Berlin
Berlin
Short overview
A sprawling, creative capital where Cold War history, world-class museums and legendary nightlife sit side by side. Come for the street art, galleries and food scene — and expect grey skies, gritty edges and very late nights.
Best times to go
May – June
Long light evenings, open-air bars and beer gardens, and lake swims before the summer rush.
September
Warm days, a packed cultural calendar and Berlin Art Week, with fewer tourists than summer.
Good for
history buffs, budget travellers, art lovers and anyone who wants big-city energy without big-city prices.
Skip if
you're after classic old-town charm — Berlin is spread out, modern in places and proudly rough around the edges.
Things to do
East Side Gallery
Walk the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals by artists from around the world.
1–2 hours
Free
East Side Gallery
Walk the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals by artists from around the world.
1–2 hours
Free
East Side Gallery
Walk the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals by artists from around the world.
1–2 hours
Free
Museum Island
Five world-class museums on one island, from the Ishtar Gate to the bust of Nefertiti.
3–5 hours
€19–24 day pass
3–5 hours
€19–24 day pass
Reichstag dome
Spiral up the glass dome of the German parliament for free views across the city.
1–2 hours
Free (book online ahead)
1–2 hours
Free (book online ahead)
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free memorials, the Reichstag, street art walks and one museum day.
Best value
€
140
/week
A Museum Pass, a walking tour and a boat trip on the Spree.
Splurge
€
600
/week
Private history tours, a day trip to Potsdam and a night at the Philharmonie.
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free memorials, the Reichstag, street art walks and one museum day.
Best value
€
140
/week
A Museum Pass, a walking tour and a boat trip on the Spree.
Splurge
€
600
/week
Private history tours, a day trip to Potsdam and a night at the Philharmonie.
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free memorials, the Reichstag, street art walks and one museum day.
Best value
€
140
/week
A Museum Pass, a walking tour and a boat trip on the Spree.
Splurge
€
600
/week
Private history tours, a day trip to Potsdam and a night at the Philharmonie.
Food and drink
Berlin eats cheap and global. Döner, currywurst and Vietnamese pho are everyday staples, and the brunch scene is huge.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery Franzbrötchen and coffee
A cinnamon pastry and a filter coffee from a corner Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brötchen with cheese
Crusty bread rolls with butter, cheese and cold cuts, the German classic.
€
5
Splurge
Weekend brunch
Eggs, avocado toast and specialty coffee in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg.
€
16
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery Franzbrötchen and coffee
A cinnamon pastry and a filter coffee from a corner Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brötchen with cheese
Crusty bread rolls with butter, cheese and cold cuts, the German classic.
€
5
Splurge
Weekend brunch
Eggs, avocado toast and specialty coffee in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg.
€
16
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery Franzbrötchen and coffee
A cinnamon pastry and a filter coffee from a corner Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brötchen with cheese
Crusty bread rolls with butter, cheese and cold cuts, the German classic.
€
5
Splurge
Weekend brunch
Eggs, avocado toast and specialty coffee in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg.
€
16
Lunch
Cheapest
Döner kebab
Berlin's own invention, stuffed with grilled meat, salad and garlic sauce.
€
7
Best value
Vietnamese pho
Big bowls of noodle soup from the city's many Vietnamese canteens.
€
12
Splurge
Markthalle Neun lunch
Street food stalls in a historic Kreuzberg market hall, best on Thursday evenings.
€
15
Lunch
Cheapest
Döner kebab
Berlin's own invention, stuffed with grilled meat, salad and garlic sauce.
€
7
Best value
Vietnamese pho
Big bowls of noodle soup from the city's many Vietnamese canteens.
€
12
Splurge
Markthalle Neun lunch
Street food stalls in a historic Kreuzberg market hall, best on Thursday evenings.
€
15
Lunch
Cheapest
Döner kebab
Berlin's own invention, stuffed with grilled meat, salad and garlic sauce.
€
7
Best value
Vietnamese pho
Big bowls of noodle soup from the city's many Vietnamese canteens.
€
12
Splurge
Markthalle Neun lunch
Street food stalls in a historic Kreuzberg market hall, best on Thursday evenings.
€
15
Dinner
Cheapest
Currywurst and fries
Sliced sausage drenched in curry ketchup from a classic Imbiss stand.
€
6
Best value
Beer hall dinner
Schnitzel or Eisbein with a half-litre of beer at a traditional Kneipe.
€
25
Splurge
Tasting menu in Mitte
New German cooking at one of the city's acclaimed modern restaurants.
€
120
Dinner
Cheapest
Currywurst and fries
Sliced sausage drenched in curry ketchup from a classic Imbiss stand.
€
6
Best value
Beer hall dinner
Schnitzel or Eisbein with a half-litre of beer at a traditional Kneipe.
€
25
Splurge
Tasting menu in Mitte
New German cooking at one of the city's acclaimed modern restaurants.
€
120
Dinner
Currywurst and fries
€
6
Sliced sausage drenched in curry ketchup from a classic Imbiss stand.
Beer hall dinner
€
25
Schnitzel or Eisbein with a half-litre of beer at a traditional Kneipe.
Tasting menu in Mitte
€
120
New German cooking at one of the city's acclaimed modern restaurants.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
Bakery breakfasts, döner and currywurst, plus supermarket picnics.
Best value
€
260
/week
Brunch, market halls and a sit-down dinner most nights.
Splurge
€
650
/week
Cocktail bars, wine and a couple of tasting-menu nights.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
Bakery breakfasts, döner and currywurst, plus supermarket picnics.
Best value
€
260
/week
Brunch, market halls and a sit-down dinner most nights.
Splurge
€
650
/week
Cocktail bars, wine and a couple of tasting-menu nights.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
Bakery breakfasts, döner and currywurst, plus supermarket picnics.
Best value
€
260
/week
Brunch, market halls and a sit-down dinner most nights.
Splurge
€
650
/week
Cocktail bars, wine and a couple of tasting-menu nights.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Currywurst
Steamed then fried pork sausage, sliced and smothered in curry-spiced ketchup — Berlin's street food icon since 1949.
Currywurst
Steamed then fried pork sausage, sliced and smothered in curry-spiced ketchup — Berlin's street food icon since 1949.
Where to stay
Mitte is central for sightseeing, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain for nightlife, and Prenzlauer Berg for a calmer, leafy feel.
Cheapest
Hostel in Friedrichshain
A big, social hostel near the East Side Gallery and the clubs.
€210/week
/night
€
30
Cheapest
Hostel in Friedrichshain
A big, social hostel near the East Side Gallery and the clubs.
€210/week
/night
€
30
Best value
Design hotel in Kreuzberg
Stylish, compact rooms close to canals, cafés and the U-Bahn.
€735/week
/night
€
105
Best value
Design hotel in Kreuzberg
Stylish, compact rooms close to canals, cafés and the U-Bahn.
€735/week
/night
€
105
Splurge
Grand hotel by the Brandenburg Gate
Classic five-star luxury on Pariser Platz, with a spa and landmark views.
€2,940/week
/night
€
420
Splurge
Grand hotel by the Brandenburg Gate
Classic five-star luxury on Pariser Platz, with a spa and landmark views.
€2,940/week
/night
€
420
Unique stay
Houseboat on the Spree
A floating room on the river, with a deck for sunset drinks by the Oberbaum Bridge.
€980/week
/night
€
140
Unique stay
Houseboat on the Spree
A floating room on the river, with a deck for sunset drinks by the Oberbaum Bridge.
€980/week
/night
€
140
Unique stay
Houseboat on the Spree
A floating room on the river, with a deck for sunset drinks by the Oberbaum Bridge.
€980/week
/night
€
140
Getting around
Berlin is big but has one of Europe's best transport networks. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn get you anywhere fast.
Public transport
Coverage
U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses run on one ticket system, with all-night service at weekends. Validate paper tickets before boarding.
Single ticket
€
3.80
Weekly pass
€
45
Which modes are available?
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
Trams
Bike lanes and rentals
Public transport
Coverage
U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses run on one ticket system, with all-night service at weekends. Validate paper tickets before boarding.
Single ticket
€
3.80
Weekly pass
€
45
Which modes are available?
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
Trams
Bike lanes and rentals
Car rental
Car usefulness
Unnecessary in the city. Public transport is faster and the centre has a low-emission zone. Only worth it for trips to the lakes or Spreewald.
Price
€
40
/day
Young driver fee
€
15
/day
Parking
€
20
/day
Street parking is paid in most central districts at €1–4 an hour, and garages cost €20–30 a day.
Car rental
Car usefulness
Unnecessary in the city. Public transport is faster and the centre has a low-emission zone. Only worth it for trips to the lakes or Spreewald.
Price
€
40
/day
Young driver fee
€
15
/day
Parking
€
20
/day
Street parking is paid in most central districts at €1–4 an hour, and garages cost €20–30 a day.
Cheapest
€
45
/week
A 7-day AB ticket and plenty of walking.
Best value
€
60
/week
A 7-day ABC ticket covering the airport and Potsdam.
