Best things to do & places to stay:
Berlin, Germany
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.
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.
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.
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.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
Berlin, Germany
An extraordinary UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site home to five world-class museums, covering 6,000 years of cultural and art history. An essential stop on any Berlin itinerary.
Best for ages: 18+ | £20
Berlin, Germany
A tour de force of treasures amassed by German archaeologists. The superb site pulls together three previous museums covering Islamic art, classical antiquities and the ancient Near East.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Berlin, Germany
Impressive, history-laden 18th-century triumphal arch that today stands as the great symbol of reunified Germany.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Berlin, Germany
Germany’s most fertile art city spans all eras, from ancient treasures to cutting-edge contemporary. One of the world’s great art destinations.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
Berlin, Germany
This repurposed cargo container moored in the Spree river is Berlin’s quirkiest swimming option. Daytime is perfect for a relaxed swim and sunbathing. DJs are let loose in the beach bar after nightfall, when parties spill over from the Arena disco opposite. In winter, it transforms into a spa with heated pool, two Finnish saunas and cocktail lounge under a series of tunnel-like tents. Open daily, all year round.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6 | 1+ hours
Berlin, Germany
This renowned art institution houses the impressive modern and contemporary art collection of Heinz Berggruen, a German-American art collector. It spans various artistic movements, including Cubism, Surrealism, and German Expressionism and includes works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and Alberto Giacometti.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Berlin, Germany
This renowned techno nightclub has become an iconic institution in the city – and Europe’s – nightlife scene. Housed in a former power plant, it’s known for its industrial aesthetics, massive dance floors, an exceptional sound system, and a strict door policy – leading to its reputation as one of the most exclusive and selective clubs in the world.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Berlin, Germany
The Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin is a verdant oasis nestled within the bustling city. Spanning over 43 hectares, this botanical paradise is home to a remarkable collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including a tropical greenhouse, an Alpine garden, and an arboretum. For nature lovers and anyone wanting a fascinating exploration of the botanical world.
Best for ages: 8+ | £5
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Berlin
€70 | Rating 4.73 / 5 [104 ratings]
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Berlin
€37 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [371 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Berlin
€119 | Rating 4.62 / 5 [50 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Berlin
€72 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [801 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
Berlin, Germany
The gorgeously understated Amano offers a soothing, affordable designer option in uber-trendy Mitte.
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Berlin, Germany
Lovely small hotel exuding 19th-century charm, with a great location near Berlin’s top attractions and trendy Mitte, with an Eden-like garden.
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Berlin, Germany
Clever Manhattan-style blend of hostel and upmarket hotel in post-industrial surroundings, with an excellent in-house organic restaurant. Great for singles, the socially-minded and hip partygoers.
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Berlin, Germany
A superb apartment hotel, with 72 self-contained luxury apartments, conveniently located for Berlin best attractions, bars and shopping.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
