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The Markisches Museum houses a mixed collection of objects associated with the life and times of Berlin and Brandenburg. It's mostly social history, with paintings, prints, ceramics, reconstructed interiors, and so on. To be frank, this museum is what Dylan Thomas described as "a museum which ought to be in a museum" (he was talking about Swansea's museum), but in its old-fashioned way it offers a quiet environment where other times and other lives can be contemplated without the clamour of other visitors pressing switches, setting off audio-visual displays, or kids running around dressed up as characters from Jane Austen!

Both locations well worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34726 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11743
Many interesting bookshops, clothes shops, cafes and bars to waste an afternoon or more exploring. The 19th century tenements, some lovingly restored, some retaining a scruffy charm, are a welcome break after the grey concrete that's more familiar in much of Berlin.

The Mauerpark at the end of the street, where the wall once ran, is the ideal photo op.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11743 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11077
Start at Brandenberg Gate at 1 pm or pick up from Zoolischer Garten (12.30). €10 no need to book. Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun.

One of many well-priced tours including Red Berlin tour and to Sachsenhausen Concentration camp.

Overview tour is free. Information books in Starbucks.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11077 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11073
If you're lucky enough and it snows, the park looks like a scene out of the Chronicles of Narnia.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11073 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6609 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6609 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6486
For an overview of Kreuzberg take U-bahn line U1 from Schlesisches Tor to Gleisdreick. Trains run along an elevated section. West Kreuzberg is traditionally more upmarket, whereas the east is still more down-at-heel.

The main sights include the Jewish Museum and the Transport and Technical Museum. Typical Berlin tenements survive in Kreuzberg, and there are particularly interesting blocks at Chamissoplatz and Riehmer's Hofgarten, between Yorckstrasse and Hagelbergerstrasse.

Kreuzberg is also a good area for budget accommodation and has decent bars and restaurants.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6486 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1820
They also make the best Soljanka (meat and vegetable soup of Russian origin, only available in the East) I've ever tasted, especially after a walk by the nearby lakes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/966 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/966 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3090
I certainly recommend the private tour (it is also not that expensive, and you get a guide all for yourself, in your tempo and customized).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1691