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Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Stern und Kreis/Visit Berlin
Berlin City Tour/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
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Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Jörg Metzner/Computerspielemuseum/Visit Berlin
Philip Koschel/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Sophieneck/Visit Berlin
Die Berliner Republik/Visit Berlin
Hilton Berlin Hotel/Visit Berlin
Interart Etudes Paris/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
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Arthur F. Selbach/Visit Berlin
Arthur F. Selbach/Visit Berlin
Cafe Sybille/Visit Berlin
Literaturhaus Berlin/Visit Berlin
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Kerstin Ehmer/Katja Hiendlmayer/Visit Berlin
Solar Berlin/Ragnar Schnuck/Visit Berlin
Matrix Club & Event GmbH/Visit Berlin
Philip Koschel/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Fragasso/Visit Brlin
Ritter Sport/Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Visit Berlin
Thomas Kierok/Visit Berlin
Experience Berlin, the heart of Germany's transformation since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The city is a hub for cultural innovation, pulsating nightlife and eclectic hipster charm. Berlin is a youthful, dynamic metropolis embracing global influences while setting architectural, art and fashion trends. The city's skyline is a mix of sleek modernity and nostalgic nods to the 90s. As young families enjoy leisurely brunches, the nightlife crowd cycles home in the early hours.
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
The City
Berlin defies categorization, and it's this very quality that sets it apart. Once a symbol of the Cold War and a divided Germany, this former 'Walled-in City' has transformed into a year-round travel magnet.
For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall split one of Europe's most beloved cities. Its fall on 9th November 1989 marked a pivotal moment in history. For those keen to explore the Wall's remnants, numerous options await. The Bernauer Straße Memorial, with its original sections of the death strip, vividly recalls the divide. Other significant sites include the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Wall Museum.
Today, the appeal of Berlin is its fascinating mixture of history and zeitgeist, offering diverse attractions in art, culture, music, entertainment and countless shopping possibilities. The modern hotel landscape, an incredibly diverse gastronomy and unbeatably favourable prices will make you want to return again and again. The city’s vibrant and flourishing creative scene combines with the fire-hot music and club culture to put a unique stamp on the unmistakable character of this metropolis.
On your first visit, iconic landmarks are a must-see. But it's often on a second visit that Berlin's true essence emerges. Each of its 12 districts has its own charm: Mitte is a fashion hub, Neukölln has evolved into a hipster haven, Prenzlauer Berg is known for its family-friendly vibe, Kreuzberg boasts a multicultural atmosphere, and Friedrichshain is the heart of alternative living.
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Do & See
Whether you see the sights of Berlin by coach, steamer, bicycle or on foot — you’ll pass a lot of famous buildings and memorials. We’ll tell you which ones you really can’t afford to miss!
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Alexanderplatz & Television Tower
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DDR Museum
Stern und Kreis/Visit Berlin
Boat Cruise on the River Spree
Berlin City Tour/Visit Berlin
Berlin City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Visit Berlin
Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin
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Panoramapunkt
Remco de Wit/Shutterstock
Nikolai Quarter
Scholvien/Visit Berlin
Kulturforum
Jörg Metzner/Computerspielemuseum/Visit Berlin
Computer Games Museum
Philip Koschel/Visit Berlin
Dining
Berlin caters to every palate and budget, from multi-course menus at Michelin-starred restaurants to boulettes or a doner kebab at local snack bars. The city's culinary scene knows no bounds, offering Australian and French cuisine, exotic Asian dishes, and the iconic Berliner currywurst.
Regional cuisine in Berlin is hearty and delicious, served in cosy traditional pubs. A unique highlight is the all-day breakfast offered by many cafes, perfect for night owls who enjoy a leisurely start to their day.
In summer, city life spills outdoors, with beach bars along the Spree River becoming hotspots. These are ideal places to relax with a cocktail or savour a Berliner Weisse, a wheat beer mixed with raspberry or woodruff syrup. It's a summer treat you won't want to miss!
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Marooush
Sophieneck/Visit Berlin
Sophieneck
Die Berliner Republik/Visit Berlin
Berliner Republik
Hilton Berlin Hotel/Visit Berlin
Listo
Interart Etudes Paris/Visit Berlin
ROCA
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Katz Orange
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Die Henne
Dirk Mathesius/Visit Berlin
Cafés
The streets of Berlin are choc-a-bloc full of cafés. They've got everything that you need for a good start to the day, from lactose-free latte macchiato to a hearty buffet.
