Question on train fare, Berlin, Amsterdam, and what to expect of the people.
Hello!
Well, I haven't been to Europe in a while, and a friend and I decided that it would be really cool to visit Europe in February. We are both in High School still, and we already plan on going to Europe again in the coming summer. However, that is a structured trip and we thought that wandering Berlin and Amsterdam might be a fun trip.
One question is if anyone here knows how much a round trip or a one way ticket between Amsterdam and Berlin might cost? Direct or with stops?
Second, I really don't want to perpetuate that whole ignorant American stereotype, but I don't know any German or Dutch, just English and Spanish. I thought if I spoke in Spanish, I might be received better. Or would it simply be more polite to buy a phrase book?
Third, we don't really want to go to any tourist areas. We are mainly looking for what we suppose would be the equivalent of a Dutch or German East Village of New York City. This isn't really a historic or art viewing trip(thats in the summer), so are there any cool music clubs(like Irving Plaza) or venues that European bands play at in either of these cities?(To see Forward Russia or The Sounds would be great heh).
Last, does anyone want to share opinions of these respectful cities? I was worried about Amsterdam, as I spoke to a Rotterdam native about a month ago and she said that in Amsterdam, everyone is trashed or high. Is this true 😞? Thanks!
-Alex
Reply to this 1.
Normal one-way ticket is EUR 99,40. Such a ticket is valid 2 months and allows stopovers en route.
Specials are also available, but are not flexible (only for the booked connection, no stopovers)
Amsterdam Centraal - Berlijn from EUR 50,00
http://www.nsinternationaal.nl/
Berlin - Amsterdam Zuid from EUR 29,00
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?program=esi&
Timetable for 2008 is not yet out. Above prices may slightly increase a bit for 2008.
2.
> I thought if I spoke in Spanish, I might be received better.
Not the best idea. They simple won't understand you.
Getting around with English is no problem. Esp. not in Amsterdam.
A few phrases like please, yes, no and do you speak English in the local language won't harm.
3.
http://www.visitberlin.de/english/berlin-erleben/e_be_nachtleben.php
-> Nightwalks: e.g. Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain may what you're looking for
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