When is the best time to go to Berlin? All the beauty of Berlin in spring

Berlin is a city that invites tourists to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of fun, lightness, and intricacy. There is everything that might interest you - serious operas and comic performances, national cuisine and dishes of the world, historical museums and entertainment venues. Germany is the capital of fashion, art, design, music. Berlin was the site of the beginning of the revolution, fell into ruins after the Second World War and rose from the ashes.

Berlin Drama Theater (Photo © Joan / www.flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)

When to go?

Every traveler is concerned with the question, when is the best time to go to Berlin? In spring or autumn, the weather is stable, and the city itself hosts a wide variety of events, activities, and festivals. Summer is the time of “migration”, when the local population goes on vacation in search of warmth, and Europeans come in search of cool weather. At this time, a huge number of beer festivals, beach discos, and concerts are held.

Top 5: how to feel like a Berliner?

1. Rent a bike and go on a journey through the excellent asphalt streets of Berlin.
2. Take a walk in the afternoon in the Bergmannkiez quarter and stop by a cafe you like.
3. Go to the Panorama Bar or Berghain club, and for this you will have to get up at 6 o’clock in the morning.
4. Visit the Museum Island museums on Tuesday, when the establishments are open until 22:00.
5. Have lunch or a beer in a café on the banks of the Landwehr canal, for example Defne or Café Jacques.

Top 10: the most interesting things to do in Berlin

Top 15: what is worth seeing in Berlin?

If you are in Berlin for the first time, do not forget to take a memorable photo with the Brandeburg Gate in the background, otherwise it will be difficult to prove to your friends that you were in Berlin.

If you have very little time and want to run around Museum Island, go explore the Pergamon Museum, which is a real treasure for lovers of antiquity.

You can’t be in Berlin without trying the legendary currywurst, which characterizes the city’s culinary preferences.

Remember that tickets to the Philharmonic or Opera should be booked two months in advance, a visit to the Neues Museum, the Pergamon Museum or the Reichstag Dome will need to be planned a month in advance, and a table at a fancy restaurant should be reserved a week in advance.

Watch a video about what to do in Berlin

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“I will never buy tickets with such an early departure again,” I thought at 3 in the morning, standing under a hot shower, “It seems like I didn’t forget anything: cosmetics, passport, money, credit card... I shouldn’t forget my head.” With these thoughts, I was getting ready to go to Domodedovo airport to go with my friends to Berlin.

In April, when AirBerlin went on sale, we grabbed cheap tickets from December 8th to 11th for some shopping and exploring the European Christmas markets.

Why did we decide to fly to Berlin? Everyone knows that they have to go to Milan, Paris, and New York for shopping. I will not further list all the existing stereotypes. I don’t know where all these people are hiding, filling the Internet with such rumors, and who dress only in fashion capitals. Personally, I am surrounded by people, mostly dressed in gray, black and brown colors of identical clothes. Apparently, the Milanese are now racing along Rublyovka in white Cayennes.

So why Berlin? Why is it worth going to Berlin in winter? What to see, what to do?

Firstly, the cost of a round trip flight does not exceed 5,000 rubles if you buy a ticket in advance.

Secondly, Berlin hotels simply amaze with their quality (in the literal, good sense) and cheapness (List of hotels in Berlin with prices).

Thirdly, in Berlin there are many shops for every taste with prices much lower than in Moscow. We did not plan to buy designer clothes and accessories, we were not chasing brands and show-offs, so Berlin was 100% suitable.

By the way, we chose the tickets here.

I personally planned to buy everyday knitted sweaters, bright, high-quality and not for 100 euros apiece, but for 30-35. And also skirts, dresses, jeans, all with the same criteria. Taking into account the trip budget per person is about 8,000 rubles, which is no different in cost from a weekend in some Suzdal, it is still more profitable than shopping in Moscow.

In the meantime, I sat in the back seat of the car, which was crawling along the snowy Moscow Ring Road, and decided: to fall asleep or endure it until the plane. Our flight to Berlin departed at 7:40 am, so at 5:00 am I was already passing through Domodedovo.

I really enjoyed my flight with AirBerlin. Clean and new planes, polite flight attendants, smooth takeoff and landing. There was no shaking during the flight; the flight attendants, unlike ours, did not wake up sleeping passengers. So, the German low-cost airline is simply super, even when compared with Lufthansa.

Weather in Berlin in winter

Winter in Berlin can be quite harsh, so assess your strength. Even some measly minus 2 in Berlin feels like minus 15 in Moscow. It's all about the strong humidity, in which the cold penetrates to the skin.
The taxi driver turned out to be Ukrainian and told us a lot of interesting stories. Including how Germans survive the cold. They learned to dress properly to survive in such a climate. The Germans wear a cotton shirt, a synthetic jacket and a sweater on top. On my feet, synthetic socks over cotton and winter boots “a la shitty boots.” We looked at ourselves and realized that we didn’t know how to dress. Stupid penguins.

But who knew that we would be so cold! We came not from Barcelona, ​​not from Thailand, but from harsh Russia!

So, the first rule for traveling to Berlin in winter is to dress warmly and in layers.

We experienced dry frosty weather, heavy snowfall, and a subsequent thaw. Lucky, so lucky.

In Berlin, the underground public transport system is well thought out, created “for people”: there is an underground U-Bahn metro, and an overground metro (or electric train) S-Bahn. Moreover, the Mero branches connect many radial lines; there is no such centric system of rings as in Moscow. Yes, the metro is not as luxurious in interiors as ours, but it is functional. In addition, there is a widely developed network of ground transport: buses and trams. All this variety of transport follows with maximum breaks of 5 minutes. In addition, absolutely everywhere there is an electronic display, where you can clearly find out how long it will take for a particular route to arrive. Ground transport is quite warm, so in cold weather it is quite possible to ride buses.

Shopping in Berlin

Shopping in Berlin is worth talking about separately, because there are many shopping streets, department stores and shopping centers even more. Sales in Berlin begin after Catholic Christmas, but even without them the prices are much lower than in Moscow.

For example, you can easily buy a good leather bag for 70 euros, sweaters for 15, and woolen skirts for 25.

There are a variety of brands in Berlin: from affordable H&M, C&A to elite Dior, Valentino, etc.

I had 1,000 euros with me for shopping, which I successfully spent on a whole bunch of skirts, knitted sweaters, dresses, T-shirts and boots with a bag.

We were shopping so much that at night I dreamed of suitcases, hangers, shelves... and I shouted: “Enough!”

Christmas markets in Berlin

Since mid-November, Berlin has been immersed in an atmosphere of anticipation for Christmas. The city is beautifully decorated: there are garlands all around, glowing figures, elegant shop windows. And all this Christmas attire is complemented by fairs scattered throughout the city.
Read a detailed note about Christmas markets in Berlin (addresses, passwords, appearances)
Christmas markets in Berlin are quite small, but cozy. And since there are many of them, people from all over the city do not go to one site and do not create crowds.

The fairs are rows of wooden houses selling various Christmas treats and gifts. Here, mulled wine and hot drinks flow like a river, sausages are crackling, the fire is burning and music is playing. Some ride on carousels, others on ice skates. And on Alexanderplatz there is a decorated Ferris wheel open even in the evening.

