Berlin Travel Guide
There’s nowhere quite like Berlin. Sensual, gritty, hip and debauched, it’s a colossal city with a tumultuous back-story. It also has a myriad of different faces: the staunch solidity of the Reichstag, the rainbow melee of its multicultural population, the insistent bass-thump of its numberless nightclubs.
The city is a cosmopolitan, creative hub with a thriving underground pulse. This is not somewhere to cover in one visit. Its history is labyrinthine, its design and food scenes are worlds unto themselves and its hedonistic nightlife is among the best this side of the Atlantic. It’s also one of the most liberal destinations in Europe – there are few taboos left here.
While the locals might have moved on from the past, the scars of war are still visible on some of the most iconic monuments. Sections of the Berlin Wall, which divided the city for nearly three decades, still stand today. There are also plenty of world-class museums documenting life under both the Nazis and the Soviets.
For visitors, today’s Berlin is mostly sought after for its vibrant cultural life. In the early 2000s, cheap rents, widespread squatting and alternative economies in the face of the city’s financial woes gave rise to a generation of home-grown creative types; even former mayor Klaus Wowereit described his city as ‘poor but sexy’.
Gentrification and rising house prices have begun to challenge that. But Berlin still boasts thrilling street art, resident artists of all disciplines, and a strong music scene befitting the one-time home of names such as Lou Reed, David Bowie, Nick Cave and Iggy Pop.
From a tourist perspective, Berlin remains relatively inexpensive – moderate budgets will suffice to eat, drink and sleep well here. The city also offers a kaleidoscope of different culinary cultures, so you can dine on Vietnamese, Japanese and Turkish food as easily as German. The city’s large Turkish community has earned the trendy district of Kreuzberg the nickname ‘Little Istanbul’. Legend has it the doner kebab was born here, and takeaway shops selling it can be found on almost every street corner.
With its global gastronomy, stormy history and vivacious subcultures, Berlin is unrivalled in its ability to entertain, asking only one question of its visitors: when are you joining the party?
Few cities in the world have endured such radical transformation as Berlin has over the last 100 years. The city’s fate was sealed in 1871 when it became the capital of the German Reich. It was a boost in status that elevated what had been a fairly modest city into the empire’s political, industrial and economic heart. The next few decades witnessed rapid development and by 1877 the city was a thriving metropolis.
The
German capital soon raised eyebrows abroad – and for all the right reasons. Not only was it becoming one of Europe’s cultural hotspots, but its industrious inhabitants were leaping ahead, with the invention of the world’s first electric railway in 1879 counted among the city’s greater achievements.
By 1903 Berlin had become the largest tenement city in the world and also boasted an underground railway, thriving cultural scene and giant department stores. But these halcyon days weren’t to last. WWI abruptly burst the bubble and led to starvation, war weariness and strikes. In 1918 the embattled Kaiser
Wilhelm II abdicated, the armistice was signed and the
German government was handed over to the Social Democrats.
The post-war years in Berlin were defined by political instability and economic turmoil, all of which helped
Adolf Hitler rise to power. Hitler began remodelling Berlin but his invasion of
Poland three years later sparked WWII, during which vast swathes of Berlin were reduced to rubble. The devastated city was divided into four sectors after the war, each administered jointly by the occupying powers of the
UK,
France, the USA and the Soviet Union.
It wasn’t a happy marriage and in 1961 the infamous Berlin Wall was erected to keep the residents of Soviet-controlled East Berlin from fleeing to the west;
Germany’s capital had become the epicentre of the
Cold War.
When the wall fell in 1989, optimism prevailed and Berlin became
Europe’s largest building site as the fragmented East Berlin and West Berlin were fused back together. Today, the scars are still visible but Berlin has bounced back.
The last person to die trying to cross the Berlin Wall was an East German who attempted to fly over the wall in a hot air balloon in March 1989.
Napoleon took The Brandenburg Gate quadriga back to Paris with him following the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt in 1806.
The Großer Tiergarten originally started out as a hunting ground for monarchs.
Situated in north-eastern Germany with a mainly flat topography, Berlin has a temperate continental (but bordering maritime) climate with nine to 11 rainy days each month.
