U inn Berlin Hostel

Unbrace yourselves spring is coming

Posted on 7. April 2014 by U inn Berlin Hostel

This weekend spring finally kicks off! So it’s about time to give you a little update on what is going on in Berlin this spring. But first a little check-up to let you know the basics in 2014. The Berghain is still not letting you in, even after you waited for about 2 hours in the line. Sorry! The Eastside Gallery is still under threat by some greedy real estate investors. And on 25th of May the Berliners can vote on the future of the Tempelhofer Park, formally the U.S. Air Base Tempelhof.

Here are some concerts of the next weeks

First off we have the Punk & Disorderly Festival at Astra Kulturhaus from 11th – 13th of April. Punk/Ska and Oi Music for 3 days. You still can get a ticket at www.punk-disorderly.de. Same weekend different music style. Marteria a local hero plays at Max-Schmeling Halle in Prenzlauer Berg near the famous Mauerpark. Not to forget, Justin Timberlake at the O2 World and the Kaiser Chiefs @ Kesselhaus.

What’s up in May in Berlin

Berlin is very famous for its Airports. Tempelhof was one of the oldest Airports and became famous during the Berlin Airlift. Tegel Airport … well ok, nothing much to say about it. But our new Airport BER – Berlin Brandenburg International was covered in almost every major newspaper. How to put it the right way…? Well the airport is not finished yet. But soon, very soon, at least “they” say so. But still, in May the ILA 2014 will take place in Berlin. ILA is the leading Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. This year’s keynote will be held by “Bob the Builder” on how to build an airport “in time”.

If Robbie Williams flies in via EasyJet or if he use the train is still in the open. The Train station on Warschauer Strasse where the O2 World is located is under heavy construction right now and the most reliable way to get to the O2 World will be by boot. One thing for sure, fans of Tangerine Dream who will be playing at Admiralspalast in Mitte will fly in on their very own LSD Trip. And of course the big highlight in May will be the DFB Pokalfinale. Btw: WE DON’T CALL IT SOCCER!!!

What’s up in June in Berlin

June will almost be summer in Berlin. Definitely something we have to celebrate. How about some Arctic Monkeys @ Zitadelle or Black Sabbath at Wuhlheide, seasoned with a little bit of Aerosmith @ O2 World Berlin. For dessert we offer a colourful Christopher Street Day and the Fête de la Musique

What to do in Berlin on a rainy day

Posted on 9. January 2014 by U inn Berlin Hostel

A stroll along the Spree, visiting a beer garden, relaxing in a park, heading out of Berlin by bike to take a swim in a lake – doesn’t that sound wonderful? But right now it’s January. There is no sunshine you can enjoy, there is no breeze that warms your skin, there is no beer garden that welcomes you to have a seat and a cool beer.

Soundmonster@Flickr.com (CC BY-SA 2.0)

All that the January seems to offer is cold, damp and greyish weather and the best way to escape the cold that creeps everywhere is to spend the day on a sofa in front of the telly with a hot chocolate. But not in Berlin! Although Berlin does not offer any winter sports activities, there are still a lot of places which will make you forget that the weather is shitty and make you remember that you’re in one of the best cities in the world.

Alternatives on a rainy Day

So what is on the table? Berlin is not only a lively city during the summer months, even during the winter Berlin offers a variety of activities and most of them are weather resistant as well. With it’s over 180 Museums, exhibitions and gallery’s Berlin offers an historical or cultural interested guest a notable collection. I know you might say that museums aren’t much fun, stuffed with old pictures and ancient stones no one actually cares about. But hold on – you might want to change your mind once you give the Hamburger Bahnhof a go. The Hamburger Bahnhof is definatley worth a visit! Based in an old railway station from the 19th century, it offers a huge collection of contemporary art. Contemporary art? Well that’s basically the stuff you look at and think: “I’ve could have done that” – but would you have had the idea for it? Right now the Hamburger Bahnhof invites you to an exhibition of a group of artist, including Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol and quite a few younger aspiring artists. The things they do range from minimalistic sketches to geeky videos and crazy installations. Yes, if you’ve got the chance to see that you better not miss it!

