Berlin travel guide

Berlin carries the marks of its recent history in every neighbourhood, and today it's one of Europe's most interesting cultural and creative hubs: art, music, nightlife, and a cost of living still lower than other capitals.

Best time to visit

May-September brings the longest days and the best weather for exploring on foot or by bike; winters are long, cold and with few daylight hours.

What to see and do

Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery — to understand the city's recent history.
Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag — the institutional landmarks, with a dome visitable by booking.
Museum Island — five UNESCO museums in a single complex.
Kreuzberg — Berlin's more alternative side, with street art, bars and markets.
Berlin nightlife — clubs and venues that remain an international reference point.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €55-85 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded — among the cheapest European capitals for the quality on offer.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Berlin is huge, but its transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses) is efficient and extensive, with a single zone-based ticket covering everything; many tickets remain valid for short stopovers too, handy for broken-up trips during the day. The centre is also very bikeable, with widespread cycle lanes.

Where to stay

Mitte is central and convenient for the main landmarks, but also the priciest; Kreuzberg and Neukölln offer the most alternative atmosphere and the most interesting nightlife; Prenzlauer Berg is elegant and quiet, with a good mix of cafés and independent shops; Friedrichshain is ideal if you want bars and clubs open late.