Welcome to One Week In Berlin!
All you need to know in your one week in Berlin, you will find in this guide.
Particularly, from where to stay, what to see, what to do and more, we will guide all the way through. As travelers, it is our pride and joy to help others have an amazing trip. Just like we did and beyond more.
Plus, we will share with you insider tips that are truly essential in your trip to one week in Berlin.
- Basic Introduction
- Where to stay in Berlin
- How to get around
- What to see in Berlin
- Things to do in Berlin
- Tickets you have to buy before – must read
- Food and Restaurants
- Day Trips from Berlin
- Itinerary for Berlin
- Packing List
- City Map
Furthermore, get your excitement on and your traveling soul ready! Let us introduce you to one of the world’s greatest cities with a rich history and amazing food, Berlin.
1. Basic Introduction
We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to Berlin.
Currency: EUR (€)
Language Spoken: German is the official language in Berlin. English is commonly spoken too.
On the other hand, this is a very international city. Locals also commonly speak several foreign languages. This includes English, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, Kurdish, Polish, Vietnamese, Croatian, Greek, Serbian and some Asian languages.
Population: 3.8 Million
Known for: In world history, Berlin is known for being the front line of the Cold War. Besides, if you have seen the movie, ‘Bridge of Spies’ was set in Berlin – based on a true story. This bridge also really exist. And the way to pass through the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, was one of the most important places in the Cold War.
Also, Berlin is known for its jelly roll, the Berliner. It’s a traditional German pastry similar to a doughnut with no central hole. Super tasty, a must-try!
Accommodation: Being the capital and largest city of Germany, indeed, Berlin has every type of accommodation that will perfectly suit every kind of traveler.
From luxury 5-star hotels to the cheapest yet cool accommodation. You will find absolutely everything in Berlin.
Thus, find more details in our where to stay in Berlin section below.
Public Transport: Berlin’s public transportation is massive. Hence, it covers all corners of the city over, under and through Berlin. Also, it unites travelers to greater Germany and beyond.
Apart from this, the system consists of the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams.
More under how to get around.
Safety: Travelling in Berlin is generally safe. Nevertheless, solo and female travelers are relatively safe also.
However, being the most vibrant city and the capital of Germany, therefore, attracts many tourists. In that case, personal precautions should be kept at all times. Be vigilant and do not lose sight of your belongings. It should be noted, most especially in very crowded places.
Still, pickpockets can be a problem in public transportation and major tourist destinations.
Extra Safety Tips:
- There are no taxi scams in Berlin.
- Do not accept suspicious offers to help with your luggage.
- Pick-pocketing and purse snatching are common on the Kurfürstendamm area and in the KaDeWE department store.
- It can be a bit dangerous near Brandenburg Tor, the MuseumInsel and Alexanderplatz during late night.
- Gorlitzer Park is best avoided at night since its drug dealing area.
City name: Berlin is most popularly known as The Grey City. For this reason, the city has been rebuilt with grey concrete after the World War II.
Nevertheless, Berliners are not quite familiar with this nickname. They call Berlin “Spree-Athen” which means “the Athens on the (river) Spree”.
Moreover, Berlin was called “Dickies B” which meant Fat B in the famous Seeed’s song.
Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter.
2. Where to stay in Berlin
In particular, Berlin is home to 2 Unesco world heritage sites. The Museum Island and the Sanssouci Palace and Parks in Potsdam.
And since it may be your first time to visit, we have listed down below our handpicked recommendations where you can stay according to the kind of your travel.
Even more, we have made a map that includes sights and areas you can go to your one week in Berlin.
Our handpicked recommendations:
- Families: Scandic Berlin
- Luxury Travelers: Grand Hyatt Berlin
- Design Lovers: Nhow Hotel
- Groups: The Circus Hostel
- Hipster in Berlin: Wallyard Concept Hostel
- Airbnb: central apartment (next to Alexanderplatz)
- Solo Traveler: Wallyard Concept Hostel
- Nightlife Traveler: St Christophers Hostel Alexanderplatz
- On a low budget: ONE80° Hostel
Furthermore, here we cover all neighborhoods, and for which type of traveler we recommend the areas and hotels.
