Berlin

Germany·Europe

Currency

EUR

Language

German

Timezone

Berlin

Continent

Europe

Our guide

Discover Berlin

Berlin wears its history on the surface, and that is what sets it apart from other European capitals. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery — the longest surviving stretch of the Wall — tell the 20th century within a few metro stops. Museum Island, a World Heritage site, holds five museums including the Pergamon.

When to go

May to September. Berlin is a summer city: the terraces, lakes and parks are the point of it. Winter is long, grey and cold, but the museums are empty and prices are at their lowest.

Getting around

U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover a very large city — Berlin is nine times the area of Paris and the distances mislead. Cycling is excellent: the city is flat and the lanes plentiful. Validate your ticket before boarding; inspections are frequent and unforgiving.

Where to eat

Currywurst and döner are the two emblems of the Berlin street — the döner as we know it was popularised here by Turkish immigrants. Twenty-five halal addresses are listed, among the best ratios of our destinations, and a direct consequence of that history.

Good to know

The Reichstag and its dome are free but require booking online in advance. Many museums close on Mondays. The Museumspass covering several institutions pays for itself quickly.

Smart Planning