Berlin, Germany

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Berlin is the proof that appearances sometimes don’t really matter. Germans' love for graffiti, unrestored buildings and punk, is reflected onto most of the buildings of the capital. The Berlin Wall is one the city’s main touristic attractions and rests of it can be seen in different areas, like the Wall Museum.

Nonetheless, the best place to see the Berlin Wall is the East Side Gallery: a section of the original wall which has been covered over the years by the works of graffiti artists of all the world and which is the epitome of the desperate need for freedom Berliners had before the fall of the wall in 1990. Berlin is less expensive than one would expect from the capital of Europe’s economic motor, partly thanks to the ever-growing Turkish community whose stores and restaurants offer very competitive prices.

Berlin is also arguably the best place in the world to listen to Electronic music: clubs like Berghain and Chalet are known worldwide. Besides, many clubs in Berlin open on Friday night and close only on Monday afternoon, so you should be able to find a time slot which fits your schedule. See what else Berlin has to offer in the following articles!

Tips for travelers: Things to know before visiting Berlin, Germany

Trip101 has partnered with over 200 accredited and experienced tour guides from more than 50 countries to ensure you receive the most accurate and authentic travel information. These guides bring a wealth of local expertise, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Trust the travel tips from experts who live and breathe their destinations to provide you with unparalleled local knowledge.

These insightful tips are shared by our experienced Berlin tour guide(s), Tina

Getting Around In Berlin
Getting Around In Berlin

How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?

Berlin is a large city, so the distance and the best way to get to the city center from the airport depend on where you are staying. Major train stations like Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz, or Hauptbahnhof have direct connections to the airport. Without traffic, it takes about 30 minutes by car or train. However, with traffic, it could take 45-50 minutes by car. Generally, if you are staying near a major train station, public transport is the best option to get to and from the airport. You will need an ABC ticket for public transport when traveling to and from the airport, while an AB ticket suffices for most other city travel. If your accommodation is not well-connected by public transport, it might be faster to use a taxi or rideshare apps like Miles, Uber, or Bolt. It’s best to check your route using mapping apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, CityMapper, BVG, Yelp, or Deutsche Bahn to decide the most efficient mode of transport.

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Local Food
Local Food

What are some of the best local food to try in Berlin?

Berlin’s food scene is diverse and impressive, ranging from budget-friendly street food to numerous Michelin star restaurants. Some must-try foods include currywurst, Berlin’s signature sausage. This dish was born in the wake of World War II, combining German sausage with curry powder brought in by British soldiers. Another essential food to try is the doner kebab (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie). Berlin has the largest Turkish population outside Istanbul, which has resulted in delicious Turkish food. The Berlin-style doner kebab is designed to be eaten quickly on the go, with more sauces than traditional Turkish doner.

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Healthcare
Healthcare

What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Berlin?

If you’re staying in a hotel, the staff can often provide information on nearby medical services and may even have arrangements with local doctors. Embassies, such as the American and Irish Embassies, have lists of English-speaking doctors in Berlin. While they include a disclaimer about liability, these lists can be a helpful resource. Your travel insurance provider can offer guidance on how to access healthcare in different countries.

In Germany, everything is typically closed on Sundays, so finding a doctor on that day can be challenging. If you’re unable to get assistance from your hotel, you can call 116 117, a phone service that helps locate on-call and out-of-hours doctors, though it’s only available in German. The corresponding website can be translated into English, but it tends to revert to German when using the “find on-call practices” service. Google Maps can assist by providing the postcode of your hotel, which you can use on the website to find doctors in your area.

For pharmacies, the German word is “Apotheke.” You can search for open pharmacies on Google Maps by selecting “open now.” The availability of pharmacies on Sundays rotates weekly within each district. If Google Maps isn’t accurate, the Apothekerkammer Berlin website can be used to locate open pharmacies, though it’s only available in German. For emergencies, entering “hospital” or the German word “Krankenhaus” into Google Maps will help locate the nearest hospitals. The emergency section in hospitals is called “Notaufnahme.” In severe emergencies, calling 112 will summon an ambulance or fire brigade, while 110 will connect you to the police.

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Staying Connected
Staying Connected

Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?

If you prefer to have connectivity while moving around Berlin, getting a local SIM card is a good idea. While EU residents can use their existing SIM cards due to mandatory roaming rights, a local SIM card can be beneficial for better connectivity and cost efficiency. In Germany, SIM cards must be registered to your ID. It’s recommended to go to a supermarket like Edeka, Rewe, Lidl, or Aldi to buy a SIM card upon arrival. Activate it immediately because it requires a video call for identity verification, which can take up to 24 hours to activate. You can provide the address of your hotel or hostel for registration.

SIM cards are also available at the airport, but they may be slightly more expensive compared to those bought in supermarkets.

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Money Matters
Money Matters

Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in Berlin?

To get the best exchange rate, it’s advisable to avoid airports and hotels, as they tend to offer less favorable rates. Instead, use Google Maps to find currency exchange locations and call them to inquire about their rates. The rates can vary, so checking multiple places can help you find the best deal. It’s also worth noting that currency exchange places near tourist hotspots like Checkpoint Charlie should be avoided, as they often have higher prices.

