Germany

Berlin

Berlin: a sprawling capital where history and creativity collide.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
3.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $64 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $178 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $12.5 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

BERBerlin Brandenburg AirportMain airport, 18 km southeast of centre.
HowCostTime
Train FEX or RE20Berlin Hauptbahnhof€5.0023-30 min
Buy an ABC ticket; AB is not valid.
S-Bahn S9 or S85Berlin Hauptbahnhof€5.0040-50 min
Slower but useful during disruptions.
Bus X7 + U-BahnRudow (U7) then city€5.0045-60 min
Only if heading to south Berlin.
TaxiCity centre€60-7030-50 min
Taxi stand outside terminals.
UberCity centre€50-7030-50 min
Check app for availability.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Berlin

Getting around

U-Bahn and S-Bahn for most trips; buy a ticket before boarding.

  • Metro ★U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover most of the city. Buy tickets from machines before boarding.
  • BusBuses and trams fill the gaps. Night buses run when trains stop.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are metered. Uber and Bolt operate, but local apps like Free Now are common.
  • Rental carDriving is stressful: heavy traffic, a low-emission zone and limited parking.
  • Walking ★Walking and cycling are great. Watch for bike lanes.
  • FerryNo ferries in the city centre, but river cruises run on the Spree.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the Wall, Museum Island and a proper night out without rushing.

Best for
  • CultureMuseums, the Reichstag and the old centre.
  • HistoryThe Wall, Cold War sites and memorials.
  • NightlifeLate clubs, bars and street food after dark.

Weather by month

4°-1°Jan🌧 14d
6°0°Feb🌧 11d
9°1°Mar🌧 12d
14°4°Apr🌧 9d
19°9°May🌧 8d
24°14°Jun🌧 10d
25°15°Jul🌧 11d
25°16°Aug🌧 9d
21°12°Sep🌧 8d
15°8°Oct🌧 11d
8°3°Nov🌧 10d
6°1°Dec🌧 12d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. Rain is spread through the year, so pack layers.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs around 19–25°C and lows of 9–16°C. Best for walking, parks and outdoor sights.
  • Winter is cold (December to February)Highs of 4–6°C and lows near or below freezing. Bring a warm coat, hat and gloves.
  • Rain all yearAbout 8–14 rain days a month. No dry season; carry a small umbrella or rain jacket.
  • Wettest monthsJanuary and December have the most rain days, around 12–14. Plan indoor backups.
  • Spring and autumn are mildApril and October sit around 14–15°C highs. Good for sightseeing with fewer crowds.
  • What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes. Add a warm coat and gloves for November to March.

Landmarks 45

Must-see · 10

  1. 1

    Brandenburg Gate

    Berlin's defining monument and the symbol of the city's reunification, standing where the Wall once divided East and West. It is free to visit and open around the clock, so come early in the morning for photos without crowds. It sits at the west end of Unter den Linden and is easily reached by S-Bahn to Brandenburger Tor.

  2. 2

    Reichstag Building

    The German parliament's glass-domed home offers free rooftop views over the city and a close look at its modern architecture. Entry to the dome is free but requires advance online registration with your passport details. Book a slot at least a few days ahead, especially in summer.

  3. 3

    Berlin Wall Memorial

    This open-air site on Bernauer Strasse preserves a stretch of the Wall, the death strip and a viewing tower, making the division of the city tangible. It is free and best visited in the morning before tour groups arrive. Take the U8 or S-Bahn to Bernauer Strasse.

  4. 4

    Checkpoint Charlie

    The famous Cold War crossing point is a quick but essential stop for understanding Berlin's divided past. The outdoor site is free and always accessible, though the nearby museum charges admission. Visit early or late in the day, as the corner gets very crowded midday.

  5. 5

    Pergamon Museum

    Home to monumental reconstructions such as the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate, this is one of the world's great archaeology museums. Tickets are timed and sell out, so book online in advance. Note that parts of the museum may be closed for long-term renovation, so check before you go.

  6. 6

    Berlin Cathedral

    This grand Protestant church on Museum Island impresses with its dome and ornate interior, and the climb to the dome gallery rewards you with rooftop views. There is an admission fee for the interior and dome. Dress modestly and go on a weekday morning to avoid queues.

  7. 7

    East Side Gallery

    The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air gallery of murals along the Spree River. It is free and open at all hours; walk it in the morning light. Reach it via Ostbahnhof or Warschauer Strasse stations.

  8. 8

    Jewish Museum Berlin

    Daniel Libeskind's striking building and its exhibits trace German-Jewish history and the Holocaust with unusual emotional power. Tickets are timed and best booked online. Allow at least two hours and take the U-Bahn to Hallesches Tor.

  9. 9

    Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

    The field of concrete steles near the Brandenburg Gate is a solemn, powerful memorial, with an underground information centre beneath it. Entry is free, and the centre is closed on Mondays. Visit at dusk for a quieter, more reflective experience.

  10. 10

    Sanssouci Palace

    Frederick the Great's rococo summer palace in Potsdam, surrounded by terraced vineyards and parkland, is a rewarding half-day trip from Berlin. Palace entry is timed and limited, so reserve tickets online. Take the regional train to Potsdam and allow time to wander the gardens.

1Brandenburg Gate2Reichstag Building3Berlin Wall Memorial4Checkpoint Charlie5Pergamon Museum6Berlin Cathedral7East Side Gallery8Jewish Museum Berlin9Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe10Sanssouci Palace

Cultural

Gate 1

Urban Hub 6

Christian 2

Tower 2

Modern History 6

Palace 4

University 2

Historical Square 1

Museum 3

Modern Architecture 1

Park 1

Natural

Island 1

River 1

Activities

Amusement Park 3

Aquarium 1

Festival 1

Theater 2

Filming Location 1

Artwork 1

Football Stadium 1

Food 1

Cruise Tour 1

Zoo 2

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Berlin

    Dresden · 1 h 23 by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 190 km from Berlin

    Best way: The direct ICE/IC from Berlin Hauptbahnhof takes about 1h 23m and drops you at the central Dresden Hauptbahnhof, with 15 departures a day.

    Take an ICE or IC direct from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Dresden Hauptbahnhof (about 2 hours), with no change needed.

    • Train ★1 h 23 · from €5
    • Bus2 h 40 · from $19-$30
    • Car2 h 12 · taxi ≈ €420

    What to see

    • Frauenkirche
    • Zwinger palace
    • Semperoper
    • Brühlsche Terrasse
    • Altstadt old town

    6 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Frauenkirche, Zwinger and the historic Altstadt make it a classic first-time day trip.
    • Trains run direct with no change, so the journey is straightforward.

    Rostock · 1 h 10 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 228 km from Berlin

    Best way: The train takes about 1h 10m and has 7 departures a day, faster and cheaper than the 2h 45m bus.

    Take an IC or ICE direct from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Rostock Hauptbahnhof (about 2 hours 15 minutes), then the S1 S-Bahn to Warnemünde (about 15 minutes).

    • Train ★1 h 10 · from €7
    • Bus2 h 45 · from $22-$35
    • Car2 h 20 · taxi ≈ €510

    What to see

    • Warnemünde beach promenade
    • Alter Strom harbour
    • Warnemünde lighthouse
    • Rostock Marienkirche

    Good to know

    • For the beach, continue to Warnemünde on the S1 S-Bahn, about 15 minutes from Rostock.
    • Only 7 departures a day, so plan your return time in advance.

    Leipzig · 1 h 08 by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 190 km from Berlin

    Best way: The direct ICE takes about 1h 8m to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, with 12 departures a day, far quicker than the 2h 55m bus.

    Take an ICE direct from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof (about 1 hour 45 minutes), with no change needed.

    • Train ★1 h 08 · from €5
    • Bus2 h 55 · from $21-$35
    • Car2 h 09 · taxi ≈ €420

    What to see

    • Thomaskirche
    • Market Square and Old City Hall
    • Specks Hof passage
    • Museum der bildenden Künste
    • Auerbachs Keller

    4 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Good for music history and the old town, but less iconic than Dresden for a first visit.
    • Trains run direct with no change.

    Wittenberg · 41 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 111 km from Berlin

    Best way: A direct regional train (RE) takes about 41 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof, the fastest option by far.

    Take a regional train (RE) from Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof to Lutherstadt Wittenberg (about 1 hour), with no change needed.

    • Train ★41 min · from $19-$85
    • Car1 h 32 · taxi ≈ €250

    What to see

    • Schlosskirche with Luther's theses door
    • Lutherhaus
    • Stadtkirche St. Marien
    • Markt and Rathaus

    Good to know

    • Known for its Luther sites, especially the Lutherstadt old town.
    • Departure frequency is not confirmed in the data, so check timetables before going.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Berlin rewards visitors with world-class museums, vibrant street life, and a relentless sense of reinvention. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the big museums, the Reichstag dome and Museum Island at an easy pace.

    Stay: Mitte. Walk to Museum Island, the Reichstag and Unter den Linden. Best first-time base; central transport.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EUR 64
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EUR 157
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    EUR 330–780
    3 nights · Mitte
    Day 1

    Arrive, Mitte icons

    Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 50
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 10
    2. 1

      15:00–15:30 · Free

      Brandenburg Gate Landmark quest

      Start here to get your bearings. Open 24 hours.

      Open Open 24 hours · best lit after dark

    3. Taxi · 361 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    4. 2

      16:00–17:00 · Free · register online in advance

      Reichstag Building Landmark quest

      Book the dome online in advance. Bring ID. Last entry around 22:00, check on the day.

      Open Daily roughly 08:00–24:00 · last entry around 22:00, check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 717 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
    6. 3

      17:15–18:15 · Free · underground information centre free

      Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Landmark quest

      Five minutes on foot from the gate. Field open 24 hours.

      Open Field open 24 hours · info centre Tue–Sun, check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 1232 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
    8. 4

      19:00–19:30 · Free

      Gendarmenmarkt Landmark quest

      Evening stroll, then dinner nearby.

      Open Square open 24 hours

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 1424 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
    Day 2

    Museum Island

    Tickets ≈ EUR 54 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 50
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 733 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
    2. 1

      09:30–12:00 · ≈ EUR 12–19 · check current price and closures

      Pergamon Museum Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Book a timed slot. Some halls may be closed, check on the day.

      Open Tue–Sun, closed Monday · check on the day for partial closures · Source

    3. Taxi · 487 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    4. 2

      12:30–13:30 · ≈ EUR 10 · dome climb included

      Berlin Cathedral Landmark quest

      Climb the dome for views. Sunday opens at 12:00.

      Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00 · Sun from 12:00, check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 343 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    6. 3

      14:00–15:00 · Free · boat tours cost extra

      Spree river walk at Museum Island

      Easy riverside loop, good light late in the day.

      Open Open 24 hours

    7. Taxi · 915 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
    8. 4

      16:00–17:00 · ≈ EUR 22–27 · book a timed slot online

      Berlin TV Tower Landmark quest

      Book ahead. Sunset slots fill fast.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–24:00 · check on the day · Source

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 404 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    Day 3

    Wall history and Kreuzberg

    Tickets ≈ EUR 10 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 57
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 10
    2. 1

      09:30–11:00 · Free · outdoor site and documentation centre

      Berlin Wall Memorial Landmark quest

      Outdoor site open 24 hours. Visitor centre Tue–Sun, check on the day.

      Open Outdoor site open 24 hours · visitor centre Tue–Sun, check on the day · Source

    3. Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ EUR 13
    4. 2

      12:00–12:20 · Free to see · nearby museums charge entry

      Checkpoint Charlie Landmark quest

      Quick photo stop. Street site open 24 hours.

      Open Street site open 24 hours

    5. Taxi · 892 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
    6. 3

      13:00–15:00 · ≈ EUR 8–10 · check current price

      Jewish Museum Berlin Landmark quest

      Closed some holidays, check on the day.

      Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00 · closed some holidays, check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 11
    8. 4

      16:00–17:30 · Free entry · pay per stall

      Markthalle Neun food market

      Snack stop. Market days vary; Street Food Thursday is in the evening.

      Open Market days vary · Street Food Thursday in the evening, check on the day · Source

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 12

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a museum afternoon for Potsdam: take the S-Bahn out and walk the parks and palaces.
    • Add a Spree river cruise for a different view of the centre.
    • Spend a half day at a former airport park or a lake beach in summer; check transport on the day.

    Getting around

    • U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover most of the city; buy tickets from machines before boarding.
    • Buses and trams fill the gaps; night buses run when trains stop.
    • Taxis are metered; apps like Uber and Bolt operate, but local apps like Free Now are common.
    • Driving is stressful: heavy traffic, low-emission zone, and limited parking.
    • Walking and cycling are great; watch for bike lanes.
    • No ferries in the city centre, but river cruises run on the Spree.

    Where to stay

    • Mitte · ≈ EUR 110–260 a night
      Walk to Museum Island, the Reichstag and Unter den Linden. Best first-time base; central transport.
    • Kreuzberg · ≈ EUR 80–190 a night
      Cheaper, lively and full of food. Close to the East Side Gallery and nightlife; grittier streets.
    • Prenzlauer Berg · ≈ EUR 90–210 a night
      Quiet, leafy and family-friendly. Cafés and parks; a short tram or U-Bahn ride to the centre.
    • Charlottenburg · ≈ EUR 100–240 a night
      Classic west Berlin near the palace, Kurfürstendamm shopping and the zoo. Calmer evenings.

    Food & drink

    • Try Berlin classics: currywurst, döner kebab and a hearty lunch at a traditional Kneipe.
    • Street food markets are a cheap, fun dinner. Check days and locations online before you go.
    • Book popular restaurants ahead, especially at weekends. Many kitchens close by about 22:00.
    • Vegetarian and vegan options are widespread and good value.
    • Tap water is safe to drink. A sit-down lunch is often cheaper than dinner.

    Tips

    1. Validate paper tickets before boarding trains, or buy digital tickets via the BVG app
    2. Carry cash as many bars, cafes, and smaller restaurants still do not accept cards
    3. Nightlife and techno clubs (like Berghain) have strict door policies and casual dress codes
    4. Sundays are very quiet with most retail shops and supermarkets strictly closed
    5. Try a Currywurst or a Döner Kebab — both are iconic Berlin street foods
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Reichstag Building
    • Learn the history of the Reichstag and government district
    • Visit the glass dome with city views
    • 21,555 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Guided tourDome visit

    Reichstag, Dome and Government District Guided Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (21,555)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Berlin TV Tower
    • Ride to the TV Tower observation deck
    • Panoramic views over Berlin
    • 17,453 reviews · 4.4 rating
    Entry includedFast-track option

    Ticket for TV Tower - The Highest Berlin Experience

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (17,453)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Spree River
    • Cruise the Spree past central landmarks
    • See the city from the water
    • 11,914 reviews · 4.4 rating
    Boat tourLive commentary

    Boat Tour Along the River Spree

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (11,914)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Sanssouci Palace
    • Explore Sanssouci Palace and its gardens
    • Discover the Prussian palaces of Potsdam
    • 2,839 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Entry includedPotsdam day trip

    Sanssouci Palace and Prussian Palaces Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (2,839)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Olympiastadion Berlin
    • Walk through the historic Olympic stadium
    • Hear stories from its sporting history
    • 691 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Guided tourBehind the scenes

    Olympic Stadium Guided Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (691)

    Souvenirs

    Ampelmann merchandise

    EUR 5–301 small item · estimate

    The Ampelmann is the little traffic-light man from East Berlin, and he has become a popular symbol of the city. His shop sells many small gifts based on him.

    Where: Ampelmann Shop, Hackescher Markt
    Check that the item has an official trademark before you buy.

    KPM porcelain

    EUR 70–901 cup · shop prices

    KPM is the Berlin Royal Porcelain Manufactury, a famous porcelain maker with a long history in the city.

    Where: KPM Welt, Wegelystraße
    Plates may be sold separately, so check what is included in the price.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Berlin hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for BerlinStay connected in Germany from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in BerlinDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce