FU-BEST BLOG – Seite 2

Check out Berlin’s open-air cinemas

Source: https://www.visitberlin.de/system/files/image/Freiluftkino_Friedrichshain_c_Pfiffl%20Medien%20GmbH_DL_PPT_0.jpg

Summer in Berlin means many things. It is also the time for outdoor cinemas (in German ‚Freiluftkinos‘). The season is from May to September, which means all Fall FU-BESTers will defnitely be able to catch a movie under the starlit sky.

To make your life a little easier, we have put together a list of the best outdoor cinema opportunities in Berlin.

Freiluftkino Kreuzberg

Berlin’s oldest open air cinema is tucked away behind the Kunstquatier Bethanien, which makes for a very special atmosphere. The pro tip is to buy tickets beforehand online and come early, so that you can grab one of the sun loungers available and safe yourself the perfect spot on the grass in front of the screen. If you snooze, you will lose. So don’t be late. Most movies that are shown are originals.

Where: Mariannenpl. 2, 10997 Berlin

Freiluftkino Friedrichshain

This one is located in Volkspark with bench-style seating options. If you prefer to spread out, you can bring a blanket and sit on the grass. They mostly show dubbed movies, so pay attention to their program.

Where:  Landsberger Allee 15, 10249 Berlin

Freiluftkino Rehberge

Rehberge is a lovely park in Wedding, which provides a very peaceful location for watching a movie. Probablyt the only thing you will hear whilst watching the movie will be the whistling of the trees around you. They have seats available for up to 1500 people. Again, pay special attention to their program to see which films are in English or German.

Where: Windhuker Str., 13351 Berlin

Freiluftkino Potsdamer Platz

This is by far the open-air cinema with the most urban feel setting in this list. It is not as intimate as some of the other suggestions, but for those who want an opulent city view to come with their movie experience it is perfect. From indie films to blockbusters, this cinema shows originals with German subtitles.

Where: Matthäikirchplatz 4, 10785 Berlin

Freiluftkino Hasenheide

Going back to a more cosy cinema experience, Freiluftkino Hasenheide comes to mind. It’s a charming open-air space with a sizable screen. The bench style seats can be a little hard on the bum though, so you might wanna bring your own blankets or cushion.

Landsberger Allee 15, 10249 Berlin

Kulturfabrik Moabit

Last but not least, here is a tip for a free cinema experience. The Kulturfabrik, which usually serves as a concert hall, music venue, art house theatre, to name but a few things that are happening here, hosts free open-air movies in the courtyard, on Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm. Most of the films shown are in German.

Lehrter Str. 35, 10557 Berlin

Gereral-open-air-cinema-advice: Do not make the rooky mistake and be fooled by the warm weather. After the sun goes down it still gets pretty chilly, especially when you are sitting. Bring layers!

The Icelandic Burger Joint in Berlin

It’s easily one of the most iconic meals in the United States of America – the hamburger. And if you’re looking for a taste of home during your stay, Berlin has you covered. There are, in some districts quite literally, burger joints around every corner. Many of these places serve you puns with their buns, with names like Burgermeister or Burgeramt. However, my favorite burger place in Berlin has a more straightforward name: Tommi’s Burger Joint.

https://www.facebook.com/TommisBurgerJointKudamm/photos/a.1849987958568168/1893862804180683

Tommi’s doesn’t reinvent the wheel – and it doesn’t have to. Their burgers may be somewhat basic, but the ingredients are high-end, and so is the taste. In addition, they also have very solid vegan and vegetarian options. Originally from Iceland, Tommi’s has now become an international phenomenon, with three stores in Berlin alone. One can be found at the Kurfürstendamm (Kurfürstendamm 212), one in Mitte (Invalidenstraße 160), and one near Boxhagener Platz (Gabriel-Max-Straße 17).

Tommi’s at Kudamm (https://www.facebook.com/BurgerjointDE/photos/a.611330555593799/3200186550041507/)

Their burgers may not be exactly cheap, but they are well worth the money. They also offer a large variety of condiments for everyone to use for no extra charge. And if you go there on a Tuesday, you’re in for an extra treat. On Tommi’s Tuesdays, you can get a whopping four euros off their Offer of the Century (i.e. burger, fries, and a soft drink).

https://www.facebook.com/BurgerjointDE/posts/4710788258981321

Oh, and there’s also Tommi’s Playlist, which they play in their stores. It slaps. You can check it out here:

But for the real experience, you should go to one of their locations yourself while you’re in Berlin. You won’t regret it!

