Description: Public Transport: Use the BVG app for easy navigation on buses, trams, and U-Bahn (metro). A day pass or the Berlin Welcome Card offers unlimited travel.

Biking: Berlin is a bike-friendly city with many rental stations, and cycling is a great way to explore neighborhoods.

Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and Checkpoint Charlie for a glimpse of the city's history.

Currency: Berlin uses the Euro (€); credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is recommended.

Description

Top things to do in Berlin include dancing the night away at the world-famous techno club Berghain, or enjoying a cold beer at a biergarten like Café am Neuen See or BRLO Brwhouse. During warmer months, cool off in one of the area's 3,000 lakes, such as Schlachtensee or Weissensee. For culture, explore Museum Island's renowned museums, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, or the Jewish Museum. Enjoy shopping at the Turkish Market or Mauerpark Flea Market for unique finds. Experience the arts at the Friedrichstadt-Palast or catch the Berlin Philharmonic. Historical landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Sanssouci Palace offer a deeper dive into the city’s past.

Prost! Cheers!
Visit a biergarten and enjoy a cold beer on a warm day. Café am Neuen See, Brauhaus Spandau, and BRLO Brwhouse are a few favorites.

Go Museum Hopping

You can’t miss the museums in Berlin. There are hundreds to explore, after all. Museum Island (Museumsinsel) houses several world-renowned museums including the Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie. Then, of course, there’s the Berlin Wall Memorial, which offers a window into the history of the Berlin Wall through exhibits, preserved sections of the wall, and a visitor center. The Jewish Museum Berlin explores the history and culture of Jewish life in Germany and the KW Institute for Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art exhibitions and events.

Description

Berlin boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to every palate, making it a dining paradise for travelers. The city offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, from hearty traditional German fare like schnitzels and sausages to international delights such as Vietnamese pho and Middle Eastern falafel. Kreuzberg is a popular hotspot, known for its bustling street food markets and trendy cafes, while Mitte offers a range of chic restaurants and stylish eateries perfect for a night out. For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Berlin's fine dining establishments, some of which boast Michelin stars, provide exceptional gourmet creations. Don't miss the unique chance to dine at a converted power station or indulge in the city's famous currywurst at a local street vendor. Berlin's dynamic food culture is a testament to its diverse and ever-evolving gastronomic landscape.

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Day 1: Arrival & Cultural Exploration

Begin your day with a visit to Schloss Charlottenburg, the largest palace in Berlin, and stroll through its beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, head over to Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German president, then explore the nearby Tiergarten Park for a scenic walk or bike ride. For dinner, grab a bite at a local restaurant in Charlottenburg, or enjoy casual eats at a nearby beer garden like Café am Neuen See.

Stay at Garner Hotel Berlin-Checkpoint Charlie for a comfortable and well-connected stay in the heart of Berlin Mitte. Located close to the Kochstraße / Checkpoint Charlie subway station, the hotel puts you within walking distance of landmarks like Potsdamer Platz, the Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island..

Day 2: Historical Landmarks & City Sights

Check in at InterContinental Berlin, a modern hotel near Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz, offering spa facilities, a pool, and rooms with zoo views.

Once you’re settled, visit Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to immerse yourself in Berlin's rich history, then stop by the Holocaust Memorial for a moment of reflection. Later in the day, explore Museum Island, home to several world-renowned museums like the Pergamon Museum and Altes Museum. Finally, enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner at Hugos on the 14th floor of the InterContinental, where you’ll get stunning city views.

Day 3: Arts & Local Culture

Stay at Hotel Indigo Berlin - East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, known for its creative energy and proximity to the famous East Side Gallery. Start the day with a visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now an outdoor art gallery., Then, explore the trendy Friedrichshain district, full of quirky shops, cafés, and street art, then visit the Berlin Wall Memorial for more historical context. Wrap up your Berlin trip by experiencing the city’s eclectic nightlife with cocktails at Velvet or one of the area's stylish bars.

For budget-conscious travelers, consider the Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side in Prenzlauer Berg, offering affordable comfort with great amenities.

Description

Berlin is a major transportation hub in Europe, offering convenient access to a wide range of international destinations by train. Rail Europe is a reliable source for booking train tickets and exploring various routes from Berlin to neighboring countries. If you don’t have a ton of time to travel, Potsdam is a 30-minute train ride from Berlin and is known for its stunning palaces, gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sanssouci Palace and Park.

With a little more flexibility, you can take the high-speed train to Paris, which takes around eight hours; you can also get to Amsterdam on the high-speed train in just six—enjoying scenic views of the German and Dutch countryside along the way.

