Berlin is the capital city of Germany and accounts for one of the sixteen states. Being Germany’s largest city, Berlin is home to 3.4 million people. As a leading city in the areas of politics, culture, science and media it has over 147 foreign embassies that cover the breadth of the city. The economy is focused on high-tech and creative industries as well as being a progressive city of culture. Berlin has a number of famous universities, museums and sporting venues, and is an extremely popular location for film productions. Our Berlin city guide will give you the essentials, as well as some top tips, for making your stay more enjoyable.
When in Berlin be sure to visit:
- A landmark of Berlin is the Brandenburger Tor. It was originally a city gate and was built in 1791. It did, however, suffer damage in World War II and was restored in 2002. It’s now a European symbol of peace.
- The Fernsehturm provides a beautiful view over Berlin; standing 368 metres tall with a restaurant at the top. This restaurant rotates every 30 minutes around the tower and makes for the perfect lunch spot.
- Berlin’s Museum Island is home to the city’s best exhibitions and includes over 6000 years of art and history. Amongst the museums are the Altes, the Neues, the Bode, the Pergamonmuseum and the Alte Nationalgalerie.
Transport information
No Berlin city guide would be complete without an overview of the city's extensive transport system. Berlin benefits from a huge public transportation system and includes many different options. The city also has one of the lowest number of cars in Germany and the population relies mainly on public transport and the use of bicycles. With trains, trams, buses and ferries public transport is always a reliable option when travelling in Berlin. Like London, there’s also a zonal system in place. Travelling through all three zones with a one day pass costs €6.60.
Airports:
Berlin Tegel Airport is the main international airport to currently serve Berlin and is located 5 miles north-west of central Berlin.
Airport lounges:
Berlin Tegel Airport is home to five different lounges, with Air France, Berlin Airport Club, British Airways, GlobeGround and Lufthansa all having their own lounges located in Terminal A. Opening hours vary and it would be worth checking on the airport’s website before planning on a visit to a particular lounge.
Transfer details:
The airport is accessible by bus, long-distance rail and car. Rental cars are available just outside of the airport.
- Train – the stations Südkreuz and Berlin Hauptbahnhof are 30 minutes away and can be reached by long-distance national and European rail connections provided by Deutsche Bahn.
- Bus – stops are located outside Terminals A and B. The airport is located in zone B and buses are operated through Berlin Transport Services.
- Taxi –ranks are located outside of Terminals A, C and E. These taxis work on a distance based fare.
Schools
The city has four universities and a number of technical colleges that offer a range of subjects. The most prestigious university in Berlin is Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin, which accounts for over 35,000 of the city’s student population.
Currency
EUR (€) = Euro
Weather
Berlin has an oceanic climate and has similar weather to the rest of Europe with warm summers and cold winters. The centre of Berlin creates a micro-climate and is generally warmer than the outskirts of the city. It’s worth checking the weather before you travel.
Apartments in the area:
We have a large selection of serviced apartments in Berlin. Amongst these apartments is Berlin Hackescher Markt Aparhotel. With the option of a studio, one or two bedroom apartments all of them come with kitchenettes. They also feature an onsite restaurant and café.
Also located in Berlin, and a must for our Berlin city guide, is Otto Braun Strasse Apartments. These stunning apartments come as senior, junior or half room suites and all come with kitchenettes. The studio apartments are spacious and open plan with living and sleeping areas separated by sliding glass doors.
