Hackesche Höfe
by fipsi
When the Hackesche Höfe were finished in 1908 they used to be the biggest working- and living-complex in Europe. It consists of eight courts. The most interesting one in my opinion is the first court, which represents itself in the Art Nouveau and which houses a varieté-theater and a club-restaurant.
The complex, which used to serve as residence for workers now is spreading out a rather exclusive atmosphere.
international trade fairs
by Mandy23
Berlin is also a city of international trade fairs, some of them held in the 'International Congress Center' (ICC). It was built in 1979. The area where all those fairs are taking place, is another place where I am often, especially for the Radio Exhibition (Funkausstellung), International Tourism Exchange ITB and for the International Green Week.
I went to the Green Week 2003 and you'll find some info's under "Must see activities".
Berlin Marathon
by alancollins
The Berlin Marathon takes place towards the end of September every year and this year was on 29/30th. This year the conditions were perfect as it was dry, cool and Berlin is flat as a pancake making for fast times and 1 million people were out on the streets to watch. I had no idea it was taking place until I had a letter from the hotel about possible traffic disruption in the area. On the day I went around the corner from the hotel and obtained the various times from one of the officials and a good vantage point. There were a number of participants in wheelchairs that went past first. Gradually the crowd grew and a drumming band turned up. As the participants went past there was cheering, whistles and rattles as well as clapping and cheering. The first runner Haile Gebrselassie went past and I had no idea at the time that history was being made. I stood there at somewhere around the 38k marker and waited a good 5 minutes before the next runner appeared. It was only later that I discovered that the world record for the marathon had been broken by Haile Gebrselassie setting a time of 2:04:26 and cutting the previous record by phenomenal 29 seconds. I slowly walked around to one of the drinks station and by now the bulk of the 40,000 runners were now going past in a continue flow. It was also another good spot with another drumming band encouraging the runners on. So if you like audience participation this is a good event to watch.
Tegel Lake for your afternoon...
by oja
Tegel Lake for your afternoon relaxation. I'm not sure if you can swim in it, but you can definitely sail or surf. Reach it by U-Bahn 6 (stop Alt-Tegel), or on foot if you're staying in the above-described camp.
Cheerful local bar (kneipen) on Oranienburgerstr.
by yooperprof about Meilenstein
Pleasant unpretensious cafe/bar at the more interesting end of Oranienburgerstrasse. It was a good place to begin an evening's adventures, with local brews on tap. Good views of the bustling street outside.