The train from Berlin to Prague takes under five hours and it’s worth it for the medieval architecture alone, though the beer, natural surroundings, and walkability make this one of the easiest and most digestible cities to visit and get to know in a short period of time.

A few other cities accessible via train from Berlin include Warsaw, Zurich, Vienna, and Budapest. Amenities onboard make for a safe and comfortable travel experience so that you’re well rested and relaxed by the time you get to your next destination.

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Public Transportation

Berlin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, S-Bahn (suburban trains), and U-Bahn (subway). Purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard (a money-saving traveler card) for unlimited travel within the city.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis are readily available throughout Berlin and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Always ensure that the taxi meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Rideshare is also an option here.

Walking and Biking

Many of Berlin's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making walking a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city. Wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights at your own pace. Or join the locals and pedal your way around Berlin on a bike. With dedicated bike lanes and rental stations scattered throughout the city, cycling is a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Upcoming Events in Berlin

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Folk Festival (Berliner Volksfestsommer)

The International Berlin Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk music from all over the world. The festival does not only showcase music, but visitors can also explore different cultural crafts, take part in workshops, and indulge in traditional food and drinks from all over the world.

Start date: July 25, 2025
End date: August 8, 2025

Berlin Atonal

Berlin Atonal is a pioneering festival that converges music and art in an avant-garde exploration of sound and visual aesthetics. Held in the dynamic city of Berlin, this event is a combination of experimental music performances, audiovisual installations, and multimedia experiences.

Start date: August 23, 2025
End date: August 25, 2025

Event website

tottr

Berlin Lacht - Internationales Straßentheater Festival

Berlin Lacht (trans. Berlin laughs) is a different type of performing arts festival. Selected squares provide the stage for the performances and therefore take the theater to the streets and the people. Don't miss the exciting International Street Theater Festival.

Start date: August 26, 2025
End date: September 15, 2025

Event website

Manuel Nägeli

Musikfest Berlin

Berlin's concert season officially begins with the Musikfest. The festival draws thousands of classical music enthusiasts from around the globe in addition to hundreds of musicians. There are concert halls all across the city that host some of the top orchestras in the world.

Start date: August 30, 2025
End date: September 23, 2025

Event website

Ulla C. Binder

Jazzfest Berlin

Jazzfest Berlin is an annual celebration of jazz, showcasing a diverse lineup of international and avant-garde artists across the city’s iconic venues. Featuring concerts, workshops, and discussions, it offers a unique platform for innovative jazz and creative musical expression.

Start date: October 31, 2025
End date: November 3, 2025

Event website

Jorge Franganillo

Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt

Marking the beginning of the festive season, the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is a must-visit destination for holiday makers. From traditional wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, to a variety of delicious German cuisines, the market offers something for everyone.

Start date: November 24, 2025
End date: December 31, 2025

Event website

Thore Siebrands

Berlinale - Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin

Initiated by the American military, this festival first took place in West Berlin in 1951. Today, the festival treads the middle ground between East and West and has become an international forum for international films. Premieres and documentaries are screened alongside short films.

Start date: February 13, 2026
End date: February 23, 2026

Event website

ftrc

MaerzMusik

This festival is dedicated to contemporary music and sonic art. The festival creates a space where life, art, and theory can coexist side by side by showcasing concerts, performances, installations, musical theater, film screenings, and discourse formats.

Start date: March 21, 2026
End date: March 30, 2026

Event website

Vyctoria Silva

Berliner Frühlingsfest

Berliner Frühlingsfest is an annual spring festival that offers a wide array of entertainment, attractions, and culinary delights for visitors to enjoy. The festival also showcases a diverse culinary scene, with numerous food stalls and vendors serving up delicious treats.

Start date: March 29, 2026
End date: May 4, 2026

Event website

Vishnu R Nair

Desertfest Berlin

Desertfest Berlin is a renowned annual music festival dedicated to rock, doom, and psychedelic music. The event features well-known and emerging artists of heavy and psychedelic music. Please note that it takes place in the neighboring venues Columbiahalle & Columbia Theater in Berlin Kreuzberg.

Start date: May 23, 2026
End date: May 25, 2026

Event website

MyName (Panic)

Carnival of Cultures

Berlin's colorful and vivacious street festival, the Carnival of Cultures, was inaugurated in 1996 and has taken place every Whitsun weekend since. The main aim of the carnival is to bring together Berlin's numerous different cultures in a joyous celebration of the city's ethnic diversity.

Start date: June 6, 2026
End date: June 9, 2026

Event website

izillR

Lollapalooza Berlin

From featuring artists like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to inviting new-age mega-stars like Kanye West and Arcade Fire, the festival has come into its own. It features a dance stage for local artists to showcase their talent. Moreover, visitors can have their pick of refreshments at various stalls.