Berlin is creative, green and great value for a European capital, with Cold War history on every corner. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Berlin guides.
Top things to do in Berlin
- The Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz.
- The Reichstag dome: free, but register in advance. See our Reichstag guide.
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Bernauer Strasse) and the East Side Gallery.
- The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
- Museum Island: the Neues Museum (Nefertiti) and the Altes Museum. The Pergamon is under long-term renovation.
- Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror.
- Kreuzberg and Neukölln: street food, canals and bars.
See all 20 best things to do in Berlin, or compare Berlin walking tours and museum passes.
Where to stay in Berlin
- Mitte: central, near the main sights. Best for first-timers.
- Prenzlauer Berg: leafy, cafés, calm.
- Kreuzberg: multicultural, with nightlife and food.
- Charlottenburg: classic West Berlin, elegant and quieter.
- Friedrichshain: clubs and the East Side Gallery.
Read our full Berlin area guide, or check hotel prices in Berlin.
Getting around Berlin
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are excellent. In 2026, fares are €4 for an AB single, €5 for ABC (needed for BER Airport), €11.20 for a 24-hour AB ticket and €12.90 for a 24-hour ABC ticket (berlin.de). The nationwide Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month. Berlin is also very bikeable.
Airport to the city
| Option (BER → centre) | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| FEX Airport Express to the Hauptbahnhof | €5 (ABC) | ~23 min |
| S9 to Alexanderplatz | €5 (ABC) | ~45 min |
| Taxi | ~€60–70 | ~40 min |
Full details are in BER Airport to the city.
Best time to visit Berlin
May to September brings long days, beer gardens and open-air events. From late November to Christmas, the city fills with Christmas markets. Winter is cold and grey, but it’s full of culture and good value. Read the best time to visit Berlin and our Berlin Christmas markets guide.
Entry and practical tips
Germany is in the Schengen area. See our Schengen visa guide and ETIAS and EES guide. Carry some cash, because some cafés and late-night spots are cash-only. Most shops close on Sundays. Get a Europe eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Berlin guides
- 20 best things to do in Berlin
- Berlin itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Berlin
- Reichstag dome: free tickets and registration
- Berlin Christmas markets 2026
- BER Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Berlin
- Prague travel guide
FAQ: Berlin travel
How many days do you need in Berlin?
Three days covers the main historic sights, Museum Island, the Wall sites and a neighbourhood or two. Add a day for Potsdam.
Is Berlin expensive?
It’s moderate for a capital. Food and transport are reasonable, and many memorials and sites are free.
Is the Reichstag free?
Yes, but you must register online in advance and bring ID.
Can I visit Prague from Berlin?
Yes. Direct trains take about 4–4.5 hours. See our Prague guide.
Plan your trip to Berlin
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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