Berlin International

For two weeks every February, film professionals and cinéphiles crowd the streets of Germany’s capital city for the film festival that boasts the largest public audience in the world. The 2009 festival kicks off Feb. 5.

Who goes: Half of Europe apparently, and art-loving film fans the world over

Getting in: The festival, also known as the Berlinale, sells approximately 200,000 tickets to the nearly 400 films it screens, and tickets are relatively easy to obtain through the festival’s official website. The Potsdamer Platz, a downtown square, serves as the festival’s epicenter, and the main ticket booth is located in the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, a three-story mall in the square.

The Berlinale typically publishes its film schedule—known as the Berlinale Programme—about a week before the festival begins. Shortly thereafter, you can go to the website to purchase tickets and create a personal daily itinerary using the “My Berlinale” functionality. If you’d rather purchase tickets in person, ticket counters in Berlin usually open about two days before the festival begins.

Off the red carpet: Try to catch at least one Berlinale Keynote lecture, which typically features film industry leaders discussing issues like the future of film and current industry challenges. Be sure to fit in one of the popular “Culinary Cinema—Eat, Drink, See Movies” events. Each features a screening of a culinary-themed film followed by a meal inspired by the flick and created by a top German chef.

Plan of attack: Plan on dedicating one or two days to the festival. Tying it into a larger European trip is a good strategy. You don’t have to be über-hip to enjoy Berlin, but being an art lover helps since the city is filled with galleries. It’s also notable for remaining relatively affordable even in the wake of a high-flying Euro.

Book a room at the Regent, and you may bump into Brad and Angelina or Tom and Katie, who have all stayed there in recent years. The Hotel Adlon has been a celebrity favorite for years, while the Hotel de Rome, opened in 2006, is quickly developing a star clientele. The new Ritz-Carlton, conveniently located at the festival’s epicenter, is another easy pick.

Try dinner at Borchardt Restaurant, a perennial celebrity favorite, followed by drinks at the chic Newton Bar, which pays homage to famed fashion photographer Helmut Newton.

Next: Cannes