Take the time for some real or vegan schnitzel

SCHNITZELEI MITTE, Berlin - Mitte (Bezirk) - Restaurant Bewertungen, Telefonnummer & Fotos - Tripadvisor — Source: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/17/4d/18/1a/schnitzelei.jpg

One of our favourite restaurants to go to with a group of friends is the Schnitzelei. Not only do they serve the probably most delicious Schnitzel you can find in Berlin (they are huuuge), but they also make their own Schnaps from all different kinds of fruits (Obstler). When you order the Obstler, they serve it in a big bottle that marks each 5cl. By the end of the night, you only pay what you ended up drinking Plus, the first round is usually on the waiter/ waitress. The best day to go is Monday – it’s their Schnitzeltag. This means their Schnitzels cost only 13.31 € instead of 19.50 € (and you are free to choose either potatoe salad or pan-fried potatoes on top of your order). Additionally, you will be handed a small beer on the house upon arrival. For all the vegetarians and vegans under us or for those who are simply not big fans of a Schnitzel, they offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan Schnitzels and loooots of other super yummy dishes. Check out their menu.

Where? Schnitzelei Charlottenburg, Röntgenstraße 7, 10587 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 4pm – 12am and Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 11pm

or

Where? Schnitzelei Mitte, Chausseestraße 8, 10115 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 4pm – 12am and Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm

Days of Jewish Culture

Each year the Jewish cultural festival presents a diverse potpourri of theatrical performances, readings, discussions, exhibitions, church services, and concerts featuring outstanding performers from around the world. This year’s theme is „Shalom Berlin“. Please find the program here.

When? November 7 - November 17, 2019
Where? Synagoge Rykestraße, Renaussance Theater, Jüdisches Gemeindehaus Fasanenstraße and more
Admission: depends on the venue

Insider tips in Berlin

Even true original Berliners can still discover something new in our city every day – the choice of fascinating sights, charming neighborhoods or beautiful nature is simply too great. That’s why we reached out to our colleagues and present to you – Berlin’s best kept secrets!

Futurium:

The Futurium lables itself the „house of futures“. Here, everything revolves around the question: How do we want to live? Visitors can discover many possible futures in the exhibition, discuss them together in the forum and try out their own ideas in the Futurium Lab – all free of charge.

https://futurium.de/en?page=1

Berliner Unterwelten:

The association „Berlin’s undergrounds“ explores, documents and maintains underground facilities in Berlin. They offer various guided tours to places normally out of sight, including bunkers and metro tunnels.

https://www.berliner-unterwelten.de/en/index.html

Britzer Garten:

Source: https://www.top10berlin.de/sites/top10berlin.de/files/styles/juicebox/public/location/slider/2015/04/27/britzer-seeterrassen_totale_foto_top10berlin_792x400_.jpg?itok=5I-zpZK3

Neukölln isn’t necessarily know for its well kept green spaces – but Britzer Garten doesn’t fit that image at all. This park is a true green treasure off the beaten track.

https://www.britzergarten.de/en/

Bergmannkiez:

The Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s most beloved streets for shopping, eating, drinking and really experiencing what Berlin is all about. It’s surrounding kiez (small neighbourhood) is home to endless restaurants, locally-owned shops and picturesque corners.

https://goo.gl/maps/2xhT8UkXzBicfmX26

Botanischer Garten:

The Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum are home to more than 22,000 different plant species. You can go on a trip from Alpine vegetation to the tropics – all of that not too far from campus in Steglitz.

https://www.bo.berlin/en

Liepnitzsee:

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/19-09-28-Wandlitz-0865-0873.jpg/1200px-19-09-28-Wandlitz-0865-0873.jpg

The Liepnitzsee, just outside of Berlin’s border in Brandenburg, prides itself with being one of the cleanest in clearest lakes in the region. Not only in summer, this is an amazing getaway from the big city.

https://goo.gl/maps/JEb4o27nJoAtU3MTA

Pfaueninsel:

https://www.berlin.de/binaries/asset/image_assets/6285178/source/1646398788/624×468/

The Pfaueninsel „peacock island“ is located in the river Havel and is part of the UNESCO palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin. It’s a car free nature reserve, including many (you guessed it) trusting peacocks to feed.

https://www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/peacock-island/

Zenner Biergarten und Weingarten:

Source: https://media04.berliner-woche.de/article/2021/06/10/4/364614_XXL.jpg?1623317875

Zenner offers a modern take on a classic German beer garden, all in a beautiful spot in Treptower Park. Combine having a drink outside in the sun with strolling along the river or visiting the Sovjet memorial a few minutes away.

https://goo.gl/maps/cZ8TU4ppYnFZBF9H9

Café am Neuen See:

Source: https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b96e0962f11297e77971dd6/16:9/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Cafe%2525CC%252581-am-Neuen-See_07.13_77.jpg

Do you sometimes dream about what it would be like to study abroad not in Berlin but in Munich? The Café am Neuen See in the Tiergarten is probably the closest thing to an authentic Bavarian Biergarten in very much not-Bavarian Berlin (they also have really solid pizza).

https://goo.gl/maps/MuR3CbTeovEKVJpu5

A little Japan in Best Friends Berlin

If you want to add a little color to your dinner, we recommend to check out Best Friends Berlin (formerly called ‚Little Long‘, meaning Small Dragon) in Kreuzberg, a modern Japanese restaurant that combines traditional Japanese flavours with a western touch and a very colorful interior (all paintings you find in the restaurant are hand-painted by the owner). If you are only a small group, reservations are not necessary (provided that you come early; between 6pm and 7pm). We recommend to start your evening with different starters (Kimchi and Edamame are always a good idea), and proceed with one of their main dishes (the grilled tuna can be very much recommended. For the full menu see their website here). Finally, if you still have room for desert, we have to warn you: you need to be a fan of Matcha, because there is no way around it when it comes to their desert.

