Berlin Travel Facts

think-piece
Updated Nov 5, 2009

The Basics City Name: Berlin Where is it located?: Berlin is located in the northern half of Germany, near the east side. Why do people go there?: Berlin is a sharply modern city that has taken pains to remember its past. The modern architecture is stunningly breathtaking, and sits side by side with pieces of

The Basics

City Name: Berlin

Where is it located?: Berlin is located in the northern half of Germany, near the east side.

Why do people go there?: Berlin is a sharply modern city that has taken pains to remember its past. The modern architecture is stunningly breathtaking, and sits side by side with pieces of the Berlin Wall that remain scattered through the city, along with other reminders of the war that ravaged the city. Berlin is a fast-paced; no nonsense city with lifestyles to boot…it’s altogether intoxicating.

How do travelers get there?: Flights from London or any large city in Europe are easy to come by, but most backpackers arrive via train either from Amsterdam, Prague or Munich.

Currency: Euro

City Code: 30

Population: 3.4 million

Languages: German

Travel Information

Neighborhoods: Mitte, Berlin Old Town, south of Leipziger Strasse, Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Schöneberg, Kreuzberg

Attractions: WWII, Architecture, Center of Europe

Accommodations: Berlin Hotels

Tourist Office: Berlin Tourist Office

Off-the-beaten-path: Tegel Lake, Treptower Park, Monument of the Grey Bus

Health Issues: HIV, AIDS

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Late spring to early fall are the peak tourist times, due to the nice weather.

Common Phrases: Yes = Ja, No = Nein, Please = Bitte, Thank you = Dank, Do you speak English? =

Macht sie sprechen Englisch?

City Specific Events: Popkomm, Art Forum Berlin every September.

How to get around?: S-bahn and U-bahn will become your closest, dearest friends, and go practically everywhere.

Good to know: With a new rail hub and a powerhouse economy, Berlin is as strong and vibrant as ever.

Cheapest airport to fly into: Berlin/Tegel Airport is the most convenient airport to fly into Berli.

Need more information?: Check out the Berlin travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.