Is it your first time to visit Berlin?
Don't worry. Let's get you prepared with the key things to know before arriving Berlin so you won't be surprise. Don't worry, if this blog is too simple for you, it's best to get a travel guide like Rick Steves Berlin (Travel Guide) . If you love to be surprise, just go and enjoy Berlin with excitement and get ready to explore with an open mind.
1.Transportation: Berlin has an extensive public transportation system, including U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), buses, and trams. Get a Berlin Welcome Card for unlimited travel. Trams, buses, and even a couple of ferries are also available. Most of you’ll want to see as a tourist will be in zone A, possibly a few things in zone B. Zone C is technically part of Brandenburg, the region that surrounds Berlin. Everything inside and including the Ring is zone A. When buying bus tickets, many are dependent on the zone, so you’ll either buy an AB ticket or a BC ticket, though there are some ABC tickets.
2. Language: German is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas as well as Turkish, Spanish, Vietnamese, Italian, Polish, Russian, French, and many more.
3. Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash. Cash is still king! It’s good to bring some cash with you and your credit card too, mixed.
4. Weather: The weather can vary; summers are warm, while winters can be cold with snow. Dress accordingly. May to September is the best time to visit Berlin. This is when you have the greatest chance to enjoy good weather, sunshine, and moderate temperatures. The days are long, the evenings calm and warm – ideal conditions for exploring the city.
5. Culture: Berlin has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore its museums, galleries, and theaters, especially in Mitte and Kreuzberg.
6. Safety: Berlin is generally safe; however, be cautious of petty crime in crowded places. Keep any valuables close to yourself, for example in your coat’s inside pockets or in your front trouser pockets and handbag especially in public transport where thieves are waiting for you to doze off.
7. Local Etiquette: Germans value punctuality. It's polite to greet people when entering shops or restaurants.
8. Attractions: Don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Museum Island. Plan your visits as some sites may have entry fees or require advance booking.
9. Food: Brunch is a big deal. Try local dishes like Currywurst, Döner kebab, and traditional German beer. The cuisine is diverse, and you’ll hear many different languages besides German. Try Sudanese food, Peruvian food, or Russian food. Overall, it’s like the sky’s the limit when it comes to food. Döner Kebabs are everywhere for a quick bite.
10. Events: Berlin hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, so check local calendars for happenings during your visit. Enjoy your trip to this dynamic city!
11. ATM: It’s always best to use an official bank ATM to get cash. You’ll see Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Volksbank, and a few others around town. If possible, avoid the yellow and blue standalone ATMs. They charge higher fees and give worse conversion rates than the bank ATMs will. At any ATM, if you’re given the option to take their rate or let your bank set the rate, always choose your bank. The ATM rate will be much higher.
12. Electrical plugs: Most of mainland Europe, including Germany, uses a two pronged plug style.
13. Tipping in Berlin isn’t as big of a thing as it is in the US. Restaurant servers make a livable wage and do not rely on tips to survive. However, it is highly appreciated.
14. Water: The water is safe to drink in Berlin. But be aware that it’s really hard, meaning there are lots of minerals in the water.
15. Bike: Berlin has lots of cyclists. In some places, they ride on the street along with traffic, but sometimes they use bike lanes. The bike lanes can be on the street or on the sidewalk. Stay out of the bike lane! Keep an eye on bikes! You don’t want to get hit by cyclists or be yelled at by angry cyclists.
16. Public Toilets: You can find public toilets around town but you have to pay to use them. The bathrooms in most train stations in Germany also require payment. Shopping malls, museums or some indoor tourist attractions will have bathrooms you can use as their guest.
17. Berlin’s Main Train Station but there are other train stations also.
18. The drinking age is lower. At age 16, you are allowed to drink beer and wine. Once you turn 18, you can drink liquor.
19. Nudity in parks and spas. It means that sometimes you’ll see some nudity at a park.
20. Medical: In the case of a medical emergency, go directly to the emergency department (Notaufnahme) of your nearest hospital or call 112.
Lonely Planet Berlin (Travel Guide) is also a good read.
40 ATTRACTIONS AROUND BERLIN:
2. Topography of Terror
3. Brandenburg Gate
4. Memorial of the Berlin Wall
5. The Holocaust Memorial - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
6. Pergamonmuseum
7. Friedrichstadt-Palast
8. East Side Gallery
9. Museum Island
10. Zoo Berlin
11. Berliner Dom
12. Tiergarten
13. Berliner Fernsehturm
14. Gendarmenmarkt
15. Neues Museum
16. DDR Museum
17. German Spy Museum Berlin
18. Classic Remise Berlin
19. Palace of Tears
20. Alexanderplatz
21. German Museum of Technology
22. Charlottenburg Palace
23. Stasimuseum
24. Olympiastadion Berlin
25. Berlin Story Bunker
26. Kaufhaus des Westens
27. Berlin-Hohenschonhausen Memorial
28. Die Hackeschen Hoefe
29. Deutsches Historisches Museum
30. Gemäldegalerie
31. Jewish Museum Berlin
32. Postdamer Platz
33. Berliner Philharmonie
34. Mauerpark Flea Market
35. Museum Fuer Naturkunde Berlin
36. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
37. Victory column (Siegessaule)
38. Mall of Berlin
39. Treptower Park
40. Berlin Central Station
Comment below if you have places to add to attractions. Thank you.
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