Fairs can definitely be found at: Alexanderplatz, Postdamer Platz, Gendarmplatz, near the Zoo and Charlottenburg Palace.

And this is how the Berlin authorities take care of the Christmas mood of the citizens. Compare with Moscow and you will understand where people love you more. It’s not just that they didn’t hang garlands for us, they even screwed such light bulbs into our ordinary lanterns that we couldn’t see anything. They're really envious.

Belly Festival in Berlin or local restaurants

For lovers of food and beer, Berlin will seem like a paradise. Restaurants serve such portions that I immediately remembered starving children. They call appetizers those dishes that two people can eat. Among traditional foods, special mention should be made of sausages with sauerkraut and pork knuckle. At the same time, the products from which food is prepared, be it breakfast in a hotel or dinner in a restaurant, are really tasty, that is, they have a taste not of Chinese plastic, but of normal human taste, from which we in Moscow have almost lost the habit.

And the prices are also pleasantly surprising: for 17 euros for two you can simply burst into tears in one of the tourist restaurants (That’s how they feed here).

Top 11 attractions in Berlin that you can visit in winter

In winter you can’t walk through Berlin’s chic parks, you can’t go to the suburbs (Potsdam and Sans Souci), but you can’t miss the main attractions of the city.

Brandenburg Gate (Branderburger Tor) – a symbol of the unification of Berlin and the Victory Column (Siegessaule)
Berlin Cathedral (BerlinerDom), including climb to the dome
Charlottenburg Palace
Reichstag building
Unter den Linden street
Gendarme Square (Gendarmenmarkt)
Museum Island (Museumsincel)
Observation tower (FERNSEHTURM) at Alexander Platz
Checkpoint Charlie
Sony-centre, Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz
Remains of the Berlin Wall

We will talk more about the sights of Berlin in a separate article.

Berlin Museums

Winter is the best time to visit Berlin's many museums. The weather is unlikely to encourage you to take long walks, but you can enrich yourself culturally. Agree, in the summer it’s such a pity to waste time on museums!

1. Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg), where you will see the luxurious life of German monarchs, reflecting the fashion of the 18-19 centuries.

2. Museums of the “museum island” (5 museums):

Pergamon Museum (review and impressions from Eka)

Old Museum (Altes Museum)

New Museum (Neues Museum)

Bode Museum

Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie).

3. Underground bunker from World War II (Berliner Unterwelten)

4. New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie), containing an exhibition of famous works of cubism, expressionism and surrealism

5. Topography of Terror (Torographie des Terrors), the name of the museum speaks for itself. The museum contains exhibits and materials from the times of the SS and fascism.

6. Jewish Museum (Judisches Museum)

7. Museum complex in Dahlem

There are more than 1000 museums and exhibitions in Berlin, I think everyone will find something interesting for themselves.

Sightseeing in Berlin by bus

If you are unlucky with the weather like we were, you can use secret public transport routes.

In Berlin there are magical buses No. 100 and 200, which travel to the main attractions of the city.

We joked that these buses literally compete with city excursion buses (such as City Tour).

I advise you to take a map of the movement of the city tour bus, a city map (download the map or look at the route on a Google map) and find ten differences.

So, feel free to buy a pass, book a hotel located next to one of the stops and go! Then you will not be afraid of snow, rain, or frost.

In custody

I would describe Berlin as a city of mood. He is not Paris, which almost everyone likes, he is not Khimki, which most people criticize. This is a city where you need to catch the wave and feel its free and modern spirit.

I noted that completely different Germans live here: cheerful, open and very positive. There is no feigned stiffness, you get the feeling that you are sincerely welcome everywhere.

Personally, Berlin didn’t make a strong impression on me, although I can’t say that I didn’t like it and left it indifferent. I didn’t give him a piece of my heart, but I took with me pleasant emotions and memories.

Here is a list of hotels in Berlin

Berlin is the most dynamic and densely populated city in Germany and Europe, and is one of the most remarkable places in Europe. The city has many facets - active and multifaceted, it attracts both creative youth and business people like a magnet. Berlin is a kind of antipode to other large European capitals: relatively inexpensive, straightforward and unpretentious, it seems to be created for talented people and seems to encourage them to take part in its internal changes. The capital of Germany is a combination of several dissimilar worlds in one. And it is precisely the contradictions that make him what he really is. Become a guest of the German capital and draw your own conclusions. Let’s say one thing: you definitely won’t remain indifferent to Berlin!

10 things to do in Berlin

• "Take" the Reichstag by climbing into the glass dome at the top;
• Take a walk around the Island of Museums;
• Arrange a promenade along Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate;
• See the ruins of the Berlin Wall;
• Visit the State Opera or attend a concert of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra;
• Take a pleasure boat ride on the Spree;
• Try all types of beer and German know-how “alster” (beer with apple juice) in the biergarten;
• Visit sales at Kudamm (Kurfürstendamm);
• Visit Sony headquarters;
• Have a Berlin-style picnic in front of Charlottenburg Palace.

When to go to Berlin

The best dates to plan a trip to Berlin are from May to September. If you are traveling in the summer, you need to assume that it will be hotter than usual. However, colorful sales in the form of flea markets, gatherings on the embankments and river walks along the Spree, street concerts, museums and open-air cinema and club parties make you forget about everything and enjoy the beautiful city to the maximum.

Autumn and winter There are no snowfalls or piercing frosts in the city, but the bone-chilling wind is not conducive to long walks around the city. In spring, the city is filled with the aromas of blossoming cherry trees with unusual flowers, and it is already quite warm - the weather is suitable for sightseeing.

Where to stay in Berlin

The German capital is striking in its size, therefore, if you choose the wrong place to live, the risk of traveling extra kilometers in pursuit of attractions increases significantly.

At the same time, there are more than one and a half thousand hotels in Berlin, even if you do not take into account hostels, campsites and other budget options. At the same time, prices for hotel rooms in the capital of Germany are almost a third cheaper than similar options in other European capitals, and the quality does not suffer from this. Therefore, we advise you to first decide on your goals in Berlin and choose your area of ​​residence according to your needs and travel time.

If you only have a couple of days in Berlin and would like to cover the whole center, it's worth staying at Mitte area(Mitte). The Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, Central Zoo and Potsdamer Platz are nearby. In the west of the area there is the Tiergarten park, the northern part is limited by the Spree. It's also close to Berlin's famous restaurants and shops.
The only drawback of the area is that there are practically no shops with inexpensive products in the center, so you will have to dine in a cafe or at a hotel. The central railway station is located across the river from the Reichstag, and it will take some time to get there.
Room rates: from 3500 rub. for a 3-star hotel room, from 5 thousand rubles. per day in a 4-star hotel and from 9 thousand rubles. for a 5-star room.

The second most popular and densest area of ​​hotels in Berlin is Charlottenburg. It is located in the West of the city, and it is here that Berlin's most famous shopping street, Kudamm, and the largest transport hub, Zoological Garden station, are located. Buses to Tegel Airport depart from here. The area is ideal for those tourists who are already familiar with the center of Berlin and want to get to know other areas better, for shopping lovers and for those who plan to travel outside of Berlin. Hotels here are not as expensive as in Mitte. There are inexpensive supermarkets and shops here. In short, the area has a lot of advantages.
Cost of living: on average €60-70 per night with breakfast.

For lovers of a relaxing holiday and those who don’t mind spending half an hour on the road to the center, we recommend staying in the residential areas of Berlin: Treptow-Kopenick, Tempelhof-Schoneberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf. The prices for accommodation here are pleasantly pleasing, and walking along the local streets will give you a complete picture of the wonderful, contradictory city.

As for general recommendations, it is worth noting that most hotels in Berlin increase prices for festivals and major exhibitions (such as the Berlin Film Festival) and provide discounts during the “Seven Shopping Weekends” before Christmas. Large hotels often offer reduced rates on weekends. At the same time, hotel prices are still pleasantly pleasing in comparison with all-European prices. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, and it won't be devastating to your wallet.

How much money to take with you to Berlin

Berlin currently remains one of the most inexpensive European capitals, so a holiday there will not be burdensome if you plan carefully. The average tourist who visits a cafe and loves to taste national cuisine spends at least €40 per day on food. The cheapest eateries are Italian, Chinese and Greek. If you cook yourself and don’t go too fancy, you can live on €10-20 a day. As for the cost of living, it’s better to go to Berlin as a couple, as you’ll spend less money on hotels. If you take with you an amount of €50-60 per day (this does not include long journeys and shopping), then this will be enough in the German capital.

How to get to Berlin

The best way to get to Berlin is to fly there by plane. Direct flights to Germany are regularly operated by AirBerlin, German Wings and Aeroflot. Flight time is less than 3 hours. Ticket prices start from 4,000 rubles roundtrip including fees.

Trains are another affordable and convenient way to get to the German capital. The Moscow-Berlin train (No. 013/014) departs directly from the Belorussky station. Frequency: 6 times/week. in summer, 3 times - in winter, spring and autumn. Travel time is a little more than a day. Regular trains to Berlin also depart from St. Petersburg, Adler, Kaliningrad, Ufa, Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg and Omsk.

The Moscow-Berlin train arrives at the Bahnhof Berlin Zoologischer Garten station. In total, the city has several railway stations: Lichtenberg, Alexanderplatz, East Station, Zoological Garden station and Berlin Central Station.

Using rail transport in Germany is pleasant and convenient. Trains run frequently and almost always according to German precision. And residents of Berlin itself, despite the presence of city buses and tram lines, prefer rail transport (S-Bahn and U-Bahn).

Airports

The historical past of the city even affects the aviation component: Berlin has two airports - Tegel and Schönefeld (the result of the post-war division of Germany). They are located in western and southeastern Berlin. Until 2008, there was also a third airport, Tempelhof, but now the ultra-modern Berlin-Brandenburg-International air complex is being built in its place.

The main airport is considered Tegel(Berlin Tegel Airport). It is adjacent to the district of the same name and is located 8 km from the city center. Russia is connected to this airport by flights from St. Petersburg and Moscow. The airport terminal is quite convenient, there is a place to relax and have a snack, and the layout of the airport is clear even to an inexperienced traveler. The only caveat is that the airport’s transit zone is “tailored” for AirBerlin flights, so there are often cases when passengers need to leave the transit zone to change flights. Therefore, when landing in Tegel, do not forget about the need for a Schengen visa.
From the airport to Alexanderplatz (actually the city center), the DXL bus runs every 10 minutes, and the journey takes about half an hour. You can also get from the airport to Berlin Bahnhof Zoo station - by buses 109 and X9.

Another Berlin airport is located 20 km southeast of the center. Schönefeld accepts fewer flights than Tegel, but they are both domestic and international. Not far from the airport is the Berlin-Schönefeld railway station, where Regionalbahn and S-Bahn trains (S9, S45) towards the city stop. You can also get to Berlin Central Station from Schönefeld using the airport express lines RE7 and RB14. For those wishing to get to Berlin by taxi, taxi stands are located at the entrance to Terminal A.

How to get from the airport to the center of Berlin

Tegel Airport is 8 km from the city center, so the journey to Zoologischer Garten or Alexanderplatz takes less than half an hour. There is no metro within walking distance from the airport; the main way to get to the city is by bus. JetExpressBuses express shuttles depart from Tegel Airport to Alexanderplatz (actually the city center). You can get to Berlin Bahnhof Zoo station from the airport by buses 109, X9, 128 and TXL. Bus operating hours are from 5 am to 12 midnight with an interval of 5-10 minutes. All buses have luggage compartment. They stop near the airport exit, so you are sure to find them. The cost of a bus ride to the center is €2.5. You can buy a ticket at the entrance from the driver, from a machine at the bus stop, or from a machine at the airport exit.
A taxi ride from Tegel Airport to the center (Ku Damm) will cost approximately €20. The taxi rank is located opposite the airport exit.

Not far from Schoenefeld Airport there is the Flughafen Berlin Schoenefeld railway station, from where S-Bahn commuter trains (S9, S45) and Regionalbahn trains (RE7, RB14, RB22) depart towards the city. Tickets are sold from vending machines at the train station. The station platform can be reached through an underground passage connected to the international terminal. Travel time is 20 minutes for electric trains, 45 minutes for commuter trains. Both types of transport run from 5 am to 11 pm with an interval of 10 minutes. Ticket prices are about €10. Alternatively, Berlin Central Station can be reached within half an hour by Airport Express.

Buses from Schönefeld Airport to Berlin run 24 hours a day. Bus numbers No. 163, 164, 171, 734, 735, 736, 741, 742. Buses numbered N7 and N60 are night buses.

For those wishing to get to Berlin by taxi, their stands are located at the entrance to Terminal A. A taxi ride to Berlin from Schönefeld Airport will cost about €35-40.

Stations

Hauptbahnhof Berlin(Berlin Central Station) is the most important station in Berlin and at the same time the largest and most modern railway station in Europe. Built according to the design of the German architect Meinhard von Gerkan, it has been operating for the departure and reception of passengers since May 2006. The two-level building is designed in such a way that 14 paths from different directions intersect here. In total, the station receives 164 high-speed long-distance trains, 314 regional trains and more than 600 city and suburban trains every day. Berlin Central Station receives trains from all over Europe and local destinations.
Address: Europaplatz 1,10557 Berlin (Mitte).

Berlin Zoologischer Garten(Zoological Garden station) is one of the most important transport hubs, located in the center of West Berlin next to the largest zoo in Germany. The station began operating in 1882, and 20 years later it was connected to the U-Bahn metro station. There are only 2 passenger platforms and 4 train tracks, but the station has always served as a major transport artery of the city. Nowadays commuter trains and the S-Bahn commuter train come here and depart from here.
Address: Hardenbergplatz 13, 10623 Berlin (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf).

Nordbahnhof Berlin(North Station) - one of the oldest stations in Berlin, has undergone many reconstructions and was once again opened only in 2006. Previously, the station connected Berlin with Pomerania and the Polish city of Schetzin, which was important for the travel of Berlin residents to the resorts of the Baltic Sea. Now this railway station serves S-Bahn and commuter trains.
Address: Invalidenstrasse, 10115, Berlin (Mitte).

Bahnhof Alexanderplatz(Alexanderplatz Station) – this station is located in the city center, in the Mitte district. The station is one of the most active transport hubs, operating since 1882. The station complex serves passengers of the city electric train (S-Bahn), metro (U-Bahn) and regional trains.
Address: Dircksenstrasse 2, 10179, Berlin (Mitte).