Indoor activity’s in Berlin

But what if you are absolutely not into the whole museum business? Well let me sort that out: How about a huge Aquarium? Or are you more into playing with Lego bricks? Or maybe you fancy taking pictures with the celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s?

Berlin Bunker Tour

But if that’s too mainstream for you, we’ll figure out a more unique program. Why not explore the subterranean architecture with the “Berlin Unterwelten” and dare to climb down in an old World War 2 bomb shelter or a Cold War Nuclear War bunker? At least they are rain proof and you might as well learn some history and even hear some insider stories about what really happened underneath the surface.

Endless Clubbing in Berlin

As you can see, Berlin has a lot to offer during the Winter Season. If these alternatives don’t convince you here is our last resort. The Berlin Club Berghain opens its doors at midnight on Saturday and offers you a full accommodation till Monday morning. 😛

Our neighbourhood Friedrichshain

Posted on 6. October 2013 by U inn Berlin Hostel

Friedrichshain counts as Berlins hotspot for going out. Its packed with Cafés, galleries, clubs and bars. In the day time the students lay lazily in the sun and when dark comes they go raving. Every night Simon-Dach-Straße becomes the main attraction with thousands of visitors. Come here for a Currywurst at Curry66, Sundanese style Falafel, Indian food, Pakistani food, Vietnamese food or a Döner Kebab at the Warschauer Brücke. There is something for everyone.

Around the Boxhagener Platz and its side-streets are plenty of small stores. Berlin Designer shops are all over the place, yet some are hard to find. Some are hidden in backyards and out of view, but its well worth the search and if you ever find Big Brobot Prachtmädchen or Superschlüpfer you are in for a treat.

Ever since in the 90s Friedrichshain has been a home of the alternative scene and revolutionists. This is still the case here what with the squatted houses, self governing communities, colourful painted houses, loud music, graffiti and lots and lots of empty beer bottles. This belongs just as much to Berlin as the Museum-Island and Potsdamer Platz glasshouse.

Berlin Tour Guide

Posted on 26. July 2013 by U inn Berlin Hostel

Berlin is a big city and it is not easy to discover everything on your own. To make things easier we have put together a small list of guided tours. Some cover well known locations that are listed in every guide book, others to less known spots known mostly by the Berliners themselves. We´d like to present a few of them to you.

Vive Berlin

This tour weaves through Berlin’s history by visiting landmarks such as the impressive Brandenburg Gate, the notorious Berlin Wall and the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt….
The tours take place every day, 365 days a year. The meeting point is at
Potsdamer Platz #10 in front of the Balzac Coffee.
Definitely check out the Essential Berlin Tour
10 am Monday, 04pm Friday Duration: 3.5 hours
€ 12.00 Adults / € 10.00 Students
S-Bahn: S1, S2, S25; U-Bahn: U2 → Potsdamer Platz
www.viveberlintours.de

Finding Berlin Tours

Biking through Berlin! A great way to discover Berlin is to bike through it. Everyone can do it for the city is more or less flat. The Finding Berlin tours take you to see the real Berlin and shows you why so many people fall in love with this city and ending up to move to Berlin. Join Martin the tour guide, who loves his Classic–Vintage bikes, on a four hour long tour to Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln.
Schlesische Straße 29/30 @ Velosalon
Finding Berlin Tour from 25€ 4H
www.findingberlin-tours.com

Scooter Rent

Berlin and hinterland offer a lot! Make sure to have the right vehicle. By scooter you can explore the city relaxed and on your own, go shopping or simply drive to beautiful lakes and enjoying nature. It is ideal for sightseeing in pairs or groups. Just call them if you are interested, they are open daily!
Rotherstr. 16 (U-Bahn Station Warschauer Strasse)
www.rollerverleih-berlin.de/

Alternative Berlin

While most organized free tours merely offer the known to most tourist attractions, the Alternative Berlin tours offer you a great view into Berlin street life and subculture. They take you to see street art, old war bunkers, graffiti, reggae beach bar and might inform you about today’s not so legal open air party. These four hour tours takes you far away from the mainstream tourism.
Meeting point is under the TW-Tover in front of Starbucks
Cost: Free, but you are welcome to tip the guide.
Daily at 11am and 1 pm and each tour takes 3,5h
www.alternativeberlin.com