Spring (March to May) is pleasant with a mild weather. Temperatures averaging 4°C (39°F) in March and climbing gradually to 14°C (57°F) in May. The city celebrates multiculturalism with the annual Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen or KDK in short) in May, making it an ideal time to visit Berlin.
Summer (June to August) is warm with average high temperatures of 23°C (73°F), although the built-up areas can get warmer due to the heat stored in buildings and pavement. The city has a string of festivals during this time including Classic Open Air, Berlin Pride, Beer Fest (Berliner Bierfestival) and Music Fest (Musikfest).
Autumn (September to November) starts off warm but the cool autumnal air soon ushering in and lowering the temperatures to an average high of 13°C (55°F) by October. This is a cheaper time to visit Berlin.
Winter (December to February) is mild with average high temperatures of 3°C (37°F), but winds from the east may lead to cold spells. The city knows how to party and throws one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Wrap up warm and book your hotel in advance if you’re visiting.
Getting around Berlin
The stereotype goes that German trains are so efficient you could set your watch by them. Of course there are always exceptions, but on the whole Berlin’s extensive transport network is more likely to enforce that stereotype than contradict it.
The German capital is vast but extremely well served by public transport, which is probably why Berlin is said to have one of the lowest numbers of cars per capita in Europe. Of course there are still the usual issues for motorists like traffic jams and parking, but the city’s road network and relative lack of vehicles makes it far easier to drive around than some of Europe’s other capitals.
Berlin has a highly integrated transport system comprising U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), bus and tram services, with easy connections to regional and mainline rail services. Information on fares, routes and timetables is available from;
Berlin Transport Services (BVG)
Address: Puccinistraße 10, 13088 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 2560
Website: www.bvg.de
In December 2020, an extension of the underground line U5 started operation. The line runs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof in the city centre to Hönow just outside of Berlin, stopping at major attractions like Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the TV Tower along the way, making it a practical and affordable mode of transport for visitors.
Tickets are priced for either two or three zones – almost all visitors will use the AB tariff (though note that Schönefeld Airport lies within zone C). The CityTourCard combines transport in zones A and B or A, B and C and an advantage card offering discounts on tourist attractions, restaurants and cafes.
The Berlin Welcome Card
Address:
Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2500 2359
Website:
www.berlin-welcomecard.de allows free public transport in Berlin and up to 50% discounts from 200 attractions.
Alternatively, visitors can also choose Berlin Welcome Card All Inclusive which includes free entry to 30 attractions. You can buy them at any ticket counter or machine or purchase them online and print them off before your trip to Berlin.
There are no ticket barriers at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, which makes it tempting not to pay for your journey. However, plain-clothed inspectors have a habit of springing up and issuing fines for those without tickets. When transport is so reasonably priced, it’s silly to take the risk.
Taxis in Berlin are plentiful, cheap and scrupulously honest. It is standard practice to simply round up the price to the nearest euro, though for longer journeys, add a couple. You can book taxis with;
Taxi-Funk Berlin
Telephone:
+49 30 443 322
Würfelfunk
Telephone:
+49 30 210 101
Berlin has an excellent public transport system, so it should not be necessary to drive in the city. However, if you are planning on driving it’s worth bearing in mind that the city centre is a ‘Particle Free Emission’ area and drivers must display a specially approved sticker in their car or risk a fine. The ticket is available from
Umwelt Plakette
Website:
www.umwelt-plakette.de
You have to pay for parking in much of the city centre. Where parking is free, it’s notoriously difficult to find a spot. If you do have a car, there are plenty of multistorey car parks throughout Berlin, as well as Park and Ride areas beside many S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations.
Cycling is an extremely popular way of getting around Berlin and it’s fairly easygoing too, thanks to the city’s flat terrain and extensive network of cycle paths. Bicycle hire is available from;
Fahrradstation
Address: Dorotheenstraße 30, 10117 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 2045 4500
Website: www.fahrradstation.de
Fat Tire Bike Rentals
Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 2404 7991
Website: www.fattiretours.com There are also bikeshare schemes run by
Nextbike
Telephone:
+49 30 6920 5046
Website:
www.nextbike.de
Deutsche Bahn/LIDL-Bike
Website: www.callabike-interaktiv.de
Benefit from Travoley’s great deals available all year round for a seamless car hire experience in Berlin. Travel your way by choosing from our collection of brand new cars.
