Berlin, Germany

Why Go?

Berlin is heaving with culture and many of Germany’s most significant historical events took place in this once-divided capital city. It is one part old, one part new, as well as everything else in between. Berlin is artistic, it is trendy, it has a world-famous electronic music scene, and together with its seemingly endless selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars, is a place where you’ll use every waking moment.

When to Go?

If the thought of a cold winter sends shivers up your spine, April to September are the best months to visit Berlin. Festival season is in full swing, with many taking place outdoors, and you can also soak up the sun in the parks and gardens of one of Europe’s greenest capital cities.

How?

Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) is eight kilometres northwest of the city centre. The TXL JetExpressBus, X9 JetExpressBus, 128 Bus, and 109 Bus will all take you into Berlin, as will a 20 Euro (EUR) taxi ride.

You can also fly to Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), 18 kilometres southeast of the city centre.

Germany has an excellent rail network and it’s easy to reach Berlin’s central station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, from neighbouring countries.

See

You can’t leave Berlin without stopping at the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berliner Dom. These sights are on every traveller’s list, but here are a few more:

The German Parliament is located in the Reichstag Building. To visit its glass dome, which offers a 360-degree view of Berlin’s cityscape, you must first register.

There are art and flea markets all over the city and whether you’re looking for second-hand clothes, books, or vinyl records, you won’t leave empty-handed.

Go urban exploring at Berlin’s abandoned Spreepark amusement park. A photographer’s delight, nature is now swallowing many of the faded attractions. Trespassing used to be the only way to access the park but guided tours are now available, although registration is required, and you’re also free to wander in on your own.

Once you have explored above ground, join a subterranean tour to see Berlin’s underground architecture with your own eyes.

Eat and Drink

Berlin is well-known for its currywurst (sausage with curry) and Konnopke Imbiss is the most famous and oldest currywurst snack bar in the city.

As the name suggests, RisOtto is a restaurant specialising in risotto. The menu changes frequently and this gives you a reason to return and find a new favourite.

Burgermeister makes some seriously great burgers and is a unique place to eat as the location was a public toilet in the 1920s.

Fuchs und Elster is a restaurant and bar but the party really gets started after 11pm when they open the trapdoor to the old cellar.

Sleep

Motel One has several locations in Berlin and “successfully combines the concept of low budget and designer hotel”. This results in an aesthetic that is easy on your eyes, and also easy on your wallet.

Hotel Art Nouveau has a certain flair to it, and this is made even more apparent when you take the historic, wooden birdcage lift up to your room. It is small but sophisticated and like the city itself, combines old and new.

If you can’t get enough of Berlin’s art scene then Arte Luise Arthotel will make a fantastic base during your stay. More than 50 artists have come together to work on specific concepts for each of the individual rooms.

Here are additional options for where to stay in Berlin.

  Berlin, City Travel Guide, Germany, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay