Berlin holidays

How to reach Berlin

Berlin is served by two main airports: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which is the primary international gateway, and Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), which has been officially closed since November 2020. All commercial air traffic has moved to BER.

• Flight Time: Direct flights from London to Berlin take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

• Transfer to the City Centre:

  • From BER, the Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE7, RB14) connect to the city centre in about 30 minutes, costing around €3.60 for a one-way ticket within the ABC zones.

  • Taxis from BER to central Berlin cost about €40-€60, with the journey taking approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Price of Different Transport Options: Berlin's public transport system (BVG) offers buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (suburban trains) services. A single ticket for AB zones costs €3.00, while a day ticket costs €8.80.

Best time to visit Berlin

The best time for a Berlin holiday depends on your expectations, with each season providing a unique experience.

• Spring (March to May) sees the city come alive with blossoms, featuring mild weather (average temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C) and fewer crowds.

• Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, with warm weather (average temperatures range from 14°C to 24°C), long days, and a plethora of festivals and outdoor events.

• Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures (average temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C) and beautiful fall foliage, with cultural events making it a great time to visit.

• Winter (December to February) is cold (average temperatures range from -2°C to 3°C) and has shorter days, but the Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations offer a festive reason to visit.

High season corresponds with summer, while low season falls in winter.

Practical information for Berlin holidays

• Spoken Languages: German is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.

• Local Habits and Customs: Greetings are formal; a quick handshake is common. Punctuality is valued. Recycling is taken seriously, and jaywalking is frowned upon.

• Tips: Tipping in restaurants and cafes is customary, usually around 5-10% of the bill, if service is not included.

• Security: Berlin is generally safe, but as with any major city, take precautions against pickpocketing and be aware of your surroundings.

• Health: No special vaccinations are required for entry. The tap water is safe to drink.

• Papers and Visa: EU citizens can enter with an ID card. Non-EU citizens, including UK nationals post-Brexit, should check visa requirements. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area is required.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting Around: Berlin's comprehensive public transport network makes getting around easy. Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

• Electricity/Plugs: The standard voltage is 230 V with type F plugs. Visitors from the UK will need an adapter.

This guide provides essential information to help you navigate Berlin confidently, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable holiday in Germany's vibrant capital.

Best things to do in Berlin

Energetic and irreverent, the German capital has some of the most important archaeological collections in Europe, as well as an impressive range of galleries and museums, and an exuberant, cutting-edge nightlife.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Reichstag: The view from the Reichstag’s glass cupola provides a great handle on the city.

• Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm): Iconic landmark whose 203m-high observation platform and revolving café offer unbeatable views.

The best districts

• Mitte: Extending from the leafy boulevard of Unter den Linden to the bustling area of restaurants, shops and bars around Hackescher Markt a short walk northeast, this is the city’s beating heart.

• Kreuzberg: Soak up Berlin’s alternative spirit and bohemian vibe in Kreuzberg, full of street art, quirky cafés and lively markets.

• Prenzlauer Berg: Once a popular counter-cultural centre, this leafy district is now known for its cafés, indie boutiques and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s also home to Mauerpark, a popular spot for flea markets and open-air karaoke on Sundays.

Museums

• Museum Berggruen: Unmissable for fans of 20th-century art and specifically Picasso. Most of the 120 Picassos here have rarely been seen and steal the show – highlights include the richly textured Cubist The Yellow Sweater and large-scale Reclining Nude.

• Jüdisches Museum: An architectural burst of light in a bland residential part of Kreuzberg, the Jewish Museum Berlin tackles the difficult topic of the history and culture of German Jewry.

Parks and gardens

• Tiergarten: A huge swathe of peaceful green parkland smack in the middle of Berlin, the Tiergarten was originally designed by Peter Lenné as a hunting ground for Elector Friedrich III, but now provides a great antidote to city noise and bustle.

• Tempelhofer Feld: This former airport turned public park is a vast, open space ideal for cycling and rollerblading among other things - you can even explore the former runways!

