Berlin
Getting There
The main airport in Berlin is Berlin Brandenburg (BER), which opened in 2020. It replaced two older airports and is located just under 20 kilometers from the city center.
Getting Around
Berlin is a large city so public transportation should be used to travel around. The Ubahn includes trains mainly below ground, while the Sbahn encompasses the trains above ground. The Ubahn, Sbahn, and buses are all valid on the same ticket. Depending on your plans, there are different ticket types including single ride, daily passes, or multi-day passes. When traveling on public transit, be sure to validate your ticket as you will be fined if caught with an invalid ticket while on public transit.
Accommodations
Many of the tourist attractions are located in the city center. If you choose to stay outside the city center, place yourself near a metro stop as this will enable easy travel around the city.
Things to do and see
TV Tower
Tall tower in downtown Berlin with a viewing deck over the city. If the line to visit is long, consider buying the fast pass. Although the view from the top is unique, it is not a must-visit spot.
Brandenburg Gate
Famous monument located in Pariser Platz
Victory Column
A big tower in the middle of Berlin by Tiergarten that you can pay a few euros and go to the top for a nice view
Topography of Terror
An area which was known for being incredibly dangerous to be in near the wall. A portion of the Berlin wall is still standing here and there is an outdoor museum with plaques displaying information about the Berlin Wall.
Reichstag
German parliament building, where visitors can go inside and visit the glass dome with a pre-booked reservation
Memorial of Murdered Jews
A memorial for the Jews murdered in WWII. Not far from this memorial is where Hitler’s bunker was located. The area is just a parking lot now, but there is a sign nearby noting the historical location.
Checkpoint Charlie
The location where the most commonly known crossing occurred between East and West Berlin. The location is interesting, but the attraction itself is a tourist trap.
Humboldt University
Nazis conducted the burning of the books here
Gendarmenmarkt Square
Square with two churches and the symphony house
Museum Island
Area with multiple museums
Berlin Cathedral
Nice Cathedral in Berlin, which visitors can climb to the top for a view over the main city center
Tiergarten
Large park in Berlin; be sure to stop by a beer garden
East Side Gallery
One of the longest stretches of the Berlin Wall that is still standing. The east side has the legal paintings and the west side has graffiti, as it is illegally done.
Street Art
Berlin is known for having street art so get out, explore and keep an eye out for the unique feel of the city
Food and Drink Recommendations
Cafe am Neuen See
Biergarten located in Tiergarten park
Forum Weineri
Wine bar where you pay 2 euros for the glass and then pour the amount of wine you want. At the end, you pay the price you think it was worth (usually around 2 euros per glass).
Watergate
Club located along the water with a few different floors and a floating barge with a bar with techno and house music. As with many clubs in Berlin, it is a toss-up if you will get in
Sisyphos
Once you enter this club, you will find yourself in an alley where you can enter different buildings with different styles of techno and house music
Club Matrix
One of many clubs found in Berlin, but one filled with tourists
Other Clubs
Club der Visionaere, Wilde Renate, ://about blank, Berghain, and Tresor
Other Notes
Duration
Berlin is a large city, with a lot to keep you busy. Depending on how much ground you want to cover, give yourself at least a long weekend to explore.
Nightlife
Berlin is known for its nightlife, with clubs open all hours of the night. Many clubs can be hard to get into as foreigners so be prepared to be turned away.
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks