{"id":668030,"date":"2022-03-16T14:29:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-16T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=668030"},"modified":"2024-05-01T11:39:37","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T08:39:37","slug":"berlin-travel-guide-what-to-visit-how-to-get-there-hotels-transport-entertainment-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/berlin-travel-guide-what-to-visit-how-to-get-there-hotels-transport-entertainment-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Berlin travel guide – what to visit, how to get there, hotels, transport, entertainment, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

Berlin causes an ambiguous attitude towards itself. Some conside<\/a>r it gloomy and gray, others admire the greenery of the parks, the variety of architecture and the dynamics of life. The capital of Germany can be loved or hated, but it cannot be treated with indifference. Breathe in the air, walk the streets and visit world<\/a>-famous sights<\/a> to form your own opinion of the city<\/a>. A guide to Berlin, the main metropolis of Germany and one of the sixteen federal states of the country, will help with this.<\/p>\n

Story<\/h2>\n

The history<\/a> of Berlin dates back to the 13th century. The emergence of the name of the area<\/a>, where back in the 1st millennium BC. e. the tribes of the Polabian Slavs lived, has two versions. According to one of them, the city is named after a bear (German: B\u00e4r). Another theory says that the name of the future capital was given by the Slavic word “berl”, which means “dam”.<\/p>\n

In 1432, the settlement of Berlin, located<\/a> on the eastern bank of the Spree, and Cologne, located on the territory of today's Museum Island<\/a>, became one. In 1701, Berlin was elected the capital of Prussia, and in 1871, the capital of the German Empire. The Second World War led to numerous destructions and the division of the city into four zones of occupation. In 1961, the infamous Berlin Wall was erected. Berlin regained the status of the capital of Germany in 1991.<\/p>\n

How to get<\/a> from the airport to the city center<\/a><\/h2>\n

The airport theme is an open wound for most residents. The main air port of Berlin Brandenburg, which should start operating in 2012, still does not receive aircraft. Guests of the capital land at two small airports – Tegel and Sch\u00f6nefeld. Direct flights<\/a> from Russian cities<\/a> are operated by Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Utair and MIAT Mongolian Airlines.<\/p>\n

Tegel<\/h3>\n

Otto Lilienthal Airport is located in the north<\/a> of the metropolis. Tegel has no rail connection, so those arriving in the city get to its center<\/a> either by car or by bus. A taxi<\/a> ride to the Zoologischer Garten train station in West Berlin takes 15 minutes and costs between 20 and 23 euros. If you want to go east (Alexanderplatz), you will need approximately 25 minutes and 25 euros.<\/p>\n

It is cheaper to get to the center<\/a> by buses, the parking lot of which you will find right in front of the terminal. The TXL runs to Hauptbahnhof Central Station (16 minutes) and Alexanderplatz (31 minutes). By choosing route<\/a>s 109 and X9, you will be at the Zoologischer Garten station in 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

Sch\u00f6nefeld<\/h3>\n

The southern air port of Sch\u00f6nefeld is located 22 km from the center of the capital in Brandenburg. The train<\/a> station is a five minute walk from the arrivals hall. Here you can take the S9 city train and get to Alexanderplatz. Travel<\/a> time is 37 minutes. Regional trains RB14 and RE7 follow to the center: to Alexanderplatz – 25 minutes, to Hauptbahnhof – 30 minutes, to Zoologischer Garten – 40 minutes. You need a BC or ABC fare zone ticket to travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Of course, it is easier to get to the city by taxi – the transfer<\/a> time will be 30-45 minutes, the price is from 40 to 45 euros. We do not recommend taking buses – in this case, you will have to make several transfers.<\/p>\n

Berlin WelcomeCard: Transportation, Discounts & Guide<\/a>
\nBerlin: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for 24 or 48 Hours<\/a>
\nTV Tower Fast Ticket<\/a>
\nPriority Entrance: Berlin TV Tower with Window Seat Skip-the-<\/a>
\nLine: Pergamon Museum Tickets<\/a>
\nCoffee at the K\u00e4fer Restaurant on roof of the Reichstag<\/a>
\nPanoramapunkt Ticket<\/a>
\nBerlin Museum Pass: 3-Day Pass to 30+ Museums<\/a><\/p>\n