Whether you are looking for car rental in Berlin as part of a vacation, or renting a car for a special event, you will be sure to find a car to suit your needs from our wide range of economy and luxury models. We pride ourselves on providing world class service, offering flexible short- and long-term rental, all at great prices with no hidden charges.
In order to hire a car, drivers must be at least 21 years old, depending on company policy. All drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit.
Our simple booking system makes it easy to reserve online before you go, offering flexible short- and long-term rental, all at great prices with no hidden charges, so when you arrive all that’s left is to discover the best of this exciting city.
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Things to see in Berlin
Attractions
- Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace)
The Charlottenburg Palace was built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of King Frederick III. Prices and hours vary for the Old Palace, New Wing, and other parts of the complex. Keen photographers must also purchase a photo permit which allows visitors to take pictures for private use only (not for publication). Flash and tripod are also not allowed. The museums and galleries that are in and around the palace include the Museum Berggruen which contains more than 120 artworks by Picasso, as well as a representative collection of his contemporaries.
Address:
Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 33 1969 4200
Opening times: Old Palace: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30.
Website:
www.spsg.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Haus am Checkpoint Charlie)
Checkpoint Charlie was the monitoring tower used to control the area around the Berlin Wall that divided the city during the Cold War. It was demolished soon after the 1989 revolution, but the Mauermuseum (Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie) that stands in its place is well worth a visit to discover the historic significance of this apparently unremarkable site. A cinema shows films on the Third Reich and the Cold War era, and the museum also details the history of the Berlin Wall, a piece of which still stands a short distance from the museum, complete with decorations on the western side.
Address:
Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 253 7250
Opening times: Daily 10:00-20:00.
Website:
www.mauermuseum.de
Admission Fees: Yes (the museum).
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
This extraordinary site is an unforgettable rendering of the holocaust in sculpture that never fails to impress visitors. As you enter the enormous field of stelae, you gently descend into unseen depths through the regimented rows of the giant concrete slabs, which can be a disorienting and disturbing experience. There’s a visitor centre underneath the memorial where individual testimonies from holocaust survivors are on display, as well as a room where every known holocaust victim’s name is read out on a loop lasting six years.
Address:
Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 263 9430
Opening times:
Memorial: Daily 24 hours.
Visitor Centre: Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00.
Website:
www.stiftung-denkmal.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
British architect Norman Foster transformed Berlin’s Reichstag after years of disuse and in 1999, it became the meeting place of the German parliament again. The large glass dome at the top of Reichstag is meant to symbolise the transparency of the democratic government and visitors can pass between its layers to witness the decision-making chamber of the government (advance online registration is required). The walk through the dome itself is stunning, culminating in sweeping views of the city. The rooftop restaurant provides a way to beat the queues.
Address:
Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 227 321 52
Opening times: Guided tours of the Reichstag Building: Daily 09:00-20:00.
Dome: Daily 08:00-24:00 with last admission at 21:45 hours. Prior registration required.
Website:
www.bundestag.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)
Built in 1791 as a triumphal arch,
the Brandenburg Gate is the only remaining town gate in the country and an enduring symbol of Berlin. Once Berlin’s main avenue and still one of its best preserved historical areas, Unter den Linden (‘under the lime trees’) is a wide, lime tree-lined boulevard that runs from the Brandenburger Gate to Alexanderplatz, the centre of east Berlin. Along the way, the street takes in many of Berlin’s real treasures, including the Deutsche Staatsoper (German State Opera), the Neue Wache (New Guardhouse), which is now a memorial to the victims of fascism and tyranny, and the Zeughaus (Arsenal), which houses the Deutsches Historisches Museum
(German Historical Museum).
Address:
Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin.
Opening times: Open 24 hours.
Website: www.berlin.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall)
The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic. Construction of the Berlin Wall was commenced by the government of the GDR on 13 August 1961.
Address:
Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 213 085 123
Opening times: Daily 08:00-22:00.
Website:
www.stiftung-berliner-mauer.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Along Mühlen-Strasse (S-Bahn Ostbahnhof), emerged in the post-Wall years as a poignant symbol of new hope, as it was covered with inspiring artwork.
