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