Car rental<\/a> in Berlin<\/h2>\n

If you are an active tour<\/a>ist who has a valid driver's license and does not want to depend on public transport<\/a>, then car rental<\/a> is the best choice for getting around not only in the German capital, but throughout Europe<\/a>. Its advantages include self-planning of the route<\/a> and the possibility of returning the car<\/a> in another city.<\/p>\n

Both airports have offices of the largest European car rental<\/a> companies<\/a>. The cost of the car starts from 25 euros per day. You can rent a car both upon arrival in Berlin, and remotely, on the website of well-known companies or local aggregators, indicating in the application the desired brand, color and type of gearbox.<\/p>\n

In order to rent a car, you will need:<\/p>\n

Important! Many car rental<\/a> companies require an international driver's license.<\/p>\n

In which area of \u200b\u200bBerlin to book a hotel<\/a><\/h2>\n

The area of \u200b\u200bBerlin is 891.8 km2. About 800 hotels<\/a> are concentrated on it. Choosing a hotel is not an easy task<\/a>, given that not all districts of the German capital are suitable for comfortable, safe accommodation for tourists<\/a>. It's no secret that the number of migrants in the metropolis is growing every day. The good news is that the bulk of the “new Berliner<\/a>s” live in several areas, the most danger<\/a>ous of which are Neuk\u00f6lln, Kreuzberg, Wedding and Marzahn.<\/p>\n

Hotels<\/a> in the center<\/h3>\n

\"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

It so happened historically that the capital of Germany has three centers. The first is located at the intersection of two districts: Mitte and Tiergarten. You can easily recognize this place by the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. The most luxurious hotels are also located here: Adlon, Grand Hayat, Ritz Carlton. We advise you to take a closer look at the modern heart of Berlin – Potsdamer Platz, where rest<\/a>aurants, shops, entertainment<\/a> centers and hotels are located, suitable for any budget.<\/p>\n

The second center – east – is Alexanderplatz, the third – west – Wilmersdorf-Charlottenburg. Hotels in these areas are chosen by those who came to see<\/a> the sights<\/a>, and those who arrived in the capital on business. Shopaholics love to stop in Charlottenburg – here is the shopping<\/a> Mecca – Kurf\u00fcrstendamm Street.<\/p>\n

Zehlendorf and Grunewald<\/h3>\n

Small hotels with excellent service can be found in the south-west of Berlin, where mostly wealthy citizens of the city live. Local hotels will be loved by connoisseurs of silence, measured life and leisurely walks along the shores of lakes. An additional plus of these areas is the proximity of Potsdam.<\/p>\n

Transport in Berlin<\/h2>\n

\"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

Berlin is 3.5 million inhabitants, 12 districts, 96 districts and endless possibilities to get from<\/a> point A to point B. At first glance, the intricate network of city trains, subways, buses and trams looks rather chaotic. We will bring some light into the darkness and introduce you to the city's public transport:<\/p>\n

The means of transporting passengers are as punctual as the Germans themselves: if the sign indicates that the train will arrive in five minutes, be sure that in five minutes you will enter the car. The transport network is divided into three tariff zones:<\/p>\n

A ticket purchased for a trip is valid for 120 minutes and is suitable for any type of transport: you can transfer from the metro to the bus and back any number of times, but you do not have the right to return to the starting point of the journey. The fare depends on the selected zone.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Standard travel<\/a> card (Einzelfahrschein):<\/li>\n
  2. Short distance ticket (Kurzstrecke). Valid for 3 S-Bahn and U-Bahn stops or 6 bus and tram stops. The cost is 1.70 \u20ac regular and 1.30 \u20ac reduced.<\/li>\n
  3. Daily travel card (Tageskarte). During the day, you have the right to make any number of trips and carry three children<\/a> under 14 years of age:<\/li>\n
  4. 7-day card for 1 person (7-Tage-Karte). Valid for seven calendar days from the date of confirmation:<\/li>\n
  5. One-day group card for 5 people (Kleingruppen-Tageskarte):<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Nuances of Berlin transport:<\/p>\n