Historical monuments

• The Berlin Wall Memorial: Stretching 2km along Bernauer Strasse, this forms the most rewarding Wall-related sight in Berlin. Start at the visitor centre and take in the excellent introductory film.

• The Olympic Stadium: One of Berlin’s few remaining Fascist-era buildings, this huge neoclassical construction is hugely impressive, despite being tainted by its past.

• Brandenburg Gate: Once marking the division between East and West Berlin, this grand neoclassical monument now stands as a symbol of peace and unity.

Day trips in the area

• Potsdam: Just a short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is an easy day out from Berlin, harbouring several fine palaces, including the fabled park Sanssouci.

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: The former concentration camp operated by both the Nazis and Soviets makes for a sobering but rewarding day trip from Berlin.

Activities for families in Berlin

Few cities in Germany, or Europe for that matter, can match Berlin for the sheer variety of family-friendly activities.

• Zoos and aquariums: One of Europe’s most important zoos, Zoologischer Garten is a pleasantly landscaped place whose highlight is the nocturnal Nachttierhaus, featuring a bat cave, a large glass-sided hippo-pool and Germany’s only pandas. The zoo’s aquarium is fantastic and an excellent rainy-day option.

• Interactive museums: The Story of Berlin contains an excellent and inventive multimedia exhibition that’s great for kids, with film clips, noises, flashing lights, smoke and smells, which illustrate the trawl through the city’s turbulent past. More scarily, the Berlin Dungeon does hour-long tours using actors who try to scare and amuse with tales of torture, serial killings, plagues and the like. No access to children under 8; those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Parks and playgrounds: Tiergarten offers plenty of space for kids to run around and play, while Mauerpark is a fun spot to explore, with its flea market and Sunday karaoke. For younger children, Berlin’s numerous adventure playgrounds are a hit.

Free things to do in Berlin

Finding free things to do in Berlin is easy, whether that’s exploring the local art scene, soaking up the myriad festivals or just enjoying the city’s many green spaces.

• Free guided tours: New Berlin Tours offer a free city-centre tour, though tips are expected.

• Parks and outdoor spaces: Berlin’s many parks, including Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, are perfect for a day of free outdoor exploration.

• Contemporary art: Investigate the local scene for free courtesy of Berlin’s estimated 5,000 artists-in-residence, who regularly open their studios for visitors.

• Berlin Wall East Side Gallery: This open-air gallery, painted on a section of the Berlin Wall, features over 100 murals by artists from around the world.

Nature and outdoor activities in Berlin

For such a large urban centre, there are a surprising number of ways in which you can get physically active on your Berlin holidays.

• Cycling: An extensive bike-path network makes cycling an enjoyable urban activity; one good bike-rental company is Fahrradstation, while there are two public bicycle-sharing initiatives: Call a Bike and NextBike.

• Boat tours: Boats cruise Berlin’s numerous city-centre canals and suburban lakes regularly in summer. Usually, you can just turn up at quayside stops around the Spreeinsel and buy a ticket on the spot.

• Hiking: Berlin’s large parks, notably Grunewald Forest and Treptower Park, offer opportunities for urban walking: Grunewald, for example, has trails leading to the Teufelsberg, a not insubstantial hill offering unencumbered views over the city.

The best beaches in Berlin

While Berlin is landlocked, the city and its surrounding areas offer several lovely beach spots along lakes and riverbanks, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors during the warmer months.

• Public Beaches: Strandbad Wannsee is one of Berlin's most popular and traditional public beaches, with fine sand and a wide range of facilities, including changing rooms, showers, and a children's play area. Another favourite is Strandbad Müggelsee, located on Berlin's largest lake, offering a natural beach setting.

• Private Beaches with Charges: Badeschiff is a unique floating pool in the River Spree, offering an urban beach vibe with sunbeds, a bar, and panoramic city views. An entrance fee is charged for access to the pool and beach area. Another is BeachMitte, which, despite its central location, offers beach volleyball courts, a beach bar, and sun loungers, creating a vibrant beach atmosphere in the heart of the city.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Several lake beaches around Berlin, such as the Strandbad Tegeler See and Strandbad Orankesee, provide sunbeds, umbrellas, and other amenities for a small fee, along with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a snack.