Top 5 Beach Bars and Chillout Spots in Berlin

Posted on 16. May 2013 by U inn Berlin Hostel

Visiting Berlin in the summer? Sure we have a lot to see. Like the Brandenburger Tor or the Museum island. But what do you do after a long day of sightseeing? In Berlin we like to hang out on the water. The River Spree and all the little canals spreading all over Berlin. That’s why it is a perfect location for the afternoon. An ice cold beer, electronic music and chilled sunset. That’s how a day in Berlin ends. Sure, gentrification is a big issue in Berlin, that’s why many of these bars had to close down in the last years. We will miss the Bar 25, Kiki Blofeld and these entire little chill out spots on the river Spree. But still where once the Berlin Wall divided the two districts Berlin Friedrichshain and Berlin Kreuzberg , on the river you still find a few really cool locations.

Yaam

Yaam is one of the oldest Beach Bars in Berlin. It’s like a little island of Jamaica right in the middle of Berlin. Here you always find a little peaceful beach and chilled reggae music. At night they do some good parties too. Right now the Yaam is under threat because of a luxury condo they want to build on this location. That’s why a move is already scheduled for 2013. The new location will be the area of the former Maria/Magdalena/Josef Club and Schilling Bridge.

Badeschiff

The Badeschiff is a very unique place. Since the river Spree isn’t particularly made for swimming. They transformed to old ships into a swimming pool on the river. Pretty awesome right?! A lot of people hanging out at the Badeshiff the whole day. Swimming, chilling, sun bathing and later on dancing since they also do a lot of open air parties in the summer months.

Club der Visionäre

Club der Visionäre aka CdV is a bar swimming on the water of a sidearm of the river together with the bar Freischwimmer it’s the favourite place for people from Kreuzberg and Friedrichhain to chill out on a long long Sunday afternoon. At the CdV there are always really good Dj’s playing. There are no big gigs, it’s more like they go and play in their own living room. So often you get the chance to meet some high ranking Djs.

Lichtpark

Lichtpark is one of the newer Open Air Party locations. For the weekend they provide for a small entry fee nice electronic music and a chilled location on the river. This place is often crowded by people who either just come or go to Kater Holzig Club or did not get in for the Sunday after hour party but still want to make party.

Admiralbrücke

During the summer the bridge and its grassy shores are alive with droves of Berliners, relaxing and chilling with some cheap späti beers. All whilst taking in the vibes from the buskers, acoustic groups, And any other manner of movers and shakers that swings by. Free entertainment at its best! Setting the groove all the way into the night.

Berlin Microbrewery Guide

Posted on 29. April 2013 by U inn Berlin Hostel

Berlin has a long history of beer culture. Around 1900 you found huge brewery’s in nearly every district of Berlin. Now days you still find these huge Industrial relics mostly used for cultural purpose like the “Kulturbrauerei” in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. In times of globalisation the important brewery’s combine into one big company, brewing several brands under one Name. But since a few years many microbreweries flourish in the districts Friedrichshian, Kreuzberg and Mitte. If you come to Berlin and are on the look-out for a very special taste try out some of their creations.
Maibock, Märzen, Mondscheinbier, Schwarzbier, Bernstein, Brown Ale, Rotbier, Weizen or Schoppe Hell are just some of the names you should look out for. We put together a list of our favourite Microbrewery’s in Berlin Friedrichshain not far from the U inn Berlin Hostel and of course also from some other districts.