Website:
www.eastsidegallery.com
But the best place to see the wall as it was is at the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer, a small graffiti-free stretch of the Wall that has been preserved by the authorities. A visitor centre has information about the Wall years, while a chapel is dedicated to the 80 or so victims that died trying to cross it.
Address:
Mühlenstraße 47 – 80, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 467 986 666
Opening times: Visitor Centre: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00.
Website:
www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)
One of the city’s grandest attractions, Berlin Cathedral is a magnificent domed building located in the charming Spree Island area. The brainchild of King Frederick William IV, the cathedral was unveiled in 1905 only to sustain heavy damage in WWII. Extensive restoration work was eventually completed in 1993 and today the cathedral is one of Berlin’s top sights. You can admire its architectural splendour from the park opposite or buy a ticket and wander around the museum, chapels and Hohenzollern crypt inside. Visitors can also go to the top of the dome for stunning views over Berlin.
Address:
Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2026 9136
Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00.
Website:
www.berlinerdom.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- Jüdisches Museum Berlin (Jewish Museum)
The striking design of this Daniel Libeskind-designed memorial to Jewish life in Berlin is based on a shattered Star of David. Even before the installation of the permanent exhibits (recalling the life and history of German Jews through the centuries), visitors came to experience the evocative spaces within this incredible structure. One of the most moving areas of the museum is the Holocaust Tower in which visitors enter a cold, concrete void where the only source of light, air and sound comes from small shafts at the top representing the isolation and fear of the Nazi extermination camps.
Address:
Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2599 3300
Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00.
Website:
www.jmberlin.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
There are few cities in the world where one can lie naked in the middle of town at noon and not be arrested, and Berlin is one of them. Besides having delightful tree-shaded walks, canals and flower gardens, the city’s Tiergarten park also has a couple of open fields on either side of Hofjägerallee, where the locals sunbathe au naturel.
Address:
Strasse des 17. Juni, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 901 833 101
Opening times: Open 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
There was more to life in the former East Germany (aka Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR) than state surveillance, lousy cars and austere apartment blocks; what about the nudist holidays, eclectic cuisine and socialist fashion? Well, this fantastic museum forgets all about the politics to deliver a taste of everyday life in the DDR. Visitors to this hands-on museum can sit in communist cars, watch state-run TV in a socialist living room and play countless interactive games.
Address:
Vera Britain Ufer, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 847 123 730
Opening times: Daily 09:00-21:00.
Website:
www.ddr-museum.de
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Address:
Schöneberger Str. 15, 10963 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2500 2333
Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00.
Website:
www.visitberlin.de
There are no less than five tourist information offices in the city, including one at the central train station and another at Tegel Airport. Another convenient location is at Brandenburg Gate. All offer help with information, hotel bookings and tourist passes.
Tourist passes
Visitors can take advantage of Berlin Welcome Card which offers free public transport and discount deals at restaurants, shows and attractions.
Things to do in Berlin
For those that haven’t heard of it, base flying:
Website:
www.bungee.de
Lets brave participants fall from a 125m-high (410ft) building without meeting a gruesome death. The controlled fall (using a winch rappel) is a safe, stomach-in-your-throat experience that is not for the fainthearted.
Berlin is home to a roving squatter population, and some of them regularly open their doors for movie screenings. How you fare at them will depend largely on your attitude, but this is a great way to see some underground cinema at backstreet prices. For information and listings, try
Stressfaktor
Website:
www.stressfaktor.squat.net
- Dance in the world’s smallest disco
The world’s smallest coin-operated disco is a converted phone booth complete with a disco ball, smoke machine and strobe lights. It is located on the RAW site (Revalerstr 99) opposite the climbing gym.
- Go to the world’s greatest nightclub
Berghain
Address: Am Wriezener bhf, 10243 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 2936 0210
Website: www.berghain.berlin
Sits on a dusty industrial lot between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain and has the uncontested position as the world’s greatest purveyor of techno music.
It’s opening hours aren’t for the weak – the Saturday night parties often wrap up Monday morning – and it has a legendarily selective door policy, with hundreds of people are turned away every weekend. Our tip for the queue: don’t act drunk, and speak English as quietly as possible.
- See what’s going on underground
One of the most fascinating tours available in Berlin is run by
Berlin Underworld-Berliner Unterwelten E.V.