Nearest beaches to Berlin

While Berlin itself offers several beach-like experiences, those willing to travel a bit can find genuine beach atmosphere in nearby areas:

• Strandbad Grünau on the Dahme River offers a more secluded environment with clear waters and fine sand, ideal for those looking to escape the city's hustle.

• Liegewiese am Schlachtensee is a grassy area by the Schlachtensee lake, favoured for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings, offering a more natural lake beach experience without the typical beach facilities but with the charm of a serene getaway.

• For a Baltic Sea experience, the beaches of Warnemünde and the island of Rügen are within a few hours' drive or train ride from Berlin, offering expansive sandy beaches, seaside resorts, and the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea.

These beach spots provide Berliners and visitors with delightful options for relaxation, swimming, and sunbathing, making the city's summers lively and enjoyable despite its distance from the sea.

Local dishes in Berlin

Berlin has all the restaurants and cafés you’d expect from a major European capital, with virtually every imaginable type of food represented; indeed, national food generally takes a back seat to Greek, Turkish, Balkan, Indian, Italian and – most recently – Syrian specialities.

Some typical dishes

• Currywurst: A Berlin icon invented, they say, in 1949 by a bored Imbiss stall-holder. Basically a Wiener sliced, smothered in ketchup, then dusted with curry powder.

• Eisbein: A slow-cooked pork knuckle served with sauerkraut and potatoes, it’s especially popular in the colder months and pairs well with a glass of German beer.

Street food

• Döner kebab: Invented in Berlin, the Döner is served in a pita with meat, salad and various sauces.

• Bouletten: Quite simply, meatballs served in sandwich form with a big dollop of mustard.

Meat dishes

• Wurst: Part of the national cuisine since the Middle Ages, sausages are taken seriously in their home nation, and feature pork (and sometimes beef or veal), spices and peppercorns.

• Schnitzel: A breaded and fried cutlet of pork or veal served with potato salad or fries.

• Berliner Leber: A local speciality, this dish consists of sautéed liver, usually from veal, served with onions, apple slices and mashed potatoes.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Labskaus: A filling mash of beef, pork, salted herring, potato, beetroot and gherkin, topped with a fried egg.

• Matjes: Especially popular in northern Germany and Berlin, this is a pickled herring served with onions, sour cream and boiled potatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• Berliner Pfannkuchen: Known simply as "Berliner", these fluffy doughnuts are dusted with powdered sugar and come with a variety of fillings, including classic raspberry jam, chocolate and custard.

• Rote Grütze: A classic dessert made from red berries, thickened with cornstarch and served with vanilla sauce or cream.

Local drinks

• Berliner Weisse: A sour wheat beer, Berliner Weisse is often served with a shot of flavoured syrup, such as raspberry or woodruff, to balance its tartness.

• Schnapps: A strong distilled spirit usually made from fruits like apples, cherries or plums, in Berlin the most popular version is Doppelkorn (corn Schnapps), traditionally knocked back with a knuckle of pork.

Local sports events during Berlin holidays

Berlin, a city rich in history and culture, also boasts a vibrant sports scene that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in local sporting events.

• Stadiums or Arenas: The Olympiastadion Berlin is not only a historical landmark but also the home to Hertha BSC football club. Witnessing a match here is a thrilling way to experience German football culture. Another key venue is the Mercedes-Benz Arena, hosting a variety of sports events, including Eisbären Berlin ice hockey matches.

• Where to Go to Watch a Match: To live it like a local, head to one of the many sports bars or beer gardens scattered across the city, where you can join Berliners cheering for their favourite teams, especially during Bundesliga matches or international tournaments.

Sports facilities for travellers in Berlin

Berlin caters to active travellers with an array of facilities:

• Swimming-Pools: Berlin offers numerous public swimming pools, such as the historic Stadtbad Neukölln or the Sommerbad Olympiastadion, perfect for laps or leisurely swims.

