Berlin is a destination to be experienced. The vibrant city dazzles visitors with its buzzing and unique culture – one that so starkly contrasts with its dark and dizzying history.
The sprawling city center is absolutely teeming with sights. Magnificent museums, poignant memorials and sprawling parks all vie for tourists’ attention.
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With our Berlin travel tips, you can efficiently plan your trip and make the most of your time.
Even on our quick jaunt through the city, we realized that planning a trip to Berlin is a big project. However, there is no need to stress. Our travel tips for Berlin aim to help you easily prepare for your visit – and save some money, too!
Top 10 Berlin Travel Tips
These bits of advice for Berlin, Germany are derived from our personal experiences during our trip and some post-visit reflections.
#1 Plan Your Berlin Sightseeing
Berlin is massive, with an array of attractions dotting the cityscape. While getting around is made easy with a plethora of public transportation options (which we get to later), it’s best to have a solid plan before you arrive.
One of our top tips for your trip to Berlin is to make a list of your must-see sights. Then, create a sightseeing route around those spots.
Once you arrive, it’s easy to get waylaid and distracted. We spent too long in some spots, which left us rushing later on.
To get started, take a look at our Berlin 3-Day Itinerary. The detailed outline features landmark points of interest, hidden gems and hip districts.
#2 Save Money with a Berlin Sightseeing Pass
When sightseeing in Berlin, the costs can really add up. While there are some free things to do – like visiting Berlin Parks and churches – most tourist attractions require a ticket.
In addition to admission fees, you will also need to calculate the price of getting around. Another one of our best Berlin trip tips for staying on budget is to buy an all-in-one pass.
Berlin City Cards – like the Welcome Card and Easy City Pass – are a great way to save money on entry tickets and public transport fares.
Berlin Welcome Card
Tourists visiting Berlin will most likely benefit from purchasing a Welcome Card, which includes all public transportation and various perks for a specified number of days.
The Welcome Card is the one we chose for our trip. We mostly used it for public transit, but it was nice having discounts for top Berlin tourist sights, too.
Note that the Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island has the added benefit of free entry. This is beneficial if you intend on visiting at least three of the cultural institutions on Museum Island.
The new All-Inclusive Welcome Card can be an exceptional value. In addition to the included bus, tram and train transportation, it provides access to a multitude of museums and venues.
Easy City Pass Berlin
The Easy City Pass Berlin is similar to the Welcome Card, offering both public transportation and discounts to major attractions. We have not used this pass, but it does get great reviews.
We recommend comparing the benefits of all the passes to find out which one will be most valuable for your visit to Berlin.
#3 Get on Board with Berlin Public Transportation
The city of Berlin is well connected, making it simple to get around. That said, Berlin’s transport system, BVG, is complex, especially if you aren’t used to traveling this way at home.
Before arriving, we recommend examining route maps to get a general idea of the options. We believe the best way to pay for public transit is with one of the Berlin Visitor Cards discussed above.
Otherwise, you can purchase tickets (single ride, daily, weekly or monthly) at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations or on buses and trams. Make sure you have a valid ticket; fines can be steep!
To get from Point A to Point B, we relied on Google Maps. Otherwise, routes can be plotted on the Berlin Journey Planner.
#4 Take Berlin Day Trips
During our short Berlin vacation, we didn’t explore much beyond the urban center. There was so much we wanted to see in the heart of the city!
In hindsight, we should have stayed at least one more day so that we could have discovered nearby destinations. We are highlighting a few of the top day trips from Berlin that we’re planning for our next visit.
We provide some suggestions for tours, but here’s another one of our money-saving travel tips for Berlin: You can organize all of these on your own and travel by bus or train.
Charlottenburg Palace
The 17th century Baroque Schloss Charlottenburg is said to be sensational – and it’s just 5 miles from Berlin City Center.
Guests can go inside (with a ticket) to see the richly decorated rooms. The palace gardens are also not to be missed – and they are always free to enter.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Just an hour by train, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was one of the first established by the Third Reich Nazis.
Visitors will hear stories about the prisoners and see what remains of the camp, which stands as a national memorial to the victims. Book the tour.
Potsdam
It’s easy to get from Berlin to Potsdam by train or bus. What makes it a fantastic day trip destination is that you’ll walking in the footsteps of Prussian kings and German royalty.
You can also see Sanssouci Palace and Gardens and other historical sights on a half-day tour from Berlin. Read reviews!
Dresden
Visiting Dresden was actually the reason we traveled to Germany this time – but it can be reached on a day trip from Berlin, as well.
Nicknamed ‘The Jewel Box’, the gorgeous reconstructed city can be seen on your own in just a few hours or you can join this tour that also includes a stop in stunning Meissen!
