Berlin First-Timer

Wow! Thank you everyone, I had not anticipated so much helpful information! I'll be sure to look into all of your suggestions, I have a lot of research to do! All of your responses are appreciated so much.

If you stay at the three piggies, stay in the ten bed dorm it's massive and more comfortable as they don't have bunk beds, they not only give you free internet but also they have lots of info on what to do what to see etc etc don't forget to get your day ticket on the U bahn to save you money or the three or four day pass with entrance to museums discounts.
have fun

hi,

another great place to go is the "Spreewald" between Berlin and Cottbus. It's also called the Venice of the Lausitz because of its water arms. Trains from Berlin to Cottbus go every 2 hours via Luebben where you should get off. I can recommend a Kahn-Tour and stop at the museum in Lehde to discover that special area.

If you're on a budget, Cottbus has a youth hostel in the old town, very close to 2 churches and the town centre with the old market "Altmarkt" (great ice cream @ Da Capo, by the way) and town wall.

There are very few places that have preserved large amounts of medieval architecture. People seem to think everything before 1750 is "medieval" - it is not.
Quedlinburg is a good suggestion. The No. 1 jewel within reach, however - although I'd suggest staying overnight, it is a bit far for a day trip and there is so much to see - would be Görlitz

I think you will find that our OP has gone and been as this thread is now over a year old.
and as they say in Berlin
"Belin Bleibt doch Berlin"