Berlin winters can be very cold and summers are warmer than the UK. This is a year round destination that has exciting contemporary architecture, cafes, restaurants, museums and art galleries.
Holidays and festivals add extra fun to a holiday. In Berlin International Workers' Day is celebrated in style on May 1st. In trendy Kreuzberg, Berlin's cultural centre, there is live music in the pubs, parks, clubs and on the streets on that day. The Berlin Film Festival runs in February and Fashion Weeks are in January and July. The Fête de la Musique has become one of the finest music festivals in the city.
Berlin is set in time zone: GMT +1; DST +1. The cost of living in Berlin is cheaper than UK. Accommodation, food, snacks, drinks and alcohol less expensive than the UK. Travel with cash, the Euro is Berlin's currency, as credit card payment is not always possible in restaurants and shops. Travel safely, carry a valid passport for identification and take and essential medications. Berlin is perfect the perfect city for cycling. Bike rental is cheap and for cycle rental places are easily accessible. The city is flat and has many bike tracks.
The TXL bus travels from Berlin Tegel Airport to the city centre, to Alexanderplatz. The X9 and 109 buses travel to Zoologischer Garten. The 128 bus travels to Osloer Straße where passengers need to change for the U-Bahn. Buses leave the airport from Terminal A+B, the journey takes 30 minutes and costs around 2.70EUR From Schönefeld airport take the S-Bahn S9 S45 to Ostkreuz, then change; or Bus X7 or 171 to Rudow then the U-Bahn. Prices are from 3.30 EUR and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Taxis are available at the airports and in the city, they are generally less expensive than in the UK. Ask about their short distance tariff. Accommodation prices vary from hostels costing from 10 EUR per night and hotels costing from 35 EUR. Popular hotels are in Friedrichstraße, Alexanderplatz and Zoologischer Garten. The Berlin Welcome Card can be used on all public transport. It includes reduced entrance fees to many museums and attractions. Buy tickets at the underground and S-Bahn. Tickets must be validated before travel.