Berlin
Berlin is both the capital of and the largest city in Germany. It has a population of just over 3.7 million, which also makes it one of the most-population cities within the European Union as well. Berlin is home to several notable buildings, including the Berliner Fernsehturm, which is a large telecommunications tower that visitors can go up to experience stunning views across the city.
10117 Berlin
Germany
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 112
- Language: German
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: DE
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 3,562,038
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For emergencies requires fire or medical services, dial 112. For police-related incidents dial 110.
Hospitals in Berlin
Charité: www.charite.de/en/
Evangel. Krankenhaus Herzberge: www.keh-berlin.de/de/index
Paulinenkrankenhaus: www.paulinenkrankenhaus.de/home.html
Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain: www.vivantes.de/klinikum-im-friedrichshain
Tourist Offices
Tourist Centre at Berlin Brandenburg Airport: +49 30 25 00 23 33
Tourist Centre at Brandenburg Gate: +49 30 25 00 23 33
Tourist Centre at Central Station: +49 30 25 00 23 33
Travelling Around
Berlin’s only airport is the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The city also has a great network of public transports, including trains and buses. Berlin is a relatively flat city, so another efficient way of getting around is by cycling. There are many places throughout the city you can hire bicycles.
Airports
Berlin Brandenburg Airport: ber.berlin-airport.de/en.html
Train, Bus and Cycle Links
Berlin Central Station: www.raileurope.com/en-gb/destinations/stations/berlin-hauptbahnhof
Berlin Central Bus Station: zob.berlin/en
Berlin Bicycle Rental: www.donkey.bike/cities/bike-rental-berlin/
Berlin Safety
Where can I keep up with local news?
Are there any common crimes?
Driving in Berlin. Speeding is a common offense in the city, be careful when crossing the road and make sure you are aware of which direction on coming traffic is coming from.
Like most major cities pickpocketing is an issue and tourists are usually the main targets. The two of the biggest areas for pickpocketing in Berlin are on the U-Bahn and at the Bahnhof Zoo.
What areas should I avoid?
Take special care if travelling around Lichtenberg, Neukoeln and Marzahn at night.
What are the top safety tips when visiting Berlin?
Berlin is a huge city, make use of the bus, tram, train and underground services to get around. Taxi services are also an easy way to see the city and not that expensive.
Berlin is pretty flat so another good way to see the city is by bike, you can hire pedal bikes at various locations around the city.
Make sure when using the public transport you validate your ticket, use the yellow and white machines on the U and S-bahn platforms or on the bus. The machines are red on S-Bahn platforms.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Annual Ceremonies
Karneval der Kulturen: www.karneval.berlin/
Berlinale: www.berlinale.de/en/home.html
Transmediale: transmediale.de/
Lange Nacht der Museen: www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de/
Berlin Art Week: www.berlinartweek.de/en/berlin-art-week/
Berlin Highlights
Are there any other annual events that are hosted in Berlin?
Berlin Marathon – A full 26 mile course is set out though the city, a great event with lots of participants raising money for charity each year. The route winds its way though the city passing many of the well known landmarks which give the athletes a great experience as well as a great run.
Christopher Street Day – Shows respect for the 1969 Stonewall riots on Christopher Street in New York, USA which sparked the modern gay liberation movement. One of the best summer street parties in Berlin with amazing sights and spectacles, it has been embraced by the German people and many travel from neighbouring cities to attend the event.
What are some of the best places to visit?
Reichstag Building – The Reichstag building is a huge part in Berlin’s history, it was constructed to hold the Imperial Diet of the vast German Empire. A very impressive building giving visitors an insight in to German craftsmanship and their attention to detail. Amazing place and well worth a visit.
The Berlin Wall – The Wall was constructed by the German Democratic Republic and completely cut off west Berlin from the east part of Germany. It has great significance in the city and respect must be shown at all times. To visit can be a very humbling experience, it is after all just a wall but its what it stands for that is really shocking.
Pergamon Museum – The Pergamon Museum is on the museum Island in Berlin. The place was designed by famous designers Alfred Messel and Ludwig Hoffmann, it is well worth a visit. The museum will give visitors an insight in to German lifestyle and culture and highlights their loves and how they have evolved in to the great society they are today.