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Important Travel Info
Important Travel Info

Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

For the most updated list of restricted items in Germany, please refer to this list from the German Customs Authority: https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Transit/Restrictions/restrictions_node.html

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Attractions
Attractions

Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Berlin

Berlin is generally very open regarding dress codes. However, when visiting religious institutions, it is always advisable to research and respect the specific customs and dress codes of each place. For general streetwear in Berlin, almost anything goes, making it a very relaxed city in terms of clothing.

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What To Buy
What To Buy

Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Berlin?

For vintage shopping enthusiasts, Boxhagener Platz is a fantastic destination. This vibrant square hosts markets on the weekends, great budget food options, and is a hotspot for vintage shopping. It features many local boutiques where you can buy locally made or designed items.

Another excellent store for unique and creative gifts is Let It Bleed, located in the district of Kreuzberg. Berlin is renowned for its street art scene, and Let It Bleed showcases works from local street artists. The store offers a range of items, including postcards, stickers, and creatively altered images of famous Berlin landmarks. Supporting local artists through purchases here is highly recommended.

Boxhagener Platz and the surrounding neighborhood of Friedrichshain are filled with stores like Let It Bleed, making it a perfect area for those looking to explore Berlin’s vibrant and artistic shopping scene.

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Climate Tips
Climate Tips

What's the best time to travel to Berlin weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

Berlin’s weather can be unpredictable. Decades ago, harsh winters with Siberian winds and heavy snow were common, but this has changed significantly. For example, in April, temperatures can vary dramatically from 24°C (75.2°F) to below freezing within weeks. High season includes Easter, the weeks between Christmas and New Year, and summer from June to mid-August. September is also very busy.

May is a great time to visit, offering lovely weather without being overly crowded. August can be extremely hot, but it might also be mild, depending on the year. For Christmas markets, mid-December is ideal as it allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without the extreme crowds right before Christmas.

Previously, the period from mid-January to March was not recommended due to bleak, dark, and cold weather. However, recent climate changes have made this less predictable, with some February weeks reaching 15°C (59°F). But February can also be very cold and unpleasant.

It’s best to avoid visiting during major events like the Euros or the Berlin Marathon unless you’re specifically coming for those events. These times see higher hotel prices, increased crowding, and restricted access to parts of the city, such as areas behind the Brandenburg Gate. Always check for major events before booking your trip to avoid these inconveniences.

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Area Guide
Area Guide

Which neighborhoods in Berlin have the best nightlife scene and events?

Berlin is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and numerous events. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln. These areas have a plethora of bars and restaurants. Nightclubs are typically a few blocks away from these busy areas due to their need for larger spaces and to manage noise levels. To find the best places to rave, the website Resident Advisor is highly recommended as it lists electronic events and allows you to choose your DJ based on the music. For bar hopping, areas around Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain and various spots in Neukölln, such as Kuduka, Honey Lou, and Jungle, are ideal.

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Local Events
Local Events

Are there any annual festivals or special events in Berlin or nearby cities that tourists shouldn't miss?

Berlin is a city with diverse events that cater to all interests. For those into techno or electronic music, events like Brave the Planet or the Love Parade are must-see. These events feature techno parades with tens of thousands of people raving to live DJs on moving trucks through the city streets, creating an incredible atmosphere.

For the LGBTIQ+ community, Berlin’s Pride celebrations, such as Christopher Street Day, are world-renowned. This event is a massive citywide party, rave, and demonstration all in one, celebrating diversity and inclusion.

The Berlin Marathon is another significant event, attracting marathon runners from around the world. It’s one of the biggest marathons globally and a highlight for athletes.

German Christmas markets in Berlin are magical and highly recommended for families and anyone looking to experience festive cheer. The markets are beautifully decorated and offer a variety of seasonal treats and crafts.

May 1st, or International Workers’ Day, is a significant event in Berlin due to the city’s long-standing left-wing culture. Historically, it has been a mix of exciting street parties and sometimes unstable clashes between protesters and authorities. Recently, it has evolved more into a large street party, but visitors should still be prepared for significant activity and potential disruptions.

New Year’s Eve in Berlin is known for its intense firework culture, which can be dangerous and confronting for some people. It’s advised not to bring dogs to Berlin for New Year’s Eve due to the fireworks, and travelers should be aware of the chaotic atmosphere.

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Cultural Etiquettes
Cultural Etiquettes

Is tipping a common norm? If so, what's the usual tipping amount?

Tipping is common and expected in Berlin, especially in hospitality bars and restaurants. It is customary to tip around 10 percent, regardless of the quality of the service, which can sometimes be quite different from what travelers might be used to. Berliners are known for their authenticity and straightforwardness, so service might occasionally come off as rough or edgy. This attitude is a part of Berlin’s character and shouldn’t be taken personally.

If you receive exceptional service, a 10 percent tip is standard. However, if the service is terrible, it is acceptable not to tip. Additionally, Berliners often round up the bill when tipping. For instance, if a beer costs 3.80 EUR (4.11 USD), you might give 4 (4.33 USD) and say “keep the change.” This rounding up method is a very common and convenient way of tipping in Berlin.

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Berlin, Germany
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