Ostbahnhof Berlin(Eastern Station) - opened in 1942 and often changed its name, having managed to be Frankfurt, Silesian, Central and finally becoming Eastern in 1998. The station complex is quite large and includes a hotel complex and business centers. Several tracks of the station are dedicated to S-Bahn trains, the rest receive and send trains in the direction of Potsdam, Spandau, Königs-Wusterhausen and Schönefeld Airport.
Address: Straße der Pariser Kommune 5, 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg).

Bahnhof Lichtenberg(Lichtenberg Station) is another “eastern” train station in Berlin, located in the Lichtenberg district. Previously, trains from Russia and Eastern Europe arrived here, but now the station receives mainly commuter trains.
Address: Weitlingstrasse 22, 10317, Berlin (Lichtenberg).

How to get from the train station to Berlin airport

How to get from Tegel Airport to Hauptbahnhof Berlin

The airport is located away from the metro lines, so you can either use a taxi or take a bus. The bright yellow TXL-Express bus, running from Tegel Airport to Hauptbahnhof (via the nearest S-Bahn station - "BeusselStrasse") and Alexanderplatz, runs every 10 minutes until 22 hours, and even at night, only at longer intervals. This bus is the most convenient option to get to the center of Berlin. Travel time is about 20 minutes. The fare is about 3€. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.

Berlin Zoologischer Garten

By bus 128b 109 or X9 you can get to the nearest metro station (U-Bahn, line U-7) Jakob-Kaiser-Platz in 5 minutes, or travel to the western part of Berlin to the Zoologischer Garten station. The travel time is 30-40 minutes, the cost of a one-way ticket is about 3 € (it can be purchased both at the ticket office at the stop and from the driver). The movement interval is 15 minutes.

Bahnhof Alexanderplatz

The best option is TXL-Express or JetExpressBuses, running from Tegel Airport to the station via Alexanderplatz to another Hauptbahnhof station every 10 minutes until 22 hours (at night - less often), costing about 3 €.

Ostbahnhof Berlin

To do this, you just need to take the train (either RB14 or RE7, 18 minutes) or S-Bahn (line S9, 25 minutes) from the airport station to Ostbahnhof.

Simply get to the nearest S-bahn and U-bahn stations - Kurt-Schumacher Platz (line U6) from Tegel using bus route 128. Travel time is 10 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased near the exit of Terminals A-B at a ticket sales point or from a machine on the street. The driver sells tickets for one trip; passes can only be purchased from vending machines. Payment in cash euros or by Maestro card.

When purchasing train or bus tickets, remember that to travel from Schönefeld Airport you need a three-zone ticket (ABC), and from Tegel Airport you need a two-zone ticket (AB).

How to get from Schönefeld Airport to Hauptbahnhof Berlin

From here there are S-Bahn lines S9 and S45, which with transfers will take you anywhere in Berlin - to Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstrasse, Alexanderplatz, Hauptbahnhof railway station. Trains run every 10-15 minutes. Tickets are sold from vending machines at the train station in cash or with MAESTRO cards. Travel time from Schönefeld Airport to the center of Berlin is about 40 minutes. The cost of travel to the city center is 2.30 €.

The so-called “airport express” lines RE7 and RB14 depart twice an hour to Hauptbahnhof Berlin with stops at Ostbahnhof and Friedrichstrasse station.

Berlin Zoologischer Garten

An express train runs between Berlin Scheinefeld Airport and Spandau Station, where ICE high-speed trains depart. It runs once every half hour and travels from the airport to Spandau train station in 45 minutes, stopping along the way at Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten.

Also in the direction of Berlin Zoologischer Garten from Tegel Airport there are S-Bahn lines S9 and S45 (with transfers) every 15 minutes. Tickets are sold from vending machines at the train station in cash or with MAESTRO cards. Travel time from Schönefeld Airport to the center of Berlin is about 40 minutes. The cost of travel to the city center is 2.30 €.

Bahnhof Alexanderplatz

The best option is the same express train between Berlin Scheinefeld Airport and Spandau Station Spandau. It runs every 30 minutes and makes stops along the way from the airport to Spandau train station, including at Alexanderplatz.

S-Bahn trains S9 and S45 (with transfers) also take you to Alxanderplatz from Schönefeld Airport. Tickets are sold from vending machines at the train station in cash or with MAESTRO cards. Travel time from Schönefeld Airport to the center of Berlin is about 40 minutes. The cost of travel to the city center is 2.30 €.

Ostbahnhof Berlin

An express train runs between Berlin Scheinefeld Airport and Spandau Station, where ICE high-speed trains depart. It runs once every half hour and travels from the airport to Spandau train station in 45 minutes, making stops along the way at Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz, Ostbahnhof und Karlshorst.

Transport in Berlin

Berlin transport includes underground (U-Bahn Berlin; 173 stations and 9 lines) and overground (S-Bahn Berlin; 165 stations and 15 lines), buses, trams and river ferries. An expanded system of all types of transport makes it easy, safe and inexpensive to get to any part of the city - it’s not for nothing that native Berliners prefer public transport. Most transport services are provided by the Berlin Transport Company (BVG), the largest organization in Germany.

When purchasing a travel ticket in Berlin, everyone has the opportunity to choose a ticket valid in one or more tariff zones. It is advisable for tourists to purchase a ticket valid in the AB tariff zone. If you are planning to visit Potsdam, it is worth taking a travel document valid in all three tariff zones - ABC. Public transport tickets in Berlin are uniform and valid for buses, trams, underground trains (U-Bahn), overground trains (S-Bahn) and ferries.s

Types of general travel tickets:

• Kurzstrecke - short distance ticket;
• Einzelfahrschein - ticket for two hours;
• 4-Fahrten-Karte - four 2-hour tickets;
• Tageskarte - daily ticket;
• Kleingruppen-Tageskarte - group daily ticket;
• 7-Tage-Karte - 7-day ticket;
• Monatskarte - monthly ticket.

Metro

Travel pass options for tourists

Berlin CityTourCard- 48 (72) hour or 5-day pass, providing discounts from 15% to 50% on partner offers. The ticket comes with: a list of partners, a city plan, a diagram of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines. Valid without restrictions on all types of urban public transport.

Ticket price in zone AB:

• 48 hours - €16.90;
• 72 hours - €22.90;
• 5 days - €29.9.

Berlin WelcomeCard– 48 (72) hour or 5-day pass. Valid without restrictions on all types of urban public transport. provides the right to receive discounts from 20% to 50% on partner offers. The ticket includes: a list of partners, a city map, a guide to city restaurants and castles, a selection of tips for spending time in Berlin, a multi-sound guide with useful tips, a map of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines.

Ticket price in zone AB:

• 48 hours - €17.90;
• 72 hours - €23.90;
• 5 days - €30.90.

Berlin WelcomeCard Museumsinsel- 72-hour travel pass. Valid without restrictions on all types of urban public transport. The ticket is valid without restrictions in the AB/ABC tariff zone (the ABC zone also includes the city of Potsdam) and provides the right to receive discounts from 20% to 50% on partner offers + the right to free admission to all museums and exhibitions on Museum Island. The ticket includes: a list of partners, a city map, a guide to city restaurants and castles, a selection of tips for spending time in Berlin, a multi-sound guide with useful tips, a map of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines.

