The trendy suburb of Mitte is crammed with hundreds of private galleries
Berlin is a party town – it’s home to the world-famous Berghain nightclub
Credit Shutterstock.com/aushilfe444
Berlin has excellent shopping, and some great markets
Credit Shutterstock.com/Matyas Rehak
And of course, a famous Christmas market
Last updated: 04 July, 2023
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More than three decades after the Wall fell, Berlin still seems to be in a perpetual state of flux and this extraordinary dynamism shows through in the city’s innovative fashion, culture and arts scenes. Before you can say ‘uber-hip’, your favourite boutique, gallery or nightclub has shut, moved or reopened as something else.
Berlin’s reputation as a den of decadence is well deserved, but there’s so much more to this cosmopolitan, history-laden capital. You’ll find some of the world’s finest museums, sophisticated cuisine, inviting green spaces and an incredible tapestry of buildings historic and modern – testimony to a rich, tumultuous past.
Orientation
When the GDR crumbled, the city’s epicentre migrated from the Ku’damm to former East Berlin, now the most happening part of town.
Sprawling, historic Mitte holds the lion’s share of major attractions, with hip Prenzlauer Berg to the north. The coolest nightclubs are found further east and south, in gritty Friedrichshain and multi-ethnic Kreuzberg.
To the west of Mitte lie Tiergarten, Berlin’s Central Park; bohemian, gay-friendly Schoneberg; and the old-money districts of Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf.
Culture & Customs
With its broken economy, down-at-heel Eastern Bloc chic and healthy regard for 1920s hedonism, Berlin lives up to its ‘poor but sexy’ image. The relaxed attitudes stem from a large influx of foreigners and young, tolerance-seeking Germans from other parts of the country.
Teutonic orderliness is less pronounced here, although you might still be ticketed for jaywalking. Casual dress is pretty standard east of the old border, while the west is more formal.
Food & Drink
Traditionally, Berliners were ‘meat-and-potato’ types, but things have changed rapidly thanks to an influx of foreigners and a spirit of invention on the culinary scene.
Fresh slants on German standards and a global mix of flavours, particularly from Asia, can make eating out an extraordinary surprise that’s usually quite affordable.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Berlin Walking Tour
Berlin
The Original Berlin Tour is perfect for tourists, travelers, expats, and locals. This Original Berlin Walking Tour is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the German Capital. Learn about the great history of Berlin and yet still get the inside knowledge on a modern-day Berlin.
This tour has been molded and sculpted by thousands of guest, and we’re happy to think we are the best in town! The Berlin Tour covers famous Berlin attractions, the most influential historical sights, and delves into stories of past wars, urban legends, and the city’s triumphs and tragedies. We love Berlin and are proud to call it home. We welcome you to this amazing place and would love to show you the sights!
Uncover Berlin's past and present on this enlightening 4-hour walking tour through Mitte, the city’s historic center. Walk along the Berlin Wall, stroll down Unter den Linden to Brandenburg Gate, see the Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial, hear the story behind Checkpoint Charlie and learn about the Topography of Terror museum. Listen as your guide ties important monuments, buildings and memorials to the city’s complex Prussian, Imperial, Nazi and Cold War past, weaving history into a detailed narrative. Compare these historical sights with modern marvels such as Potsdamer Platz and Friedrichstrasse.
See Berlin from an insider’s perspective on this half-day walking tour! With your expert local guide, see Berlin’s main attractions including the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag parliament building and Checkpoint Charlie, as well as the lesser-known places that regular tours usually miss. Learn fascinating facts about Berlin during World War 2 and the Cold War, and listen as your guide explains what life was like for Berlin’s citizens during those turbulent times.
Discover Berlin on a bike in a 3.5-hour tour and get to know the city's highlights. Your knowledgeable bike guide will make sure you will have an unforgettable Berlin experience.
Enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive 3-hour city tour introducing you to Berlin’s top sites. You will see top attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, and much more. Discovering Berlin by bike is a truly memorable experience, and friendly English-speaking guides will captivate you with interesting stories and insights into the city. This is the perfect tour for those looking to see the best Berlin has to offer in one concise tour.
Explore Berlin by Segway and spin to top attractions in style . Hop on your Segway and following a little practise head into bustling Berlin with a guide. Explore iconic squares such as Pariser Platz and Potsdamer Platz, and take in famous landmarks including Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag Building and the Victory Column. Along the way, gain insight into Berlin’s rich history and find out what makes the city tick.
Take this 2 hour guided Segway tour through Berlin and enjoy a ride . Cruise the most scenic landmarks of Berlin's historic city center on Segway and explore more neighborhoods and sights close-by.
There's no better way to see the sights and learn the history of Berlin than by joining a bike tour! You get to have fun and socialize, have some exercise and be entertained by your knowledgeable guide. It will be the best day you'll spend in Berlin!