    If you want to use a taxi service, then call (030) 202020. Getting into the car costs 3.40 \u20ac, the price per kilometer is 1.79 \u20ac (up to 7 km) and 1.28 \u20ac (from 7 km).<\/p>\n

    Where to go<\/a> and what to see<\/a> in Berlin<\/h2>\n

    There are so many interesting places<\/a> in the metropolis that even two weeks will not be enough to get around them. To help you get to know the city better, we have prepared a description<\/a> of tourist and cultural sites that deserve special attention.<\/p>\n

    sights<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    The Reichstag, located on the banks of the Spree, has a complicated history<\/a>. Erected in 1884, the powerful structure was badly damaged during the storming of Berlin and was restore<\/a>d in 1972. The Reichstag is now the sea<\/a>t of the German Federal Assembly. Attention tourists<\/a>! In order to visit inside the building, you must first register on the official website of the Bundestag www.bundestag.de\/besucher. Address: Platz der Republik 1.<\/p>\n

    The Brandenburg Gate is a triumphal arch decorated with a quadriga. The attraction, built in 1791, is located at the intersection of the Tiergarten and Mitte districts and is a symbol of Berlin. Address<\/a>: Paris<\/a>er Platz, 10117.<\/p>\n

    Charlottenburg Palace<\/a> is a historic gem of the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. The magnificent baroque castle<\/a> is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a museum that introduces the life of the kings of Prussia. The frame of the building, crowned with a 48-meter tower with a dome, is a picturesque park. Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22.<\/p>\n

    Museums<\/h3>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    The museum island<\/a>, which is located on a stretch of land formed by the Spree River, is a unique architectural ensemble, the construction of which took 100 years. It closes the Berlin Cathedral<\/a> – the main Evangelical church of Germany and the rest<\/a>ing place of members of the royal Hohenzollern dynasty. The historic quarter consists of five treasures.<\/p>\n

    The Museum of Natural History<\/a> has a rich collection of about 30 million items. There are skeletons of ancient lizards, models of insects, stuffed animals from all over the world, galleries introducing the development of the universe and man, and a large collection of minerals and precious stones. Address: Invalidenstra\u00dfe 43.<\/p>\n

    The Berlin Wall Museum is located at Friedrichstrasse 43-45, next to the former checkpoint Charlie. In the halls, archival documents are exhibited that tell about the construction of a concrete<\/a> structure, and devices with which the inhabitants of the GDR moved to the western side.<\/p>\n

    squares<\/h3>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    Alexanderplatz is one of the main transport hubs and a square named after Emperor Alexander I of Russia. This place is unique in that it includes both historical sites and architecture from the GDR era. Significant sights<\/a> are concentrated here: the World Clock, the Red Town Hall, the oldest church in the city, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Neptune fountain and the TV tower, rising 358 m into the sky. At an altitude of 203 meters there is an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant.<\/p>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    Potsdamer Platz was built in 1838, destroyed in 1945 and restored at the end of the last century. Modern architecture, numerous cultural events and many attractions<\/a> in the area make the newest quarter especially attractive for tourists. Here you will find fragments of the remains of the Berlin Wall, cinemas, casinos, the Sony Center complex, a theater and skyscraper towers.<\/p>\n

    Gendarmenmarkt is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It houses the Concert Hall and two twin cathedrals: French and German. During the four weeks of Advent, the Gendarmenmarkt turns into the city's main Christmas<\/a> market.<\/p>\n

    parks<\/h3>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    Tiergarten is like a green island, stretching between Potsdamer Platz, the Government Quarter and the Brandenburg Gate. At the end of the 17th century, Elector Frederick III ordered that the former hunting grounds be turned into a walking<\/a> area for the townspeople. Between 1833 and 1838 the Tiergarten acquired the features of an English landscape park. The main attraction for Russian tourists is the memorial to Soviet soldiers who fell during the storming of Berlin.<\/p>\n