Ticket price in zone AB: €34

In Berlin, as in most European cities, there are no turnstiles in the metro and trains, entry and exit are free. There are very few ticket sales points in the metro or train stations; there are vending machines everywhere selling tickets both in cash and with a Maestro card. All types of tickets can be purchased at BVG ticket sales points, as well as at hotel receptions. Before entering a subway car, you must buy a ticket and be sure to validate it (stamp it with the date and time). On buses and trams, tickets are purchased directly in the passenger compartment.

Taxi

Taxi services are the easiest option for those who are afraid of getting lost in such a busy city as the capital of Germany. Taxi fares here are officially approved by law, so during the trip you don’t have to worry that drivers will want to profit from inexperienced tourists.
The cost of landing (calling a car) in Berlin is about €3. The cost of the short route is €4 per 2 km. Over 7 km - €1.28 per 1 km. The waiting cost is €25 per 1 hour. For transportation of bulky luggage, pets and when ordering a car for 5-8 people, you need to pay extra separately.

When trying to pay for travel with a credit or other bank card, drivers may require an additional payment, since not all taxis are equipped with cashless payment systems, and drivers in Berlin are not required to accept payment by card.

In your car

What to see in Berlin

Reichstag

The Reichstag is undoubtedly Berlin's most famous building with a rich historical past. Now this is the Parliament building. Built in 1894, the builders crowned the building with a glass dome, unusual for that time. Having gone through World War II, several fires and reconstructions, the Reichstag still stands proudly above Berlin. There is an observation deck for tourists right under the glass dome, which can be accessed free of charge by appointment if you have documents. Those interested can stay and dine in the panoramic restaurant Kafer, which offers stunning views of Berlin. All city tours start from here.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a visiting card of Berlin, like the Tower of London or the Roman Colosseum. The gate was erected on Paris Square, in the very heart of Berlin, the height of the building exceeds 25 meters. During construction, the architect K. Langgans took the main gate of the Roman Acropolis as a model and, according to his idea, they were to become world famous. Hence the second name – the Gate of the World. At the top of the gate stands a statue of the goddess of victory (peace) Irena Victoria, she holds a cross in her hands. Address: Straße des 17. Juni, Berlin, Germany. During the war, the Brandenburg Gate was also partially destroyed, but restorers worked on it. And now many Berlin residents and tourists from all over the world come to experience history and recall the historical events that are associated with this symbol of the city.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is an infamous post-war building that has influenced life in Berlin in many ways. It was this wall, built overnight, that divided Germany into the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, and split the families of Berliners into pieces for almost 30 years. During the wall's existence, a huge number of local residents were killed trying to cross the wall. After the countries united into one in 1989, pieces of the wall, carefully painted with graffiti, were sold to private collections. Now the authorities are trying to restore fragments of the wall, buying them from their owners for incredible amounts of money. But it’s worth it, because for all of Berlin the wall is a symbol of freedom, the struggle for independence and the unity of people divided by the political regime, but spiritually remaining close to each other.

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is one of the main squares of Berlin, which is a major transport interchange and is one of the ten most visited places in Germany. Today, the architectural composition of the square combines modern buildings and pre-war buildings. So, it is here that the 4th tallest television tower in Europe is located - the Berliner Fernseeturm, whose height is 368 meters. The square also houses the Red Town Hall, a monument to K. Marx and F. Engels, “Alex” - the largest department store in Berlin and the Neptune Fountain. Address: Alexanderstraße, Berlin, Germany.

Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral is the largest Protestant church in Germany. It is located on the museum island and, despite its purpose, was built in the Baroque style, so it turned out to be quite bright and lush. The height of the cathedral is about 100 meters. Millions of visitors come to see the beauty of the decoration - sculptures, stucco, paintings and stained glass. According to many reviews, the cathedral does not “press” with its Gothic style and is popular among tourists. Address: Schloßplatz, Berlin, Germany.

Tiergarten

Tiergarten is a huge park, the center of informal Berlin, which for city residents is a kind of panacea for the frantic pace of life and a popular vacation spot. It is not without reason that it is called the “green island in the middle of Berlin”. The park has existed since the 16th century; in the 20th, Vladimir Nabokov loved to stroll here, and now you can often meet officials and dignitaries. In addition to walking, in Tiergarten you can also buy gifts for yourself and friends - the quantity and quality of rarities per square meter at the local flea market can only be envied.

Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden - like Arbat in Moscow, Broadway in New York and Khreshchatyk in Kyiv, Unter den Linden street is known throughout the world and is a symbol of Berlin. The street of museums, palaces and squares got its name from two rows of linden trees planted along the edges of the pedestrian alley. The length of the street is about 1390 meters, the width is 60 meters. Most of the city's key attractions are located here - the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin State Opera, the Humboldt University, the Berlin Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Palace of Wilhelm I, so few people pass by Unter den Linden upon arrival. This street is the soul of Berlin and the center of modern life, so it is definitely worth a visit.

Route: Berlin in 2 days

If you are planning to visit the German capital in your own car, you should remember that Berlin has an environmental protection zone. This measure was taken by the authorities in order to reduce the concentration of harmful substances emitted into the air by cars. Only cars that meet certain exhaust gas toxicity standards can move through the fenced area, while the rest can move outside this zone. Confirmation of the right to enter the center of Berlin is a special green sticker that must be glued to the inside of the windshield.

Berlin. Day 1.

The first day of exploring Berlin should be devoted to a sightseeing tour of Berlin by bus hop-on hop-off. Along the way, you can explore all the main attractions and get off at any of the 20 stops to stay somewhere longer. Two more options are to ride around the city on a pedicab or on 2-wheeled Segway scooters, which have become so popular lately. The main landing points are the corner of Kurfüstendamm-Rankenstrasse; location opposite the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, Alexanderplatz and the main entrance of the Park Inn Hotel

Buy a Berlin Welcome Card valid for 48 hours. It will give you the right to free travel on all types of public transport and discounts on visiting museums and cultural places up to 50%.

1 On the way the bus will pass Brandenburg Gate- probably the most significant building and calling card of Berlin. The gate is the only one of the old city gates that has survived to this day. For a long time they separated main Germany and Berlin, being built into the Berlin Wall, but still became a symbol of peace and unity of the city. At the top is a statue of Victoria, the Goddess of Victory, riding a chariot of 4 horses.

2 Next point - the former German parliament - Reichstag. The building suffered significant damage during the defense of Berlin, and now its top is crowned by a futuristic dome designed by Norman Foster. To get to the observation deck inside the dome itself, you need to sign up for a visit in advance or at least 2 hours in advance.

3 Take a look at Potsdamer Platz, where the infamous Berlin Wall, dividing the western and eastern parts of the city. Now all that remains is debris in the East-Side Gallery area and signs on the city streets showing the location of the wall. Now on the square there is a 25-story skyscraper Kollhoff-Tower, which in just 20 seconds, on the fastest elevator in Europe, will take tourists to a platform with a magnificent panorama of Berlin.