Schalander

Saturated in the northern part of Friedrichshain the Schalander successfully established quality fresh brewed beer in this area of Berlin where it was more common to just get you a cheap “Sterni” from the Späti. With “Helles” Pils “Dunkles” and “Weizen” they have 3 permanent beers fresh from tab plus seasonal beers. For the month May it will be a “MaiBock” a real speciality. The food they serve is called “Gut Bürgerlich” which is basically good German food. The menu is changing every week with seasonal speciality.

www.schalander-berlin.de
Schalander Hausbrauerei
Bänschstr. 91

Hops & Barley

Welcome to Berlin Friedrichshain. Not shiny, not blinky but we really know beer J Hops & Barley is a small local brewery right at the busy night-life area of Berlin. People come here of beer and of course for football. The variety of beer goes from typical Friedrichshainer Dunkel or Hell Pils to English Cider or Brown Ale. Bread made out of “Treber” a side product of the brewing process is served if you are hungry.

www.hopsandbarley-berlin.de
Wühlischstraße 22-23
10245 Berlin

BKK Bier Kombinat Kreuzberg

At the Bier Kombinat Kreuzberg you get served a great variety of fresh brewed beer by Schoppebräu a local Microbrewery. They Serve Schoppe Hell or Dunkel but also a Weizen witch tastes a little bit like banana with a slice of pickled gherkins. Definitely off the mainstream taste.

www.bier-kombinat.de
Manteuffelstraße 53
10999 Berlin

Marcus Bräu

The Marcus Bräu is a little hideout in Berlin Mitte. This district is usually more main stream and little Bars must close and make space for new big commercial places. But the Marcus Bräu has held its place for a long time now. And their recipe is simple.. Just a little Tank for their delicious beer and a typical down to earth menu in-case you are hungry. Simplicity at its best. And because of that fact it’s worth to visit this place if you around Alexanderplatz. Their Speciality is a huge Roasted Pork knuckle with a half litre of Helles or Dunkles Beer.

www.brau-dein-bier.de
Münzstraße 1-3
10178 Berlin

Brauhaus Lemke

The Brauhaus Lemke on Hackischer Markt is like the Mercedes of the microbrewery. It’s not really small. They have a beer garden for the summer month. The interior is rustic and the beer.. Woohooo! 4-Kinds of fresh brewed beer on tab. You can sit next the huge tanks. And there is always a smell of fresh beer around. Beside many Seasonal beers you get the so typical for Berlin Helles and Dunkles Pils plus a Weizen. The menu is outstanding. Good German kitchen which even for this part of Berlin has very reasonable prices. Check out their “Kasespetzle” one of my favourites.

www.brauhaus-lemke.com
Dircksenstr. S-BahnBogen 143
10178 Berlin

Go Veggie in Berlin Friedrichshain

Posted on 24. March 2013 by U inn Berlin Hostel

Green is in again, so why not on the plate too? It shouldn’t be just a matter of the environment, but also good for us and above all our friends the animals. Berlin offers a great selection for vegetarians and vegans to go crazy with. Now Friedrichhain’s first vegan supermarket opens their doors on the 30th of March 2013 at Warschauer Strasse 33. www.veganz.de

And here are more vegan/vegetarian places in Friedrichshain worth a visit:
• Yoyo Foodworld 27 Gärtnerstr. (Burger, Pizza, Salads and Co.)
• Vöner 56 Boxhagener Str. (Vegan Döner)
• Ohlálá Tartes Shop 18 Mainzer Str. (French Vegan Food)
• Bistro Bardot 83 Boxhagener Str. (100% Organ Vegan/Vegetarian Dishes)
• Hot Dog Soup 67 Grünberger Str. (vegetarian/vegan Soups and -Hot Dogs)
• Emma Pea Vegetarian Food & Bar 99 Revaler Str. (Soups, different Meals every day, Wraps, Tapas, Cakes – Vegetarian/Vegan-)
• Eisdiele Caramello/Organic Delicious 31 WühlischStr. (vegan/non-vegan organic Icecream)
• Eisbärliner 11 GärtnerStr. (tasty homemade vegan Soy- and Fruit-ice cream, bursting with fruit)

Source: http://www.berlin-vegan.de/berlin/restaurantkritiken/

For everyone who would like to find out more about Veganism http://www.berlin-vegan.de. You’ll find information about everything from `Vegan Taster Weeks´, renting vegan/vegetarian WG’s/Rooms to TIPS for being vegan and pregnant.
U inn says it’s worth having a look at !
STAY HEALTHY !!!!

*Vegetarian – don’t eat meat, mostly no fish as well
*Vegans – don’t eat any products from animals (NO milk, meat, fish, honey, …)

Berlin Survival Guide part three – More bang for your Buck!

