Need to know
Founded in the 13th century, Germany’s capital, Berlin, is a city rich with diversity, history and culture. Vibrant and perennially popular with visitors from across the globe, Berlin proves to be a city that is perfect for a stopover, a quick visit or an extended stay, with so much to see, do and experience throughout its streets.
Home to a population that originates from all corners of the globe, Berlin has evolved over time to become a truly multicultural city. Celebrate Berlin’s diverse cultural makeup by setting some time aside to explore the city’s dining scene. A melting pot of flavours, cuisines and sensory experiences, you’ll find everything from traditional German meals through to specialities popular in other regions of Europe, Asia and beyond. From fine dining restaurants through to hole-in-the-wall eateries, you’re sure to have plenty of choice when it comes to finding a dining spot that delights your tastebuds and suits your budget.
Said to be Germany’s cultural centre, Berlin plays host to an impressive lineup of creative performances and curated exhibitions throughout the year. Feast your eyes on some of the world’s best loved artworks as you stroll through Berlin’s art galleries, immerse yourself in the city’s theatre scene or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of live opera and music. Maintaining its status as a world-class cultural destination for several decades, it's no wonder that some of the 20th century’s creative minds, including Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and David Bowie, have called it home at one time or another.
Influenced by some of the most important events of the 20th century, including World War Two and the demolition of the Berlin Wall, Berlin is a city with deep historical ties. Wander through the city’s streets to spot grand historic buildings, reminders of past conflicts and remnants of the infamous wall that once split the city in two.
Getting around
A budget friendly way to see the city, Berlin’s public transport network incorporates buses, trains and trams that travel to all the major neighbourhoods and attractions. True to German efficiency, Berlin’s public transport services are frequent and often on time, making it quite easy to explore the city. Cheaper than most other European cities, Berlin’s taxis are also a convenient travel option, but fares can prove to be quite expensive in the long run. The option is available to hire a car, but unless you’re sticking to the city’s outer suburbs, it’s often faster and cheaper to use public transport to navigate the German capital.
The best time to visit Berlin is during the city’s warmer months, which stretch from April to September. As with most European cities, summer (June, July and August) remains the busiest time of the year for Berlin, so it may be worth travelling outside of this peak period to avoid large crowds and expensive rates.
Berlin’s winter months (December, January and February) are generally very cold, but as long as you pack suitable clothing you’ll have the chance to enjoy the city’s attractions without the crowds and expenses of summer.
Berlin Tegel Airport
Welcoming millions of travellers each year, Berlin Tegel Airport is Berlin’s main international airport. Located 8 km northwest of the city and easily accessible by public transport, the airport receives flights from a selection of destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond.
Berlin Schönefeld Airport
As Berlin’s secondary international airport, Berlin Schönefeld Airport primarily welcomes flights from low cost European carriers. Smaller in size than Berlin Tegel Airport, Berlin Schönefeld Airport is found 18 km southeast of the city.