4 Another significant point on our route is Alexanderplatz, the city's main square and former center of East Berlin. It is here that you can climb the 4th highest Berlin TV tower in Europe, the Berliner Fernseeturm, which is 368 meters high.

5 Unter den Linden- “the main artery of Berlin, covered with linden trees” - a famous boulevard and an excellent place to get a first impression of Berlin. The street begins at the walls of the Berlin Cathedral and ends at Parisian Square. There are many important places located here - the Humboldt University, the State Opera building, the Royal Library, the Arsenal building and the Crown Prince's Palace.

6 Kurfürstendamm or Ku-damm- another famous boulevard with a length of 3.5 km, a must-see as part of our route. Now it is one of the main shopping streets of the city, where you can find boutiques, jewelry stores, department stores and stores of all international chains. This is a favorite place for many foreigners to stroll around Berlin, so those who are not interested in shopping will find an opportunity to admire the city here. In the eastern part, Kudamm originates from the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

Berlin. Day 2.

On their second day in Berlin, quick travelers should visit numerous museums, exhibitions and cultural institutions, and perhaps do some shopping. There is an opinion that there are many more museums in Berlin than there are cloudy days in a year - and the opportunity to “get cultured” is available in just 2 days.

1 Helmut Newton Museum of Photography. The museum's collection occupies 2000 square meters. meters in the Berlin City Museum next to the Zoo. Tourists and especially “connoisseurs” will be delighted with this “Mecca of photography”: the building houses the photographer’s personal archive with all his sketches and notes. And the Museum itself regularly holds large-scale exhibitions on various topics.

2 Not far from the museum there is Berlin Zoo with an excellent aquarium. The zoo's territory extends over more than 35 hectares - it is not surprising that it is considered one of the largest animal refuges in all of Germany and the first place in the world in terms of the number of species represented - there are about 13 thousand of them.
Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, Berlin.

3 Pergamon Museum and the next point on our program is one of the many “interests” of the Museum Island on the Spree River, which is visited daily by about 850 thousand tourists. The museum, named after the ancient Greek city, essentially combines three exhibitions dedicated to the ancient Near East, Islamic art and antiquity. The museum's exhibitions allow you to touch history in the literal and figurative sense and feel the monumentality of ancient buildings.

You can explore the whole of Berlin in two days by renting a bicycle. The cost of traveling on two wheels is 10 euros per day.

And finally, you will not be a real guest of Berlin if you do not devote several hours to shopping as part of our 2-day tour. There are plenty of shopping opportunities here: department stores KaDeWe, Galeries Lafayette, Quartier 206, shopping centers on Potsdamer Platz, fashion stores near the Hackische Höfe area. An interesting find is the market with organic products on Kollwitzplatz, where you can buy delicious gifts for your loved ones. Another highlight of Berlin is the numerous Sunday flea markets, where you can find a lot of interesting things. You can end your weekend in Berlin in cozy cafes in the surrounding shopping districts, tasting the famous Berliners, currywurst sausages and German beer.

Entertainment in Berlin

Berlin Zoo. Here, in the oldest zoo in Germany, about 15,000 animals of 1,460 species live and there is a whole complex of aquariums.
Opening hours: daily 9-18;
Tickets: 12 euros / reduced price 9 euros;
Address: Zoologischer Garten, Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin.

Tropical islands(Tropical Islands) is the largest water park in Europe, which is conveniently located in Berlin. It is a gigantic complex of swimming pools, many attractions, slides, a complex of saunas, and sports grounds. Enchanting water shows are often held here. Located 90 km from Berlin.
Opening hours: Every day from 09:00 to 01:00;
Input: Combined ticket (pools + sauna) €30.00. Children: (4-14 years old) - €19.50;
Preferential - €27.50.

Legoland Amusement Park– fans of the famous Lego designer in Berlin will be simply delighted, because a huge Legoland Discovery Center park with many activities and attractions is open for them. Here you can learn how the famous Lego “bricks” are made, see Berlin in miniature, and watch Lego films in a 4D cinema.
Ticket price: €16;
Address: Potsdamer Straße 4, 10785 Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany.

Thematic tours of Berlin's dungeons. Since 1999, Berliner Unterwelten e.V. provides everyone with walks through the underground structures and bomb shelters of the city. This excursion is especially popular among history buffs who attend such events with active interest.
Address: Berliner Unterwelten e.V., Brunnenstraße, 105, 13355 Berlin

In addition, in the vicinity of Berlin there are amusement parks and attractions such as Phantasialand(Fantasy-Land), Panorama-Park Sauerland Wildpark and others.

What do Berliners love?: discounts, demonstrations, graffiti, coffee in pubs, bicycles, museums at night, shopping, Halloween, flea markets.

What Berliners Don't Like: noisy tourists, bright elegant look.

Where to eat in Berlin

Each city is known, among other things, through the “prism of food,” which is considered iconic here. The Germans love dishes made from potatoes, cabbage, pork, they know more than 600 varieties of bread, and they drink beer, always locally brewed. German cuisine is particularly filling and calorie-rich, so you won’t leave a cafe or restaurant hungry. At the same time, the Germans have practically no complex dishes on their menu. The main dishes consist of meat, fish and game with a side dish of vegetables. Sausages, sprats, and herring dishes are also common. For starters, Germans eat broths with eggs, dumplings, rice and tomatoes, creamy soups and noodle soups. And German fried sausages and cabbage are probably known all over the world.

When you're in Berlin, there are a few things you should definitely try. Firstly, this currywurst- fried sausage with tomato paste and curry sauce. It is sold at almost every turn: from street stalls to fashionable restaurants. This dish is very popular among the local population - even a currywurst museum was opened in Berlin for its 60th anniversary.

Second course - the world's most famous round donuts made from yeast dough - Berliners. Now you can buy them in any cafe or pastry shop in the city. Berliners with condensed milk and powdered sugar are especially tasty.

Homemade pork knuckle- the third dish - perhaps migrated to the cuisine of many nations. However, the Germans are famous meat eaters, and shanks are not prepared anywhere like here. We recommend: tartar sauce and crispy country potatoes on the side.

Stollen– the fourth Berlin “must-taste” delicacy. It is made from yeast dough with the addition of raisins and candied fruits. In taste and recipe, it resembles Russian Easter, but German cooking technology still makes this dessert unforgettable.

The name of the fifth dish is “ Berliner Allerlei"translates from German as "Everything they eat in Berlin." And this is actually true: having ordered this dish, you will immediately see on the plate the whole mix of associations with Germany that are probably stubbornly stuck in your head: fried sausages, stewed cabbage, boiled pork and pork, sausages in curry sauce from the first point, fried potatoes , pork burger and pea pudding. In our opinion, it is very convenient for couples and large groups, as well as for those who want to immediately try all the wonders of German cuisine.

Visa to Germany

Citizens of Russia and residents of the former CIS republics require a Schengen entry visa to travel to Germany. There are 4 consulates in Russia that deal with issues of issuing visas to Germany, as well as several visa centers.

