Berlin Reichstag in evening light

Come to Berlin! Not only it’s the capital of Germany, it is one of the most buzzing cities of Europe. Most of the time, I’m going to Berlin for a special event, like republica – Germany’s biggest conference on web topics. But now and then, I like to be a tourist and explore the city. Here a my special tips for a citybreak in Berlin:

Berlin central station

Getting there

Berlin has two airports with access from international destinations. By train you can reach the central station from all over Europe. Travelling from Bremen via Hanover I often jump on the Amsterdam-Berlin connection f.ex. And more and more overland buses are going to Berlin. They are usually cheaper than the train but take more time. So, on one way or the other, it’s really easy getting to Berlin.

Getting around

You choose: Take the tram, bus, S-Bahn, U-Bahn (underground) or simply walk. It’s easy getting around Berlin. If you’re staying for a weekend you might want to buy a day pass for the transportation system. If you also want to visit lots of museum the Berlin Welcome Card is the right choice. The card offers you lots of discounts for attractions. My favourite way of getting around: Jump on bus no. 100. It connects all main sights on its way from Bahnhof Zoo and Alexanderplatz. You can easily use it as a hop-on-hop-off tour.

Room in Hotel Park Plaza Wall Street Berlin

Sleeping

Well, how’s your budget? In Berlin, you’ll find everything: couchsurfing, apartements, hostels, hotels of all classes and price ranges. I tried everything in my years travelling to Berlin. What is quite important when choosing the accomodation is the location of the place – depending what you’re planning to do that weekend. You don’t want to spend ages on public transport, do you?

Beautiful Berlin seen from a boat

Going on a tour

Even if it’s not your first visit to Berlin a guided tour is a good way to discover the city. Berlin offers a bunch of different tours by feet, by bike, by boat or even by the famous car Trabbi. There are underground tours as well as pub crawls. When I visited the last time in september I went on a tour with Eat the World which was fantastic. Find out more about this tour in my article „Eating the world in Berlin„.

Seat of the German chancellor at Berlin

Visiting museums and other sights

Berlin has around 180 museums. So, whatever you’re into you’ll definitely find an exhibition to visit. Or are you looking for something special? Then take a look at the Currywurst Museum. Here, you can learn everything about this special dish and even try authentic Berlin currywurst. If you plan to visit a museum, please check if there is a possibility to buy tickets online in advance. Buying your ticket in advance can safe lots of time. By the way, if you want to visit the dome of the Reichstag you need to book your ticket in advance. The visit itself is free of charge. Here you can make a reservation to your visit. As I mentioned earlier, the Berlin Welcome Card can offer you discounts to many attractions. So, this might be a good deal.

Going out

As I said, Berlin is one of the most buzzing cities of Europe. Each day, there is something going on. So, you should go out when in Berlin. Maybe you only want to try one of the many many restaurants. Or you like to party, f.ex. at Berghain club. And there are so many fantastic shows worth a visit. Going to bed early isn’t an option on a citybreak 😉

Now, I’m running out of tips. But don’t hesitate to ask me anything. I’m here to help as good as possible.

Do you plan to go to Berlin? Have you been already to Berlin, what are your tips? I’m looking forward to your comments 🙂

Disclosure: My trip in september 2013 was supported by visitBerlin, MeinFernbus, Hotel Estrel Berlin and Eat the World. My opinion remains unaffected.