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Your insider guide to Berlin
Everything you need to know before you arrive — from practical tips to the things that make Berlin unlike anywhere else. Consider this your briefing from someone who has lived here for over 20 years.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
First things to know
Berlin is bigger than most visitors expect — it covers almost 900 square kilometres, nine times the size of Paris. Give yourself at least three full days to scratch the surface, five if you want to go deeper.
Getting around
Berlin’s public transport is excellent — U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses cover almost everywhere. Buy a day ticket, Berlin Welcome Card, or 4-trip ticket rather than individual tickets to save money. The Welcome Card also gives discounts on the TV Tower, museums, boat tours and more.
Cash vs card
Berlin is more cash-friendly than most European capitals. Many restaurants, markets and smaller shops still prefer cash. Always have some euros on you — especially for markets and taxis.
Language
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger Berliners. A few words of German are always appreciated. “Bitte” (please), “Danke” (thank you) and “Entschuldigung” (excuse me) will take you a long way.
Tipping
Tipping in Germany is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% at a restaurant is customary. For tours and taxis, a tip is always welcome but never expected.
Best time to visit
May to September is the sweet spot — long days, beer gardens open, outdoor culture in full swing. Christmas market season (late November to December) is also magical. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.
Useful apps
Download BVG Tickets for public transport, Google Maps for navigation, and the NINA app for emergency alerts. Citymapper also works well in Berlin for multi-modal journey planning.
WHERE TO STAY
Finding your part of the city
Mitte
HISTORIC CENTRE · BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS
The heart of old Berlin — Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the Holocaust Memorial. More touristy than other areas but extremely convenient. A safe default for a first visit.
Prenzlauer Berg Our Pick
LEAFY & RESIDENTIAL · BEST LOCAL FEEL
Charming, café-lined streets, great for families, and genuinely the Berlin that locals actually live in. Excellent food scene and a short U-Bahn ride from the centre.
Charlottenburg
OLD WEST BERLIN · QUIET & UPSCALE
The former heart of West Berlin — quieter, more elegant, close to the Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard and Charlottenburg Palace. Popular with older visitors and families.
Kreuzberg & Neukölln
MULTICULTURAL · BEST FOOD & NIGHTLIFE
The most vibrant and multicultural part of the city. The best food scene in Berlin, great street art, the famous Turkish Market. More rough around the edges but full of character.
BEYOND THE TOUR
What else to do in Berlin
Parks & outdoors
Culture & entertainment
Markets & food
GOOD TO KNOW
Things that will surprise you about Berlin
Berlin is younger than you think.
Germany only became a unified nation in 1871 — younger than the United States. Before that it was a patchwork of kingdoms and sovereign cities, and that history is written into the architecture at every turn.
German beer follows a 500-year-old purity law.
The Reinheitsgebot of 1516 dictates that beer may only be brewed from water, malt, hops and yeast. It’s still in effect today.
The Stolpersteine.
Small brass plaques set into the pavement outside the former homes of Holocaust victims. Berlin has more than any other city. Once you know to look for them, you’ll see them everywhere.
Berlin has more bridges than Venice.
In fact, Berlin has over 1,700 of them. The city’s network of rivers, canals and lakes means water is never far away, even in the city centre.
The Ampelmännchen.
East Berlin’s distinctive traffic light man — a little figure in a hat — became so beloved after reunification that he survived and now has his own souvenir shops across the city.
Over 300 types of bread.
German bread culture is UNESCO-listed as intangible cultural heritage. Don’t leave without trying a proper Vollkornbrot from a local bakery.
QUETIONS
Frequently asked
Ready to explore Berlin?
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