Splurge
€
250
/week
Taxis and Ubers at night, plus a few days of bike rental.
Cheapest
€
45
/week
A 7-day AB ticket and plenty of walking.
Best value
€
60
/week
A 7-day ABC ticket covering the airport and Potsdam.
Splurge
€
250
/week
Taxis and Ubers at night, plus a few days of bike rental.
Cheapest
€
45
/week
A 7-day AB ticket and plenty of walking.
Best value
€
60
/week
A 7-day ABC ticket covering the airport and Potsdam.
Splurge
€
250
/week
Taxis and Ubers at night, plus a few days of bike rental.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€18–€25
Accommodation
€28–€40
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€60–€91
PER WEEK
€420–€640
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Cheapest
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€18–€25
Accommodation
€28–€40
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€60–€91
PER WEEK
€420–€640
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Cheapest
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€18–€25
Accommodation
€28–€40
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€60–€91
PER WEEK
€420–€640
Best value
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€35–€50
Accommodation
€90–€120
Getting around
€6–€9
Activities
€15–€25
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€156–€219
PER WEEK
€1,090–€1,530
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Best value
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€35–€50
Accommodation
€90–€120
Getting around
€6–€9
Activities
€15–€25
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€156–€219
PER WEEK
€1,090–€1,530
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Best value
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€35–€50
Accommodation
€90–€120
Getting around
€6–€9
Activities
€15–€25
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€156–€219
PER WEEK
€1,090–€1,530
Splurge
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€280–€450
Getting around
€25–€50
Activities
€60–€110
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€480–€790
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,530
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Splurge
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€280–€450
Getting around
€25–€50
Activities
€60–€110
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€480–€790
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,530
Per person outside major trade fairs. Big events like the marathon or Berlinale push hotel prices up 30–50%.
Splurge
Berlin, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€280–€450
Getting around
€25–€50
Activities
€60–€110
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€480–€790
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,530
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
History, nightlife, street art, museums and great-value food.
Catches visitors off guard
How spread out it is, Sunday shop closures and strict club door policies.
Common misconception
It isn't only about techno — Berlin has some of Europe's best museums, parks and lakes.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
History, nightlife, street art, museums and great-value food.
Catches visitors off guard
How spread out it is, Sunday shop closures and strict club door policies.
Common misconception
It isn't only about techno — Berlin has some of Europe's best museums, parks and lakes.
Watch out for
Ticket inspectors
There are no gates, but plain-clothes inspectors fine you €60 for riding without a validated ticket.
Sundays
Almost all shops and supermarkets close on Sundays. Stock up on Saturday or use station shops.
Cash-only bars
Plenty of bars, Imbiss stands and small restaurants still don't take cards.
Watch out for
Ticket inspectors
There are no gates, but plain-clothes inspectors fine you €60 for riding without a validated ticket.
Sundays
Almost all shops and supermarkets close on Sundays. Stock up on Saturday or use station shops.
Cash-only bars
Plenty of bars, Imbiss stands and small restaurants still don't take cards.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Four days covers the main history sights, Museum Island and a couple of neighbourhoods.
How do I get from the airport?
The FEX train and S-Bahn run from BER to the centre in 30–40 minutes with an ABC ticket for €4.70.
Is the Berlin WelcomeCard worth it?
Only if you'll use transport heavily and visit several partner sights. A plain weekly ticket is often cheaper.
Can I get into Berghain?
Maybe. There's no dress code you can game; go in a small group, dress dark and keep it low-key in the queue.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Four days covers the main history sights, Museum Island and a couple of neighbourhoods.
How do I get from the airport?
The FEX train and S-Bahn run from BER to the centre in 30–40 minutes with an ABC ticket for €4.70.
Is the Berlin WelcomeCard worth it?
Only if you'll use transport heavily and visit several partner sights. A plain weekly ticket is often cheaper.
Can I get into Berghain?
Maybe. There's no dress code you can game; go in a small group, dress dark and keep it low-key in the queue.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs and avoid standalone Euronet machines with high fees.
Cards vs cash
Card use is growing but cash is still king in many bars, Späti shops and small restaurants. Always carry €20–50.
Tipping
Round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants. Tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving money on the table.
Tourist tax
City tax of 7.5% of the room price, added to your hotel bill.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs and avoid standalone Euronet machines with high fees.
Cards vs cash
Card use is growing but cash is still king in many bars, Späti shops and small restaurants. Always carry €20–50.
Tipping
Round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants. Tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving money on the table.
Tourist tax
City tax of 7.5% of the room price, added to your hotel bill.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.