Address: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 4991 0517
Website: www.berliner-unterwelten.de and seeks to show the architecture of the city from below.
The company’s headquarters are located in an air raid shelter in the Gesundbrunnen station, and from here you can get an insight into the psychologically-testing life underground for Berliners during WW2.
Berliners love to get into the water as often as possible. In the city itself, don’t miss the:
Badeschiff
Address: Eichenstraße 4, 12435 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 1743 366 585
Website: www.arena.berlin a boat moored to the Spree bank with a swimming pool and hipster-packed beach and bar.
More adventurous swimming is found at any one of the hundreds of lakes that surround Berlin – Wannsee, Weissensee, Müggelsee and Havelsee are easily reachable by public transport or bike.
Berlin tours and excursions
Berlin tours
Distances between east and west can add up quickly, so it’s a blessing that Berlin is an exceptionally bike-friendly city, with considerate drivers and good provision for cyclists.
Walking tours are a great way to see the historical centre of Berlin and there are plenty of companies offering different tours. Check them out online.
Berlin excursions
To the southeast of Berlin lies the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Spreewald (Spree Forest), a vast and ethnically unique forested land interspersed with a labyrinth of waterways. Beloved by Berliners for its quaint traditions and famous gherkins, this is a place to get out into nature, walk and cycle or take a boat tour.
The best place to start a tour is from the large harbour in Lübbenau or one of the smaller ones in Lübben or Burg. Spreewald can be reached via regional trains from Berlin’s Bahnhof Zoo (journey time – 1 hour 30 minutes) and Ostbahnhof (journey time – 1 hour).
Telephone:
+49 35 4337 2299
Website:
www.spreewald.de
Potsdam is above all worth visiting for the wonderful UNESCO-listed palaces and beautiful parkland of Schloss Sanssouci, the summer residence of Frederick the Great.
The town itself, with its pleasant main shopping street and Dutch Quarter, as well as the nearby Babelsberg Film Studios, make it well worth a full-day excursion. It’s around 20km (12 miles) from Berlin’s centre.
Telephone:
+49 331 275 580
Website:
www.en.potsdam.deShopping in Berlin
Anything goes in bohemian Berlin and this ethos is very much reflected in the attire of its inhabitants. You’ll see all sorts of eye-catching apparel being worn on the streets of this city, which is a haven for DIY hipsters and funky fashionistas.
Whether you have a penchant for punk clothing, designer clobber or vintage garments, if you’re looking to replenish your wardrobe, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a diverse selection of shops and markets catering for all persuasions.
While prices in the multinational stores are in line with the rest of Europe, there are plenty of bargains to be found in independent emporiums and markets, where the only thing more satisfying than picking up a €15 outfit is being able to drink a sensibly priced beer as you peruse the wares. Now that’s what we call shopping.
The famous main avenue of West Berlin is Kurfürstendamm that runs through Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf, still a great place to shop for big brands. The neighbourhood is also home to the city’s premier department store, KaDeWe (Tauentzien-Strasse 21-24).
Most Berliners will agree that the best shopping is available in Mitte between Hackescher Markt and A lexanderplatz. If you’re sick of looking at price tags, head to Garage (Ahornstraße 2) where you can buy clothes by the kilo. But havea close look at the quality of the clothes.
Markets abound in Berlin. The best known are Flohmarkt am Mauerpark and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz, both open on Sundays in Prenzlauer Berg. Flohmarkt am Mauerpark also hosts karaoke sessions during the summer months. Trödel-und Kunstmarkt (Address: Str. des 17. Juni) is one of the biggest flea markets in Berlin with a long tradition. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday. The antiques and book market on the Museum Island is ideal for books, records, CDs, arts and craft. Open every Saturday and Sunday.
The SO36 night market
Address: Oranienstraße 190, 10999 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 30 6140 1306
Website: www.so36.de is great for funky junk and punk paraphernalia.
Berliner Antik & Trödelmarkt
Address: Uhlandstraße 108/109, 10717 Berlin. is for antiques lovers.
Telephone: +49 302 619 015
Opening times: Tue-Fri 11:00-18:00.