You can grab a quick coffee to go and take a walk through one of the many parks in Berlin. Join the hoards of digital nomads tapping away at their laptops while sipping flat whites. Meet friends and family over brunch with crunchy sourdough bread and a generous spread of cold cuts and jams.
In some cases, the distinction between cafés and bars in Berlin is not that obvious. Many places will serve you delicious meals all day, pour you a hot cup of coffee to keep you awake and will mix you a cocktail later in the night. Versatility is what Berlin is all about!
Arthur F. Selbach/Visit Berlin
Jelänger Jelieber
Arthur F. Selbach/Visit Berlin
Cafe Berio
Cafe Sybille/Visit Berlin
Café Sibylle
Literaturhaus Berlin/Visit Berlin
Cafe in the Literaturhaus (House of Literature)
Philip Koschel/Visit Berlin
Bars & Nightlife
Round your day off with a glass of nice wine or unleash the party monster within — you’re sure to find the right sort of bar to plan your individual evening in Berlin. Your choices range from the exclusive hotel bars with modern designs to traditional drop-in corner pubs, to exotic cocktail lounges and shisha bars. Particularly popular are the sky bars in the high-rise buildings on Ku’damm, at Alex or Potsdamer Platz. There are spectacular view of Berlin at night to be had from high over the city’s roofs.
Berlin nightlife is legendary. The parties. The music. The people. Your wish is Berlin’s command! Well-known DJs present the latest sounds to their audiences in the city’s countless clubs, bars and discotheques. And there are always new clubs popping up everywhere. The intent of the party people is obvious: dance, have fun and party into the small hours. Because there are no closing hours in Berlin.
Kerstin Ehmer/Katja Hiendlmayer/Visit Berlin
Victoria Bar
Solar Berlin/Ragnar Schnuck/Visit Berlin
Solar
Matrix Club & Event GmbH/Visit Berlin
Matrix Club Berlin
Philip Koschel/Visit Berlin
Shopping
Lovers of exclusive designer fashion, bargain hunters, trendsetters looking for the latest fashion and all those who would like to take more than just pleasant memories of their time in Berlin home with them, are guaranteed to get their money’s worth in the large shopping centres, department stores, small shops and exclusive boutiques in the city. Hip, casual and trendy or classical, elegant and timeless — there’s something for every taste and budget.
One of the most popular shopping streets is Kurfürstendamm (also known as Ku'damm). The Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe for short) in Tauentzienstraße is the largest department store on the European mainland and has an enormous range of goods.
In Berlin-Mitte, the legendary Friedrichstraße now exudes a cosmopolitan flair thanks to its new architecture and chic stores like the Galeries Lafayette or Quartier 206. Alexa at Alexanderplatz is also a great place for shopping.
For new trends and original accessories, having a look in the small shops dotted around the Hackesche Höfe in the former Scheunenviertel (barn district) is well worth your while. There are lots of young Berlin designers represented in Münzstraße as well as Alte and Neue Schönhauser Straße. And let’s not forget that Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg or Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg also have some pretty hot fashion shops, too.
Tip for bargain hunters and eco-conscious shoppers: the numerous flea markets in Berlin are great places to be on weekends. Go on Sundays at Straße des 17. June, in the Mauerpark (Wall park) or at Boxhagener Platz.
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Schlossstraße
Fragasso/Visit Brlin
Friedrichstraße
Ritter Sport/Visit Berlin
Ritter Sport Chocolate Store
Visit Berlin
KaDeWe — Kaufhaus des Westens
Visit Berlin
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Berlin
Thomas Kierok/Visit Berlin
Tourist Information
Passport / Visa
Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, the UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is the only airport operating in Berlin since Tegel airport saw its last flight depart in November 2020. The new airport is well connected to the city by S-Bahn, buses and long-distance trains. The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE7, RB14) travel between Berlin central station and “Flughafen BER – Terminal 1-2” station several times per hour. The S9 and S45 S-Bahn trains travel every 20 minutes, serving the “Terminal 1-2” and “Terminal 5” stations.
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Phone: +49 30 6091 6091 0
Website: ber.berlin-airport.de/en.html
More Information: The airport is located in the C zone when it comes to public transport. You will either need to have an ABC zone ticket or buy a C zone extension
Frequently Asked Questions About Berlin (FAQs)
– Is it safe in Berlin?
