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BERLIN CITY GUIDE

Dear friends,

We are pleased to welcome you to Berlin and to host you during the festive Christmas season, a time that holds special significance in this part of the world. This guide is designed to provide practical information to help you navigate the city with ease and make the most of your time here.

Getting Around the City

Berlin’s public transport system is , and easy to navigate.

Public Transport:
Tickets cover all modes of transport, including U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (urban rail), buses, and trams.

  • Purchase tickets via the BVG app or ticket machines. Stamp (validate) your ticket before your journey to avoid fines (€60). Note that tickets are activated 1 minute after the purchase.
  • We recommend getting a bundle of 4 tickets (€3,50 each). AB zones should be enough for getting around the city. ABC zones are needed to get to the airport.
  • U-Bahn and S-Bahn run until 1:00 on weekdays, some lines operate 24/7 on weekends. Night buses (marked as “N” lines) fill gaps when trains are not running.

From the Airport:
From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), head to Terminal 1 and Level 1 for train connections. Buy an ABC ticket (€3.80) to travel from the airport to the city. ABC tickets are valid for all public transport zones, including buses and trains.

Taxis:
Taxis are widely available but may not always accept card payments, so confirm payment options before starting your ride. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are also reliable.

Cycling:
Berlin is bike-friendly, with bike lanes throughout the city. Rentals are available via Nextbike or Lime.

Money

Berlin (unsurprisingly) uses the Euro (€).

Cash vs. Card: While many places accept cards, smaller shops, cafes, and markets often have a €10 minimum for transactions. We suggest to carry some cash.

ATMs: Widely available; ensure your card supports international withdrawals.

Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave a 5–10% tip for good service.

Weather

Berlin in December is cold, damp, and often rainy.

Temperatures: Average between 2°C and 7°C (35°F to 45°F).

What to Pack: Bring a warm, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and winter accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats.

Medical Assistance

In case of medical emergencies:

Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: Dial 110 for immediate police assistance.
  • Fire and Medical Emergencies: Dial 112 for ambulance services or fire emergencies.

Charité Emergency Departments:

  • Campus Charité Mitte (CCM): Located at Philippstraße 10, 10117 Berlin. Phone: +49 30 450 531 000. Charité
  • Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK): Located at Mittelallee 3, 13353 Berlin. Phone: +49 30 450 552 000. Charité
  • Both campuses offer 24/7 emergency services for acute illnesses and injuries.

Non-Emergency Medical Services:

For non-life-threatening situations, contact the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians for home visits by doctors, available 24/7. Phone: 030 31 00 31.

In Your Free Time

Tiergarten is a central district in Berlin, offering several notable attractions within walking distance:

  • Potsdamer Platz: A bustling square known for its modern architecture, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. It’s a symbol of Berlin’s rebirth post-reunification.
  • Berliner Philharmonie: Home to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and unique architecture. Regular concerts are held here, and guided tours are available.
  • Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW): Also known as the “Pregnant Oyster” due to its distinctive design, this cultural institution hosts international exhibitions, concerts, and events focusing on contemporary arts and cultures.
  • Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart: A former railway station now serving as a museum for contemporary art, featuring works from artists like Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys.
  • Silent Green Kulturquartier: Located in the Wedding district, this cultural venue hosts concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions in a historic crematorium setting.

Berlin Food

  • Currywurst:
    A Berlin staple, this is a steamed and fried sausage topped with a tangy ketchup-curry sauce. Grab one from a street food stall for just a few euros. Local tip: Try it with fries on the side for the full experience.
  • Döner Kebab:
    While not traditionally German, Berlin is the birthplace of the döner as we know it. This Turkish-inspired dish is a must-try and available at nearly every street corner.
  • Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berliners):
    A sweet jelly-filled donut popular during the winter months. Perfect for a quick snack while exploring Christmas markets.
  • Schnitzel:
    Breaded and fried meat, typically pork or veal, served with potatoes or salad. It’s hearty, filling, and found in most German restaurants.
  • Pretzels:
    Large, soft pretzels are a common snack, often enjoyed with mustard or butter.

Christmas Market Tips and Treats

What to do in the dark and cold months of winter? Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), are a cherished tradition with festive stalls, seasonal food, and coziness. Full guide can be found here.

WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt

Location: Gendarmenmarkt Square (Mitte)

A sophisticated market known for artisanal crafts, gourmet food, and its stunning location between two historic cathedrals.

Breitscheidplatz Christmas Market at Kurfürstendamm

Location: Breitscheidplatz (West Berlin)

Located near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, this market combines history with a cozy festive vibe. Known for its illuminated Christmas tree and stalls offering hearty food and gifts.

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

Location: Alexanderplatz (Mitte)

One of Berlin’s largest markets, featuring a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and stalls selling traditional food and gifts.

Thank you for taking the time to review this guide. We hope it provides the information you need to enjoy your time in Berlin.