Having a real fascination for German history, mainly WW2 and the Cold War, I’ve watched this remarkable city evolve while staying true to its rebellious spirit. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the pulsating techno scenes, Berlin’s contradictions create its unique charm. I absolutely love this city, so let me take you through this comprehensive Berlin travel guide that goes beyond the tourist tracks to reveal the city’s beating heart.
Essential Berlin Travel Guide: What You Need to Know
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s get our bearings. Berlin sprawls across 12 districts, each with its distinct personality. According to Visit Berlin, the city welcomed over 32 million visitors in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. The city seamlessly blends history, art, and innovation, offering everything from World War II memorials to cutting-edge startup hubs. I wish I could visit Berlin every year!
Things to See and Do in Berlin:
Must-Visit Historical Sites
Reichstag Building
The seat of German Parliament offers more than just politics, its glass dome provides panoramic city views. Advance booking is essential, but the free audio guide makes it woth the planning.
Once you’re in the dome enjoy the views from the top! Incredible!
Pro tip: You can only book a time slot online and visitor numbers are limited! Book up to 3 weeks in advance at the official website.
Price: FREE
Related Article:
East Side Gallery
The world’s longest open-air gallery stretches 1.3km along the former Berlin Wall. Here, over 100 artists from across the globe have turned a symbol of division into a celebration of freedom and creativity. Don’t miss the iconic “Kiss” mural (pictured above), it’s particularly stunning during golden hour. Bonus is… It’s FREE.
Tickets to avoid the queues: Walls of Dubrovnik
Related Post:
Brandenburg Gate
Standing proud since 1791, this neoclassical monument has witnessed everything from Napoleon’s march to the fall of the Wall. Today, it’s Berlin’s most photographed landmark and the perfect starting point for exploring the historic centre. I found it very imposing! It’s FREE.
Further reading:
Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
Soaring 368 meters into the sky, this iconic symbol of East Berlin offers the most spectacular 360-degree views of the city, they are fantastic. The rotating restaurant at 207 meters makes for an unforgettable dining experience, book ahead for sunset slots when the city glows in golden light.
Fun fact: locals call it the “Pope’s Revenge” because when sun hits the steel dome, a cross appears on the atheist East’s proudest monument!
Official Website: Berlin Tv Tower
Price: Tickets start at €22.50
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
A profound and moving tribute spanning 19,000 square metres, this memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights. Walking through the undulating paths between the stelae creates a powerful, disorienting experience that encourages reflection. The underground information centre provides compelling historical context.
Visit early morning or at dusk for a more contemplative atmosphere, and remember this is a place of remembrance – please be respectful.
Price: FREE
Museum Island
UNESCO World Heritage site alert! This cluster of five world-class museums houses treasures from ancient Egypt to 19th-century Europe.
Pro tip: Get the Welcome Card for free entry and transport.
Recommended Tour:
Alternative Berlin
Street Art Tours
Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain aren’t just neighbourhoods; they’re living galleries. Join a street art tour to decode the stories behind the spray paint.
Mauerpark Flea Market
Sunday’s not Sunday without Mauerpark. Watch brave souls tackle karaoke while hunting for vintage treasures. The atmosphere is electric!
Underground Clubs
From Berghain to Watergate, Berlin’s nightlife is legendary. Remember: dress code is black, attitude is everything.
Continue below…
Recommended Tours in Berlin
Best Time to Visit Berlin
Summer (June-August) brings festivals and beer gardens, but shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is magical during Cristmas markets but pack layers – temperatures can dip below freezing.
Further details:
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Getting Around Berlin
Berlin’s public transport system is phenomenally efficient, operating 24/7 on weekends and until around 1 AM on weekdays. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the city:
U-Bahn (Underground)
- 10 lines marked U1-U9 (yes, including U55!)
- Runs every 3-5 minutes during peak hours
- Easy to spot stations by the blue ‘U’ signs
- Most central tourist attractions are near U-Bahn stations
- Pro tip: Download the BVG app for real-time schedules
S-Bahn (Urban Rail)
- 15 lines connecting central Berlin to outer districts
- Perfect for reaching Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, and Charlottenburg Palace
- Marked by green ‘S’ signs
- Runs above ground, offering scenic city views
- Insider tip: The Ring-Bahn (S41/S42) circles the city – great for getting your bearings!
Trams
- Mainly operates in former East Berlin
- 22 lines, with some running 24/7
- Look for the ‘M’ prefix for major routes
- Great for exploring hip neighborhoods like Prenzlauer Berg
- Modern, accessible, and incredibly punctual
Buses
- Extensive network covering areas without rail service
- Main lines (100, 200) pass major tourist spots
- Double-decker buses offer great city views
- Night buses (marked with ‘N’) replace U-Bahn service after hours
- Local’s secret: Bus 100 between Alexanderplatz and Zoo station is like a cheap sightseeing tour!
