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Home » Europe » Berlin with Kids
EuropeHomeTravelTravel Tips

Berlin with Kids

BonBon April 22, 2015 9 Comments
Berlin WWII - Raising a flag over the Reichstag - Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
Berlin WWII – Raising a flag over the Reichstag – Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

On the top of my bucket list was Berlin – I was curious, as everyone, how they rebuilt the city after WW2 and Reunification. A place so rich in history with its sad and bitter past. However, I assumed most have moved on; I am here to share with you the Berlin now!

So thrilled to finally visit Berlin; thankful I got to see and experience it with the whole family. We only stayed for few days, but I believed we covered most of the must-see attractions. If you decide to visit Berlin; stay for at least a week.

We flew from DFW to Berlin via Frankfurt. Our flight was delayed, but we managed to catch our connecting flight just in time and our luggage made it too! Yay…

1st Day

We arrived at the hotel noontime well ahead of the normal 3pm check-in time but as luck had it there was an available room for us (waiting for a room would have been an extended struggle after our tiring long haul flight). We took a power nap for 1…2… 3 hours and then decided to take a stroll around Alexanderplatz (the place was walking distance from the hotel).

Alexanderplatz

Located in East Berlin, is the major transport hub in the city. Known just as “Alex” by Berliners, it’s one of the busiest squares and  major tourist destinations.

My girl at Alexanderplatz Station
My girl at Alexanderplatz Station
Fountain of International Friendship; was erected in 1970 and consists of 17 shells from which the water cascades. The materials used in its construction were copper, glass, ceramic and enamel.
Fountain of International Friendship; was erected in 1970 and consists of 17 shells from which the water cascades. The materials used in its construction were copper, glass, ceramic and enamel.
With my kids at friendship fountain - it is one of the square’s most popular attractions.
With my kids at friendship fountain – it is one of the square’s most popular attractions.
It was a nice clear day in Berlin. Background - Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall) of Berlin
It was a nice clear day in Berlin. Background – Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall) of Berlin
The World Time Clock The numbers show the actual times in 148 selected cities around the world. The miniature globes on the top represent the solar system. It was the most well-known meeting point in East Berlin during the years of the DDR.
The World Time Clock The numbers show the actual times in 148 selected cities around the world. The miniature globes on the top represent the solar system.
It was the most well-known meeting point in East Berlin during the years of the DDR.
St. Mary Church, Neptune Fountain and The Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
St. Mary Church, Neptune Fountain and The Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

2nd Day

Since we are staying only for few days; we decided to take the hop on hop off tour for the day. This is a perfect way to see most of the attractions. It was a gorgeous day!

We first got off the bus at Brandenburg gate.

Finally, we got to see this trademark of Berlin. My girl was looking up the gate and said, “Wow, so beautiful Mommy” while my boy asked, “This is a gate? It’s huge”. I am so thankful to experience this moment with my family. I just wanted to remind everyone that life is short, so enjoy it to the fullest with the people you love.

Brandenburg gate used to be the main entrance to the city, surrounded by the wall for thirty years. Known as a symbol for the division of the city and for the division of the world; the symbol of turmoil and peace.Today, visitors can enjoy a stroll and see this magnificent work of art and look at it up close.

Tips: There are a lot of things to do around the area. I suggest you get here early morning and spend at least half a day. Grab your lunch around here and visit the following walking attractions: The Berlin Wall .04 mi, The Memorial to the Sinti and Roma .12 mi, Reichstag  .14 mi, Holocaust Memorial 0.21 mi 

Brandenburg Gate - the symbol of unity
Brandenburg Gate – the symbol of unity
Good times with family.
Good times with family

Our next bus stop: Charlottenburg Palace

This is a beautiful palace, inside and out, but we didn’t go inside. We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the palace and then just walked around while my girl was taking a nap; jetlagged.

Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace
jumping time with my boy;) he wants to look funny in all our pictures:)
Making memories with my boy;) he wants to look funny all the time:)
A nice park and garden across the palace. A nice place to hang around and let the kids chill a lil bit.
A nice park and garden across the palace. A nice place to walk and let kids run around;)

My girl woke up as soon as we got on the bus; then my boy fell asleep after few minutes. Times like this, you gotta do what you gotta do. Hubby and I decided to take a longer ride to give my boy a chance to sleep for at least 30 min. I could say my kids are awesome travelers. They don’t complain much and they are willing to keep up with Mommy and Daddy. We give them little surprises after a long day.

We got off at the boat dock for a river cruise. My boy woke up just right in time.

Tips: Don’t miss a boat tour while in Berlin; it’s another leisurely way to see and take in most of the attractions at the heart of this bustling city. Food is optional; we had coffee with a cake while cruising. It was a perfect day.

River cruise
River Spree cruise
Attentively listening to the audio guide - 8 different languages available.
Attentively listening to the audio guide – 8 different languages available.
My girl found a new friend:) She's so fond of dogs these days.
My girl found a new friend:) She’s so fond of dogs these days.

It had been a long day by now so we headed back to the hotel after the cruise to rest a little bit. Then, we went out night time to visit the Berlin Wall. It was nothing but a wall; however, it was full of tragic and traumatic memories. So thankful to finally see it and touch a piece of history.

My boy was interested about Berlin wall. Asking a lot of questions:)
My boy was so curious about the Berlin wall story. Asking a lot of questions:)

Checkpoint Charlie the most famous border crossing at Berlin Wall.

Checkpoint Charlie - crossing point between east and west Berlin during the cold war.
Checkpoint Charlie – crossing point between east and west Berlin during the cold war.
My girl just woke up from her nap.... looking grumpy.
At Checkpoint Charlie – My girl just woke up from her nap…. looking grumpy.
Taking public bus at night  is easy - not too busy.
Taking the public bus at night is easy – not too busy.