• Yoga, Fitness, Dancing, Tennis: Fitness enthusiasts will find plenty of options, from yoga studios like Yellow Yoga to comprehensive fitness centres such as Superfit, offering a range of classes and facilities.

Cycling in Berlin

Berlin is renowned for being bike-friendly, with extensive cycling paths that make it a joy to explore on two wheels.

• Bike Rental: Services like Nextbike and Deutsche Bahn's Call a Bike make it easy to rent a bicycle for short trips or longer explorations.

• Popular Cycling Routes: Tour the Berlin Wall Trail, explore the Tiergarten, or enjoy a leisurely ride along the Spree River. These routes offer both scenic beauty and a glimpse into Berlin's history.

Hiking around Berlin

The area surrounding Berlin is dotted with forests and nature reserves, offering beautiful hiking opportunities.

• Hiking: Grunewald Forest, with its trails leading to the Teufelsberg, provides a natural escape, while the Wannsee and its surroundings offer picturesque walks.

Water sports in Berlin

Berlin's lakes and rivers are perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

• Water Sports: Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities in the summer, with rentals available at Müggelsee and Wannsee.

Winter sports in Berlin

Though Berlin is not known for winter sports, there are seasonal ice skating rinks and indoor facilities for skiing and snowboarding.

• Winter Sports: Tempelhofer Feld often hosts temporary ice rinks, and Snowtropolis, a short drive away, offers indoor skiing.

Golf courses in Berlin

Golfers will find several courses in and around Berlin, catering to all skill levels.

• Golf Courses: The Berlin-Wannsee Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Germany, offering a challenging course amidst beautiful scenery.

A Berlin holiday can be surprisingly active, with a variety of sports and outdoor activities to enjoy, reflecting the city's diverse and inclusive spirit.

Seasonal events during Berlin holidays

Berlin's calendar is packed with vibrant seasonal events, reflecting the city's dynamic culture and history. From festive markets to colorful parades, each event offers a unique way to experience the German capital.

• New Year: Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate, where one of Europe's biggest street parties unfolds with fireworks, live music, and a jubilant atmosphere.

• Christmas Shopping & Markets: The city transforms in December with numerous Christmas markets, like the one at Gendarmenmarkt, offering crafts, food, and Glühwein (mulled wine). Christmas shopping in areas like Kurfürstendamm becomes a festive experience with beautifully decorated stores and street lights.

• Easter: Easter markets and egg hunts are popular, especially in parks like the Britzer Garten, where families gather to celebrate the springtime holiday.

• Gay Events: Berlin Pride (CSD) in July is a highlight, with a large parade and festivities that showcase the city's open and inclusive atmosphere.

• Carnival: The Carnival of Cultures in May celebrates Berlin's multicultural spirit with a colorful street parade, music, and food from around the world.

Festivals in Berlin

Berlin's festival scene is as diverse as the city itself, encompassing film, music, culture, and art.

• Berlinale: The Berlin International Film Festival in February is one of the film industry's premier events, attracting stars and filmmakers from across the globe.

• Berlin Music Festival: Various music festivals, including Lollapalooza Berlin and the Berlin Festival, offer everything from indie to electronic music, showcasing international and local acts.

• Long Night of Museums: Held annually, this event sees museums across the city open late, offering special exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

• Berlin Art Week: In September, the city's vibrant art scene is celebrated with gallery openings, exhibitions, and fairs.

• Berlin Fashion Week: Taking place biannually, it's a must for fashion enthusiasts, highlighting the latest from both established designers and emerging talent.

• Fête de la Musique: Every June 21st, the city comes alive with music of all genres played in streets, bars, and parks, free for everyone to enjoy.

• Berlin Light Festival: In October, iconic landmarks are illuminated with spectacular light installations, transforming the cityscape after dark.

These events and festivals offer residents and visitors alike a chance to delve into Berlin's rich cultural life, providing unforgettable experiences throughout the year.