Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Welcome to Berlin - the capital of Germany, which has changed drastically since the Wall came down, commanding global interest as a destination. Walking through Berlin you will see evidence of different historic periods in a short time, from medieval buildings to the famous sightseeing landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and East Side Gallery. Today Berlin is a young, dynamic metropolis open to the world right in the heart of Europe, setting new trends in architecture, art and fashion. Discover its diversity – enjoy Berlin!

Population:

3.5 million

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency / Police: 110
Fire brigade / Rescue Coordination Centre: 112
On-call medical service: +49 30 31 00 31

Opening Hours:

Berlin has extremely liberal opening times. Theoretically, shops may stay open from Monday to Saturday round the clock.
In practice though, most stores in the larger shopping centres are open Monday to Saturday from 10 / 11 am to 8 / 9 pm.

Newspapers:

The City

You can’t pigeonhole Berlin at all, and it is precisely this fact that makes the city so unique.

Originally the symbol of the Cold War and division of Germany, the former “Walled-in City” at the border between West and East Europe has developed into a permanently attractive travel destination since the Wall came down.

The Berlin Wall divided one of the most popular metropolises in Europe for almost 30 years. When it came down on 9th November 1989, the world changed. For those who would like to go on a tour of discovery for the traces of the Wall where it used to run, there are many possibilities: one way is to experience the division at first hand at the Bernauer Straße Memorial, where the division created by the Wall is brought back to life by original parts of the actual death strips. Other places where you can trace the Berlin Wall are the East Side Gallery, the former border crossing point between East and West Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, and the associated Wall Museum.

These days, the appeal of Berlin is its fascinating mixture of history and zeitgeist, offering diverse attractions in art, culture, music, entertainment and countless shopping possibilities. The modern hotel landscape, an incredibly diverse gastronomy and unbeatably favourable prices certainly bear comparison with international standards. Plus the city’s vibrant and flourishing creative scene and hot music and club culture put their own unique stamp on the unmistakable character of the lifestyle metropolis.

To be true, the first time you visit Berlin, you want to see the famous attractions. However, the second visit (at the latest) it’ll be clear what really attracts you about Berlin. Whether lover of culture or scene frequenter – you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in one of the city districts. Berlin has 12 in number and each of them possesses its own particular charm: in Berlin-Mitte fashion rules the roost – alongside Chancellor Merkel, Neukölln has been transformed from a problem area into the scene district Berlin’s western city centre is now enjoying a renaissance, Prenzlauer Berg is famous for its family-friendly reputation, Kreuzberg has its multicultural scene and Friedrichshain is the centre of the alternate lifestyle.

Check out our YouTube channel to get inspired: www.youtube.com/user/Berlin

Do & See

Whether you see the sights of Berlin by coach, steamer, bicycle or on foot – you’ll pass a lot of famous buildings and memorials. We’ll tell you which ones you really can’t afford to miss!

Events

Although Berlin is always worth a visit, some dates really stand out. The Berlin Event Calendar is full of attractions and events, fairs and sporting highlights. Whether opera, theatre, musical or concert – with well over a thousand different cultural events to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one for you!

The Friedrichstadt-Palast, Europe’s biggest revue theatre with its legendary high-stepping girls’ line, or variety theatres like the "Chamäleon Varieté" guarantee non-stop entertainment. The musical productions at Potsdamer Platz or in the Theatre des Westens offer music, breathtaking stage settings and choreographies that are sure to enchant you. You’ll receive the surprise of your life when you see the Blue Man Group: this show, mixing concert, comedy and special-effects is one of a kind!

Dining

From a 3-course menu in a star-rated restaurant to boulettes or a doner kebab in the local snack bar – there’s something to suit everybody’s taste at good value for money in Berlin. There are just no limits to the culinary diversities: whether Australian or French cuisine, exotic Asian dishes or the Berliner currywurst, for gastronomic globetrotters there are international delicacies and regional specialities.

Berlin’s regional cuisine is solid and tasty, and served in cosy traditional pubs. A particular speciality is breakfast, which many cafés offer all day long – ideal for night owls who like to lie in a bit longer in the morning.

In summer, the city life moves outside: beach bars along the banks of the Spree with a view of the water are specially favoured. They are perfect places for enjoying a cocktail or sipping a Berliner Weisse (wheat beer) after a sightseeing tour. The popular summer drink, a beer speciality mixed with raspberry or Waldmeister (woodruff) syrup, is something you really shouldn’t miss out on!