Our 6-hour, deep dive into Berlin history will take you to the major sites and give you a glimpse into modern Germany. Our guides are locals who are passionate about their city and want you to enjoy it as much as they do. Plus, we'll stop at a Beer Garden for lunch (cost not included). This is the best way to see all of Berlin in a day and gain valuable insight to the monuments that make this city unique.
Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks
Berlin
The capital dinner cruises cater exclusively for guests who reserve their own private tables on board. Reserve your own special private table on this deluxe, exclusive ship, "Der Fliegende Holländer" (The Flying Dutchman). Enjoy a fabulous four-course menu in a relaxing environment whilst observing Berlin's sightseeing highlights - Wall remains, TV Tower, Museum Island, Reichstag - Building (House of Parliament), Berlin Central - during this special cruise lasting some 2.5 hours. Maximum group size is 72 people.
Berlin Highlights and Hidden Sights Private Walking Tour
Berlin
Discover Berlin’s highlights and main attractions on a private walking tour of Germany's capital. Your private guide will tailor the tour to meet your interests, so you can choose to see top sights such as the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag parliament building and Checkpoint Charlie or on lesser-known places and hidden gems that group sightseeing tours often miss. Learn fascinating facts about Berlin's turbulent history during World War II and the Cold War, and listen as your guide explains what life was like for Berlin’s citizens during those times. Choose between a morning and afternoon departure with a duration of three or four hours.
See the sights of
Berlin by
Trabant stretch-limousine! With more room and a little more luxury than the standard Trabant cars of the former German Democratic Republic, the customized vehicle is the perfect mode of transport for a tour of the city. Learn about Berlin’s history from a private guide, enjoy commentary tailored to your interests and see sights such as Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island, Berlin TV Tower, Government district and many more. Entrance fees and food are at your own expense.
Private Custom Berlin Sightseeing Tour in a Minivan: East and West Berlin
Berlin
Enjoy a private sightseeing tour along the main sights of the German capital. A minivan with driver and your English-speaking tour guide will be available all day. The tour starts at your hotel, is customized according to your interests which you may express at the beginning or during the tour and it includes several photo stops and short walks.
Head for Checkpoint Charlie, remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall and remaining guard towers. See sites of the Third Reich and the Cold War. Visit the famous Brandenburg Gate and the site of Hitler’s bunker where he committed suicide. See the Reichstag Building, the historical Prussian boulevard, the Museums Island and the rebuilt city castle of the former Emperors.
If you are getting hungry we will have a lunch break of your choice. You might prefer just a regular quick snack or you may want to taste a Curry Sausage – Berlin’s popular local dish. Upon your request we will be happy to visit a restaurant with German cuisine.
The most popular times to come are during the summer (June-August), when the balmy weather and many street festivals keep the city humming, and around Christmas and New Year. Summer can be uncomfortably hot and winter bitterly cold due to the continental climate.
The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are the best times to visit – they draw lighter crowds while still offering pleasant temperatures.
Getting there and away
The sleek Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, 12 miles from the city, is the main international gateway.
The airport express is the best and fastest way to the city (30 minutes), for less than €5. The trains run every half hour from Terminal 1 to Berlin’s central station. Alternatively there are regular buses.
Taxis are available 24/7, take around 45 minutes, and cost around €50. There’s no set fare.
Getting around
Taxis are very reasonable by European standards. Rates stay the same around the clock, although for longer trips it pays to agree a fixed sum in advance. You can flag drivers down or there are taxi ranks in tourist-heavy areas. ‘Party hops’ of up to 2km for up to three passengers are a bargain.
The public transport network includes an efficient and extensive underground, known locally as the U-Bahn, trams and buses. Berlin’s transport authority, the BVG, provides a wealth of maps and information.
Where to stay
Most visitors gravitate towards the many design and budget hotels in Mitte and, to a lesser extent, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Charlottenberg. The former east tends to be much cheaper and offers the buzziest vibe, if that’s what you’re after.
Those in the city on business or hobnobbing with high society will more likely find themselves bedding down and entertaining in the old west.
Where to eat or drink
Steer clear of the tourist traps around major landmarks. The inner core of Mitte has a dearth of eating and drinking with local atmosphere, so instead head north to the streets around Hackescher Markt and Rosenthaler Platz.
Other rewarding areas to graze and bar-hop are Helmholzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg, Schlesische Strasse in Kreuzberg, Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg and Wühlischstrasse in Friedrichshain. Some of the coolest new addresses have sprung up in the rough-edged district of Neukölln.
Where to shop
The shopping scene in Berlin is highly fragmented with the most interesting stuff to be found in small shops and boutiques. Upmarket labels are strongest along glitzy Friedrichstrasse in Mitte, and on and around Kurfürstendamm and Kantstrasse in Charlottenburg. The hippest shopping drags include Alte Schönhauser Strasse and Oranienburger Strasse in Mitte, Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg, and Bergmannstrasse and Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg.
Don’t miss the excellent Sunday flea markets at Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz.