3rd Day

Basically our last day in Berlin; our plan was just to take public transportation to places that we want to visit. Berlin’s public transit system works best for Berliners and tourists; easy and simple to understand.

Tip: Download VBB-app “Bus & Train”: route planner and mobile ticketing for public transport. It’s been very helpful to us.

The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) - 368-meter-high tower, a landmark and symbol of Berlin, first came into operation in 1968
The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) – 368-meter-high tower, a landmark and symbol of Berlin, first came into operation in 1968
My girl keeps on saying that the tower is following us all the time:)
My girl keeps on saying that the tower is following us all the time:)
we went up the TV tower for a quick look of the city. Kids was too excited to look down and asked too many questions.
we went up the TV tower for a quick look at the city. Kids were too excited to look down and asked too many questions.
The Berlin Cathedral - gorgeous day in Berlin!
The Berlin Cathedral – beautiful!!!

Museum Island, the UNESCO National Heritage Site was designed to be “a sanctuary of art and science”. The island is home to no less than five of Berlin’s major museums. You can easily spend the whole day here if you choose to but for us, we decided to just check out one museum that interest us.

Alte Nationalgalerie
Alte Nationalgalerie
Chillin by Lustgarten, the garden in front of Berlin's cathedral
Chillin by Lustgarten, the garden in front of Berlin’s cathedral

Pergamon museum, where you’ll find a collection of Greek, Roman, and Babylonian antiquities. The highlight of our visit: impressive Ishtar Gate of Babylon. I am speechless!!! The gate was constructed 575 BC by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

Tip: The museum has been undergoing staggered renovation work. There is almost always a long waiting line during weekends. Pergamon Altar has been closed since 29 September 2014 and is due to remain closed to the public until 2019

Inside Pergamon Museum - Arianna was listening to the audio guide. don't underestimate your kids; they're way too smart than you think;)
Inside Pergamon Museum – Arianna was listening to the audio guide. Don’t underestimate your kids; they’re way smarter than you think;)
Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum... OMG!!! Love it...
Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum… OMG!!!Impressive!!! Arianna got too tired walking around; she decided to take a nap.
Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Memorial – Arianna was finally awake from her nap and my boy’s turn:)
Our girl playing at Tiergarten; she picked a flower for Mommy:)
Our girl playing at Tiergarten; she picked a flower for me:)
Victory Column
Victory Column

Last night in Berlin, even we are tired we couldn’t just stay in the hotel. We felt that we needed to get the most out of our limited time. So, we headed out to check out some places.

We were taking the city at night by bus. It was too convenient and easy for us.

We like the public transportation too much:)
We like the public transportation too much:)
Sony Center - Sony's European headquarters
Sony Center – Sony’s European headquarters
Playing around with my boy:) Parts of Berlin Wall
Parts of Berlin Wall is everywhere in the city.

Tip: Grab a piece of history; you can buy a piece of Berlin wall in almost every souvenir shop. However, it can be difficult to determine the authenticity. A fridge magnet maybe? Why not?

Night time at Brandenburg Gate
Night time at Brandenburg Gate

Berlin was so much fun; we enjoyed our stay very much. I hope you find this post helpful when you plan a trip to visit this interesting city. Bring your kids; my kids had a great time and learning so much. I totally understand your concerns and hesitations but let it go and just DO IT. Make every moment spent with your kids count.

If you find this post helpful, please share.

Thank you and ’til next adventure. xoxo

 

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About Author

BonBon

Call me BonBon!!! I am here to help you with your family travel plans and to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. GO and explore the world. Travel. Learn. Evolve.

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9 Comments

  1. about-us Reply
    September 19, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    Omg, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The total look of your site is fantastic,
    let alone the content!

    • BonBon Reply
      September 20, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thank you for dropping by and the kind words:) Stay connected…

  2. Corinne Reply
    October 18, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Great article. Next time you go, Take the kids to the DDR Museum and the Ritter Sport Store where they can design their own candy bar.

    • BonBon Reply
      October 18, 2015 at 7:34 am

      Thank you:) Yeah, we will be back and keep that in mind:) Happy travels… xoxo

  3. lynda Reply
    May 10, 2015 at 7:28 am

    So cool!

    love everything about this post. Keep it going.

    I wish I can get to do this with hubby & the kids someday…

    Best regards,
    Lynda

    • BonBon Reply
      May 16, 2015 at 5:48 pm

      hi kaps!!! thank you… I am sure you’ll get there one of these days… stay tune;) xoxo

  4. Norvie Reply
    April 26, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    geeat post!

    Very informative and motivating! I love to travel too but having kids is not always motivating and you are an encouragement!

    Looking forward to your next adventure 🙂

    Great pics!

    With love from texas,
    Norvie

    • BonBon Reply
      May 16, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Yes girl, my main objective for my blog is to encourage and inspire parents to take their kids when they travel. Yup, it is challenging and well…expensive hehehe, but I guarantee you girl… IT IS WORTH IT!!! Hubby and I see it as our lifetime gift for them:) Take ur boys to Europe girl; they’ll love it and thank you one day:) Happy travels my dear.

  5. Pingback: Reflecting on 2015 | Bon-Bon Voyage

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ABOUT ME

Call me BonBon... I am a mom of 2 beautiful toddlers. My family loves to discover new things near and far... So, I am here to inspire your whole family to travel, to get out of your comfort zone and to explore this wonderful world. And, I am here to help you get started:) Stay in touch!!!

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