    Botaniescher Garten in the Dahlem district in the southwest of the capital will seem like a flowering paradise with a 325-year history<\/a>. Covering an area of \u200b\u200b43 hectares, it is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. The collection, which includes about 22,000 species of plants, grows in landscapes decorated with sculptures and in greenhouses, the largest of which, tropical, has a volume of 40,000 m3. An addition to the garden is a museum that introduces visitors to the basics of botany in an accessible way.<\/p>\n

    G\u00e4rten der Welt is an unusual park complex located in the Marzahn district. On 43 hectares, visitors will find landscapes that unite the gardening art of five continents. Here you will find flowerbeds planted with rare plants, a meadow of fairy tales, an exotic Chinese garden with a carp pond, and a Spicy Garden with fragrant herbs. You can get to the Gardens of the World by cable car, which connects the green area with the metro station Kienberg (U5).<\/p>\n

    Things to Do<\/a> in Berlin<\/h2>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    Being in the capital of Germany, you will never wonder about spending your leisure time. The metropolis offers round-the-clock entertainment<\/a>. During the day, these are music concerts, art festivals, show programs, musicals and street exhibitions, and in the evening – bars and nightclubs. In December<\/a>, the doors of the shining lights of the Christmas markets open. In February, connoisseurs of progressive cinema flock to the Berlinale International Festival.<\/p>\n

    The show at the Friedrichstadtpalace is a fantastic performance, delighting with modern scenery, incendiary variety shows, dance and circus numbers, colorful costumes and spectacular effects. The hall is unique<\/a> – the extravaganza of sounds and colors can be clearly seen and heard from anywhere. Performances are held in the building of the Friedrichstadtpalast Revue Theater at Friedrichstra\u00dfe 107.<\/p>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    The Blue Man Group on Potsdamer Platz is like Berlin itself: creative, impulsive and a little crazy. Throughout the production, blue people do something unimaginable: they play trumpets and drums, perform tricks, act out impromptu scenes, communicate with the audience. Attention! Don't sit in the front rows or you risk staining your clothes with blue paint.<\/p>\n

    The nightclubs of Berlin are known all over the world, and it is not for nothing that the metropolis bears the title of the club capital of the plane<\/a>t. There are both closed and public parties, places for lovers of disco, techno and other styles. Experience the nightlife to the fullest at Berghain, Watergate, 90 Grad, Adagio, Matrix.<\/p>\n

    Berlin for children<\/a><\/h2>\n

    The city is not an ideal place to relax<\/a> with kids<\/a>, but children from 7 years old have something to see here. Berlin has prepared many educational and entertaining programs for its young guests.<\/p>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    The zoo at Hardenbergplatz 8 next to the Zoologischer Garten station. On a compact territory there is a three-story aquarium and spacious enclosures, where about 17 thousa<\/a>nd representatives of the fauna live. Children will be delighted with the animal paddock to pet and feed, the huge playground and the fur sea<\/a>l show. By the way, there is also a second zoo in Berlin, located in the eastern part<\/a> of the metropolis at the address: Am Tierpark 125.<\/p>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    Legoland. The museum at Potsdamer Platz presents a varied program: your child will make his own sculpture from Lego, get acquainted with the layout of the German capital, made of a million elements, watch an animated film, wander through the labyrinths of a fairy-tale castle<\/a> and meet heroes made from designer parts come to life.<\/p>\n

    The Technical Museum will interest the whole family. Adults will like models of sea, aviation and land transport, spacecraft, machine tools, photo<\/a> and video equipment. Children will be happy to take part in research experiments, play ball with the wind and create tin soldiers. Address: Trebbinerstrasse 9.<\/p>\n

