Fast-moving festival city

Berlin is a fast-moving city which draws large numbers of visitors every year. The German capital is famed for its culture and nightlife, as well as its historic attractions.

Best time to visit and top events

Summers in Berlin are warmer than in the UK, while winters are colder, but the city has much to offer all year. To catch Berlin at its most vibrant, visit for International Worker's Day on 1st of May, the cue for live music, demonstrations and major celebrations in Kreuzberg. Stylish travellers are drawn by Fashion Week twice yearly, in January and July, while the Fete de la Musique is a major draw held on 21st June, and the Berlinale Film Festival is staged in February. 

Key information before you set off  

Berlin gives a warm welcome to cyclists, with bike hire quite cheap and readily available, while the city's cycle paths and flat terrain make it easy to get around.  The cost of living is typically lower here than in the UK for many items, including accommodation, food and alcoholic drinks. However, many shops and restaurants do not accept payment by credit card. The time zone in Berlin is one hour later than in the UK (GMT +1; DST +1).

Local details: travel, arrival and where to stay

After flying into Tegel airport, visitors can travel into the city by bus or taxi. Buses leave from terminals A and B, with a journey time from around 30 minutes and ticket prices starting from 2.70 Euros. The TXL bus goes to Alexanderplatz, the X9 or 109 to Zoologischer Garten and the 128 to Osloer Straße with a change to the U-Bahn. For Schönefeld, take the S-Bahn S9 S45 to Ostkreuz, then change, or the X7 or 171 bus to Rudow and then the U-Bahn. This journey also takes around half an hour with prices from around 3.30 euros.

Accommodation prices start from approximately 10 Euros for a night in a hostel, while for hotels the cost starts from about 35 Euros. Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz and Zoologischer Garten are all popular locations for hotels.

A good option for travel around the city is the Berlin WelcomeCard, a tourist travel card which offers 50% off entrance fees for many museums and attractions. Tickets for public transport bought from underground and S-Bahn stations must be validated before travel. Taxis in Berlin are slightly cheaper than in the UK, with a special short-distance tariff if you flag down a car for rides of less than 2km.  Every district in Berlin has its own individual character, so explore and find your favourite.