Posted on 10. December 2012 by U inn Berlin Hostel

The age old question: “Do you get what you pay for?” In most cases yes, but that is not to say you cannot find quality for a good price! Supermarkets in Berlin, or Germany in general, are tricky because there is no rule where “this one” is the cheapest or “that one” is more quality because it depends on what you are looking for.

Supermarket or Turkish Market

For example you can get the essentials like pasta and rice for less than a Euro, including milk and bread which are pretty much the same price across the board even if you prefer to go the bio/ vegan/ hipster route ;). However, vegetables, meats and fruits it gets a bit more complicated. In general, Lidl and Netto tie for the cheapest in this department but it does vary from week to week and what is on sale. Kaiser’s is generally a bit more expensive, but the quality is also quite a bit better. Berlin overall is quite famous for its incredibly cheap food prices so if you are on a budget it is quite easy to still eat well. So in short, Lidl and Netto are going to be the best bet for your fruit and veggie supply if the Flohmarkt/ Flea-market, Farmers-market or the Turkish Market in Kreuzberg are not available. If you are whipping up a simple pasta dish, any will suffice, and if you are more quality conscience then mosey on over to the nearest Kaiser’s (some are even open 24/6) or check out one of many Turkish Markets in our neighbourhood .

Don’t forget your empty bottles

Additionally if any of you heavy beer drinkers out there wonder why there are so many people asking for your empty beer bottles you might find this Blog post about collecting bottles interesting. Did you know?! All Supermarkets accepting empty bottles as payment Woohoo!!

Also read our first and second part of the Berlin Survival Guide.

Holy Shit Shopping Berlin – The Design Christmas Market

Posted on 8. December 2012 by U inn Berlin Hostel

One idea, four cities, hundreds of young designers and artists, and a great audience – that is Holy Shit Shopping – The Weihnachts Shopping Lounge. Since 2004, the design platform Holy Shit Shopping goes on tour and presents about 150 hand-picked designers, creative’s and artists to some groovin beats.

Club night X-Mas Shopping

Over four weekends in December respective venues transform into a giant pop-up concept store. At 3,000 square meters hand picked by creative s includes a wild mix of fashion, jewellery, product design, art, photography, graphic design, comics, literature and much more. Holy!Shit! It’s X-Mas shopping! With a mulled wine in hand, it can be a casual stroll to the sound of everyone’s favourite DJ’s through the hallowed halls of awesomeness! Holy Shit Shopping is the ‘Club night’ of Christmas markets!!

Location:

15th + 16. December: Postbahnhof Berlin Friedrichshain

Opening times:
Every Saturday 12:00 to 22:00
Friday, Sunday 12:00 to 20:00
Admission: 3 Euro

www.holyshitshopping.de

Berlin Survival Guide part two – Validate your ticket

Posted on 22. November 2012 by U inn Berlin Hostel

You see it on your metro ticket, you see it on the screen when you buy it, and occasionally you will see it on the train, but what does it mean?

We trust You

validate your ticket by genista @ flickr.com

flickr.com/photos/genista

Well this may sound strange to some people, it definitely did to me when I first heard it, but Berlin’s metro system is on the HONOR SYSTEM!!! Can you believe it?? Such a populous and modern city such as Berlin cannot possibly have smoothly running public transportation by trusting in its citizens and visitors… Can it? Apparently it can, and does. Here is how it works. Instead of buying your ticket, inserting it in the machine and entering through the gates one at a time, Berlin has a more efficient system. Just buy your ticket, validate it at any of the strategically placed machines and that’s it! No waiting for the guy in front of you to feed his ticket through the slot 12 times because it got too crumpled in his pocket… or huge lines during rush hour, just get on the metro!

Don’t bet against the house

So, why does anyone do it?? Why not just get on the train and not even mess with getting a ticket?? Well, I suppose it’s not 100% honor system. They have a few people whose entire job is going from train to train in normal clothes asking you to show them your ticket, and if you do not have one, or even if you have one and it is not VALIDATED it is a 40 Euro fine… Uh oh, that just became an expensive train ride… So if you are a gambling man, technically you can risk it and not pay. But remember: in the end, the house ALWAYS wins!