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Destination guide for Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Last updated: 04 July, 2023

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.

Tours, tickets & transfers

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin

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.

Price: €20

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [6397 ratings]

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Explore Berlin's Top Attractions 3-hour English Walking Tour

Berlin

Embark on a captivating 3-hour journey through Berlin, delving deep into the city's soul with an Insider's perspective! Led by our expert local guide, you'll explore not only the iconic landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag parliament building, and Checkpoint Charlie but also discover the hidden gems often overlooked by conventional tours. Immerse yourself in the untold stories of Berlin during World War II and the Cold War, gaining profound insights into the lived experiences of the city's residents during those tumultuous times. Get ready for a tour that goes beyond the surface, revealing the heart and history of this dynamic city.

Price: €20

Min age: 12

Rating 4.92 / 5 [2248 ratings]

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Berlin Bike Tour

Berlin

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.

Price: €50

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [856 ratings]

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3-Hour Berlin Highlights Bike Tour

Berlin

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.

Price: €25

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [603 ratings]

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Berlin Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour

Berlin

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.

Price: €37

Min age: 6

Rating 4.82 / 5 [400 ratings]

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Travel advice

When to go

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.