Website: www.berlinerkunsthaus.de
There are more than 50 shopping centres to choose from in Berlin. The biggest shopping centres in central Berlin are LP12 Mall of Berlin (Leipziger Platz 12), ALEXA (Grunerstraße 20), Potsdamer Platz Arkaden (Alte Potsdamer Str. 7) and Ring-Center Berlin (Frankfurter Allee 111).
Beyond the city centre, the biggest shopping centre of Berlin is the Gropius-Passagen (Johannisthaler Chaussee 317, Berlin Neukölln) and the most famous is KaDeWe (Tauentzienstraße 21-24, Berlin Schöneberg). Other options include Das Schloss (Schlossstraße 34-36, Steglitz) and Boulevard Berlin (Schloßstraße 10, Steglitz).
Shops in Berlin are generally open Monday to Saturday 08:00/09:00 to 20:00. Almost everything is closed on Sunday, except on open for business Sundays.
Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg is rimmed with boutiques of a special kind and second-hand shops. Here you also find regional produce in the Markthalle am Marheinekeplatz. Or go to the bookshop Hammett for crime novels and then head with your new book to the Café Barcomi’s for delicious cheese cake.
The curiosity shop boxoffberlin (bob) in Zimmerstr 11 sells souvenirs made by regional artists. Markets are also a great place to pick up souvenir antiques and bric-à-brac.
There is also a cluster of anti-souvenir shops scattered around the eclectic Kreuzberg district; Oranienstraße is the place to go for anarchist clothing and I Love Kreuzberg paraphernalia.
Visitors from outside the EU who are visiting for three months or less can reclaim a portion of that on goods worth over 25 Euros. Berlin shops displaying the ‘TAX-FREE’ sign issue a receipt that, when stamped by customs, can be redeemed at a tax-free reimbursement office.
Restaurants in Berlin
Berlin may not loom large on the foodie world map, but it packs a punch with a huge variety of great value dining. The Berlin restaurants below have been grouped into three categories:
Expensive (over €50)
Moderate (€25 to €50)
Cheap (up to €25)
These Berlin restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. Only a small percentage of German restaurants accept credit cards (as opposed to debit cards, which are nearly always accepted). Prices usually include 16% VAT. Normally, a tip between 5 and 10% is expected for good service.
Expensive
Cuisine: German
This sophisticated restaurant is located near the pretty Gendarmenmarkt and dates back to the mid-19th century. The cuisine is French-influenced and the menu changes daily, with lots of meaty options such as calf’s liver in calvados sauce, as well as the signature dish of Wiener Schnitzel. Open daily, booking recommended.
Address:
Französische Str. 47, 10117 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 8188 6262
Website:
www.borchardt-restaurant.de
Cuisine: Fine dining
The eponymous chef works wonders with Asian dishes at this double Michelin-starred establishment. It’s unconventional – and expensive – but the quality of cooking and the balance of flavours are excellent.
Address:
Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2593 7930
Website:
www.tim-raue.com
Cuisine: Fine dining
Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Marco Müller, this upscale fine dining restaurant offers different tasting menus and the emphasis is on inventive use of ingredients such as pigeon and Baltic salmon. There’s also an à la carte menu, not to mention a 900-strong wine list.
Address:
Chausseestraße 8, 10115 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2462 8760
Website:
www.rutz-restaurant.de
Moderate
Cuisine: Vietnamese
The runaway success of this Berlin institution shows no signs of waning. It’s a good-value Vietnamese restaurant right at the heart of Mitte’s best shopping district. It gets busy, but service is brisk, and you’ll generally get a table if you’re happy to wait for a few minutes. The creative dishes take in various Asian cuisines, with cold Saigon beer available to wash them down.
Address:
Alte Schönhauser Strasse 46, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 9929 6924
Website:
www.monsieurvuong.de
Cuisine: German
The oldest restaurant in Berlin, this restaurant has been serving classic German dishes since 1621 and its rendition of Konigsberger Klopse (Meatballs) is delightful. It also has a good selection of German beer.
Address:
Waisenstraße 14-16, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 242 5528
Website:
www.zurletzteninstanz.com
Cheap
Cuisine: Turkish
Located within Kreuzberg and amid Turkish shops and cafes, Adana Grillhaus is the place for Doner Kebab, a tantalising combo of grilled meat stuffed inside fluffy Turkish bread.