    Prices<\/a> in shops and restaurants<\/h2>\n

    Berlin is a democratic city. Along with luxury delis and high-end restaurants, there are many inexpensive shops and cafes. The capital has a well-developed network of discounters and catering establishments that are unlikely to empty your wallet. We have prepared for you an overview<\/a> of prices<\/a> for basic services and goods.<\/p>\n

    The cost of food<\/h3>\n

    The most acceptable supermarkets are ALDI, REWE, LIDL, EDEKA. Average prices<\/a> (EUR):<\/p>\n

    Restaurants and cafes<\/h3>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    You can eat inexpensively and tasty in Berlin in the chains of bistro restaurants, Asian eateries and Biergarten – traditional open-air beer houses. tourism.com.de recommends beef steaks at Block House, fish snacks at Nordsee and Vietnam<\/a>ese chicken noodles at SaiGon-Today on Wilmersdorfer Str. 69 The invoice amount is from 5 to 10 euros. And do not forget that the Germans masterfully cook fried sausa<\/a>ges and curry sausages. This snack is sold in special stalls scattered around the city. The price of one serving is 2.5-3 euros.<\/p>\n

    It's a crime to visit Germany and not try the national cuisine. You can drink live beer and enjoy the taste of shank, sauerkraut and potato salad at Lindenbrau at Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz or at Brauhaus GEORGBRAEU at Nikolaiviertel. Lunch here will cost 12-20 euros.<\/p>\n

    Berlin will not disappoint wealthy guests either. Fine gourmet cuisine is offered by Bocca di Bacco at Friedrichstrasse 167, Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer at Hotel Adlon or Heising at Rankestra\u00dfe 32. You pay at least 60 euros on the bill.<\/p>\n

    City tours<\/a><\/h2>\n

    \"Berlin<\/a><\/p>\n

    If you consider the knowledge gained in the guidebooks insufficient, then the best way to get to know Berlin is to book a group tour. They are:<\/p>\n

    If you are not a supporter of noisy companies and want all the attention of the guide to be devoted only to you, choose<\/a> private tourism with your own guide who knows the metropolis perfectly. On the tripster.ru<\/a> website you will find many interesting<\/a> route<\/a>s: from standard sightseeing<\/a> route<\/a>s to gastronomic and shopping tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Tips<\/a> from a local<\/h2>\n

    Who knows the city better than the people who live in it? Real Berlin experts \u2014 local residents \u2014 will help you give useful tips<\/a> and life-hacking information, talk about the features of the metropolis and ways to save money<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    A great way to save money while traveling<\/a> is to purchase the Berlin CityTourCard. It is sold at vending machines at metro and train stations, at airport information kiosks and at www.citytourcard.com. The cost for 4 days is 31.90 euros. The card provides free travel in ABC zones and up to 30% discount on admission tickets to 10 museums.<\/p>\n

    When walking along the streets, be careful and do not enter the bike paths laid on the sidewalks. By the way, renting a bike (about 10 euros per day) is a good way to see the sights and at the same time tighten your muscles.<\/p>\n

    Rain is a frequent visitor to Berlin. On a cloudy day, pay \u20ac22 and take the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing<\/a> bus ride. Expensive? Then take bus number 100, the route of which passes by the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz and Bellevue Palace – the residence of the President of Germany.<\/p>\n

    To have a snack during the day, it is not necessary to go to a cafe. You can dine tasty and on a budget in the foot courts of large malls: Alexa, Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, Mall of Berlin. The quality of the food on offer is great and the price is low.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

    To see the capital of Germany from a bird's eye view, you need to visit the television tower and… stand in a queue for many hours. Don't want to waste time languishing in anticipation? Then pay 19.90 euros and book a table in a restaurant located at an altitude of 203 m.<\/p>\n

    If you want to get from Berlin to Dresden or wander along the shores of the Baltic Sea, buy tickets<\/a> on a comfortable FlixBus bus. The price of the trip is from 6 euros. Required information on the website www.flixbus.ru.<\/p>\n

    Berlin attractions<\/a> on the map<\/h2>\n