#5 Choose How Many Days To Spend in Berlin
We spent three full days navigating Berlin…which was just enough time to get acquainted with the city.
Of course, the length of your trip will depend on many factors – like your overall vacation plans, interests and budget.
We are outlining sample itineraries from 1 to 5 days in Berlin. With these Berlin travel planner tips, you can better determine how many days you need.
Berlin One-Day Itinerary
If you are trying to create a plan of things to do in Berlin in one day, you have a big task!
We suggest exploring the top sights on foot using our step-by-step Self-Guided Berlin Walking Tour. With extra time, you could include visiting the Reichstag and Tiergarten.
2 Days in Berlin Itinerary
A perfect Berlin 2-Day Itinerary would follow the above outline for Day 1. For the second day, start with the cultural institutions on Museum Island and then delve deep into the cool neighborhood of Friedrichshain.
4 Day Berlin Itinerary
Begin with our outlined 3 Day Trip Plan for Berlin. Then spend the better part of day 4 in Charlottenburg, touring both the luxurious palace and the exquisite gardens.
5 Days in Berlin Itinerary
After following the above for four days, spend the last day on an excursion to Potsdam, the UNESCO nature area of Spreewald or the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
#6 Berlin Travel Tips: When To Go
Truly a year-round destination, there are advantages (and disadvantages) for visiting Berlin in every season. We are highlighting a few of the pros and cons for travelers.
Summer
Many visitors go to Berlin in the summertime. The days are long and the weather is warm, which is great for sightseeing and being outside at cafes and in Berlin beer gardens.
However, it can get crowded in the summer and prices for lodging will likely be higher than in other seasons.
Autumn
We love Traveling in Europe during fall. Temperatures cool off but are usually still warm enough for the outdoors. Better yet, crowds start to thin and prices tend to drop.
That said, it is still a good idea to book early if you are seeking the best Berlin budget deals. Oktoberfest and Jazzfest are two fun Berlin festivals that take place in the autumn.
Winter
Brrrrrrr-lin. That’s how we pronounced it during our wintertime trip. It was freezing cold and snow blanketed the city, but it didn’t keep us from exploring!
With the well-connected Berlin transit system and bevy of museums, churches and bars, we stayed plenty warm.
While many people may not think winter is the best time to visit Berlin, the top reasons for going during the colder months are fewer crowds and less expensive accommodation.
We just missed the Berlin Holiday Markets, but some say it is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe.
Spring
Springtime is still shoulder season in Berlin, which can mean great hotel deals and easy access to prime sights and attractions.
Still, it can be cold, gray and wet – so be sure to pack accordingly and bring a travel umbrella and raincoat!
#7 Book the Best Berlin Hotels
Deciding where to stay in Berlin was the most overwhelming part of planning our trip. While we wanted to be centrally located, we also had to consider cost.
Berlin can get very expensive for tourists…especially when it comes to hotels. One of our top Berlin tips is to choose a hotel near a U-Bahn station.
We spent hours researching hotels in Berlin. Of all the places we found, Hotel am Steinplatz most aligned with our criteria.
The property, which is located on the west end of Tiergarten Park near a subway station, gets rave reviews for the comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
In the end, we chose to stay in an affordable Airbnb apartment. Although, with the new Berlin Airbnb rules, finding a vacation rental is more difficult than ever.
We recommend budget travelers check out a highly rated Berlin hostel. The Circus Hostel offers dorm beds at great rates (especially considering its very central location).
Need help finding a place within your budget? Read our Berlin travel tips for Booking Hotels at the Best Prices!
#8 Decide How To Get to Berlin
The Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) opened in October of 2020 and is now the city’s sole airport.
Both major airlines and low-cost carriers offer routes from cities across Europe and a few direct flights from the US, too.
One of our top Berlin tourist tips is to search for the cheapest flights on Skyscanner – where you can easily compare prices. We share more hacks in our Guide to Finding Cheap Flights.
That said, getting to Berlin, Germany by train or bus might even cost less. In Europe, our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is reliable, economical, clean and comfortable.
While we don’t recommend driving in Berlin, renting a car can often save time and money when traveling in groups. Plus, a car rental allows for more flexibility in your itinerary.
#9 Berlin Packing Essentials
We get it, this is the least fun part of planning a Berlin vacation. No worries: our top Berlin tips for packing will have you ready in no time. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Germany!
Durable Shoes
With so much to see in Berlin, you will likely cover a lot of ground on foot. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I like these trainers by New Balance; Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of pictures during your Berlin getaway. Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for quality photos.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens, which together take beautiful pictures, comes with loads of fun accessories and is an excellent value budget camera.
Day Pack
Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want to be prepared with a great day bag.
We use these small backpacks for keeping all our everyday travel items organized and safe from pickpockets.