Address:
Brandenburgische Str. 32, 10707 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 8872 9032
Website:
www.adanagrillhausberlin.de
Cuisine: German/Snack bar
Currywurst (pork sausage with a sprinkling of curry powder) is Berlin’s most iconic street food and Curry 36 is arguably the best place to try it. There are a few outlets across the city, at the Zoo station, Mehringdamm and Central Station, all of them are packed.
Address:
Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 251 7368
Website:
www.curry36.de
Cuisine: Vegetarian
This vegan-friendly restaurant is best known for its organic dumplings, which some claim it’s the best in Berlin.
Address:
Chausseestraße 2, 10115 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 160 268 8177
Website:
www.momos-berlin.de
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Laid-back eatery specializing Eastern food & drinks, plus cocktails, beer & wine. Salamat says it all. A super-affordable option with more-than-generous portion sizes, Salamat serves up Middle Eastern loaded with different fillings. Take your pick from twenty different toppings, Various teas are also available.
Address: Gartenstraße 1, 10115 Berlin.
Telephone: +49 302 888 4994
Website: www.salamat-berlin.deBerlin Nightlife
Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting and best-value party cities, a byword for alternative culture and nightlife without taboo. West Berlin is the favoured hangout of a wealthier and older crowd, while East Berlin and Kreuzberg are where you’ll find the real action.
Tickets to cultural events are available from:
Telephone:
+49 030 2500 2333
Website:
www.visitberlin.de or directly through most venues. You can find listings in:
Website:
www.zitty.de
Website:
www.tip-berlin.de
Website:
www.prinz.de
There are also club listings in the
Website: www.berlin030.de and in the main English-language paper
Website:
www.exberliner.com
Bars in Berlin
This fantastic canal-side bar makes for one of Berlin’s best summer drinking experiences. Largely outdoor, the drinking area extends to pontoons moored to the banks of the canal, which can be a challenge to negotiate after a few beers. Check the website for opening details in bad weather it stays shut.
Address:
Am Flutgraben 1, 12435 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 6951 8942
Website:
www.clubdervisionaere.com
The first (and probably the best) craft beer bar in Berlin, it has about two dozen beers on tap and keeps a number of reliable seasonal craft too.
Address:
Sorauer Str. 31, 10997 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 8806 1080
Website:
www.hopfenreich.de
This gay-friendly Kreuzberg favourite is home from home to a trendy, international 20s and 30s crowd who pack into this old furniture shop to hear some of Berlin’s best DJs and imbibe cheap cocktails. It’s set back slightly from the main junction at Kotbusser Tor – the entrance is actually around the back on Dresdener-Strasse.
Address:
Reichenberger Str. 177, 10999 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2327 4690
Website:
www.moebel-olfe.de
Clubs in Berlin
Look no further for the ultimate Berlin techno experience – Berghain is it. A former East German power station that has been converted into a palace to partying, this is not the place for a quiet evening out. Expect a long wait to get in and entry is selective. Once inside, enjoy the extraordinary main dance floor or the funky upstairs Panorama Bar.
Address:
Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2936 0210
Website:
www.berghain.berlin
Set in an old apartment block and incorporating multiple rooms across different floors, Renate is a loose-limbed party house with an underground vibe and a music policy tending towards hedonistic techno. Lose yourself in the sprawl inside, or unwind in the outdoor courtyard over summer.
Address:
Alt-Stralau 70, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 2504 1426
Website:
www.renate.cc
Despite fierce competition, Watergate remains one of Berlin’s benchmark clubs. The mainstream techno vibe jars slightly with its location in the hip district of Kreuzberg, but this place still attracts a young and international crowd as well as some of Berlin’s hottest DJs.
Address:
Falckensteinstraße 49, 10997 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 6128 0394
Website:
www.water-gate.de
Live music in Berlin
This Charlottenburg jazz emporium is widely considered to be one of Berlin’s best nightspots for live music. Open every night, it presents jazz performers from around the world, and has hosted many famous names since opening in 1992.
Address:
Ecke Pestalozzistrasse , Bleibtreustraße 1,Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 313 2550
Website:
www.a-trane.de
In Roald Dahl’s book The Twits, four mistreated monkeys seek their revenge by sticking all their owners’ furniture on the ceiling. And it looks like the same primates have been let loose in this fantastic upside-down bar, which, as well as messing with drunken minds, regularly hosts live bands.
