A locals guide to Berlin
This Berlin Travel Guide will take you on an adventure through one of the most exciting European cities, the capital of Germany! Locals either love or hate this crazy city. There’s no in-between. Let’s dive into a unique, crazy, and vibrant city.
Berlin FAQ
If you’ve never been to Germany or Berlin, there are a few questions you might have and a few things to keep in mind. Let’s dive right in…
Is it safe to travel to Berlin?
In short: YES! Berlin is safe and open in many ways. However, it is a major European city with many tourists, so there are pickpockets. Take care of your valuables, keep them close to you and be aware of your surroundings.
Do I tip in Berlin?
Yes, please tip your waitstaff at restaurants. If the service is excellent, you could tip up to 15%, but everything from 5-10% is perfectly acceptable. Also, be aware that Germans LOVE cash. Carry some Euros and an Electronic Cash Card to be safe.
How do I get around Berlin?
If you want to see the best (and the worst) of Germany’s capital, take public transport to get from one point of interest to another. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn will take you around the city quickly and easily. You can get tickets online via the DB App or ticket machines at the stations or on a bus. We wouldn’t recommend getting a taxi, as city traffic can be horrible and taxi rates are costly.
Where to stay in Berlin
There are many ways to stay in and enjoy Berlin. The city has recently banned commercial Airbnb because of the housing crisis, but there are still some nice places you can stay in. Additionally, Berlin is famous for some nice (and cheap) hostels around town. Here are our top hostel picks:
- Meininger Berlin Tiergarten (Dorm room bed from 20€/night, private rooms from 80€/night)
- Circus Hostel (Dorm room bed from 30€/night, private rooms from 100€/night)
- Pfefferbett Hostel (Dorm room bed from 35€/night, private rooms from 66€/night)
Berlin also has some exciting hotels if you don’t want to share a room and/or want to enjoy a good breakfast and spa area in your hotel. Here are our top picks for unusual hotels in Berlin:
- 25hours Hotel Bikini close to Zoologischer Garten
(Prices for double occupancy start at 150€) - MichelBerger on Warschauerstr in East Berlin
(Prices for double occupancy start at 100€) - Moxy close to Berlin Ostbahnhof
(Prices for double occupancy start at 85€) - Provocateur Berlin in Wilmersdorf
(Prices for double occupancy start at 85€)
Things to do in Berlin
Berlin is the biggest city in Germany, and there’s always something to do. Here are the things to do…
Must-Dos
There are a couple of things you should not miss out on when visiting this vibrant and vivid city.
- Try Döner
Did you know that Döner Kebap was invented in Berlin? No wonder you can get the best versions of this Turkish-inspired sandwich in Berlin. According to locals, you can get the best Döner at Teras Restaurant in Mitte, close to the Mall of Berlin. - Try Currywurst
There are a lot of classics you need to try in Germany. However, you should not miss out on this one. Our tip for the best Currywurst in Berlin is Konnopke’s Imbiss in Prenzlauer Berg. - Go Clubbing
Berlin is known for its famous clubs and the crazy nightlife, so you need to go clubbing at least once. To find the perfect club for you, you need to know what music you want to dance to. From Techno to Metal Clubs, you can find everything. Here’s a clubbing guide to Berlin. - Visit at least one museum
Berlin is not only famous for its fantastic food and nightlife but also for its beautiful collections of art and museums. Visit at least one of these museums:- Jüdisches Museum Berlin
- Hamburger Bahnhof
- Museum für Naturkunde
- Pergamon Museum
- Stroll around the city
This might come as a surprise, but the city is filled with beautiful parks perfect for a stroll around and relaxing. Moreover, you’ll also discover most of the different parts of the city by just walking around and exploring. - Use public transport
This may be a given, but using public transport in Berlin is convenient and fast and makes it possible to discover the city from a new perspective. Therefore, take the U-Bahn and S-Bahn and enjoy a trip around the city.
The Touristy Stuff
If you’re visiting Germany’s capital for the first time, you must discover some of the city’s tourist highlights. You can take a big red bus tour or visit these famous sights to orient yourself.
- Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag – home of the German parliament
- Holocaust Memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe
- Potsdamer Platz
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Kurfürstendamm (“Ku’damm”) for some shopping
- Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower) at Alexanderplatz
- Victory Column
Hidden Gems
Of course, this Berlin guide wouldn’t be complete without a small collection of hidden gems and insider tips. Check out our Berlin Hidden Gems and get some insider tips from a local here.
- Spreepark
- Pfaueninsel
- Tempelhofer Feld
- Grab a beer and ride the Ringbahn
- Visit a Späti