Connectivity
One of our best bits of Berlin travel advice is to make sure you’re connected. It’s essential for accessing up-to-date transit options, easy-to-follow walking directions and attraction information.
You can upgrade your cellphone service to a short-term international plan, use an eSim (with an unlocked phone) or invest in a handy Pocket WiFi device – like GlocalMe.
Make sure you also bring a portable charger for a late-day power boost. We charge up with Anker.
That all said, going old school and carrying a Berlin City Map can be very useful. If you don’t buy one beforehand, you can pick up an inexpensive map at Visit Berlin, the official Berlin Tourist site.
European Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may help cover costs associated with cancelled flights, lost luggage or even unexpected illness. If you haven’t purchased coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Berlin Trip Planner
As you begin to make your travel arrangements, staying organized is key! Our Printable Travel Planner contains more than 20 pages of trip organization!
#10 Brush Up on Berlin History
Our final piece of advice is one of our best Berlin travel tips: Go in understanding Germany’s dynamic history.
To really appreciate Berlin attractions today, it is essential to know a bit about the past. Although the city has a relatively short timeline by most European standards, the history is complex and profoundly marked by events of the 20th century.
Berlin City Origins
Originally settled by the Slavs, Berlin officially became a city in 1237 under the rule of the Margraves of Brandenburg. Berlin grew quickly, and in 1451 it became the royal residence of the Brandenburg electors.
In the late 1500s, many citizens fell victim to Bubonic plague and in the early 1600s, half of Berlin’s population was lost in the Thirty Years’ War.
By the mid-1600s, under Elector Frederick William, the population surged due to open policies regarding immigration and religion.
In 1701, when Elector Frederick III named himself King of Prussia, Berlin became the capital of the kingdom.
He was succeeded by his son, King Frederick William – also known as The Soldier King – who ruled from 1713 until his death in 1740.
At that time, his son – who became known as Frederick the Great – became king and ruled until he died in 1786.
Throughout the 1700s, not only did Berlin see the construction of many churches and buildings (some that survive today), but also the rise of education, transportation and the arts.
The strong economic growth of the early 1800s attracted an influx of immigrants to Berlin, which resulted in much of the population suffering from poverty and ultimately led to a middle-class revolution in 1848.
The German Empire
In 1871, the German Empire (or German Reich) was established. The nation became the most powerful in all of Europe – and Berlin became the center of European politics.
The industrial city boomed until World War I, when supplies and morale were both running short. At the end of WWI, the monarchy was overthrown and in 1918 Germany became the Weimar Republic, with Berlin remaining as the capital. Political unrest ensued.
To pay reparations as agreed to in the Treaty of Versailles, the German government simply started printing money. Inflation peaked in 1923 when 1 US dollar equaled 4.2 trillion German marks!
The economic situation improved by 1924 and Berlin became a cultural center of Europe highlighted by exhibitions and a vibrant nightlife…until 1929 and the Great Depression.
Bankruptcy and unemployment led to demonstrations and chaos in the German government. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was named Chancellor and the Nazis took control of the nation.
In the same year, the boycotting of Jewish-owned businesses was organized, book burning ceremonies took place and the first concentration camps were constructed. Hitler strode toward his goal of Welthauptstadt Germania (World Capital Germany).
World War II
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany declared war on Poland – and thus starting World War II and Berlin was first bombed in August of 1940.
During the Battle of Berlin (November 1943-March 1944) nearly half of the city was destroyed. Fighting came to end in April and May 1945 when the Soviets captured Berlin and Hitler committed suicide.
Berlin: A City Divided
The city of Berlin was subsequently divided into four sectors to be administered jointly by The United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union.
As the Western Forces banded together, relations with the Soviet Union dissolved. The city was soon divided into East Berlin (Soviet/Communist) and West Berlin (Western Allied Forces) – and became the focus of the Cold War.
As East Berlin conditions deteriorated under a suffering economy, residents fled to West Berlin. In order to prevent a complete mass exodus, in 1961 the East German government began building the Berlin Wall.
Checkpoints allowed for Westerners (with the proper paperwork) to pass through to the East, but East Berlin residents were not permitted into the West.
German Reunification
The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years – separating the city, families and friends. In November 1989, the wall dramatically fell, the city reunited and the Cold War ended.
Since reunification, Berlin has experienced rapid growth and has become a center of business development, international investment and is the most visited city in Germany!
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Germany Destinations
- See the Best of Frankfurt (plus our FREE Walking Tour)
- What To Do in Dusseldorf
- Make the Most of a Munich Layover (and our Self-Guided Walk)
- Sail Through Germany on a River Cruise
- Things To Do in Fabulous Freiburg
- Underrated German Cities to Visit
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