2.1 Scandic Berlin – Best for Families
Just beside the Potsdamer Platz is Scandic Berlin.
Without a doubt, kids will indeed love the indoor play area and the kid-friendly buffet at the hotel. Moreover, the rooms are spacious with a contemporary Scandinavian design.
In addition to this, the hotel also features a bar and a gym. You can also find a restaurant on site that serves Berlin and international specialties.
Good to know: Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin and Spree River is just a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel.
2.2 Titanic Berlin Hotel – Best for Couples
Watch your meals being prepared right before your eyes at the Titanic Berlin Hotel‘s The Beef Grill Club.
From the hotel name itself, play as Jack and Rose from the movie “Titanic”. Also, enjoy the romantic room ambiance just like in the movie.
Along with, go over the wellness facility and enjoy its services. Thus, get a massage or a spa. Whichever you and your partner like.
Good to know: On the other hand, an outdoor swimming pool, a ballroom, and a tennis court are also available for the guests.
2.3 Grand Hyatt Berlin – Best for Luxury Travelers
Take a stunning view of Berlin from Grand Hyatt‘s rooftop pool and spa.
Sleep in elegant rooms and suites with a 55-inch flat TV. Furthermore, this 5-star hotel also features a marble bathroom that comes with a flat-screen TV, too.
Even more, get free access to the Club Olympus Spa & Fitness. Unquestionably, you will love the view over the rooftops of the Berlin skyline.
Good to know: Just 5-minute walk away from the hotel is The Berlin Philharmonic Hall and Tiergarten Park. While, on the other hand, the Brandenburg Gate is a 15-minutes by foot.
2.4 Nhow Hotel- Best for Design Lovers
If you’re into music, there’s no doubt you should stay at the Nhow Hotel.
The hotel features 2 professional music recording studios. All you can use during your one week in Berlin. Apart from this, there are electric guitars that you can borrow for free.
Moreover, you can relax at its very large terrace that overlooks the River Spree.
Good to know: In particular, Nhow Hotel is the first-ever music hotel in Europe. And just a 5-minute walk from the hotel is the MTV Berlin and Universal Music.
2.5 The Circus Hotel – Best for Groups
Located right in the heart of Berlin is The Circus Hotel.
Not only is the hotel ideal for groups, but it also offers a great base to travel around Berlin. The tram, bus, train or underground can be found nearby.
Plus, trendy shops, cafes, and galleries of the Hackescher Markt area is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Good to know: Even more, the Circus Hotel is directly opposite Rosenthaler Platz Underground
2.6 Wallyard Concept Hostel – Best for Solo Travelers
Best for solo travelers, Wallyard Concept Hostel offers a terrace and a bar. Indeed, a great avenue to meet people from all over the world.
Great for its location, you are in easy access to some tourist destinations in Berlin. To name a few, The Government Quarter, the Zoo, the Friedrichstrare are just a few minutes away from the hostel.
Further, the hostel offers a vibrant and modern ambiance that you’ll feel the vibe of a home.
Good to know: Check-in is only available until 23:00.
2.7 St Christopher’s – Best for Nightlife Traveler
The best party hostel in Berlin is St Christopher’s Hostel Alexanderplatz
In town to party? Then go with this party hostel in Berlin.
It is cheap, fun and COOL!!! It is right in the heart of Berlin providing free bed linen and free WiFi – making this backpacker hostel in Berlin the ideal base for you to explore the culture, history and nightlife of this amazing city. There is a continental breakfast available every morning for just €5 a day which can be purchased at reception.
All guests receive a 25% discount on food at the onsite restaurants plus great discount deals on drinks!
2.8 ONE80° Hostel- Cheap Deal
Rooms are uniquely designed that feature works of local artists in ONE80° Hostel.
Save money with their free walking tour that comes with your booking. Apart from this, you can have your meals at the hostel restaurant at very affordable deals.
Furthermore, you can grab a beer or two at the hostel’s bar. On the other hand, other bars and restaurants are just around the corner of the hostel.
Good to know: Plus, ONE80° Hostel organizes one of the best pubs crawl in the area.
