BerlinTravel Guide

The neighbourhood of Kreuzberg is home to artists and students, offering an ever-evolving vibe. Diverse in culture, Kreuzberg has always been considered trendy and this extends to the accommodation. Some of the best hostels are found here, as well as some beautiful four-star hotels. The food scene is another great reason to stay here, with street food and bars close by.

Close to the East Side Gallery and many other East Berlin attractions, Friedrichshain has some of the best budget-style hotels. Here you'll find modern and trendy options, which give you comfort and convenience. Staying in Friedrichshain means you are within walking distance of many historical attractions, including Checkpoint Charlie, as well as being close to the U-Bahn for day trips.

If you want to enjoy some of the best shopping in Berlin, Charlottenburg is a great location to stay. An upscale area, the historic Hotel am Steinplatz and Waldorf Astoria hotels are both located here. Previously the centre of West Berlin, Charlottenburg has a great residential vibe, while also providing easy access to restaurants, bars and shops.

When museums and cultural events are your priority, accommodation in Mitte puts everything on your doorstep. Translated to English, Mitte means ‘middle', which gives you an indication of its proximity to everything. Enjoy some of the best shopping in the city, spectacular dining, and great bars. Mitte accommodation tends to be more upmarket, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

If the beauty of Berlin's buildings and architecture captures your eye, Prenzlauer Berg is a great spot for accommodation. Blending modern hotels with bohemian bars, there's something here to suit every accommodation budget. Close to Mauerpark, Prenzlauer Berg provides easy access to a number of stunning attractions within the area.

For Berlin accommodation off the tourist track, Neukolln is a perfect spot. Considered a neighbourhood ready to emerge as the next big thing in Berlin, the vibrant atmosphere makes this a beautiful spot to stay. There are many comfortable and affordable hotels located close to some of Berlin's best sights.

Perhaps the most recognisable landmark of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is one of the first sites any visitor wants to see. A symbol of the division between East and West Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is a surviving historical city gate. The neo-classical style, inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, has to be seen in person to be appreciated.

Dividing the city for almost 30 years, sections of the Berlin Wall are still in place, providing some insight into its history. The East Side Gallery, found on the banks of the Spree, was established after the fall of the Berlin Wall. An open-air gallery, sections of the wall have been painted by 118 artists from 21 countries.

The opulent stylings of Berlin's largest palace, Charlottenburg Palace, make this a stop well worth exploring with a day pass. From the gilded gallery to the festival halls, Charlottenburg Palace is a popular Berlin landmark you'll definitely want to see. If you happen to visit in December, you can even take in the Christmas markets, where you can purchase arts, crafts, and traditional German festive treats.

A visit to Pergamon Museum in Berlin is a must if art of the Ancient East intrigues you. Filled with artefacts that were gathered from Iran, Egypt, the Caucasus and Asia, the museum is beautifully styled to allow for up-close viewing. Be sure to see the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, as well as the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, which date back to the 2nd century.

Mauermuseum, Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (Checkpoint Charlie Museum) takes its name from the crossing point on the Berlin Wall. Showing escape plans from East Germany, as well as original pieces of the Berlin Wall, the museum is a fascinating look at the role the wall played in the city's history. You'll soon see why this is one of the most visited museums in Berlin.

A converted bunker, Sammlung Boros is an unlikely home to some of the most contemporary art in Berlin. Filled with a range of mediums, including sculptures, spatial installations and performance-based works, Sammlung Boros is also home to the private Boros Collection. The museum hosts work from artists Wolfgang Tillmans, Tobias Rehberger and Damian Hirst, with almost 500 pieces on display.

Home of the German parliament, the Reichstag is an amazing piece of architectural work and a historical landmark. With some sections still bearing bullets and graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, the Reichstag is a blend of old and new Germany. In addition, the Reichstag has both permanent art collections and changing exhibitions for viewing. There's an onsite restaurant if you fancy something to eat after exploring the grounds.

Officially opened in 2005, the Holocaust Memorial can be found in the middle of the city. Stretching more than 19,000m2, the memorial is a place of contemplation in an unconventional design. Along with the memorial is the information centre, where you can find photographs, personal letters and diary entries from those who spent time here.

For 360° views of Berlin, Fernsehturm (or the ‘TV Tower'), is the place to visit. The tallest structure in Germany, stretching 368m tall, the TV Tower's viewing platform is not to be missed. Like many Berlin landmarks, the tower is steeped in history but also acts as a symbol of modern Germany. You'll find a bar and restaurant here, so you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in the views.

Detailing the history of Jewish culture in Germany, the Jewish Museum Berlin is a sight to behold. The architecture is a mixture of angles and zigzags, placing visitors within a piece of artwork. From the entrance, you may choose three different paths, from the Garden of Exile to the Holocaust Axis and the Axis of Continuity.

Established in 1990, the East Side Gallery is a fabulous place to understand some of Berlin's history. Once a section of the wall that divided Berlin, the East Side Gallery is the longest open-air gallery in the world. Painted with iconic imagery, including the well-known ‘Fraternal Kiss', you will want to bring your camera as you wander this section.

Trying out Berlin's restaurant precincts is a great way to experience some of the delights of the city. Whether you're searching for a quick and cheap burger or you want to savour a fine-dining experience, Berlin has everything on offer. Head to Kreuzberg's food stalls for a quick lunch or Mitte to enjoy a romantic dinner.

