Quick Guide
May through October is a great time to visit Berlin. While these tend to be the most crowded months, the weather is sunny and beautiful and you can take advantage of the plethora of parks and outdoor activities going on. Winter in Berlin isn’t without its charms (especially around the holidays), but you’ll miss out on the vibrant park/outdoor café scene.
Visas
U.S. citizens visiting for less than 90 days do not need to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.
Money
Local currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Most credit cards are widely accepted, with the exception of American Express. Carrying cash is recommended.
Travel Health
The Federal Ministry of Health and the CDC are the best resources for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.
Getting Here
Berlin’s airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 16 miles from the city center. The cheapest, easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by train, although buses and taxis are readily available, as well. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the main train station.
Getting Around
Berlin is famous for having nearly every form of public transportation you could imagine, making it an extremely easy city to navigate sans car. Ride the U-Bahn (the easiest way to get around), S-Bahn, trams or buses; take a taxi; or soak up the sights by exploring on foot or by bike.
Local Lingo
German is the official language. Most people speak and understand English, but it’s good form to learn a few phrases before you go. Guten Tag: Good morning. Guten Abend: Good evening. Danke: Thank you. Bitte: please/you’re welcome. Sprechen Sie Englisch? Do you speak English?
Must-Have Apps
BVG; Going Local Berlin; berlinHistory; VoiceMap; Street Art Cities
Insider Tip
Stock up on cool vintage tees, jackets, and accessories at the Humana Second Hand & Vintage shop at Frankfurter Tor, the biggest secondhand shop in the city. It’s crawling with all kinds of unique treasures.
May through October is a great time to visit Berlin. While these tend to be the most crowded months, the weather is sunny and beautiful and you can take advantage of the plethora of parks and outdoor activities going on. Winter in Berlin isn’t without its charms (especially around the holidays), but you’ll miss out on the vibrant park/outdoor café scene.
Visas
U.S. citizens visiting for less than 90 days do not need to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.
Money
Local currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Most credit cards are widely accepted, with the exception of American Express. Carrying cash is recommended.
Travel Health
The Federal Ministry of Health and the CDC are the best resources for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.
Getting Here
Berlin’s airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 16 miles from the city center. The cheapest, easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by train, although buses and taxis are readily available, as well. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the main train station.
Getting Around
Berlin is famous for having nearly every form of public transportation you could imagine, making it an extremely easy city to navigate sans car. Ride the U-Bahn (the easiest way to get around), S-Bahn, trams or buses; take a taxi; or soak up the sights by exploring on foot or by bike.
Local Lingo
German is the official language. Most people speak and understand English, but it’s good form to learn a few phrases before you go. Guten Tag: Good morning. Guten Abend: Good evening. Danke: Thank you. Bitte: please/you’re welcome. Sprechen Sie Englisch? Do you speak English?
Must-Have Apps
BVG; Going Local Berlin; berlinHistory; VoiceMap; Street Art Cities
Insider Tip
Stock up on cool vintage tees, jackets, and accessories at the Humana Second Hand & Vintage shop at Frankfurter Tor, the biggest secondhand shop in the city. It’s crawling with all kinds of unique treasures.
Did You Know?
Teufelsberg is an abandoned listening station that was used during the Cold War (to spy on Americans) — and thanks to its location on a steep hill, the views from here are spectacular.