I'm thinking of spending a long weekend in Berlin as I need to be there for a business meeting earlier in the week. It's never realyl interested me that much, despite being a major tourist city. What's the word out there - is it really worth exploring and what are the essential sites to see? (apart from the berlin wall.)

We've recently just come back from a week in Berlin and what a great city. People were really friendly and great sausages, highly recommend the buckwurst and currywurst yum! But I must say I was shocked to read another traveller had also encountered the very nasty ticket inspectors on the trains! We did the right thing and bought a weekly ticket and when the undercover inspectors came around asking for tickets we were quite proud that we'd mastered our way through all the German instructions to purchase our tickets. That was, until we were escorted off the train and when surrounded by approximately 5-6 inspectors we were told that we had to pay €40 each as we had not validated our tickets. Despite us explaining our situation and that clearly the ticket is printed with the date of purchase, and the fact that we were leaving in 3 days gave us absolutely no reason to purposefully avoid validating, we were ignored and handed fines. I'm from Australia and as much as our transport system doesn't tolerate fare evaders, there is also a level of common sense applied to tourists, especially if they can't speak our language and are clearly trying to do the right thing. Let's hope Berlin wise up before the ticket inspectors drive away tourists from enjoying such a great city.

ITB is the largest travel show in the world and takes place every March in Berlin. More than 100,000 people attend from all over the world. If you're going to Berlin in March, check the dates. If your trip overlaps with ITB make sure you book hotels, flights, taxi and restaurants well in advance. If you're going to ITB yourself make sure you take comfy shoes - the exhibition hall is massive and you'll find yourself walking for miles.

My wife and I spent four days in Berlin in early December 08 and purchased a 48 hour travel ticket for both of us from our hotel. We were informed that the tickets must be validated before we take a train journey or on immediate entry to the tram. Berlin is a beautiful city and well worth several visits.
Cheers
Terry

Amazing city which I have come to love over the last 2 years.The public transport system is excellent.I just pick up a 48 hr travel card at the airport on weekend trips and validate it on the station platform and it takes me all over the city...Zone ABC card covers me from Schonefield into town and takes me as far as beautiful Potsdam .Loved the 36 Olympic Stadium and now the home venue for Berlin Herta games...The Tiergarten ,great for a Sunday stroll.Inside the amazing Reichstag and even a look around the Hauptbahnhof..what a station.Berlin is an amazing mix of old and new,brash and yet charming,exciting and surprising.Take the time to explore this city and just enjoy the experience.Its well worth a visit.