Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, with a rich and turbulent history, a vibrant cultural scene, and a plethora of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, history, or nightlife, Berlin has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the main attractions, accommodation options, and transportation tips for your trip to Berlin.
Berlin is home to many iconic landmarks and monuments that reflect its past and present. Here are some of the must-see sights in Berlin:
This neoclassical gate is the symbol of Berlin and Germany, and was once the site of the Berlin Wall. It is located on Pariser Square, near the Reichstag building and the Tiergarten park. You can admire its majestic columns and sculptures, and walk through its arches to the other side. The gate is open 24/7 and free to visit.
This solemn memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. It commemorates the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. You can walk among the slabs and feel the sense of disorientation and isolation they create. There is also an underground information center that provides more details about the history and the victims. The memorial is open 24/7 and free to visit.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a complex of five museums located on an island in the River Spree. It houses some of the most important collections of art and artifacts in Europe, such as the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate, the Bust of Nefertiti, and the Berlin Cathedral. You can buy a combined ticket that gives you access to all five museums, or choose to visit only one or two. The museums are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Mondays.
Berlin offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, hostels, apartments, or even houseboats. Here are some examples of places to stay in Berlin:
This is a 4-star hotel located beside the River Spree on Berlin’s Friedrichstraße shopping street. It offers exclusive executive club, modern spa facilities, spacious soundproofed rooms with heated floors, free and unlimited high-speed WiFi throughout the property, and two restaurants with stunning views of the German Cathedral. The hotel is also close to many attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz.
This is a 5-star hotel located on Berlin’s historic Gendarmenmarkt Square. It features exclusive spa, top-modern fitness center, an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, two restaurants with beautiful terrace seating directly on the square, and spacious rooms with elegant décor. The hotel is also within walking distance of many sights such as the Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag building, and the Friedrichstraße shopping street.
If you prefer a more personal and flexible option, you can rent an apartment or a room from local hosts on Airbnb. You can find unique places to stay in different neighborhoods of Berlin, such as Mitte, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, or Charlottenburg. You can also filter your search by price, amenities, location, and reviews.
Berlin is well-connected by air, rail, road, and public transportation. You can easily get to Berlin from other cities in Germany or Europe by various means. Here are some tips on how to get to Berlin:
The nearest airport to Berlin is Berlin Brandenburg (BER), which opened in 2020 and replaced the previous airports of Tegel and Schönefeld. It is located about 18 km south of the city center and serves both domestic and international flights. You can get from the airport to the city by train (S-Bahn or regional), bus (express or regular), taxi, or car rental.
Berlin has several train stations that connect it with other cities in Germany and Europe. The main station is Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), which is located near the government district and the Tiergarten park. It is served by high-speed trains (ICE), regional trains (RE or RB), underground trains (U-Bahn), elevated trains (S-Bahn), buses (TXL or M41), trams (M5 or M8), taxis, or car rentals.
Berlin is surrounded by a ring motorway (A10).
