make this city so special.
What should visitors to Berlin definitely do whilst in the city?
To truly get to know Berlin, it probably makes most sense to start off with a sightseeing tour. There’s no need to opt for the standard bus tour though – Berlin offers a great many fantastic alternatives, whether by bike, boat or on foot.
History enthusiasts should be sure to go on a tour of the Wall, or explore Bernauerstraße and the East Side Gallery under their own steam.
And those with enough energy left in the evening are able to take the S-Bahn suburban railway directly to the Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg districts, and party the night away in the bars and clubs there. We definitely recommend booking the late check-out option after this 😉
What would be your insiders’ tip for visitors to Berlin?
Tip 1: Berlin undoubtedly has 100 special places, BUT my absolute insiders’ tip would have to be the Holzmarkt – directly in Mitte (Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg – Holzmarktstraße 25), beside the River Spree. You can forget the city bustle for a few hours and enjoy Berlin to the max from an entirely different perspective here.
Tip 2: If you don’t want to queue for hours to go up the TV tower, I recommend instead going to Wedding: directly beside Gesundbrunnen station is Humboldthain Park with its old high-rise bunker with flak towers. After enjoying the very pretty walk through the park to the tower, outstanding views can be enjoyed over Berlin in almost all directions – and that without the masses of tourists.
