Berlin travel information
Berlin is not only a historical landmark and the capital of Germany, but also a vibrant, attractive and cosmopolitan city offering a kaleidoscope of tourist attractions. Since the demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1990, the city has been a symbol of progress and unification, but the years of division are still evidenced in certain facets of the city. Here are some tips to be aware of when travelling in Berlin.
-
Berlin has around 170 museums, but if you only manage to get to one of these, make it the Pergamon, which is located on an island and houses a fabulous archaeological collection.
-
The party-hearty should head to the Kreuzberg and Mitte areas, which are permeated with excellent bars and clubs.
-
Festivals and parties abound in the city, from the Christopher Street Day gay and lesbian parade to the wild Love Parade in July and the Jazz Fest in November. Berlin is at its most flamboyant and fun during these parties, so if chaotic vibrancy is your thing, it would be well worth planning your trip to coincide with one of these extravaganzas.
-
Try to learn a few basic German words and phrases before travelling to Berlin. ‘Danke’ means ‘thank you’, ‘bitte’ means ‘please’ and ‘bitte schon’ means ‘you’re welcome’.
-
Water tours are plentiful in Berlin, and river/canal transportation is one of the best and most relaxing ways to enjoy the city sights.
-
Another good way to travel is on the overground S-Bahn, which passes many of the major tourist attractions and is extremely affordable. Don’t confuse this with the underground U-Bahn.
-
Berlin has some wonderful natural attractions and parks, including the Grunewald forest, the beach on Lake Wannsee, and the exotic Park Sanssouci, all of which are accessible on the S-Bahn.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Berlin
Travel site with useful tips and advice for destinations worldwide.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Wordtravels
Comprehensive travel site encompassing a wide variety of destinations.
http://news24.wordtravels.com/Cities/Germany/Berlin/Basics
Berlin world-guides
Berlin travel site covering a range of topics.
http://www.berlin.world-guides.com/life.html
More topics on this site…
Berlin maps and geography
Germany travel information
Germany travel tips
Germany health and safety
Germany maps and geography
Berlin Trip Planner
Berlin Accommodation
Berlin Arts and Entertainment
Berlin Bars and Clubs
Berlin Eating And Drinking
Berlin Festivals And Events
Berlin Gay and Lesbian
Berlin Getting There
Berlin History and Background
Berlin Shopping
Berlin Sports
Subregions of Berlin
Essentials
Visas: EU citizens are free to travel wherever, whenever in Germany, while nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to three months, though you should carry your passport.
Season: May - September
Money: Euro
Language: German
Emergency #: Police - 110; Fire - 112.