Before you set off on a trip to Berlin, here are a few things you need to know if you want to make the most of your visit.
When to visit - Summers are warm in Berlin, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-twenties. However, summer is also the busiest time to visit the city, as tourists from around the world flock to Berlin. Winter is much quieter, but temperatures can drop quite low around this time of the year.
Getting around - The easiest way to travel around Berlin is on the U-Bahn, which runs from 4am to 12.30am and all night on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. You could also take the S-Bahn, which is less frequent but stops at fewer stations. Buses are quite slow, but useful during the night when they run in the interim period not served by the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. You also have the option of the MetroTram, although this only operates in the eastern districts of Berlin.
Check when museums offer free entry – Berlin has an unbelievable variety of fascinating museums and while some of these are free to the public, many others charge an admission. However, some of them offer free entry on certain days, so make sure to research when these days are when planning your excursions.
Take in some art at the Hackescher Markt – Head to Hackescher Markt, where you can find a range of eclectic art galleries. If you visit on a Thursday, you’ll often find galleries serving free wine and canapes at a show opening too.
Expect to pay in cash – Make sure you always carry some cash on you in Berlin, rather than expecting to be able to pay using a credit or debit card. This is especially true in bars, restaurants and cafes, where cash is expected.
Five phrases to remember
Even if you’re not visiting Berlin on a language tour, why not use this as an opportunity to brush up on your German? Here are a few phrases that should come in handy.
- Hallo, mein Name ist… - Hello, my name is…
- Wo ist die U-Bahn? – Where is the U-Bahn?
- Wieviel kostet das? – How much does that cost?
- Ein Bier, bitte – One beer, please
- Kann ich ins Internet gehen? – Can I get on the internet?
Put the tips to use on your Berlin Student Tour
If you want to find out more about group trips to Berlin, get in touch with our team today.