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Germany’s capital city combines the old with the new, dating back to the 13th century, and offering a contemporary arts scene that’ll bring you fast up to date. Berlin also has famous landmarks to discover, as well as numerous neighbourhoods to explore, and an incredible art scene; even the Parliament buildings are designed by world famous architects, and the city is full of galleries.
Visit Berlin in summer to watch locals emerge from a long winter, and make the most of the city’s café culture and many beautiful parks and waterways. In the heart of the city you can kayak or stroll down a maze of waterways that stretch over 100 miles. All along the canal you will find amazing markets where you can shop for a range of food and textiles from around the world.
Contact Brightsun Travel to book cheap Berlin holidays, including direct flights from UK and spectacular hotel stays, and enjoy a superb European city break.
Invalidenstraße 38, 10115 Berlin, German
Berlin has an excellent public transport network of U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), trams, and buses. Berlin is also very bike-friendly.
Mitte - the historic centre of Berlin with major sights like Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and Museum Island. It’s also home to many galleries, cafés, and Alexanderplatz.
Kreuzberg – known for its multicultural vibe, street art, and food markets. Kreuzberg is full of cool cafés, boutique stores, and a dynamic nightlife scene.
Prenzlauer Berg - once a hotspot for artists, now an upscale district with cobbled streets, charming cafés, and Mauerpark, where you can find the popular Sunday flea market.
Friedrichshain - young, edgy, and vibrant, this area is famous for the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals. It’s also home to iconic techno clubs like Berghain.
Charlottenburg - more traditional and posh, with high-end shopping and historical sites like Charlottenburg Palace.
Berlin has a relatively low rate of violent crime, so most travellers feel safe, even at night. However, staying cautious is always advised. Pickpocketing is more common in busy areas, particularly on public transportation (U-Bahn, S-Bahn) and tourist hotspots like Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, and near the East Side Gallery. Keep valuables close and be aware of distractions.
Classic Berlin Dishes
Currywurst - this iconic Berlin fast food is a pork sausage smothered in ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder.
Eisbein - a traditional German dish, Eisbein (pork knuckle) is served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
Berliner Pfannkuchen - known simply as a “Berliner,” this is a jelly-filled doughnut usually enjoyed during celebrations or as a sweet snack.
Buletten - these Berlin-style meat patties (like meatballs) are often served with potatoes and pickles.
Kartoffelpuffer - crispy and fried, these potato pancakes are often served with applesauce. They’re a popular market snack, especially during winter or at Christmas markets.
Baumkuchen - known as a tree cake for its layered appearance, Baumkuchen is a sweet treat you’ll find in many Berlin bakeries.
Brandenburg Gate
One of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument symbolising peace and unity. Located in the heart of the city near Pariser Platz, it’s especially beautiful at sunset and during evening illuminations.
Berghain
Berghain is one of Berlin’s most legendary nightclubs, and it has a reputation for being one of the best techno clubs in the world. Housed in a former power plant near the Ostbahnhof station in Friedrichshain, Berghain is known for its incredible sound system.
Reichstag Building
This historic building houses Germany's parliament, the Bundestag. The glass dome on top offers fantastic views of Berlin and is open to visitors with advance booking. The dome is a striking blend of historic architecture with modern design.
Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery
The Berlin Wall Memorial in Bernauer Strasse offers a moving look at the wall’s history, including a preserved section and an open-air exhibition. For art lovers, the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in colourful murals by artists from around the world, is a must-see.
Museum Island
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum (housing the famous bust of Nefertiti). Museum Island is a cultural treasure trove of art and history.
Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin’s main squares and a great starting point for exploring. The nearby TV Tower, or Fernsehturm, is the tallest structure in Germany, offering 360-degree views of Berlin from its observation deck and rotating restaurant.
Checkpoint Charlie
This famous former border crossing between East and West Berlin is a historic site of Cold War tensions. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum provides fascinating insights into the escape attempts and history of the Berlin Wall.
Holocaust Memorial Berlin
Located near the Brandenburg Gate, this poignant memorial features 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, creating a solemn space for reflection. The underground information centre details the history and stories of those affected by the Holocaust.
Tiergarten
This sprawling, central park is ideal for a relaxing walk or picnic. You’ll find beautiful paths, ponds, statues, and beer gardens like the Cafe am Neuen See. Within Tiergarten is also the Berlin Victory Column, offering panoramic views if you’re up for climbing its spiral staircase.
Berlin Cathedral
A stunning Protestant cathedral on Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral is notable for its beautiful architecture and impressive dome. Visitors can tour the interior, climb to the top for city views, and explore the crypt where members of the Hohenzollern family are buried.
Topography of Terror
This historical museum is located on the former Gestapo and SS headquarters site, focusing on the terror tactics of Nazi Germany. The open-air museum has displays about the rise of the Third Reich, making it a significant educational stop.
Berlin Zoological Garden
One of the most popular zoos in Europe, the Berlin Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas. It’s located within Tiergarten, making it a great family-friendly stop.
Jewish Museum Berlin
This museum, known for its striking architecture by Daniel Libeskind, documents the history of Jews in Germany. The exhibits cover various aspects of Jewish culture, and the museum itself is a moving architectural piece reflecting the Jewish experience.
Temperatures in spring gradually warm from around 8°C in March to 18°C in May. Early spring can be chilly, but late spring is pleasantly mild. Parks and gardens like Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld burst into bloom, making it a beautiful time for outdoor activities.
Berlin summers are warm with average highs around 23°C, sometimes reaching 30°C on hot days. The city comes alive with outdoor events, festivals, and open-air dining. Parks, lakes, and rivers are popular during this time.
Autumn temperatures cool from about 20°C in September to 8°C in November. Rainfall is common, particularly in October. Fall foliage adds charm to the city, and cultural events like Berlin Art Week draw visitors. It’s a cosy season as Berlin’s nightlife becomes more popular.
Winters in Berlin are cold, with temperatures averaging around 0°C to 4°C and occasional snowfall. The Berlin Christmas markets are magical in December, and museums and indoor venues become popular escapes from the cold.
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