Address:
Lübbener Str. 19, Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 9844 2730
Website:
www.madameclaude.de
Once the haunt of icons like Iggy Pop and David Bowie, SO36 remains a keystone in Berlin’s live music scene. The club’s punk ethos continues to the present day. On the third Monday of every month there is also a roller-skating dance class.
Address:
Oranienstraße 190, 10999 Berlin.
Telephone:
+49 30 6140 1306
Website:
www.so36.deBerlin Food And Drink
10 Best Local Dishes In Berlin
Berlin is home to a thriving culinary scene where you’ll be able to taste some positively German creations as well as unique international flavours. Dining in Berlin is defined by powerful flavours whether you’re enjoying a simple kebab or having a fine-dining experience.
Delicious dishes are available all over town, and if you want to experience the city like a local, you’ll have to eat like one. Be sure to try some of the best local dishes from Berlin.
- Currywurst Enjoy a fast-food staple
Currywurst is one of the best and most easily accessible foods you’ll find in Berlin, a mix of pork sausage and curry powder. The food originated when British soldiers in Germany in 1949 brought curry powder with them and Herta Heuwer got a hold of it. Heuwer mixed the powder with pork sausage and other ingredients to create the iconic dish. Getting your hands on this dish is as easy as walking down the street. You’ll find numerous restaurants and street stands all over town that offer currywurst, as it’s one of the most common foods in the entire city. It’s often served with fries or bread rolls.
Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, are fried potatoes crafted with peeled and shredded potatoes along with onions, baking powder and flour. These fried treats, which are nearly universally appealing, are often served with applesauce. While you can get these potato pancakes all year long, they tend to be more popular around the Christmas season, with street vendors and markets offering them more often from late November to December. They’re available in quite a few local restaurants all year long too. Be sure to partake in this treat.
Senfeier is a vegetarian German egg dish that features boiled eggs served in a creamy and smooth mustard sauce alongside various sides and garnishes. Considered a comfort food, the boiled eggs are the star of the show here, while the mustard sauce adds a delicious richness to them. You’ll find this dish mostly in breakfast and lunch restaurants, with it being considered a comfort food or light dinner rather than a full-on meal. The sides it’s served with typically include mashed potatoes, rice or vegetables like carrots and peas.
Berliner Pfannkuche is a sweet German doughnut made from fried yeast dough with a jam filling complemented by icing and powdered sugar. The type of jam or marmalade used in the doughnut can vary quite a bit, and you’ll even find options made with chocolate, pastry cream and champagne. The name of this dish depends on where you are. In restaurants popular with travellers, you’ll find that it’s called a Berliner, while more traditional local restaurants will refer to it simply as Pfannkuchen. You’ll find it available throughout the city.
- Bretzels Try a famous savoury treat
Bretzels are to Berlin as croissants are to Paris, with these doughy treats being a staple for locals looking for a quick and savoury snack. Bretzels in Berlin are a little different from pretzels you’ll find elsewhere, though there are many different varieties available. Bretzels, the German name for pretzels, tend to be of the hot and puffy variety that’s knotted and salty, whether you’re buying them at a street vendor or in the bakery of a supermarket. Speciality bakeries are where you’ll find the best quality, so be sure to check out the local options around where you’re staying.
- Berliner Weisse Grab a pint of Berlin White
Berliner Weisse, or Berlin White, is a local beer that’s cloudy, sour and delicious offering a satisfying local taste of wheat beer from Northern Germany. It’s made from malted barley and wheat, though the malts are prepared in such a way that colour formation is minimised with low temperatures. This beer is about 5% alcohol by volume and is one of the most popular drinks in the city. You can find some that’s produced right in Berlin if you’re looking for premier authenticity. It’s available virtually everywhere that sells drinks.
Best Drink In Berlin
Here in 1894 that Carl Junior developed the name for the brand: ‘Mampe Halb & Halb’, a liqueur made from bitter oranges and 130 herbs. Half sweet, half bitter, and so good that it promptly won the grand prize at the World Fair in 1904. Mampe Berlin was already a global brand at the turn of the century.