Where: Wiener Str. 60, 10999 Berlin
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday noon-midnight
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Tipping etiquette in Germany

A rumor persits under FU-BEST students that we usually don’t tip in Germany. Where this is coming from we don’t know. This being said, surprisingly, if you google ‚tipping etiquette in Germany‘, one of the first things you find is that the tip is included in the bill and that it will be enough to simply round up. This, however, is not the case! Tips are not included in your bill and you should definitely tip at least 10%. This is true for restaurants, cafés and bars alike.

FU-BEST organizes a weekly Stammtisch (regulars table) in different bars all over Berlin. This means there will be lots of opportunities for you to perfect your tipping game. The usual way to tip in Germany is to ask for the bill, check the amount you owe and then work out in your head what you’re going to tip. When you are ready to pay, tell the waiter/waitress out loud the amount in total, including the tip.

The Cake Guide to Germany

Bienenstich

This cake translates to “bee-sting” and ironically does not contain any honey. Classic yeast dough with a lot of vanilla cream and a caramelized almond flake crust on top.

Käsekuchen

Made with the German dairy product “quark,” German cheesecake is significantly less sweet than its American counterpart. Please don’t leave Germany without trying it at least once.

Frankfurter Kranz

To commemorate the city of Frankfurt am Main as the coronation site of the German Kaiser, this “Frankfurt Wreath” is supposed to depict a crown. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s favorite cake from his hometown is basically all buttercream and almond brittle.

Donauwelle

The “Danube wave” gets its name from the wavy layer of vanilla and chocolate cake. Topped with buttercream and a chocolate glaze.

Berliner

The rest of Germany calls them “Berliner” and Berliners call them “Pfannkuchen”. Made from yeast dough and in its most classic form filled with red fruit marmalade. Traditionally eaten on NYE or during the carnival season (though not in Berlin!).

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

The “Black Forest Cherry” Cake is probably Germany’s most famous cake. Made with “cherry water” (very much not water, actually high percentage alcohol) and – you guessed it – a lot of buttercream.

When the bagel hunger strikes you…

Shakespeare and Sons is an English-language bookstore located close to the railway station Warschauer Straße in Berlin-Friedrichshain, selling a wide variety of new and used books and offering a great selection of the best (allegedly) bagels in town. And granted, bagel dreams do come true when you stand in front of their bagel display. The hard part comes when you need to decide for your kind of bagel: poppy seed or sesame? Onion or rosemary? Plain or cinnamon raisin? You finish your order by picking your spread to go with it (for example standard cream cheese, avocado, hummus, goat cheese, and a few special compilations). This sounds mouth-watering to us, but don’t come super hungry, as there probably will be a waiting line.

Where? Warschauerstrasse 74, 10243 Berlin
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-8pm 
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Virtual Berlin: Museums, Science and Literature

Germany is known as the land of poets and thinkers throughout the world. It can boast a rich heritage of literature, art and science that is still thriving today – with Berlin at its very center.

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Altes_Museum%2C_Berlin_2012.jpg

Pergamon Museum:

Visiting a museum in Berlin without having to stand in line? Perfect! Many of Berlin’s museum are currently offering virtual tours via the Google Arts & Culture App (for Android and iOS), for example the Pergamon Museum with its magnificant altar. The museum has developed a virtual tour that lets you discover their most famous attraction in amazing detail.

Freie Universität Berlin: Open Lecture Halls:

For more than 30 years, your very own FU Berlin has been holding public lectures over a broad range of topics – and now online as well! The lectures on diverse topics are free to all, offer dialog and discussion and you are always invited to participate. These public lectures cover for example body politics in feminist comics or multinational Sovjet literature in Berlin.

Literaturhaus Berlin:

Do you want to dive into German literature? The Literaturhaus Berlin is a great place to start for opening a new chapter in mastering the German language. Their website offers many different online talks with authors, writers as well as an extensive archive of previous events.

Museum für Naturkunde – #fürNatur digital:

The Museum für Naturkunde is Berlin’s largest natural history museum. Normally, you can admire dinosaur skeletons in the museum’s grand exhibition halls. But also during these times, you can discover the exibitions with more than 30 millions objects online, for instance by online guided tours or various podcast formats.