Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [682]
In big cities, especially Berlin, large-scale political protests and demonstrations are quite common. Despite a high police presence, these can turn rowdy or violent on rare occasions, so it’s best to stay away from them altogether. Police are also very visible on game days of soccer matches to prevent clashes between fans of rival teams. Always avoid groups of intoxicated hooligans, as many belong to neo-Nazi and skinhead organisations and are erratic, unpredictable and often violent. Although they do not target tourists, innocent bystanders they perceive as ‘foreign looking’ or as members of rivalling left-wing groups could potentially be harassed. If you do find yourself in a threatening situation, try not to provoke these aggressors, get away from the scene as fast as possible and notify the police.
DISCOUNT CARDS
If you’re a full-time student, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC; www.isic.org) is your ticket to savings on airfares, travel insurance and many local attractions. The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC; www.istc.org) grants similar savings and benefits for non-students under 26, while the Euro<26 Youth Card (www.euro26.org) is available to anyone under 30, despite the name. All cards are issued online, by student unions, hostelling organisations and youth-oriented travel agencies such as STA Travel.
Discounts are also available for seniors, children, families and the disabled. Although no special cards are needed, you may be asked to show ID to prove your age.
In cities, many tourist offices sell Welcome Cards entitling visitors to discounts on museums, sights and tours, plus unlimited trips on local public transportation. They can be good value if you plan on taking advantage of most of the benefits and don’t qualify for any of the standard discounts.
Frequent campers can save up to 25% in camping fees with the Camping Card International (www.campingcardinternational.com). It’s available from your local camping or motoring association and includes third-party liability insurance while in camping grounds.
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
All foreign embassies are in Berlin, but many countries have consular offices in such cities as Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Düsseldorf. Call the embassy number listed here to find out which consulate is closest to your location. For German missions around the world, as well as foreign missions in Germany not listed here, go to www.auswaertiges-amt.de (click on ‘English’, then ‘Addresses’).
Australia (Map; 030-880 0880; www.germany.embassy.gov.au; Wallstrasse 76-79)
Canada (Map; 030-203 120; www.kanada-info.de; Leipziger Platz 17)
Czech Republic (Map; 030-226 380; www.mzv.cz/berlin; Wilhelmstrasse 44)
France (Map; 030-590 039 000; www.botschaft-frankreich.de; Pariser Platz 5)
Ireland (Map; 030-220 720; www.embassyofireland.de; Friedrichstrasse 200)
Italy (Map; 030-254 400; www.ambberlino.esteri.it; Hiroshimastrasse 1)
Japan (Map; 030-210 940; www.botschaft-japan.de; Hiroshimastrasse 6)
Netherlands (Map; 030-209 560; www.niederlandeweb.de; Klosterstrasse 50)
New Zealand (Map; 030-206 210; www.nzembassy.com/germany; Friedrichstrasse 60)
Poland ( 030-223 130; www.botschaft-polen.de; Lassenstrasse 19-21)
Russia (Map; 030-229 111 029; www.russische-botschaft.de; Unter den Linden 63-65)
South Africa (Map; 030-220 730; www.suedafrika.org; Tiergartenstrasse 18)
Spain (Map; 030-254 0070; www.spanischebotschaft.de; Lichtensteinallee 1)
Switzerland (Map; 030-390 4000; www.eda.admin.ch; Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee 4a)
UK (Map; 030-204 570; www.britischebotschaft.de; Wilhelmstrasse 70)
USA (Map; 030-830 50; www.usembassy.de; Pariser Platz 2)
FOOD
Eating recommendations in this guide match all tastes and travel budgets. Budget eateries include takeaways, delis, cafes, Imbisse (snack bars), markets and basic restaurants where you can get a meal (defined as a main course and one drink) for less than €10. At midrange establishments expect tablecloths, full menus, beer and wine lists and a bill that shouldn’t exceed