What to do in Berlin while you're visiting for RAPS Euro Convergence 2024
RAPS Euro Convergence 2024 is all about regulatory collaboration through unification. That’s the theme of this year’s conference in Berlin, Germany, where regulatory professionals from around the world will gather to discuss the most pressing issues facing professionals who operate in Europe — and emerge armed to take on the world’s regulatory challenges.
While you’ll spend a lot of time at the Berlin Congress Center, the venue for this year’s event, the trip to Berlin is an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s premier cities at a beautiful time of the year.
Ahead of this year’s event, we contacted regulatory professionals who live in and around the Berlin area to get their tips on making the most of your visit.
Places to visit in Berlin while you’re visiting for RAPS Euro Convergence 2024
RAPS Euro Convergence Programme Committee Chair Jennifer Neff recommends the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and says it’s a great way to explore East Berlin.
The Berlin Wall
Possibly the most notable landmark to visitors, not much of the original Berlin Wall still stands. This link has more information on places where the wall still stands. The East Side Gallery has more than a hundred paintings on what used to be the East side of the wall.
The Brandenburg Gate
“More than just Berlin’s only surviving historical city gate, this site came to symbolise Berlin’s Cold War division into East and West,” Berlin’s official tourism website says, “and, since the fall of the Wall, a reunified Germany.”
“It has an important historical significance and a great spot for photos,” says Carolina Marques, a regulatory affairs student.
Museums
There is no shortage of important museums to visit in Berlin. Here are a few our members recommend:
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Pergamon Museum, says Marta Carnielli, head of certification IVD at TÜV SÜD
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Humbolt Forum, says Filipa Campos Viola, medical devices consultant at FSQ Experts, and Natalie Batty, senior regulatory affairs specialist at Aignostics
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Altes Museum, says Carolina Marques
Those are just a few! Here are more.
TV Tower
Lest you think this is just a tourist destination, Berlin’s TV Tower comes recommended by multiple RAPS members.
At the highest point in Berlin, you’re able to see a panoramic view of the city. Consider booking in advance if you want to hit this landmark on your trip.
The Hackeshe Hoefe
A “great place for shopping and dining in the old city center,” says Jens Waldmann, managing partner at adjutem.
For those looking to unwind after the conference, there are many establishments to choose from. Natalie Batty, senior regulatory affairs specialist at Aignostics, recommends a trip to the Cafe am Neuen See, which offers some beautiful lakeside views. Carolina Marques recommends Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin, “a Bavarian-style beer hall and restaurant. It offers a taste of Bavarian culture with traditional German dishes, such as pretzels, sausages and schnitzel.”
A tip for the runners out there
Tiergarten Park is a great place to go for a run, says Florian Tolkmitt, managing director at Pro-Liance Global Solutions and a member of the RAPS Euro Convergence Programme Committee.
You might even see some of your fellow conference delegates while you’re there!
Looking to make a day trip? Consider Potsdam.
For those looking to make a day trip, the city of Potsdam comes highly recommended from Jennifer Neff. You can take public transit there in about 45 minutes.
Jennifer’s recommendations:
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The Hop-on-Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
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Holländisches Viertel (Dutch Quarter)
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The Potsdam Downtown, including the long pedestrian zone with cafés and shops
Staying a while? This guide is intended as a starting point. Here are a few resources we found helpful while assembling this article.
Have a tip we missed? Share it on social media with the #RAPSEuroConvergence hashtag.
