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Berlin travel guide

Berlin will take you on an emotional journey just as much as present you with a fascinating roadmap of things to do. This city has played a major role in the history of the world as we know it, with the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and many other landmarks on the must-see list. Then there’s the Berlin of today: an inspiring, fun-loving creative hub that encourages big ideas and keenly supports the entrepreneur in everything from cuisine to couture. Ooh and don’t forget the parks. And that coffee... If you’re planning a visit, explore our Berlin travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in Germany’s fascinating capital. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Berlin, getting around and more.

Where to stay

The number one question asked by visitors is ‘where to stay in Berlin?’ The city is quite spread out, which means a little planning is needed to determine the best places to stay in Berlin that give you easy access to the sites you wish to see.  Thankfully, transport in Berlin is quite cheap, so you can choose to stay somewhere close to shopping districts and still enjoy all the culture that the city has to offer. Many of the best places to stay in Berlin are close to public transport, including Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Charlottenburg.

Things to do

There are numerous things to do in Berlin for all types of travellers, from history buffs to foodies. Enjoy some of the best shopping in Berlin with a visit to Kurfurstendamm or the multi-level mall KaDeWe. With an amazing cafe culture, street food, parks, and plenty of museums and galleries, Berlin has plenty to fill your itinerary. 

Travel tips

When you’re planning a holiday, it’s good to be up to date on the latest Berlin travel tips. Knowing which essential visa information you require, as well as which Berlin airport you will be flying into, gives you the basics to plan for the trip of a lifetime. Be prepared to enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer, from dining to shopping and history galore.  While German is the main language spoken, you’ll be happy to know many locals speak English as well. For more essential Berlin travel advice, be sure to read the details below.

Getting Around

Transport in Berlin is not only easy to navigate but also cheap to use. There are more than 20 different train lines between the overground (S-Bahn) and underground (U-Bahn) systems, as well as bus, tram and even ferry lines. Of course, there’s also the option of hailing one of the Berlin taxis for a convenient transport option as well. ...

Where to eat

As a multicultural city, Berlin’s food and drink is hugely varied. Enjoy dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant one night, then sample fast and fresh produce in one of the many eateries at KaDeWe the next. ...

Shopping

There are endless options when it comes to Berlin shopping. From large department stores and boutiques offering the best in Berlin fashion, to outlets, small shops and craft markets, you’ll be spoiled for choice.  Wander Kurfurstendamm for gorgeous Berlin fashion, or head to KaDeWe to find an almost overwhelming range of stores, cafes and restaurants. Bikini Berlin and the shopping districts of Mitte are also well deserving of some browsing time – you’ll have no trouble finding something to buy in Berlin! Just like the rest of the city, the shopping here is a beautiful fusion of old and new.

Best time to travel

The weather in Berlin can have some bearing on your holiday plans, so knowing what you want to do will dictate the best time to travel to Berlin.  Seasons are fairly true to type, with winters being quite cold and summer warm. Rainfall in Berlin remains stable throughout much of the year, even during the warm weather of July and August.  Whatever the season, Berlin is an amazing city that takes advantage of seasonal conditions with open-air festivals or even schneeballschlacht (snowball fights in the middle of Tiergarten Park).

Parks

While the architecture of the city is renowned, Berlin parks and squares are not to be underestimated.  As expected, you’ll find touches of old and new Berlin, from the leftover reminders of the wall in Mauerpark to the views across to Brandenburg Gate that can be enjoyed from Tiergarten. Any visit to Berlin should include a walk through Tiergarten, the city’s answer to New York City’s Central Park. Relax on the grass in the sunshine, have a picnic, or enjoy some of the free events hosted in one of Berlin’s parks and piazzas.