Berlin is a hospitable and cosmopolitan city, especially in the central areas frequented by visitors. There are no no-go areas in the city and it’s safe to walk alone at night. Nonetheless, it is impossible to rule out crime completely. Should anything happen — don’t hesitate to contact the police. It’s best to avoid dark parks at night if you want to stay away from illegal “business transactions”.
– Is Berlin cheap or expensive?
Berlin is probably the cheapest Western European capital city. To stay within a low budget, consider getting a bike-sharing subscription and take advantage of lunch offers — there are lots of great deals!
– Is English spoken in Berlin?
Yes! Berlin is a very cosmopolitan city and English is its lingua franca. All restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels will have English speaking staff. Even places not catering to tourists will accommodate English speakers.
– Where is the heart of Berlin?
Berlin doesn’t have one clearly defined centre. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe and feel and you’ll have to find your favourite.
The closest thing Berlin gets to a “city centre” is Mitte. Museum Island, the city hall Rotes Rathaus and the Altes Stadthaus, the famous TV tower, Brandenburg Gate at the end of the Unter den Linden boulevard are all located here.
– What is Checkpoint Charlie?
Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing during the years when Berlin was divided by the Wall. The iconic sign "You are now leaving the American Sector" is world famous.
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Best Time to Visit
In terms of weather, the best time to visit Berlin is May through September, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities: sitting around in outdoor cafes and restaurants, wandering through the city and parks, biking around and staying out all night. June offers the Carnival of Cultures, July has the Pride Parade and September brings you the Berlin Art Week.
Winter, on the other hand, is cold: the temperature is close to freezing during the day. Of course, winter holidays are a great time to check out the local markets and relax with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. The Berlinale film festival also takes place in the winter.
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Website: www.berlin.de/en/events
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Public Transport
The local public transport system allows you to get anywhere in Berlin — comfortably, safely and cheaply. The expanded transport network of S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses and trams provides you with unrestricted mobility, even at night: on Fridays and Saturdays as well as the nights before public holidays, nearly all the S-Bahn and U-Bahn network operate all through the night at 15 minute intervals.
The most convenient way to buy tickets is through the official ticket purchasing app for public transport in Berlin — BVG Tickets.
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Taxi
When hiring a taxi in Berlin, you pay a basic charge of €4.30 plus €2.10–2.80 for each kilometre travelled. The 'Kurzstrecke' (short distance) tariff gives you a journey of up to two kilometres for €6.00 — in this case, however, you have to flag down the taxi yourself. The 'Kurzstrecke' tariff does not apply if you order a taxi or get in one at a designated taxi-waiting spot.
If you think that ordering a taxi by phone is a little too retro, order one through the taxi.eu app.
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Phone: +49 30 20 20 21 22 0
Website: www.taxi-berlin.de
More Information: www.visitberlin.de/en/taxis-berlin
Postal Service
You can buy stamps in post offices and at tobacconist shops. Post office opening times vary — they are normally open between 8 am and 6 pm weekdays and between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.
The Eckert press store with a post office on Georgenstraße, Berlin-Mitte is open every day of the week.
Address: Eckert, Georgenstraße 14-18, Bahnhof Friedrichstraße, Berlin-Mitte
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Website: www.deutschepost.de/en/home.html
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Dentists
Beware of the German Vollkornbrot — it's delicious and healthy, but the seeds can do a number on your teeth. Follow the link to All About Berlin to see a list of English speaking dentists in Berlin
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Website: allaboutberlin.com/guides/list-of-english-speaking-dentists-in-berlin
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Pharmacy
You can fill your prescription and buy over the counter medication in Berlin by finding one of the many pharmacies signed with the large red letter “A”. They are often confused with drugstores (Drogerie), where you can get toiletries, but not medication.
Pharmacies in Berlin are usually open just like any other store: closed in the evening, on Sundays and holidays. If you need medication outside of normal working hours, you can also visit your local emergency pharmacy. Check the website below to find the closest one to you.
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Website: www.aponet.de/service/notdienstapotheke-finden.html
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Telephone
Country code: +49
Area code: (0)30
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Electricity
Germany uses the Types C and F (with two earth clips on the side) electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
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