A trip to Berlin: what a traveler needs to know

Most Berliners, especially young Berliners, know English well, so you won't have any problems with communication. Not to mention that there are a lot of newcomers here who communicate mostly in English. But still, if you learn at least a few key phrases in German and start your dialog with them, the locals will be more accommodating and friendly - they love to be admired for their culture and complex language.

Where to stay in Berlin

There is no shortage of hotels and hostels in Berlin - literally at every step you will find a small but cozy hotel at quite a reasonable price by European standards (€40-50 per night with breakfast). Of course, the world hotel chains are also represented here. If you want to save money on accommodation, we advise you to rent apartments (Ferienwohnungen) - they cost much cheaper (€15-30 per day), and you have the opportunity to cook your own food and save even more on this.

Berlin sights

All of Berlin's main sights are within walking distance of each other. You can see them all on foot or by bicycle (a separate item). There is also a magical double-decker bus number 100, which passes almost all the famous places.

Excursions in Berlin

If you want to know more about the main sights of the city than it is written in the standard guidebooks, we advise you to go on a sightseeing tour. Especially since in Berlin there is an opportunity to visit one completely free of charge. There are several organizations that arrange walking tours with experienced guides for everyone. You can check out the nearest tours on their websites - Sandiman's New World Tours and Alternative Berlin. These tours last a few hours, and during this time you can get to know what the German capital is all about. They are often led by locals who are happy to share secrets and tips that you won't find in guidebooks or on the internet.

How to save money in Berlin

The Berlin Welcome Card is a great way to save money when traveling to Berlin. It provides free public transportation, free admission or significant discounts to major attractions, discounts in many stores and restaurants. The price of the Berlin Welcome Card starts at €19.50 and varies depending on the length of validity (from 2 to 5 days) and the distance traveled (visiting Museum Island and Potsdam). You can view current prices and purchase the card online here.

There are also plenty of completely free attractions in Berlin, here are just a few of them:

- The Topographie des Terrors (Topographie des Terrors) open-air museum

- German Technical Museum (Deutsches Technikmuseum)

- East Side Gallery

- Museum of Homosexuality (Schwules Museum)

Transportation in Berlin

Berlin's transportation system is very well organized and runs like clockwork. You will never have to wait more than five minutes for a bus. It is most economical to buy a full-day ticket (€6.90 for adults and €4.70 for children), which is valid for all modes of transportation. Keep in mind that travel documents are often checked, so don't forget to punch your ticket (composters are located at platforms and stops). You do not need to compost a ticket bought from the driver.

Bicycles are a convenient and popular mode of transportation in Berlin. There are a total of 860 kilometers of bicycle lanes. Since not all tourists are accustomed to this order of things, in the center of the bicycle lanes are often strolled by yawning pedestrians, so be careful. The price of renting a bike in Berlin is standard for Europe - €7-12 per day.

Prices in Berlin

Berlin will surprise you with the prices in restaurants and cafes. Unlike many European capitals, where lunch costs at least €15, here you can easily eat for €6-10. Of course, you will not find such nice prices near the main attractions. But if you get away from the tourist center and choose a small family-type establishment, you can eat to your heart's content for little money. Especially considering the huge portions for which Germany is so famous.

To taste the famous German beer, go not to an expensive restaurant, but to a local pub, where they serve mostly only foam and an appetizer to it. This is where you will find the largest variety of varieties and low prices.

Berlin is considered to be the last stronghold of the smoker in Germany. There is a strict ban on smoking in public places throughout the country. And although this law applies to the capital, here it is considered that this addiction is a sacred choice of everyone, and many people ignore the ban. But we still do not advise you to "shine" with a cigarette in your hands at transport stops and near attractions - the police in Berlin do not sleep.