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Summer time is warmer than the UK, but if you visit during the winter months it can be extremely cold, so it's important to take enough warm clothing. There are festivals throughout the year, with a bi-annual Fashion Week in January and July, the cultural Berlinale Film Festival in February, International Worker's Day on the 1st May, and Fete De La Musique on the 21st June.
The flat terrain of Berlin, in addition to its excellent network of cycle paths, makes it ideal for cyclists, so consider hiring a bike from one of the many outlets in the city. Berlin can be a good budget destination, as the cost of living is lower than the UK, and you'll easily find affordable hotel rooms, cheap booze, and budget places to eat. Remember that when you visit a restaurant or shop in Berlin, they often won't take card payments, so take plenty of cash.
To travel from the airport Berlin Brandenburg International into Berlin, take the train, S-bahn (city line), bus or taxi. Trains operate from the airport railway station beneath terminals 1 and 2.
The Airport Express or regional trains are the fastest transport option into the city centre. The ciity or suburban lines S9 and S45 both stop at Ostkreuz, from where there are plenty of connections to many parts of the city. Please note that there is a separate station near the airport Terminal 5, where only regional trains and S-Bahn trains stop. Those landing at Terminal 5 should walk to Terminal 5 train station and catch s-bahn trains into the city centre.
All tickets to the city centre cost from 3,60 Euro.
Buses also leave from the terminals with a journey time from around 30 minutes and ticket prices starting from 2.70 Euros.
If you're going to be doing a lot of exploring, then the Berlin WelcomeCard can be an excellent way to make the most of your money. It covers public transport including buses, trains, the underground, boats, and trams, as well as offering you 50% off the admission costs of many popular museums and tourist attractions. If you take a taxi for a journey under 2km, then you'll enjoy the Kurzstrecke - short distance - tariff, which generally works out a little cheaper than the UK.