Plan Your Berlin Holiday: Best of Berlin
Explore Berlin
Essential Berlin
Things to do
Food & drink
How to do Berlin in 3 days
A guide to queer Berlin
Schöneberg75Schoneberg is Berlin's very own gay-borhood. You’ll find many queer bars and fetish stores (if that's your thing) centered around Nollendorfplatz square. (Even the overground U Bahn station here is illuminated in rainbow colours.) In July, this is also the launching point of Christopher Street Day, Berlin's famed gay pride celebration and parade.
Schwules Museum126Located in a former printing factory, Schwules Museum is a vibrant cultural space dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, art, and culture. Focussed on queer life in all its facets, the museum showcases works by queer artists and offers a unique lens into the struggles and triumphs of the queer community.
Monument to Homosexuals Persecuted Under National Socialist Regime204Set in Tiergarten, near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, this poignant monument stands as a testament to the atrocities committed against homosexuals by the Nazi regime. The cube-shaped memorial has a window where visitors can see a video loop of same-sex couples kissing, a quiet yet powerful tribute to those who suffered. Unlike other memorials, this one is not usually thronged by tourists, offering a more reflective experience.
Mobel Olfe3Tucked between graffiti-streaked walls and neon signage, Möbel-Olfe hardly hints at its past life as a humdrum furniture store. Today, this bar-slash-nightclub is an unmissable temple of Berlin's queer and artistic spirit, with fixtures designed by some of the city's most prolific artists and a creative drink menu. Thursdays are my favourite time to visit, but a heads up—it gets particularly steamy with bodies pressed against the windows and dancing to the electronic beats. Fridays are dedicated to trans and non-binary folks.
Berghain982Berghain is more a rite of passage than a mere club, it’s a mythical beast where the rules for entry are as enigmatic as Mona Lisa's smile. Here, time dissolves and identities blur into a dizzying spell of strobe lights, thundering bass, and intoxicating freedom. Tip: There’s a strict stress code, so ditch the flowery duds and embody your inner leather-lover, you may be refused entry otherwise.
KitKatClub314The Kit Kat Club is Berlin’s hedonistic haven, a seductive oasis of liberation in a world increasingly boxed in by rules and judgments. Here, the only commandments are carved in techno beats and lights. The weirder and funkier you are, the more you will fit in—so let your freak flag fly.
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More cities with an eclectic arts scene
Berlin Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Berlin
ECTQuirk
Berlin is quite cheap to be fair, the travel tickets are 34 euros for five days and covers all areas of the city. U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, trams and mainline trains around the city. The ticket is called the Berlin Welcome Card and not only does it provide deals, it also gives you massive discounts on a huge scale for all attractions in the city.
Elena Z
Buy a 72-hour Berlin Welcome Card. This includes transport on all metro and bus lines, plus a 50% discount at most of Berlin's cultural sights.
Arja J
If you buy a ticket at the machines on the platforms, you must validate them before boarding the train. The tickets you buy on buses have a time stamp already.
Bridget T
I loved the easy to use and efficient transport system. The German people seemed friendly and helpful and there are loads of things to see and do in Berlin. I will definitely visit again.
Mayzie1
Not the old fashioned, post-war government town at all. Great nightlife. Obviously an enormously interesting history both in the city sights and, in particular, the museums. Culturally diverse and lots of great restaurant options on both ends of town. Highly recommend this as a trip for families, particularly with teenaged kids who are able to appreciate the rich texture that is life in today's Berlin.
freutmich
Berlin is one of my favorite European destinations. From the city's energy and distinctive vibe to its role as an epicenter of both World War II and Cold War history, this is a city that can't be missed!
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Berlin is served by two airports; Berlin Tegel (TXL) in the northwest and Berlin Schoenefeld (SXN) in the southeast.
train
If arriving in Berlin by train from other major cities in Europe, you’ll disembark at Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). To plan your route and check timetables, use this link.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Berlin from outside of the EU, check if you need a visa here.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (May-September) For weather that’s ideal for sitting in beer gardens and wandering around Berlin’s parks, visit during the summer of months of May to September. To avoid peak crowds, head to the capital outside of the European summer school holidays, which span July and August.
Berlin hosts an exciting program of cultural events throughout the year as well, including the Festival of Lights and Jazzfest Berlin in October. Or, travelers can browse postcard-worthy Christmas markets in December, and, of course, don’t miss the Berlin International Beer Festival in August.
For more information on Berlin’s weather and when to go, check out some tips here.
Get around
bus
Public buses in Berlin are regular and easy-to-use. The double-decker 100 bus passes top Berlin sights such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Zoo, and Tiergarten. Check this website for more info on bus timetables.
train
Berlin has both a U-Bahn (subway and underground ) and S-Bahn (light-rail) network. To plan your journey, go here.
trams
Berlin has a tram network that’s interlinked to the trains and bus systems. The vending machines for tram tickets only accept cash.
ridesharing
Drive2Day, WunderCar, and Uber are all readily available in Berlin.
On the ground
What is the time zone?
Central European Standard Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Berlin is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Associated plug types are C (two round pins) and F (two round pins with two earth clips).
What is the local currency?
Euro (EUR)
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Most places accept credit cards but it's also a good idea to carry some cash.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes
How much do I tip?
In restaurants and for tour guides, a 10% tip is expected.
Are there local customs I should know?
Public transport
The general rule for the escalators to and from metro stations is to stand on the right and walk on the left.
Try to speak the language
Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort, but they appreciate the effort.
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.