Berlin is Germany’s capital — bold, layered, creative and constantly evolving. It’s a city shaped by empire, war, division and reunification, yet today feels open, experimental and unapologetically itself.
Unlike the polished elegance of Munich or the maritime calm of Hamburg, Berlin is rawer and more political. Grand boulevards sit beside graffiti-covered courtyards. Imperial monuments stand within walking distance of Cold War relics and cutting-edge galleries.
It’s one of Europe’s most compelling city breaks — and easily fills a long weekend (or longer).
Why Visit Berlin?
- Extraordinary 20th-century history in a compact area
- World-class museums and memorials
- A globally influential nightlife and music scene
- Creative neighbourhoods with real personality
- Green space, lakes and wide boulevards
Berlin isn’t conventionally beautiful — but it’s fascinating, thought-provoking, and endlessly interesting.
Getting There
Berlin is served by Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located southeast of the city. The airport is a major base for EasyJet, Ryanair, Condor, Sunnair and Eurowings, and is also well served by a range of low-cost and full-service carriers. From the UK, direct flights are available with Eurowings, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways.
Getting into the city is quick and straightforward. The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains run directly to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, with S-Bahn connections serving central districts. Journey time is approximately 30 minutes, with frequent and reliable services throughout the day.
Berlin is also exceptionally well connected by rail. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of Europe’s largest stations, offering direct ICE services to Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne, as well as international links to Prague, Warsaw, Amsterdamand Vienna.
Once in the city, a car is unnecessary — public transport is comprehensive, efficient and easy to use.
Where to Stay
Berlin’s accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to design-led boutique stays and well-priced chains.
Popular options include:
- Major hotel chains – Reliable and central
- Budget hotels – Premier Inn, Motel One, and similar operators
- Independent hotels & serviced apartments – Particularly strong in Mitte and Kreuzberg
Best areas to base yourself:
- Mitte – Central, walkable, ideal for first-time visitors
- Prenzlauer Berg – Leafy, relaxed, excellent cafés
- Kreuzberg – Edgy, creative, lively nightlife
- Charlottenburg – More traditional and elegant
For a first visit, Mitte offers the easiest access to major sights.
What to See & Do
Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most iconic landmark. Once a symbol of division during the Cold War, it now represents reunification. It’s particularly striking when illuminated at night — and you’ll likely pass it several times during your stay without it ever feeling ordinary.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Today it remains one of the city’s most recognisable historic sites and a powerful reminder of Berlin’s divided past.
The Reichstag
The Reichstag Building, home of the German parliament, blends historic grandeur with a striking modern glass dome designed by Norman Foster. Entry is free, but advance online registration is required. Visitors can explore both the parliament building and the dome, which offers panoramic views across the city, accompanied by an excellent audio guide explaining Germany’s political history. It’s one of Europe’s best free attractions.
Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery
Sections of the Berlin Wall still stand across the city, most famously at the East Side Gallery — a 1.3km stretch preserved and covered in murals by international artists. It’s both visually striking and deeply symbolic. For more historical context, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse.
Museum Island
Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the River Spree, is home to five major museums. Highlights include the Pergamon Museum, known for its monumental ancient architecture, and the Neues Museum, renowned for its Egyptian collection and classical antiquities. Even if you’re not a museum enthusiast, the setting alone is impressive.
Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is stark, unsettling and powerful. A vast grid of concrete slabs of varying heights creates a sense of disorientation and reflection. The underground information centre provides essential historical context. Allow time — it’s not a quick photo stop.
Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain
Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain capture Berlin’s alternative, creative energy. Expect street art, independent boutiques, Turkish markets, canal-side walks along the Landwehrkanal, and nightlife ranging from relaxed bars to world-famous clubs. Berlin’s club culture is globally recognised, though selective door policies are part of the experience.
Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld, the former Tempelhof Airport, is now a vast public park. Locals cycle, picnic, skate and fly kites along the old runways. It’s a uniquely Berlin experience — open, informal and slightly surreal.
Seasonal Attractions
Christmas Markets (November–December)
Berlin hosts more than 60 markets across the city, ranging from traditional to alternative. Notable examples include the market at Charlottenburg Palace and the atmospheric WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Expect Glühwein, roasted almonds, sausages and traditional crafts.
New Year’s Eve at Brandenburg Gate (31 December)
One of Europe’s largest open-air celebrations takes place at the Brandenburg Gate, with live music, fireworks and huge crowds. It’s lively but very busy — book accommodation early.
Berlin International Film Festival (February)
The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is one of the world’s major film festivals, bringing premieres, red carpets and public screenings — and a creative buzz to the city in winter.
Karneval der Kulturen (May/June)
Karneval der Kulturen is a vibrant multicultural street festival in Kreuzberg, with parades, music stages and global street food.
Berlin Marathon (September)
The Berlin Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, known for its flat, fast course and record-breaking potential. The atmosphere across the city is electric and accommodation fills quickly.
Oktoberfest (September–October)
Berlin hosts smaller-scale Oktoberfest celebrations in autumn, though for the full traditional experience, Munich remains the main event.
Practical Information
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Payment: Cards widely accepted, but some cafés and bars remain cash-only
- Language: German (English widely spoken)
- Plugs: European plug sockets
- Getting around: Extremely walkable. U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are excellent
- Safety: Generally safe; standard city awareness applies
Best Time to Visit Berlin
- Spring & Summer (May–September): Best overall experience. Outdoor cafés, open-air cinemas, lakes, festivals and long evenings.
- Autumn: Cooler, atmospheric, fewer crowds, strong cultural calendar.
- Winter: Cold and often grey — but atmospheric. Christmas markets are good rather than spectacular. Museum visits and cosy cafés come into their own.
Food & Drink in Berlin
Berlin’s food scene is diverse and informal.
Things to try:
- Currywurst – A Berlin street-food staple
- Döner kebab – Popularised in Berlin’s Turkish community
- Schnitzel – Widely available
- Third-wave coffee – Strong café culture
- Craft beer and late-night bars
Dining is generally more relaxed and affordable than many other European capitals.
48 Hours in Berlin: The Perfect Itinerary
Day 1: History & Landmarks
Morning
- Arrive and orient yourself in Mitte
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag dome visit
Afternoon
- Holocaust Memorial
- Walk along Unter den Linden
- Explore Museum Island (choose one museum rather than rushing)
Day 2: Culture & Neighbourhoods
Morning
- East Side Gallery walk
- Explore Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg
Afternoon
- Tempelhofer Feld stroll or bike ride
- Final museum or relaxed wander
- Easy return to the airport or onward train
Final Thoughts
Berlin isn’t polished — and that’s precisely its appeal. It’s intellectually engaging, historically profound and culturally alive.
If you’re drawn to cities with depth, complexity and creative energy, Berlin delivers. It rewards curiosity, benefits from slowing down, and often leaves visitors wanting to return — not because they saw everything, but because there’s always more to uncover.
Holiday Nerd 