Index
Getting started: Some useful facts about Berlin
Practical information about Berlin
Getting started: Some useful facts about Berlin
Before we embark on our three-day tour of Berlin, here are some notes on the city.
- As of 2023, Berlin has a population of 3.6 million people. The capital of Germany stands out as the city where the most Turks live abroad, with a population of 101,000 Turks.
- Berlin is home to the East Side Gallery, the world’s largest open-air gallery.
- A study in contrasts, Berlin is known for its dynamic nightlife and subcultures outside the mainstream, yet is considered one of the world’s most systematic cities.
- As Germany’s largest city and a European metropolis, Berlin is not inexpensive; however it possible to spend less in Berlin that in other major European cities.
- Winter in Berlin is quite cold, sometimes featuring below-freezing temperatures. Summer is the optimal time to visit Berlin, though you can enjoy a less expensive holiday in the spring months.
- Turkish Airlines has multiple direct flights to Berlin from İstanbul and Ankara every day. Flights to Berlin take an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes. You can book a flight to Berlin with the delicious treats and privileges of Turkish Airlines by clicking on the Berlin ticket link.
Places to see in Berlin
Berlin Museum Island
The first address in our brief Berlin travel guide is the Berlin Museum Island, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the top attractions in Berlin, the Berlin Museum Island, which consists of five separate museums close to each other, extends across an area of one square kilometer on the Spree River. Each museum is quite extensive and to visit all of them may take a few days; you may want to prioritize those that appeal the most. The Island is home to the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum and the recently added James Simon Gallery. Each institution features an important collection focusing on different concepts and world geographies.
East Side Gallery
The ruins of the Berlin Wall, which divided the city – and the country – into east and west jurisdictions, now house the East Side Gallery. Considered one of the must-see places in Berlin, the paintings on the Wall are worth a visit. As well, the East Side Gallery is known as the world’s largest open-air museum.
Tiergarten
An address that will open your heart among the things to do in Berlin: Tiergarten. The largest park in the city, the 630-acre Tiergarten offers beautiful views in every season. The Berlin Zoo is located in the southwest corner of the park, which was the diplomatic center of Berlin prior to the Second World War.
Jewish Museum Berlin
One of Germany’s most visited museums, the Berlin Jewish Museum is most definitely among the top places to visit in Berlin. Focusing on the cultural history of Germany’s Jews, the Museum’s collection includes artworks and sacred objects, as well as exhibits on the social and political history of the country’s Jewish population before and during the Second World War. The architecture of the structure is also notable.
Reichstag (Parliament building)
Adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag (Parliament) is one of the most important historical structures in German history. Adding to the Reichstag’s significance is a glass dome at the top of the building, which features a panoramic view of Berlin. Entrance to the Reichstag is free and visiting hours are 08.00 to 20.00 in summer and 08.00 to 18.00 in winter. Organized tours are also available.
Sachsenhausen Museum
Sachsenhausen was a Nazi concentration camp where thousands of people lost their lives between 1936-1945. Now a museum, Sachsenhausen is among the historical sites to visit in Berlin; it is 35 kilometers from the city.
Alexanderplatz
Among the top attractions of Berlin, the expansive Alexanderplatz is one of the city’s liveliest squares. Sometimes called “Alex” by Germans, Alexanderplatz is the transportation hub of the city. It is also home to the famous TV tower Berliner Fernsehturm and the Alexa Shopping Mall.
DDR Museum
Presenting details of daily life in the former East Germany, the DDR Museum undoubtedly deserves to be on the list of top places to visit in Berlin. Entrance to the DDR Museum, located just opposite Berlin Cathedral, is 12.5 euros for adults and tickets can be purchased online.
Berlin Cathedral
Perhaps the most important historical place to visit in Berlin is the famous Berliner Dom, or the Berlin Cathedral. The construction date of the cathedral dates to 1465, when the Chapel of St. Erasmus was converted into a church. In addition to its splendid architecture, the Cathedral offers magnificent views of the city from its Dome.
Dining in Berlin
There are some classic answers to the question of what to eat in Berlin. The traditional sauerbraten, a dish of marinated meat with sauce, is one. Other dishes include schnitzel and doner – a familiar flavor for our readers from Türkiye. The famous Berliner donut is a delicious snack or dessert.
Despite the prevalence of meat dishes, Berlin ranks second among the vegan-friendly cities of the world, according to Happy Cow, a vegan publication. In Berlin, where there are more than 100 vegan restaurants within the 10-kilometer area surrounding the city center, vegan cuisine is highly developed. Vegans and vegetarians can find all kinds of plant-based products in Berlin, from vegan pizza to vegan doner.
Another note for die-hard gourmets. Berlin is one of the richest cities in the world in terms of Michelin stars. As of 2023, there are 71 Michelin-starred restaurants in Berlin.
Getting to the airport in Berlin & getting around the city
Berlin Brandenburg Airport transportation information
Bus and train schedules
From Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, trains and express buses operate to the city center. For more information on regional train services, and airport express and bus services departing from different terminals, you can visit the Berlin Brandenburg Airport website. The website also offers a Turkish language option.
Taxi and car rental
There are taxi stands around the airport’s T1 and T2 terminals. From Brandenburg Airport, a taxi will take about 30-40 minutes to reach the city center (Alexanderplatz). Keep in mind that Miles&Smiles members who rent a car in Berlin with our business partner Avis can earn up to 4,000 bonus Miles.
Getting around Berlin
Berlin features a highly developed urban transportation system. In addition to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn rail and metro lines, public buses operate to almost every point in the city. For more information, click here: transportation in Berlin.
Practical information about Berlin
Official language: German
Currency: Euro
Socket type: F
Important Phones
Area Code: +49
Emergency Assistance: 112
Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Berlin: +49 30 56 83 73 099
Sources:
Berlinerdom.de
Britannica.com
Guide.michelin.com
Happy Cow
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