Tickets and Passes
WelcomeCard Options:
- 48-hours: €23
- 72-hours: €33
- 4-day: €40
- 5-day: €46
- All include:
- Unlimited public transport
- Up to 50% off at museums and attractions
- Free admission to Museum Island with 72-hour+ passes
Alternative Tickets:
- Single ticket: €3
- Day ticket: €8.80
- 7-day ticket: €34
- Group day ticket (up to 5 people): €25.50
Important Transport Tips
- Always validate your ticket before first use
- Keep your ticket until you exit the system
- Most stations don’t have barriers, but ticket checks are common
- Bikes are allowed on public transport (extra ticket needed)
- Google Maps works perfectly for navigation, but the BVG app is more accurate for real-time updates
- Major stations have elevators and escalators, but check accessibility in advance
Fancy Something a Little Different:
Where to Stay
Mitte Neighbourhood:
Perfect for: First-timers and culture vultures Price range: €€€ Highlights: Central location, major attractions
Kreuzberg Neighbourhood:
Perfect for: Alternative scene lovers Price range: €€ Highlights: Street art, food scene
Prenzlauer Berg Neighbourhood:
Perfect for: Families and hipster couples Price range: €€-€€€ Highlights: Cafés, boutiques, parks
Find the top 10 best places to stay on booking.com
Where to Eat
Traditional Berlin:
- Mustafas Gemüse Kebap: The legendary kebab stand
- Curry 36: Best currywurst in town
- Zur Letzten Instanz: Berlin’s oldest restaurant
Modern Berlin:
- CODA Dessert Bar: Michelin-starred dessert experience
- House of Small Wonder: Japanese-European fusion
- Nobelhart & Schmutzig: New German cuisine
Getting to Berlin
By Air
Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Located 18km southeast of city centre
- Two terminals (T1 and T2) connected by walkway
Transport to city:
- FEX Airport Express: €3.80, 30 minutes to central station
- Regional RE7/RB14: €3.80, 20-25 minutes
- S-Bahn S9/S45: €3.80, 45 minutes
- Taxi: Around €50, 30-45 minutes
- Airport shuttle: €15, door-to-door service
Pro tip: Buy your transport ticket from machines before boarding to avoid higher on-board prices
By Train
Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Main central station, architectural marvel
Direct connections from:
- Amsterdam (6h20)
- Paris (8h)
- Vienna (8h30)
- Warsaw (6h)
- Prague (4h30)
Money-saving tip: Book Deutsche Bahn tickets 3 months in advance for best prices
- Rail passes: Eurail/Interrail valid on all German trains
- Free station Wi-Fi and luggage lockers available
By Bus
Main bus station: ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof)
Companies:
- FlixBus: Most extensive network
- BlaBlaBus: Competitive prices
- Eurolines: Pan-European connections
Sample fares:
- Prague: from €20 (4.5h)
- Warsaw: from €25 (8h)
- Amsterdam: from €35 (9h)
Buses include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and air conditioning
Budget tip: Night buses save on accommodation
Good to Know
Payment & Money
Cards: Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard preferred)
- Always carry some cash as backup
- Many places have €10-20 minimum for cards
- Most ATMs charge €2-5 for foreign cards
Cash-only spots:
- Small cafes and bars
- Food markets and street vendors
- Some traditional restaurants
- Late-night kebab shops
Tip: Get a N26 or Revolut card for better exchange rates
Shopping Hours & Customs
Regular hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00
Sunday closures:
- All major shops closed
- Exceptions: Shops in train stations
- Some small convenience stores (Spätis) open
- Restaurants and cafes operate normally
Late-night shopping:
- Thursdays until 21:00 in major malls
- Spätis open 24/7
Plan ahead: Stock up on necessities on Saturday
Transport Rules
Ticket validation:
- Stamp tickets in blue/yellow machines
- Keep validated ticket until journey ends
- €60 fine for invalid/missing tickets
- Take photo of validated ticket as backup
Platform etiquette:
- Stand right on escalators
- Let passengers exit first
- No eating on trains/buses
Drinking & Social Norms
Public drinking:
- Legal to drink in public spaces
- Prohibited at train stations
- Common at parks and markets
- Beer bottles have €0.08-0.25 deposit
Social customs:
- Direct communication is normal
- English widely spoken but basic German appreciated
- Punctuality is important
- Jaywalking frowned upon
Essential German Phrases
- “Danke” – Thank you
- “Bitte” – Please/You’re welcome
- “Entschuldigung” – Excuse me
- “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” – Do you speak English?
- “Ein Bier, bitte” – One beer, please
Emergency Information
Emergency numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 112
- Tourist SOS: +49 30 19003
- English-speaking medical help: +49 30 31003260
- Download offline maps for emergencies
***
Berlin isn’t just another European capital, it’s a city that refuses to be defined. Whether you’re here for the history, the arts, the nightlife, or the food, Berlin’s raw energy and constant evolution will leave an indelible mark on your soul. As the locals say, “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy” (Berlin is poor but sexy). Not exactly true today!
Share Your Berlin Story!
I’ve shared my favourite spots and insights, but Berlin has countless more secrets waiting to be discovered. Have you been to Berlin? Share your experiences in the comments below, or let me know what you’re most excited to explore in this fascinating city.
Related Articles for Germany:
- Planning Your Trip to Zugspitze Mountain, Germany: Tips and Essentials
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
- Explore Germany: Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations
- 3 Days In Munich: Royal Splendor & Beer Halls
Recommended Websites and Resources:
Your Questions, Answered
Is Berlin safe for solo travellers?
Berlin is generally very safe, with low crime rates. As in any major city, take standard precautions, especially at night.
Do I need to speak German?
While learning basic phrases is appreciated, Berlin is very international. Most people in tourist areas speak English.
What's the best area to stay for nightlife?
Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg offer the best balance of nightlife options and good transport connections.
How many days do I need in Berlin?
A minimum of 3 days is recommended to explore the main attractions. Ideally, plan for 4-7 days to include some off-the-beaten-path experiences.
When are shops closed?
Most shops are closed on Sundays, except for some shops in train stations. Plan your shopping accordingly!
Recommended Tours in Germany
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com if you’re in Europe. For other destinations, TripAdvisor is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- SafetyWing for occasional travellers.
- Medjet for global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip.
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
You May Also Like
Save this post (pin it)
Share this post
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
