The station is surprisingly clean, which is the only reason this review contains 3 full stars. But the travel information isn't very intuitive for someone who's new to Berlin. It is compensated for by a metro system which stops by every 10-ish minutes, which is impressive for a Dutchwoman.
Furthermore, the shops/restaurants aren't well indicated: You must be stumbling by a map of the place by accident You need to be in the center of the gigantic hall to have an alternative overview of the place If you are at one of the shops (Say Rewe City) and are looking for Burger King, you need to: Stumble accidentally on a map (again) Or you need to return to the center of the massive hall to gain a clear overview of the place. The signs are only placed in front of the shops, but you don't get to see those unless you're directly in front of the place.
I'm sure mazes can learn a trick or two from Berlin Hauptbanhof, but you don't want to separate yourself from your children in this place. Choosing a rendez-vous point in the Hauptbanhof is a logistical nightmare that requires strict military discipline and coordination, unless your intention is to actually lose your family members here. In that case, I'll come back with my...
Read moreThe Mall of Berlin Bahnhof has quite a variety to offer. On one side, you’ll find clothing stores, tech shops, and general retail—brands you’d expect in any major city. On the other side, there are food stands, snack bars, and a few supermarkets, giving you plenty of options if you’re hungry or just want to grab a drink. The food is generally good, depending on the store, of course. One highlight is the view of the Bundestag nearby, which adds a nice visual contrast to the station environment.
However, what stood out to me the most wasn’t the shops or the scenery, but the unmistakable underlying smell of weed and urine that seems to creep into every corner of the station. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely noticeable. There are some homeless individuals around, though not an overwhelming number, and overall, the place feels relatively safe, especially for a central train station in a major city.
If you visit Berlin, you’ll almost certainly pass through or by this station. It’s functional, busy, and undeniably urban. At the end of the day, it is just a train station—but now I’ve managed to hit the 200-word mark with this...
Read moreBerlin Hauptbahnhof, also sometimes referred to as Lehrter Bahnhof, is the main railway station in Berlin, Germany. It is the largest railway station in Europe by passenger traffic. The station opened in 2006 and is located in central Berlin, close to the Reichstag building and Brandenburg Gate.
The station is a major hub for long-distance and regional trains, with connections to all parts of Germany and many other European countries. It is also served by the Berlin S-Bahn rapid transit system.
Here are some of the services and amenities available at Berlin Hauptbahnhof:
Shops and restaurants
Luggage lockers
ATMs
Currency exchange
Tourist information office
DB Lounge (for first class and business class passengers)
Car parking
If you are planning to travel to Berlin by train, Berlin Hauptbahnhof is likely to be your arrival and departure station. The station is well-connected to the city's public transport network, so you should have no trouble getting to and from your...
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