It is not very complicated to navigate your way in Berlin, especially in the center, having an excellent sign such as the television tower (the Turm). It stands near Alexander's square (Alexanderplatz), so it's usually easy to know where you are if you look at it. However, the best way to avoid losing your way is to plan your journey in advance. A good idea would be buying a travel guide and a waterproof map (Click here).
While staying in Berlin, take advantage of the good tourist information service. It has a very useful website, which supplies a lot of stuff' such as helpful phone numbers an online map (the map on the bottom of this page may be useful as well). Before arriving get acquainted with the geographical structure of Berlin. It's a flat ground, ideal for a bike riding. The highest place in Berlin is some 150 yards above sea level. Such places are called in Berlin "mountains" (Berge). Don't worry, you can climb them easily.
Berlin is divided into 12 districts or quarters (Viertel). Half of them is of no interest. The most toured districts are Mitte (Literally, middle) and Charlottenburg. Some of the adjacent neighborhoods, such as Prenzlauer-Berg and Kreuzberg are popular as well. Other districts contain mostly leisure grounds and green places, so they are good for tourists who stay a relatively long period in Berlin.
Good view to the city On your first day in Berlin get a general impression of the city by taking a sightseeing tour. If you can't afford to take one of the panoramic tour companies, don't worry! There is an excellent alternative. Take one of the popular bus lines 100 and 200, which have stops near most of the must-be-seen sites in the center of Berlin between the zoo in Charlottenburg and Alexander square in Mitte district (click here to read about this kind of sightseeing).
Another thing you should do in the first day is having some good overall look at the city. It can be done from a high observation place, such as the Turm near the Alexander square, the radio tower (the Funkturm), in west Charlottenburg, or from one of the high-rising buildings.
When planning your stay in Berlin give a higher priority to hotels or hostels in the districts mentioned above, and to those who are located near U-Bahn (subway) or S-Bahn (urban train) stations, or at least busy bus or tram stops.
