Thank you. That is extremely helpful. I will try to pick up some germany words and see how it goes,

bun

Yes, I am.

And thanks for the tips. You guys are marvellous!

bun

And be careful at the customs. Don't bring new expensive electronics with you if you want to avoid customs duty

if you plan on traveling by rail, book the EuRail pass in the states. When i went over in 2002 we hit 5 cities in 17 days. We had booked our rail passes in advance, and little did we know that since we booked in the states, we automatically got the highest class of accommodations available. just make sure you book all the countries that you would be passing through, cause you will have to pay "retail" prices in cash immediately if you dont have that "zone" on your rail pass.

see this site for tourist info and travel assistance...

http://www.euraide.com/

they really helped us, and the services were low or no cost.

another thing, do not convert currency into amex travelers cheques. best to use a credit card back by an international bank. in the states they can be used as a substitute for cash, but in europe they are a horse of another color. in the states you can go out for dinner, and if your meal comes to $80, you can give a $100 traveler cheque and get a $20 bill (currency) back. in europe, you would have to change the cheque to currency before being able to spend any of it.

I'd have to agree with all the Beer related posts, such variety that you just have to start tasting as much as you can. Berliner Pilsner was one of my favorite local beers.

If you don't have a huge amount of time to explore the city, I'd highly recommend New Berlin Tours. They offer free walking/cycling tours of Berlin, covering a lot of the historical sites in a few hours. Language isn't a problem, most of the guides are usually American, British or Australian and the fact they work for tips means they try to make it enjoyable for all. (Not an advertisement, I've just enjoyed their tours all over Europe :P)

If you're going to Berlin city please consider to wear or buy a moneybelt for your money and cards. They cost about 10-15 EUR, and some will even allow you to put your NIT (+ accessoires or another device) in it. Look carefully at the lock; some are crappy going damaged fast, providing little security, or cannot handle much weight.

If New Berlin Tours are those busses which go around the city then I suggest that indeed. They will drive around the city allowing you some sight seeing. You'll see the German Parlement, Alex(ander Platz), and much more. You can get out on any bus stop you want. They drive a bit slow though. If I remember correct the language is German only although I had company consisting of 2 nice Germans who explained me everything.

A metro card is cheapest if you buy it for longer. Don't buy one way tickets, just buy for the duration of your stay then you're done with it (but keep the ticket secure). You won't have to show your ticket often, they almost never check for it. The ticket machines might be a bit difficult to get working, you can ask a fellow German to help. Berlin HBF is open 24/7, and have all kind of fast food for OK price for if you're really in need of your shot.

For artistic people Tacheles is a known place to hang out. Besides that, Berlin is an artistic city if you know your ways...

I definitely agree on the ptv-ticket, buy a 1 day pass ("Tageskarte") or 3 day pass ("3-Tageskarte"). Most machines should have an english interface as well.

You should buy an A+B-Ticket, meaning ticket-zone A (probably everywhere you will be going) + B (some greater area coverage).
The B makes it just about 10% more expensive but than you don't have to worry about leaving zone A. Zone C should only be needed if you have time and want to visit the nearby city of Potsdam with "Schloss Sanssouci" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanssouci).
More on public transport can be found here (in english):
http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Start

I disagree with allnameswereout concerning the moneybelt.
This seems very 80s to me and you will immediately be recognized as a tourist.

Have fun!

Man, you guys are really really fabulous! I should have asked this 3 months ago, but hey, I am prepared....Thank you you all. I am digesting this now and if I get wifi on the flight........nay, there is no such thing. Train has free wifi though.


bun

no matter what you will be recognized as a tourist. americans stick out wherever they go in the world. it doesn't matter.

every time i attempted to interact with someone in europe, they knew i was american before i opened my yap. the way you walk, talk, dress and carry yourself gives you away from a block away. its funny how you dont see it until you experience it.

having the money belt offers a slight security advantage, as you are less susceptible to pickpockets. this time of year, the pickpockets and gypsies have gone home since the tourist season is over. you most likely wont run into many of them. it could not hurt to get into the habit of using one when traveling.

top give-aways that you are american tourist, in no particular order (at least what i have found)...

overweight
teva sandals
camera around the neck
baseball cap
full frame backpack
rolling a "j" without tobacco in it
talking over the din/noise/music in a bar or club
leaving money on the bar, while drinking
tipping
walking tall