Required documents for obtaining a visa to Germany:

• International passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the tour/trip);
• Three identical photographs 35 x 45 mm;
• Certificate of employment on company letterhead indicating position, income and date of hire (indicating the profile of the enterprise);
• Two completed forms from the German Embassy with handwritten signatures and detailed information about yourself and your immediate family (home and work telephone numbers, information about your spouse and previous trips to Germany and the Schengen countries are indicated);
• Flight confirmation (photocopy of air ticket);
• Photocopy of the Russian passport (completed pages of the internal Russian passport);
• Medical insurance (for the entire period of stay in the country). The amount of insurance coverage must be at least 30 thousand euros;
• Financial guarantees (independently or from the inviting party). In the first case, a bank account statement will be required;

For an independent trip, you will additionally need confirmation of your hotel reservation, a detailed description of the route and, preferably, photocopies of the purchased tickets. In the case of a private visit - an invitation and financial guarantees from a person residing in Germany.

For children, additionally - a copy of the birth certificate and notarized parental consent to travel for minors (under 18 years of age).

Non-working pensioners need to present an original and a photocopy of their pension certificate, a certificate from the place of work of the person paying for the trip, financial guarantees from the sponsor and a photocopy of the first page of their Russian passport.

All the beauty of Berlin in spring is a note for tourists. Useful articles on “Subtleties of Tourism”.

Germany is a combination of different nationalities and religions, ancient buildings and new buildings, a country of austerity and exoticism. You can feel the atmosphere of German monumentality in Berlin. Young people in the capital visit nightclubs, while more mature people choose shopping. Art fans enjoy the exclusive architectural structures. In general, everyone will find something to do here. If you are going to Berlin, it is important to learn the language, for example, on the website www.deutsch-sprechen.ru.

Cultural heritage of the city

The visiting card is the Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate. The attractions are located in front of the Tiergarden park. If you love historical monuments, pay attention to the gate. They are an emblem of the integrity of the city, since more than three centuries ago they represented the entrance to Berlin. At night, the Brandenburg Gate glows with colorful lights, creating a fabulous and romantic atmosphere.

Anyone who prefers spiritual food should pay attention to the main Berlin Cathedral. Several historical episodes took place within the walls of this building. The symbol of Protestantism is not only this cathedral, but also the Church of St. Hedwig, the Church of St. Mary. By going to the walls of the holy places, you will feel the spirit that reigned in the city many years ago.

Berlin will also be appreciated by those who study culture and want to get acquainted with the worldview and habits of the population. A special island called “Museum” has been created here for museums. There are 175 museums in total, we will list the most thematic and authentic ones: Madame Tussauds, Jewish Museum, Pergamon Museum, German Museum of Technology, Hemp Museum. So diverse and interesting, these places will amaze you with their originality. Remember that queues for museums increase in spring.

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Parks: where to go?

When you arrive in the capital, don't forget to visit the Berlin Zoo. It will be interesting not only for kids, but also for their parents. The inhabitants of the zoo are more than 13 thousand representatives of fauna, brought from the most exotic places on Earth. Bright fish, huge pandas, strong gorillas and friendly llamas await their visitors. If you want to buy souvenirs, head to the popular Ku Damme Boulevard. Its square contains coffee shops, souvenir shops and colorful shops.

Treptower Park will allow you to stroll in the shade of trees, relax in a cafe among exotic vegetation. Another place that attracts city residents is the Tiergarten. This park allows you to enjoy an easy walk or walk barefoot on the perfectly trimmed grass. In spring, this is just what you need!

Where to eat in Berlin?

Visit the capital and not try the most delicious dishes? This is simply impossible to imagine! A huge chocolate house awaits you in the city; in the building you can try the Titanic, the famous gates or the Reichstag, made of sweets. Snack bars and cafes are created for gourmets; here you will find dishes of European, German, and Mexican cuisine. Beer courtyards deserve special attention. Restaurant Nabucco, restaurant Graf at Martin-Luther-Straße 8, Ach Niko Ach, Maximilians, Nante Eck - a list of the best establishments in the city!

Be sure to try the famous Berlin sausages with stewed cabbage. Popular and delicious potato salad. It is a dish of potatoes mixed with onions and mayonnaise, and is served cold. And don’t forget about beer - delicious varieties of dark and light foamy beer will amaze even the most demanding connoisseur.

In addition to truly German dishes, don't forget to try Turkish fast food. Pizza, shawarma, dener are in great demand in the establishments. By the way, the most affordable restaurants are Am Nussbaum, Cafe-Restaurant Miro, Cafe Morgenland. Here you can order a hearty lunch for 12 EUR.

At the beginning of March, spring begins in the city. New life bursts into gray and calm Berlin. There will be no more frosts at night, and strong winds during the day.

spring weather

At the beginning of March, spring begins in the city. New life bursts into gray and calm Berlin. There will be no more frosts at night, and strong winds during the day. It is best for a tourist to hit the road in April. This is the time of fine days with cloudless skies. However, starting from April, the amount of rain also increases. In April, temperatures range from 15 to 18 degrees, although there are also cold days. Therefore, think through your wardrobe in advance to feel comfortable.

The May weather is notable for the fact that the parks are surrounded by lush greenery. But during this period the high season begins. Berlin residents celebrate holidays, children and students go on bus tours, so it will be difficult to squeeze into the Tropical Islands water park or the Zoologischer Garten Berlin. A spring visit to the capital will cost more, but the beauty, greenery and pleasant weather are worth it!

The second capital in Europe in terms of population, a world cultural center, the largest city in Germany, Berlin is located in the eastern part of the country on the banks of the Spree River, 70 km from the border with Poland. Read our article on the Tour Calendar, which explains why the best time to visit it is from May to the end of September.

Tourist season in Berlin

England idolizes London, the USA loves New York, France is a little narcissistic about Paris, and Germany, in turn, is proud of Berlin - a cosmopolitan city with irrepressible energy. In the two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was able to completely revive and even moreover, change beyond recognition and become a thriving tourist oasis on a global scale. About 20 million people from many countries around the world visit the capital every year. Berlin is a kind of magnet that attracts people of absolutely all ages and different social status. He “takes” the versatility of his nature and varied recreation. The tourist season lasts all year round, but the intensity of foreign flows is not uniform throughout the entire period.

High season

The largest number of tourists come to the capital in the warm season - from May to September, which is very obvious. In May, European residents have a series of holidays. As a rule, whole families come to the capital. This is also the “hot” time for bus tours; a lot of schoolchildren travel at this time. So the longest queues are primarily located at the ticket offices of the LegoLand theme park, the Zoologischer Garten Berlin and the Tropical Islands water park. July and August are the traditional time for summer holidays. During the day, the city is flooded with international excursion groups, always in a hurry, and in the evening Berlin turns into a glamorous mecca for youth, a huge metropolis of entertainment for every taste and budget. Winter holidays are always a separate line in the high season theme. New Year and Christmas tours are selling like hot cakes to travel agencies all over the world. There is also a large influx of tourists arriving in the capital on their own. Many people want to celebrate the holidays at the Brandenburg Gate.

Low season

At the beginning of spring, in the second half of autumn and in winter after the end of all holidays, the tourist flow to the capital, as a rule, is reduced by 1.5-2 times. This is due to the not very friendly weather, and, of course, to the fact that the bulk of potential tourists at this time are working for the benefit of their country. However, some still manage to find a couple of free weeks and go to Berlin just when prices for accommodation, excursions and some services are slightly reduced. In the off-season, travel agencies periodically “throw out” economical tours for sale, and a number of airlines slightly reduce their fares. There are also advantages in the hotel sector: there are more available rooms in budget hotels, and 4-5* hotels, in turn, moderate their “appetites” by asking less high prices.