Off the tourist track, neighbourhoods like Neukolln are home to some of the best Berlin cafes and coffee spots. Whether you like to start your day with a hot latte or you want to grab a snack during the day, finding the best coffee in Berlin is a fun task to undertake.

You'll be spoiled for choice by Berlin's food markets, both outdoor and indoor. Here you'll find an abundance of snack foods and gourmet options, including delicious local cheeses and German wines. Try Kollwitzplatz's ‘ecomarket' in Prenzlauer Berg for some produce fresh from the farm, or head to Markthalle Neun for some spectacular street food.

Germany will always be known for its beer, and the amazing Berlin bars and nightlife provide a great way to taste a few! During the summer, you can enjoy a nice cold beverage in one of the many beer gardens or in a rooftop bar. Try Friedrichstrabe if you want to throw yourself into the Berlin bar scene.

One of the most popular shopping districts in Berlin, Kurfurstendamm is the place to visit for bargains and the latest fashion. Stretching 3.5km along the western city centre, Kurfurstendamm is home to famous international labels, as well as boutique stores. The side streets are also well worth exploring for cafes and bookshops.

The Mitte shopping district is worthwhile seeking out, particularly for designer wares. Here you'll find gorgeous small boutiques and independent labels, as well as numerous cafes when you need to refuel. Located in East Berlin, Mitte (‘the middle') is also home to galleries and beautiful concept stores, so you're sure to find something unique.

The first concept mall in Germany, Bikini Berlin is home to modern designs in both fashion and architecture. Overlooking the city and the zoo, you can dine in one of the many restaurants, browse the boutiques for beautiful fashion, and purchase something from emerging designers. Housing permanent and pop-up shops, there's always something new to see at Bikini Berlin.

Known as Kaufhaus des Westens, or the ‘Department Store of the West', KaDeWe is the largest department store in Europe. Across six storeys, you'll find luxury brands such as Prada, Rolex and Cartier, fashion, beauty, homewares, and two entire floors dedicated to food and drink. KaDeWe is spread over 60,000m2, so put on some comfortable walking shoes before you begin shopping!

If you're keen to check out Berlin markets, try Nowkoelln Flowmarkt for upcoming fashion and accessory trends. Grab a coffee and wander the many stalls here to find great gifts or fashion items. Vintage markets, such as Arkonaplatz, are perfect to browse for clothing, hats and accessories. You'll also find beautiful (and affordable) Scandinavian furniture and homewares.

Sometimes you just want to take the most convenient transport option available, which is when Berlin taxis come in handy. Many of the main streets and landmarks have nearby taxi ranks, as well as most hotels. Similar to Australia, taxis are metered, so you can see the final cost as you arrive at your destination.

Berlin bike hire is simple, with rental stations located throughout the city. Bike lanes can be found almost everywhere in Berlin, allowing for easy sightseeing. As with any time you're cycling, be mindful of other road traffic and obey the road rules. Once you set off, either follow the pathways to see where they take you, or plan your route to get to the places you wish to visit.

When it comes to Berlin public transport, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn are hard to beat. The U-Bahn operates all night on Fridays and Saturdays, with regular services available between 4am through to 12:30am. While the S-Bahn (aboveground) system is less frequent, it's useful for travelling longer distances. For sightseeing, the tram and bus system is simple and cost-effective.

If you plan on walking in Berlin, keep in mind that the city is quite spread out. You might be able to cover some of the main tourist destinations, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, are within walking distance of each other, but some will require bike hire or public transport to reach. There are also guided walking tours which take in a lot of the city's sights within three or four hours, providing a good starting point for exploring Berlin.

Part of the border strip of the Berlin Wall until 1989, Mauerpark officially became a public park in 1994. Take a walk along the route where the wall used to be, relax on the grass and soak up the atmosphere, or find a bargain in the flea market. Every Sunday, you'll find Mauerpark karaoke taking place in the amphitheatre, which is definitely worth a look (and maybe worth a listen!).

Consider Tiergarten Park the green heart of the city and one of the most popular of Berlin's parks. Sprawled across 210ha, Tiergarten is a green place filled with open spaces and tree-lined pathways. Only a few minutes from the Brandenburg Gate and Zoological Garden, Tiergarten hosts a combination of green spaces, cultural sites, picnic spots, and sweet cafes.

A botanical garden in the heart of Berlin, Botanischer Garten is truly impressive. In a walk, you can take in some of the most amazing forestry, alps and tropical rainforests – all without leaving the park! If you feel like escaping the energy of the city for something a little more quiet, Botanischer Garten is definitely a great place to experience.

Regarded by many as the most beautiful square in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt is a stunning space. Flanked by two church buildings with gorgeous towers, as well as a concert venue, the architecture is a must-see. During the summer, it's home to Classic Open Air, an orchestral concert series. In winter, the square is blanketed by snow and houses a Christmas market worth visiting.

Treptower Park Berlin offers 84ha of greenery for you to explore. Here you'll find many locals enjoying some sunshine on the lawn, jogging along the pathways, or simply exploring the riverside walk. The rose garden and rowboats/pedal boats will definitely remind you that you're in Europe, not to mention the number of cyclists you'll see cutting through the park.