Vibrant and cultural capital

Berlin is a lively and exciting capital, made up of several neighbourhoods, each with their own distinct personality that travellers can enjoy exploring.

Seasons in Berlin

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.

Moving around & where to sleep

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.

Transport from the airport

Many visitors arrive via Tegel TXL airport, and there are buses from the A + B terminals. Look for the Bus TXL which goes to Alexanderplatz, the X9 or 109 for the Zoologischer Garten, or 128 service to Osloer Straße where you caan then change for the U-Bahn. Journeys take 30 minutes and up, with the trip costing 2.70 EUR. If you arrive via Schönefeld, then take the S-Bahn S9, S45 to Ostkreuz, or Bus X7 or 171 to Rudow, then change for the U-Bahn. The journey should also take you 30 minutes or more, with prices starting from 3.30 EUR. Both airports also have taxis available to take you straight to your hotel.

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.