3. How to get around
So, we have your accommodation set, now let us get out and explore.
Best for sightseeing: Similar to the other cities in Germany, one of the most convenient ways to go sightseeing is through the famous Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.
In addition to this, get to explore the beauty and rich history of Berlin in a bus city tour with live commentary. Hop on and hop off in over 22 bus stops that sends you to the major tourist destinations in The Grey City.
Things to consider on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour:
- Smoking and large luggage are not allowed.
- You can bring your pet dogs on the tour.
- Tours start every day at 09:30 AM from all stops.
Public transport: Every day, almost 1.5 million people ride Berlin public transport.
Clearly, Berlin’s transportation is widely used by its citizens and tourists. Since it is properly designed, safe, punctual and pretty roomy. On the other hand, being comprehensive and massive, you might need a guide to further understand and navigate its system.
In addition to this, a day ticket (Tageskarte) allows you to travel the whole day for as many trips you desire.
Kinds of Public Transport in Berlin:
- S-Bahn Berlin – Covers 15 lines with almost 170 train stations running especially through the city center. Furthermore, intervals are 5 minutes during rush hour and 10 minutes in the evening.
- U-Bahn (underground, subway) – Known for its yellow-colored trains with 173 stations all over Berlin. And intervals are the same as the S-Bahn. However, on weekends, it has a 10 minutes interval during the day. While15 minutes during the night.
- Trams – 20 tram lines run through Berlin. Mainly in the eastern part of the city.
- Bus – The bus takes you to routes that the other transportation does not cover. Along with, there are double-decker buses perfect for tourists to enjoy the city view.
Additionally, as first-time travelers and as tourists, you can explore Berlin with the Berlin WelcomeCard.
The card is valid from 48 hours to 6 days. Just excellent for your one week in Berlin. In this case, secure discounts of up to 50% with over 200 partners. Plus, it comes with a pocket travel guide.
Bikes: There are about 500,000 daily bike riders that go throughout Berlin.
For this reason, Berlin has developed bicycling infrastructures including bike streets through the years. On the other hand, it is now one of the highest bicycling communities in the world.
Therefore, you can perfectly tour and admire the city on two wheels safely. Aside from its cheap, you get to even exercise in your one week in Berlin.
Moreover, you can join a city bike tour and explore all the main attractions in Berlin with other cycling tourists.
Walking: Sometimes, it requires a more intimate way to know a city. And one way is to walk through it.
Besides, walking in The Grey City can introduce you more to what it has within. Moreover, there are many amazing neighborhoods in Berlin that you could discover on foot.
On the other hand, you can join a free walking tour with expert city guides during your one week in Berlin.
Taxi: One great thing about the taxis in Berlin is that prices are still comparably low among other large cities.
Still, taxis are the fastest and easiest way of getting from point A to point B. Most especially when you in a hurry or the weather permits you so.
Tips on getting around with Taxis:
- You can hail taxis on the streets.
- Or you can go to taxi stands and ride the first cab inline.
- Short trips of up to 2km are included in a fixed rate of 5€, just say “Kurzstrecke” (only available on taxis hailed on the streets).
- However, a ride from the airport may require a small extra fee.
Boat: One unique way to see The Grey City is through boats and city cruise.
Furthermore, Spree and Havel are Berlin’s two largest rivers that arch throughout the city. Therefore, boat tours and city cruises can take you around Berlin depending on which path you’ll want to take.
In case you have limited time to see the city on the waters, you can join the one-hour cruise along Spree River.
Photo by Suganth
4. What to see in Berlin – The Must-Do’s
What to see in Berlin? Absolutely a very good question!
Being a place that has gone through World War, Berlin has plenty of places that still have a touch of the last hundred years ago.
For this reason, we have created a list of what to see during your one week in Berlin.
The Must Do’s are:
- Enter and climb to the top of Reichstag (This requires a prebooked ticket. Read more in Tickets you have to buy before section.)
- Take your breath away in Berlin’s TV Tower
- Explore the Museum Island
- Step foot in Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie
- Visit the famous Tiergarten Pak
- Pass through the Brandenburg Gate
More great sights to see in Berlin are:
- Charlottenburg Palace
- Berlin Cathedral Church
- East Side Gallery
- DDR Museum
- Alexanderplatz
- Pergamonmuseum
- Gendarmenmarkt
- Victory Column
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
- Kurfürstendamm
Photo by Marius Serban
5. Things to do in Berlin
In Berlin, there’s always something to do!
A city with a vibrant nightlife of multiple cafés, clubs, bars. Apart from this, the Grey City has several museums and palaces that plays a part of its rich history.
Accordingly, here are the lists of things to do one week in Berlin.
We collected for you a great list of cool Things To Do in Berlin:
- 24 Fun Things to do In Berlin
- 11 + 1 Tips for romantic dates in Berlin for COUPLES
- The 20 Best Things To Do With Kids in the Grey City
- 41 FREE Things To Do in your one week in Berlin
Here are more UNIQUE ideas:
- See the most interesting sights in a Trabant or Trabi of your choice
- Experience Berlin from a Kayak
- Jump off 125 meters high from Park Inn Hotel
- Go Night Clubbing
- Shop at a flea market
- Join a Sightseeing Tour in a Mini Hotrod
Photo by Hotrod Citytour
6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)
I sincerely hope you are reading this section carefully! Indeed, it will make a difference.
Moreover, this is important so you actually can enter the places you would love to see from the inside.
Thus, there are exactly two tickets you have to buy beforehand:
6.1 Reichstag Building (best to book a tour!)
Every year, nearly over 3 million people visit the Reichstag Building. For that reason, entrance is FREE to all.
On the other hand, given the high level of demand and limited capacity, there is a certain number of people that are allowed to enter per day.
My best recommendation is actually booking a guided tour for the Reichstag. Scroll down for more info.
Book Online
However, you are only allowed to book online in advance to enter the building.
Reminders for the Reichstag Building:
- Requests can only be submitted together with a complete list of participants.
- It is not possible to register by telephone.
- Don’t forget to give at least 3 alternative dates of visit.
- Moreover, the building operates Daily from 8.00 to 24.00 hrs.
- Minimum age is 15 years old.
- Large pieces of luggage are not allowed in the building.
- Even so, bags, coats and other items are subject to an X-ray examination and visitors are checked with metal detectors in the entrance area.
Nevertheless, there are two more options for you.
Register at the service center
In case you have not booked in advance but still wish to visit the Reichstag Building on the day you visit, this option is for you.
- Register at Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building.
- If your lucky enough to have free slots to enter, you will be given a booking confirmation.
- However, this will be issued a minimum of two hours before the time of your visit.
- They do not accept bookings for more than two days in advance in the Visitor’s Service.
- Importantly, bring your Passport or official ID for registration.
- Even so, they do not accept photocopies. Bring the original.
However, we least suggest this option since it would require you more time and effort.
Book a Tour at Reichstag
One of the most convenient and the easiest way to visit the Reichstag Building is to book with a tour in advance. Skip the line and save more of your time.
Plus, you get to climb the famous cupola of Lord Foster’s Reichstag building. Faster than all the other visitors in long line ques.
Photo by AC Almelor
6.2 Berlin’s TV Tower
203 meters above Berlin is Fernsehturm or the TV Tower.
Located in the heart of Berlin, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view over the skyline of the entire city.
Moreover, being the tallest landmark in Germany and the only TV tower in Europe, it has more than approximately 4 million visitors a year.
Nevertheless, there is no real need to book in advance. But to save you more time, we highly suggest that you book ahead of time. Obviously, skip the line and enjoy the breath-taking view of Berlin in no time.
Good to know:
- Your ticket is only valid for your chosen entrance time.
- However, latecomers will make your tickets invalid.
- Visually impaired visitors are free to bring their guide dogs with them.
- On the other hand, the tower is not wheelchair friendly.
Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz
7. Food & Restaurants
During a trip, one unique way to immerse in a place is through their food. As a culinary haven and heaven to all food lovers, you won’t go hungry in Berlin.
Therefore, do not miss out on the chance to have a taste of its amazing food in your one week in Berlin.
Here are 10 food and drinks you must try before leaving Berlin.