Best time for excursions

Although much of Berlin was damaged during World War II, the city has a decent number of surviving historical monuments and buildings that today stand in stark contrast to ultra-modern developments like those on Potsdamer Platz. Berlin certainly has countless museums and galleries, well-groomed squares, as well as spacious green parks with lakes and ancient castles. Berlin is really interesting! It is better to go sightseeing, of course, in the warm season, from May to September. However, in July and August the city is not crowded, and the weather can be extremely hot. Therefore, in order to be on the safe side, it is more advisable to plan the excursion program for May, June or September. And if you don’t mind the slight cold and lack of sun, then add October to this period.

Season of discounts and sales

Of course, in terms of shopping, Berlin cannot be compared with Milan, but its advantages in this regard should not be diminished. The most generous sales period in Berlin happens twice. In summer, the discount season starts on the last Monday of July, and in winter - on the last Monday of January, although some small shops lower prices long before the official dates. The total duration of the sales is a little more than two weeks; in the last days, discounts can reach up to 80%. By the way, they apply not only to clothing, but also to electronics, as well as household items.

Fashion season

In recent years, Berlin has acquired the status of “the fashion capital of Germany.” Many successful designers and fashion designers find inspiration for their new collections here. Twice a year, the Mercedes Benz Berlin Fashion Week takes place on the German stage at the Brandenburg Gate. In mid-January, the collections of the “autumn-winter” season are presented, and in mid-July - “spring-summer”.

Beach season in Berlin

Only Berliners themselves, and those who are quite familiar with the life of the city, know that people go swimming in Berlin in the summer. Berlin is unique. About a third of its territory is occupied by green spaces and developed parks. There are even several lakes within the city, not to mention its outskirts. Near most of them there are quite comfortable beach areas. Wannsee is considered one of the most visited beach complexes; about 10,000 people come here on the hottest days. The swimming season opens at the end of June and comes to an end in late August. The maximum water temperature is about +21 °C.

It's time for holidays and festivals

The cultural life of Berlin is in full swing. During the high tourist season, countless concerts and music festivals are held here, where world-famous stars perform. But first things first. First, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the main holidays in Germany, which are directly celebrated in its capital. By the way, Berlin's event calendar is much larger! The most anticipated event of the winter is the international film festival “Berlinale”, by the way, the second in scope and importance after Cannes. In June, a 4-day “Carnival of Cultures” is organized, designed to demonstrate the multinationality of the city and introduce Berliners to some of the traditions and customs of different nationalities. On the first weekend of August, the beer festival “Internationales Berliner Bierfestival” is held on Karl Marx Alley; this tradition will soon be 20 years old. Twice a year, at the end of August and in January, on the night from Saturday to Sunday, the cultural institutions of the capital announce the beginning of the “Long Night of Museums” / “Lange Nacht der Museen” festival; admission for all visitors from 18.00 to 02.00 is absolutely free. The last Saturday or Sunday of September is annually marked by the grand race "BMW Berlin-Marathon", in which about 40,000 people take part. An incredibly colorful event takes place in the city at the beginning of October, this is the Pyronale festival of light, during which thousands of fireworks color the sky. The last Sunday of the month in the Catholic calendar is Thanksgiving Day, and in Berlin it is the Harvest Festival. A colorful fair is organized in the city, and its participants flaunt in national costumes. We can talk about the traditions of celebrating the New Year in Berlin for a very long time. This holiday is celebrated here on a much larger scale than Christmas. Preparations begin in early December. The main “place of attraction” for Berliners on a magical night is the Brandenburg Gate, near which an incendiary party begins at midnight.

Climate in Berlin

Berlin's weather conditions are influenced by a temperate climate, which to some extent also has maritime and continental features. In general, the city does not experience scattered weather due to the homogeneous landscape throughout its territory. However, on the outskirts of the capital, temperatures are always slightly lower due to their low building density and large areas of open space. Summer in Berlin is quite warm and rainy, sometimes even hot. Winter is cool and with little snow.

Berlin in spring

In the first days of March, climate spring bursts into Berlin. She breathes new life into the dull winter city, gradually warming it up in the first timid rays of the sun, and nature enters the growing season. It’s not getting much warmer, of course, but gusty winds are a thing of the past, and there are no longer frosts at night. The beginning, as they say, has been made. April weather is increasingly marked by fine days with cloudless skies. But at the same time, there is a slight increase in precipitation, the intensity of which will subsequently increase more and more. However, during the day the thermometer often reaches +15 °C..+16 °C, and this, you see, cannot but rejoice. Evenings in spring are very cold, the weather at this time of day most likely resembles winter. So think carefully about your wardrobe. And even if you are going to Berlin in May, when the parks are surrounded by lush greenery and the flower beds are full of flowers, after the sun disappears behind the horizon, it always becomes chilly. During the day it’s a different matter. The weather in the last spring month is mostly stable. And, despite periodic rains, the approach of summer is felt more and more clearly.

Temperature and weather in Berlin in spring

	Weather in March	Weather in April	Weather in May
Temperature average	+4	+9	+14
Temperature during the day	+8	+13	+19
Temperature at night	0	+4	+8
Rain	12 days	12 days	13 days

Berlin in summer

At the beginning of summer, the weather in Berlin is moderate - warm and mostly sunny. However, it is possible that rain clouds may suddenly appear, because June occupies a leading position in terms of the volume of precipitation experienced. In July and August, as a rule, average daily temperatures are slightly higher. But in recent years, Berlin’s climate has become a little warmer, so weather with air temperatures below +30 °C is increasingly becoming the norm for these months. Usually the humidity level is a little higher at this time of year, so feel free to add a couple of degrees if you want to experience the weather in the city in person. But even taking into account such climatic anomalies, summer in Berlin is still much more comfortable than in many other cities on the European continent, where the air temperature is quite critical. By the way, it is worth keeping in mind that in summer Berlin, not only warming is possible, but also a sharp cold snap with prolonged rains. Temperatures can “jump” for weeks at a time, so it’s not surprising that one evening it’s +12°C, and another it’s already as much as +16°C.

Temperature and weather in Berlin in summer

	Weather in June	Weather in July	Weather in August
Temperature average	+17	+18	+18
Temperature during the day	+22	+23	+23
Temperature at night	+12	+13	+13
Rain	13 days	13 days	12 days

Berlin in autumn

Real autumn does not come to Berlin all at once, but gradually. September often offers nice, warm days, so walks around the city are especially good at this time. In addition, rains occur much less often than in summer. But, one way or another, the season changes. This is noticeable by how it gets dark earlier and by how the sun loses its former intensity. In October, when you leave the house early in the morning, you may feel sleepy that it is early winter. However, closer to lunch the air warms up to +13°C..+14°C, and you already feel quite comfortable. In October, you will most likely have to carry an umbrella with you at all times; rains in mid-autumn usually begin without warning. The leaves on the trees turn golden, which already in November give way under the pressure of strong winds and fall off. The last month of autumn brings cold and dampness to the capital. In the mornings, the city is often shrouded in a light haze of fog.